Online Bachelor of Science in Professional Flight
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Program at a Glance
- Focus on the core concepts and skills of aviation and the industry.
- Take convenient online courses in aviation and general education.
- Earn the aviation licenses and ratings you need to advance.
- Complete flight hours with a Purdue Global-approved flight school, if needed.
Upcoming Start Dates
We offer multiple start dates to give you flexibility in your education, life, and work schedules.
Course Effort
15–18 Hours per Week
Course Length
10-Week Terms
Average Completion
4 years
Of Full-Time Study
Credits Required
180
(120 Semester Credits)
Cost per Credit
$371
Overview of Bachelor of Science in Professional Flight
Are you ready to become a professional pilot or flight instructor? Take the first step and earn an online aviation degree at Purdue Global.*
You’ll gain a broad perspective of the aviation industry from understanding your aircraft to managing aviation operations. All of your degree’s required courses in aviation and general education are 100% online, giving you flexibility to balance your studies and flight training with your life.
Designed by Purdue Aviation Experts
The bachelor’s degree plan of study, curriculum, and courses have been developed in collaboration with Purdue’s legendary School of Aviation and Transportation Technology, whose renowned alumni have been part of every major achievement in aviation and aeronautics for more than 100 years.
Flight Training Experience Options
If you’ve already earned your commercial pilot certificate with airplane single- and multiengine ratings and a flight instructor certificate, you’ll be awarded all 45 flight training and certification credits—saving you time and money.
If you haven’t earned these qualifications yet, you’ll need to enroll in a Purdue Global-approved flight school. Flight practice can begin immediately and you’ll be in the air several times a week learning from professionals with extensive industry experience.† You can train by day and study at night.
Flight Affiliates
We have multiple flight affiliates for students to complete their flight hours and in-person training. Flight affiliates may have housing options for students.
Flight Certification
Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science in Professional Flight, you will have earned industry certifications, including‡:
- Instrument Rating Certification
- Commercial Pilot Flight Certification
- Flight Instructor Flight Certification (CFI)
- Multiengine Flight Certification (ME)
Admission Requirements
You must be a high school graduate or possess a General Education Development (GED) certificate or other equivalency diploma. In addition, you must provide proof for evaluation and approval by the dean or designee of either: a minimum of a commercial pilot certificate with airplane single-engine and multiengine ratings and a flight instructor certificate, or completion of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirement for a Private Pilot Flight Certificate and acceptance and simultaneous enrollment at a Purdue-Global-approved affiliated Part 141 flight instruction program. Refer to the University Catalog for additional requirements or speak to an Advisor to learn more.
Career Opportunities
Once you complete flight school training in term 8, you’ll be qualified to work as a flight instructor while still pursuing your goal to become a commercial pilot. Networking with aviation professionals along the way can help you achieve your career goals.
Job titles associated with the Bachelor of Science in Professional Flight include:
- Flight instructor
- Commercial pilot
Student Handbook
Download the Bachelor of Science in Professional Flight Student Handbook to learn more about the program and get answers to frequently asked questions.
Ways to Save
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Transfer Credits
Earn credit for prior coursework completed at eligible institutions, including community colleges.
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Financial Aid
Title IV federal financial aid is available for many of our degree programs.
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Grants
Learn about federal financial grants and loan programs that may be available.
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Military Tuition Reduction
55% reduction per credit for current servicemembers, 38% per credit for veterans for undergraduate programs.
What Courses Will I Take?
In the bachelor's degree in professional flight, you'll learn from experienced professionals who bring real-world knowledge to the courses they teach. See All Aviation CoursesSample Courses
- Aviation Operations Management
- Advanced Aviation Meteorology
- Human Factors in Aviation
- Flight Instructor Lectures
- Multiengine Flight
Program Requirements
- Core Credits45
- Major Credits105
- Elective Credits10
- Training/Certification Credits20
- Total Credits180
Program Outcomes and Skills
Outcomes
- Disciplinary knowledge and skills: Discuss the major areas of professional flight, including but not limited to, the evolution of aircraft, commercial air transportation, airspace management, and regulatory oversight bodies.
- Publication and analysis: Synthesize current publications in aviation operations including, but not limited to, finance decisions, aircraft maintenance, and meteorology.
- Critical-thinking and problem-solving: Analyze principles, concepts, safety, and/or issues in aviation to work effectively in the field.
- Leadership and teamwork: Apply leadership and teamwork practices as they relate to the aviation industry nationally as well as internationally.
- Professionalism and ethics: Examine aviation as a profession including careers, certifications, professional ethical behavior, and communication.
Skills
- Communication skills: Learn how to speak clearly and effectively with air traffic controllers and crew members and how to listen carefully to instructions.
- Observational skills: Practice maintaining situational awareness, identify distances between objects, discern colors, and monitor cockpit instruments.
- Problem-solving skills: Learn to assess situations and find solutions for sudden in-flight changes or challenges, such as air traffic deviations or adverse weather.
- Quick reaction skills: Develop rapid responses to a wide range of potential dangers in the air or on the ground, using sound judgment to take action.
Purdue Global Is Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
The HLC (HLCommission.org) is an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Program Flyer
Download our flyer to learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Professional Flight and the benefits of earning your degree at Purdue Global.
NOTES AND CONDITIONS
* Bachelor of Science in Professional Flight Admissions Requirements: Students are required to submit a first-class medical clearance and proof of citizenship through a Purdue Global flight training affiliate partner prior to enrollment at Purdue Global. International (non-U.S. citizen) students who wish to enroll must complete a TSA clearance check and obtain an M-1 Visa through AeroGuard Flight Training Center, Lunken Flight Training Center, New Orleans Aerial Tours and Flight Training, or Sterling Flight Training.
†Tuition and Fees: Flight time and training are not eligible for federal financial aid and will be at your expense. Refer to the program’s tuition and fees for details.
‡Certification Exams: Students are responsible for understanding the requirements of certification exams. The University cannot guarantee students will be eligible to sit for or pass exams. In some cases, work experience, additional coursework beyond the Purdue Global program, fieldwork, and/or background checks may be necessary to be eligible to take or to successfully pass the exams. You must pass additional exams offered by independent certification agencies to become certified in this field. For more information, consult an Admissions Advisor.