Aviation Department - Aviation Degrees

Receive your aviation degree from the first federally certified flight school in America. Parks College has been educating top professionals in aviation science for over 80 years, and you can be part of the next generation of leaders.

Saint Louis University students who choose to pursue a degree in aviation at Parks College of Engineering, Aviation and Technology learn to fly on the world’s most advanced light aircraft, the Diamond DA-20, and a state-of-the-art Canadair Regional Jet-200. In addition to providing students with a full repertoire of foundational and advanced courses in flight science and aviation management, the required curriculum across our different aviation degree programs ensures the breadth of your undergraduate experience with the traditional SLU core and additional credits of earned electives.

Aviation Science Bachelors Degrees

SLU’s Parks College offers two undergraduate degrees in aviation, each aimed at providing students a well-rounded degree that prepares them for success in specific areas of the airline industry.

• The flight science degree at Parks College is known for its accelerated pilot training, allowing students to fly planes within the first few weeks on campus as a freshman.
• The aviation management degree program allows graduates to pursue various leadership roles within the aviation industry. Students learn the business side of aviation while getting the opportunity to earn a private pilot’s license. 
• The global aviation degree program teaches students worldwide airline expertise. The first year of this bachelors program is spent at SLU’s campus in Madrid, Spain, and allows students to discover unique international opportunities while pursuing their flight science degree.

Leaders in Aviation

Parks College was the first certified flight school in the nation, founded by Oliver L. Parks in 1927. Parks College has educated pioneers in the field of aviation for over 80 years and continues to be a leader in aviation education and research.

Some of the currently-held, top positions in the industry are well-rounded professionals who began their careers with a Parks College aviation degree.

Center for Aviation Safety Research (CASR)

Saint Louis University received $2.25 million from the Federal Aviation Administration to launch the Center for Aviation Safety Research (CASR). The Center – established by Congress to solve crucial aviation safety research questions – allows SLU students to assist with research and enroll in dual-listed advanced courses while pursuing an undergraduate degree.  

Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Aviation Science is to actively engage in the fulfillment of the University’s mission so that our students are formed as global citizens who are intellectually, technically, and ethically prepared to be responsible leaders in their profession and their community. 

Department Chair: Stephen Belt, Ph.D.

Staying Connected with Alumni

After graduation, we like to stay in touch with our aviation college alumni.  If you are a graduate, please take a few moments to rate how our curriculum prepared you for your career.  This information will be used for accreditation purposes and continuous quality improvement. Participation in the survey will help us to make the programs better for current and future students.

For the alumni of Aviation Science, please complete a survey by clicking the following link: ALUMNI SURVEY 

Become part of the Parks College Aviation Tradition

Take the first step toward a degree in aviation by applying to Parks College today. Follow the links below to learn more about studying aviation.