Program Overview

There are two main components to the DSU Commercial Aviation (CAV) Program: flight training and a university degree. For an aspiring pilot, there are many ways to obtain flight training. Likewise, there are plenty of different opportunities and options for a four-year degree. However, the key advantage to training in a university-based system is that these two pursuits are integrated!

A Landing On the Coast

Students sign up for flight courses, which lead to academic credit hours as well as pilot certificates or ratings. These flight courses are preceded by specific ground training, which is also monitored by the FAA. Our flight and ground courses are approved by 14 CFR Part 141, which assures a certain level of structure. At the same time, the program is painstakingly tailored to the college situation, and is delivered in a flexible training environment. In the end, DSU students experience ground and flying courses for all levels leading up to a Commercial Pilot Certificate, with Airplane Single- and Multi-Engine Land Instrument Airplane Ratings, and a Flight Instructor Certificate.

While there are many qualified pilots who have stopped with only this level of training, DSU goes further. The DSU CAV program also integrates a core of classes that enhance flight-oriented training, including classes in engine operations, human factors, and aviation management. These classes, along with the overall college experience, are what make the DSU experience more than just a flight training program, and more than just a degree program. Together they afford students a comprehensive professional pilot training program.

In addition to this comprehensive professional pilot training program, DSU students will experience flight training at college. They attend university courses with other college students with aviation interests. These common interests lead to many positive experiences and developments, which are difficult to find in any other type of environment. DSU has several aviation-related student organizations, including a nationally recognized NIFA-member Precision Flight Team and a chapter of Alpha Eta Rho. Whether the team is winning a regional flying championship or enjoying a cookout at the park, these and other collegiate opportunities open doors for students to enhance leadership skills and to develop contacts that will last for many years.

This system is used successfully in many colleges and universities around the country. When compared to these other institutions, however, DSU stands out in terms of value. Tuition and living expenses are very competitively priced to give students a quality education while keeping overall prices reasonably low.

While this holistic approach to educating and training well-rounded, industry-ready professional pilots has been working at DSU for over 20 years, it isn't the best choice for everyone. For more information review the program descriptions:

Bachelor of Commercial Aviation (BCA)

Master of Commercial Aviation (MCA)

—or contact the department secretary or chair to arrange a tour!