Sep 19, 2024  
2024-2025 General Catalog [Current] 
    
2024-2025 General Catalog [Current]

Aerospace/Aviation Sciences - Fixed-Wing Emphasis (B.S.)

Location(s): Main Campus



Program Summary

The Department of Aviation Sciences at Southern Utah University offers a Bachelor of Science degree (B.S.) in Aerospace/Aviation with emphasis areas in Rotor-Wing (helicopter) Pilot, and Fixed-Wing (airplane) Pilot. These emphasis areas share a common core of general aviation courses (59 credits) but offer distinct lab-related flight training courses (17 credits) leading to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certifications to operate rotor-wing or fixed-wing aircraft. Students earn FAA certifications/licenses at the Private and Commercial Pilot level. Students earn FAA Ratings in Instrument, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), and Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII). Specialized flight labs for the two pilot emphases involve simulators and various aircraft which are housed at the Cedar City Airport. For further information, please visit www.suu.edu/aviation.

Program Information

  • Students must complete all required AVTN/PILT courses with grades of “C” or better.
  • In addition to the minimum SUU admission requirements, aviation applicants must also satisfy the following two (2) requirements:
    • Each applicant must apply for and receive a First or Second Class FAA medical (done by an FAA authorized examiner, Aviation Medical Examiner); and
    • Each applicant must apply for and receive a Student Pilot certificate (a two-step process with a completed online application and an in-person visit to an authorized representative for approval).
  • Students must complete at least four (4) flight labs at Southern Utah University to qualify for any manned pilot degree offered by Southern Utah University. Tutor labs do not count towards this requirement. Flight instructors working for Southern Utah University may request exemption from this requirement.
  • Only aviation-related internship credits may be applied toward this degree. The course instructor or Chair of Aviation Sciences will determine if an internship experience is aviation related. Students working toward this degree should register for AVTN 4890 - Professional Aviation Internship  for any internship credits the student would like to apply toward this degree. At the discretion of the Chair of Aviation Sciences, internship credits for AVTN 2890 - Aviation Internship  and potentially other internship courses at SUU may be applied towards the requirements of this degree. Any allowances will be applied by the appropriate substitution policy and documentation. A maximum of six (6) credit hours of internship credit may be applied toward this degree.
  • A graduate of this degree may qualify for a FAA R-ATP certificate if the graduate completes all requirements of the R-ATP.

General Education Requirement (30-35 Credits)


See General Education  for course options.

  • Core Course Requirements (12-15 Credits)
  • Breadth Area Requirements (16-20 Credits)

Please note: All students must complete a minimum of 30 credits between the Core and Breadth Area requirements.

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree Requirement (12 Credits*)


  • Bachelor of Science Degree - Math or Science minimum requirement 12 Credits

* Note: A portion of the B.S. requirements may be met by fulfilling the General Education  Core and Breadth Areas. Because of this, these credits are typically not counted in the degree total at the bottom of page. Some students majoring in non-science fields may need additional math/science courses to reach the minimum 12 credits. Consult your Student Success Advisor for details. 

Aerospace/Aviation Technology - Fixed-Wing Emphasis Curriculum (79 Credits)


Free Electives (6-17 Credits)


Total elective credit is determined by General Education courses taken, degree type selected, additional credits earned, and any additional math or other prerequisite courses needed. For a bachelor’s degree, students must earn a minimum of 40 upper-division credits (courses numbered 3000-4999). Students may need to select additional upper-division courses not included in their major requirements in order to reach this minimum. Please consult your Student Success Advisor for details.

Total Credits, B.S. Degree: 120


Program Learning Outcomes


Graduates of the Aerospace/Aviation program will have an ability to:

  • Demonstrate an increased recognition and respect for aviation safety between the time they join the program and the time they complete the program.
  • Accurately discuss aviation industry particulars with industry participants, faculty and staff, and fellow students.
  • Inform other interested parties of aviation industry particulars which may not be common knowledge to individuals who are not directly involved in the aviation community.
  • Demonstrate pilot skills and knowledge deemed critical by industry.
  • Possess desirable attributes of professional pilots.
  • Show evidence that they have acquired skills or knowledge directly related to piloting aircraft within the first year of participation in the program.
  • Satisfy the FAA knowledge and skill requirements for Commercial Pilot Certification, Certified Flight Instructor, Certified Flight Instructor Instrument, and various endorsements in aircraft type and operation.