Skip to Main content
What’s the Right Specialization for You in Our Commercial Aviation Program?

Degree Track

What You Can Expect Who We’re Seeking
Flight Operations - Fixed Wing

Participate in intensive flight training with a comprehensive university education. You can earn academic credit while progressing through FAA-approved Part 141 flight courses, including:

  • Private Pilot and Instrument Training
  • Commercial Flight and Multi-Engine Operations
  • Advanced Aircraft Systems and Aviation Safety
  • Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and CFII

This Flight Operations - Fixed Wing degree track targets those who are interested in commercial pilot careers in corporate, freight or airline settings.

Flight Operations - Helicopter

Learn to fly a helicopter. You will receive hands-on helicopter flight training and classroom instruction, progressing through the following:

  • Private and Instrument Rating for Helicopter
  • Commercial Helicopter Pilot Certifications
  • Advanced Helicopter Operations Ground School
  • Certified Flight Instructor (Helicopter)

This Flight Operations - Helicopter degree track was designed for students interested in commercial pilot careers in air ambulance services, law enforcement aviation, search and rescue operations, and utility flight operations.

Aviation Administration

Explore the intersection between leadership skills and technical expertise. You  can expect a deep dive into the business and regulatory side of the aviation industry. Coursework includes:

  • Federal Aviation Regulations
  • Airport Management and Aviation Law
  • Accounting, Marketing and Management
  • Crew Resource Management

This Aviation Administration degree track prepares students for roles in airline management, airport operations and aviation policy​.

Air Traffic Operations

Develop and learn the operational expertise and analytical skills necessary to keep the nation’s skies safe and efficient.​ The air traffic controller program features:

  • Simulated control tower, radar and enroute lab environments
  • Courses in Radar Operations, Terminal and Enroute Procedures
  • Non-Radar and Airspace Management
  • Extensive training aligned with FAA standards and requirements

This Air Traffic Operations degree track is tailored for students pursuing aviation management with the goal of becoming FAA-certified air traffic controllers.

Program Details

ASU Commercial Aviation students inspecting their aircraft.

What Can You Do With a Commercial Aviation Degree?

Begin working in the aviation industry as soon as you graduate. Federal studies project there will be a need for nearly 800,000 new pilots over the next 20 years, as well as a need for 24,000 air traffic controllers over the next decade.

There will also be a high demand for airport, logistics and aviation managers, as well as in aviation operations and other administrative areas throughout the commercial aviation industry.

  • <blockquote class="quote-block--simple"> <p> “We’re supposed to be the best, so we’re trying to live up to that and set an example.”</p> <p class="blockquote-author"><strong><a href="/live/news/19440-flight-i-ready-for-take-off">Halli Hanna</a></strong>, Commercial Aviation, Class of 2024</p> </blockquote>
  • <blockquote class="quote-block--simple"> <p> “The image that we have for the commercial aviation program going forward is awesome.”</p> <p class="blockquote-author"><strong><a href="/live/news/19440-flight-i-ready-for-take-off">Mikaela Saenz</a></strong>, Commercial Aviation, Class of 2024</p> </blockquote>
  • <blockquote class="quote-block--simple"> <p> “What ASU commercial aviation students have to do is to keep their nose clean, study and work hard, and become the most proficient pilot they can be. We’re going to put the opportunities in front of them – they won’t have to go look for them.”</p> <p class="blockquote-author"><strong><a href="/live/news/18982-asu-trailblazer-cory-pettit">Cory Pettit</a></strong>, Captain, Southwest Airlines, Class of 1998</p> </blockquote>
  • <blockquote class="quote-block--simple"> <p> “I really like how they’re taking us from the private pilot stage all the way through to being instructors. They are starting a tradition of what we expect from our students.”</p> <p class="blockquote-author"><strong><a href="/live/news/19440-flight-i-ready-for-take-off">Halli Hanna</a></strong>, Commercial Aviation, Class of 2024</p> </blockquote>
  • <blockquote class="quote-block--simple"> <p> “I think it’s clear that ASU is on the way to being one of the best flight schools in the country because we have the best of the best in facilities and instructors.”</p> <p class="blockquote-author"><strong><a href="/live/news/19440-flight-i-ready-for-take-off">Seth Baker</a></strong>, Commercial Aviation, Class of 2024</p> </blockquote>
  • <blockquote class="quote-block--simple"> <p> “ASU is flying brand new airplanes, all of our equipment is top notch, and we’re getting brand new facilities.”</p> <p class="blockquote-author"><strong><a href="/live/news/19440-flight-i-ready-for-take-off">Seth Baker</a></strong>, Commercial Aviation, Class of 2024</p> </blockquote>
  • <blockquote class="quote-block--simple"> <p> “There is a lot of university and donor support to get the best avionics and the best planes.”</p> <p class="blockquote-author"><strong><a href="/live/news/19440-flight-i-ready-for-take-off">Mikaela Saenz</a></strong>, Commercial Aviation, Class of 2024</p> </blockquote>
  • <blockquote class="quote-block--simple"> <p> “Now that ASU is on the map in the aviation community, it’s really cool and it makes me very proud to have been a part of that and to get to bring the Southwest Airlines culture and this career opportunity to ASU students.”</p> <p class="blockquote-author"><strong><a href="/live/news/18982-asu-trailblazer-cory-pettit">Cory Pettit</a></strong>, Captain, Southwest Airlines, Class of 1998</p> </blockquote>
Commercial aviation student checking instruments on a plane

Why Earn My Commercial Aviation Degree at Angelo State?

Students posing for a group photo while touring the South West Airlines facilities.

ASU is one of the select few partners in the Southwest Airlines Destination 225˚ pilot recruitment program. If you are accepted into the program and fulfill the requirements, upon earning your B.C.A. degree at ASU, you will enter a defined pathway toward a career with Southwest Airlines. You can apply for the program as early as your sophomore year. It’s one more aspect that makes us a premier commercial pilot school.

ASU commercial aviation student practicing flying a plane through a simulation.

Superior Standards

Our flight operations students learn flying skills at Skyline Aviation, a Part 141 Flight School with professional instructors and cutting-edge simulators. The ASU fleet is made up of Diamond aircraft, considered the safest training planes in the industry, and Schweizer helicopters. For aviation administration and air traffic control students, we have partnerships in place with the San Angelo Airport, U.S. Customs and other agencies at the airport where you will gain practical skills and experience, as well as a dedicated simulator lab for air traffic operations.

Sign up for a Hangar Tour

ASU Commercial Aviation students inspecting their aircraft.

Campus Connections

You can join our active Ram Air student organization for additional networking and professional development activities, as well as fun social events. Plus, in an industry that is white-male dominated, about a third of our students are female or minority. Joining Ram Air will help you form stronger bonds with your fellow students and professors, and give you a more global perspective.

Still have questions?

Attend one of our Commercial Aviation Information Sessions to learn the basics of the program and get your questions answered.

Book an Information Session Online


  • Close up photo of a Honors medal and stole

    Challenge Yourself

    Take your education to the next level in the ASU Honors Program. Through special courses, research and community engagement, we’ll help you transform your intellectual and personal talents into marketable skills for your future. You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in prestigious internships, fellowships and other programs to reach your full potential.

  • Committed to Your Success

    Our Freshman College is a one-stop resource for programs and services that help you transition into college life, improve your communication skills, and engage in active learning. You can also get academic help in the Math Lab and Writing Center, receive peer mentoring and tutoring through Supplemental Instruction, or set up online tutoring sessions.