South Dakota State University

The South Dakota State University Aviation Program is a top-grade 4-year program that produces quality graduates who are well prepared for careers in the aviation industry. The SDSU Aviation Program offers students high quality aviation training at competitive rates. Students in the program graduate with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aviation and may choose between three avenues to specialize in to further hone their education experience.

The Aviation Education specialization is for students who wish to become Certified Flight Instructors and later be professional pilots in industry. Many of our graduates are in the airlines, military, government, and corporate workplaces. Top performing students of this option are often brought on as flight instructors in the SDSU program during their junior and senior years. It is a wonderful opportunity for individuals to instruct and improve the very program they are a part of. This specialization is accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI). This specialization qualifies for the FAA Reduced hour ATP minimum of 1,000 hours.

The Aviation Maintenance Management specialization is focused on students who someday wish to repair and maintain aircraft. SDSU has partnered with approved FAA A&P programs across the United States to offer a four-year degree in aviation maintenance management. Students will go through maintenance training at an approved maintenance school and will then come to SDSU to finish up the degree requirements. Students may work for the Chief of Aviation Maintenance at SDSU prior to graduation. This is an excellent opportunity for maintenance students to gain real-world experience.