Aeronautics, B.S.

Founded in 1927, Saint Louis University's Oliver L. Parks Department of Aviation Science holds the first federally certified flight certificate in the country. Today, SLU is the only Jesuit university in the United States with a flight program, making us a premier institution for flight education. This Jesuit heritage means students learn to make ethical decisions that contribute to their personal and professional goals and allow them to enrich the community in which students live and work.

Program Highlights

Students learn to fly in technically advanced light aircraft: the Diamond DA-20, Piper Archer PA28-181 with Garmin G1000nxi and Piper Seminole PA44. Advanced students further their studies of larger aircraft in a state-of-the-art Boeing 737-Max simulator. Students receive a holistic education that includes foundational and advanced courses in flight science and aviation management rounded out by the traditional core classes and elective courses.

Additional program highlights include:

• As the only Jesuit university in the U.S. to offer aviation science degrees, students receive a well-rounded curriculum to educate the whole person.
• Flight training is conducted at St. Louis Downtown Airport, located between Lambert-St. Louis International Airport and Scott Air Force Base, providing aviation students with a complex and dynamic learning environment.
• Test scores achieved by SLU's aviation students on the FAA knowledge and practical tests required for certification or ratings on average exceed the national average test scores.
• The Department of Aviation Science has been granted a Letter of Authorization from the FAA, making graduates eligible for a maximum reduction of 500 hours towards the 1,500-hour requirement for the Airline Transport Pilot Certificate.

Curriculum Overview

The flight portion of SLU's Bachelor of Science in Flight Science curriculum is approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under Part 141. Graduates of the program will have earned the following FAA certificates and ratings: private pilot certificate, instrument rating, commercial pilot certificate with single and multi-engine ratings and certified flight instructor.

Two concentrations are offered as part of the major: flight science and aviation management.

Flight Science Concentration

Students enrolled in SLU's flight science concentration are encouraged to diversify their educational experience and explore areas outside their major.

Aviation Management Concentration

The goal of SLU's aviation management concentration is to not only prepare graduates to manage aviation operations but also to prepare them as socially responsible leaders who have a strong foundation in technical skills and are equipped with sufficient breadth of experience in liberal arts and sciences to make a difference in both their professional and personal lives.

The aviation management concentration places a strong emphasis on the safety and business aspects of aviation. From air carriers to manufacturing to airport management, the aviation management curriculum includes the necessary coursework and experience to serve the business and safety needs in aviation.

The aviation management concentration is offered as a residential concentration (on-campus) as well as a distance concentration (online). The concentrations are similar in course content and quality with the distance concentration geared toward the working professional.

Restricted Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Rule

Under the Institutional Authority Program, students who graduate from Saint Louis University are eligible for a transcript endorsement leading to a restricted ATP certificate with either 1,000 or 1,250 hours of flight experience, depending on the number of approved credits completed. This also allows students to qualify for the ATP certification at age 21 instead of having to wait until age 23. Students who graduate from unapproved institutions require 1,500 hours of flight experience prior to ATP certification.

Saint Louis University has been granted approval to provide a transcript endorsement certifying graduates for a 250-hour or 500-hour reduction towards the ATP Certificate for the Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics with a concentration in flight science or aviation management. To qualify for this reduction, students must complete 30 credits of approved coursework to be eligible for the 250-hour reduction or complete 60 credits of approved coursework to be eligible for the 500-hour reduction.

Regional Airline Agreements

Students completing the flight science concentration or minor are eligible to participate in one of the "pipeline" or "pathway" programs that SLU participates in with the following airlines:

• Pilot Pipeline Program – Envoy Air, Inc.
• Aviation Career Pipeline Interview Program – Republic Airways
• CFI Cadet Program – Mesa Airlines

Careers

Admission Requirements

Begin Your Application

Saint Louis University also accepts the Common Application.

Freshman

All applications are thoroughly reviewed with the highest degree of individual care and consideration to all credentials that are submitted. Solid academic performance in college preparatory coursework is a primary concern in reviewing a freshman applicant’s file.

To be considered for admission to any Saint Louis University undergraduate program, applicants must be graduating from an accredited high school, have an acceptable HiSET exam score or take the General Education Development (GED) test. 

Transfer

Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited high school or have an acceptable score on the GED or HiSET.

Students who have attempted fewer than 24 semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must follow the above freshmen admission requirements. Students who have completed 24 or more semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must submit transcripts from all previously attended college(s).

In reviewing a transfer applicant’s file, the Office of Admission holistically examines the student’s academic performance in college-level coursework as an indicator of the student’s ability to meet the academic rigors of Saint Louis University. Where applicable, transfer students will be evaluated on any courses outlined in the continuation standards of their preferred major.

International Applicants

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:

• Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
• All academic records must include an English translation. An official course-by-course transcript evaluation may be required and accepted.

Additional Admission Requirements

Freshman

High school seniors applying for admission are reviewed on a competitive, holistic and individual basis with the highest degree of individual care and consideration of all credentials that are submitted. The best-qualified students are selected from the application pool with a required minimum high school GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale, with a solid academic performance in college preparatory coursework being a primary concern in reviewing a freshman applicant’s file. The average GPA of our fully admitted students to the aeronautics program over the last two years is a 3.90.

To be considered for admission to any Saint Louis University undergraduate program, applicants must be graduating from an accredited high school, have an acceptable HiSET exam score or take the General Education Development (GED) test. Standardized test scores are optional but are preferred.

Strong applicants are recommended to have: 

• Four or more years of math, including algebra I and II, geometry and pre-calculus
• Two years of science with a lab experience, including general science, introduction to physical science, earth science, biology, physics or chemistry
• Three or four years of English
• Two years of social science, including history, psychology or sociology
• Activities demonstrating leadership, community service and community involvement

If you choose to submit a standardized test score, please note that if the standardized test scores were required, the minimum requirement for admission consideration would be a 24 ACT/1160 SAT. The ACT/SAT average score for students entering the aeronautics program in Fall 2022 was a 26.73 ACT/1250 SAT.

The deadline for completed aeronautics applications and financial aid consideration for all freshmen is Dec. 1.

An official high school transcript must be submitted. Students must earn a high school diploma from an accredited school or have an acceptable score on the General Education Development Test (GED) prior to starting classes. Extracurricular activities are considered in the admission decision.

Transfer

Students transferring to Saint Louis University’s aeronautics program should be in good academic standing with a minimum cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 2.7 from the last college attended, as well as a combined GPA of 2.7 from all colleges attended to be considered for admission. 

Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited high school or have an acceptable score on the GED.

Students who have attempted fewer than 24 semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must follow the above freshmen admission requirements. Students who have completed 24 or more semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must submit transcripts from all previously attended college(s).

In reviewing a transfer applicant’s file, the Office of Admission holistically examines the student’s academic performance in college-level coursework as an indicator of the student’s ability to meet the academic rigors of Saint Louis University. Where applicable, transfer students will be evaluated on any courses outlined in the continuation standards of their preferred major.

International Applicants

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:

• Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
• Proof of financial support must include:
  • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the time at Saint Louis University
  • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of study at the University
• Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

Students who meet the minimum requirements for the B.S. in aeronautics program who are not chosen to receive a flight slot in the first semester of their studies by being admitted into the flight science concentration will have their major changed to aviation management in the application for admission. These students will then be placed on a waitlist for a flight slot. Students on the flight slot waitlist are not guaranteed to ever receive a flight slot while enrolled at Saint Louis University. Pending final enrollment, students removed from the flight slot waitlist may then choose to change back to the flight science concentration or stay in the aviation management concentration and choose the flight science minor. All students on the flight slot waitlist are strongly encouraged to obtain an FAA Class II Medical Certificate prior to enrolling at SLU to be prepared to register for flight training if removed from the flight slot waitlist.

Flight Science Concentration and Minor

Enrollment capacity in the flight science concentration may be limited, therefore, early application is strongly encouraged.

In addition to the university's general admission and matriculation requirements, applicants to any flight science program must be able to pass an FAA Class II medical examination. It is strongly encouraged that applicants undergo an FAA Class I medical examination to ascertain that they are currently capable of passing the medical examination required of a commercial airline transport pilot.

This physical examination is an absolute prerequisite for flight training and must be taken before the student’s arrival on campus. Students will not be allowed to participate in any flight training activities without holding a medical certificate. For specific information regarding the examination, visit the FAA website. 

DA20-C1 Pre-Admission Flight Course Student Limitations 

Due to safety considerations and aircraft operational limitations, students weighing more than 250 pounds may be denied training in Saint Louis University aircraft. Specifically, any student who weighs more than 250 pounds must demonstrate to the chief or assistant chief instructor that they are capable of meeting the following safety requirements while seated in the pilot seat with the safety belt fastened:

• Must be able to fully deflect the flight controls.
• Must be able to reach the rudder pedal adjustment handle by hand.
• Must not weigh more than 285 pounds.

Student pilots must obtain a student pilot certificate prior to solo flight. The student’s flight instructor can assist in the application for a student pilot certificate.
 
Before beginning flight training for the private pilot certificate, instrument rating, commercial pilot certificate and multi-engine rating, students must meet Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requirements.

• For U.S. citizens, the TSA requires flight schools to verify a student’s citizenship. This requirement may be met by presenting a current U.S. passport or an official copy of your birth certificate with a government-issued photo ID to your instructor during your initial flight slot.
• For non-U.S. citizens, the TSA requires a background check and TSA approval before commencing flight training.
• For more information on this process, contact the Department of Aviation Science or reference fts.tsa.dhs.gov/home.  

Non-U.S. citizens will be evaluated for their listening comprehension and spoken ability in addition to meeting regular English requirements. Prior to commencing flight instruction, special training will be required for students who are deficient in this evaluation.

All applications are thoroughly reviewed with the highest degree of individual care and consideration of all credentials that are submitted.

Flight School Costs and Requirements

Each flight course requires the purchase of textbooks and other accessories. Textbooks for flight courses and certain pilot accessories are available for purchase at the Center for Aviation Science dispatch office.

In addition to textbooks, you may need to purchase a flashlight, an aviation-approved headset, an E6-B flight computer and approved navigation charts. New students should budget around $200 for textbooks and accessories during the first semester and an additional $350 for a headset.

Flight course tuition and fees include enough airplane, simulator and instructor time to complete all course requirements. In addition, a minimal amount of remedial time is built into each flight course. When you have expended your allotted time, you will incur flight course charges at an hourly rate. Flight 2 Transition is mandatory for students entering the flight program and holding an FAA private pilot certificate.

The current rates for additional flight school training are as follows:

Charges for FAA certification flights and FAA review flights are not included in student tuition and fees. Expenses incurred while obtaining FAA certification are charged at the published hourly rates. FAA certification exams are conducted by FAA examiners who do not work for Saint Louis University. Saint Louis University is not responsible for examiner fees. FAA certification must be completed prior to the expiration of the Part 141 graduation certificate or within 60 days.

The above-listed hourly rates are subject to change. Contact the Center for Aviation Science for the latest rate information. Assessed charges for remedial training and FAA certification — except examiner fees — may be paid via your University account, credit card, check or cash.

Flight Fees 

Please note the following:

A prospective student may or may not expect to enroll with a private pilot certificate. The two tables below differentiate the cost of flight courses, which are in addition to regular tuition, room and board, etc., for either scenario.

The following table of flight fees is for students already in possession of the FAA’s private pilot certificate when enrolling in either the flight science concentration or the aviation management concentration with the flight science minor. The student will be required to enroll in FSCI 1560 Flight 2 Transition, followed by the remaining flight courses in the concentration or minor. Please note that the student is billed monthly, as noted in the table below, while enrolled in the FSCI 1560 Flight 2 Transition course.

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This course is designed to provide a transition for holders of a Private Pilot Certificate into the curriculum and aircraft and will introduce them to commercial maneuvers. It will include the elements of airmanship, practical weather, and other cross-country skills. 

Tuition 

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

Net Price Calculator

Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:

• Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need.
• Financial Aid: Financial aid is provided through grants and loans, some of which require repayment.

Saint Louis University makes every effort to keep our education affordable. In fiscal year 2023, 99% of first-time freshmen and 92% of all students received financial aid and students received more than $459 million in aid University-wide.

For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, apply for admission by December 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 1.

For more information on scholarships and financial aid, visit the Office of Student Financial Services.

Accreditation

The Oliver L. Parks Department of Aviation Science’s Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics with a concentration in aviation management and the Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics with a concentration in flight science are both accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) through July 31, 2026.

Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI)
115 S. 8th Street, Suite 102
Opelika, AL 36801

Note: Many undergraduate courses at SLU fulfill requirements of multiple programs simultaneously. For details, click here. 

Non-Course Requirements

All School of Science and Engineering B.A. and B.S. students must complete an exit interview/survey near the end of their bachelor's program. 

Continuation Standards

A student may remain academically eligible to continue coursework in the department’s academic concentrations by maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.00 or the equivalent of a letter grade of "C." 

Any student receiving a single "C-", "D", "F," or "U" grade in a course with an ASCI or FSCI prefix that is required for graduation in the aviation management or flight science concentration or flight science minor will be required to repeat the course in which the "C-", "D", "F," or "U" grade was received. If the course is a prerequisite to another course in the aviation management or flight science concentration, the student will be required to repeat the course in which the "C-", "D", "F," or "U" grade was received. The student will not be allowed to progress into the subsequent course until a grade of C is achieved in the prerequisite course.

Students enrolled in the flight science minor are allowed two attempts to earn a grade of "C" or better in any of the flight courses that are part of the minor. A student receiving a "C-", "D", "F," or "U" grade in a repeated course is subject to dismissal from the program.

Good Standing

Students are considered to be in good academic standing if they are not on probation (either University probation or program probation) and have not been dismissed or suspended from Saint Louis University.

See Information Concerning University Probation

Students in the flight science concentration or minor may not enroll in a flight course while on University probation. A student previously on University probation will be allowed to enroll in a flight course once their academic status has been listed as being in “good standing.”

An appeal of a grade, progression in the concentration or minor, or dismissal from the concentration or minor may be made in accordance with the procedures outlined in the Department of Aviation Science Student Appeal Process, a copy of which can be obtained from the department chairperson or from the School of Science and Engineering Office of the Dean.

Students should be aware that situations such as those described above could jeopardize one’s planned graduation date due to the manner in which courses are scheduled each academic year.

Flight Science Concentration

FAA Certificate or Rating under 14 CFR 141

Within the Aviation Science program, the following classes provide training toward a Federal Aviation Administration certificate or rating under 14 CFR 141:

Flight course tuition and fees include enough airplane, simulator and instructor time to complete all course requirements. In addition, a minimal amount of remedial time is built into each flight course. When you have expended your allotted time, you will incur flight course charges at an hourly rate.

Flight Training Requirements

All flight training must be completed at Saint Louis University. Students with prior flight experience or certification will be evaluated for proficiency at the corresponding flight certification level. Students who do not hold a private pilot certificate upon starting the flight science concentration or minor are required to take FSCI 1150 Flight 1 and FSCI 1550 Flight 2. Those students who currently hold a private pilot certificate are required to take FSCI 1560 Flight 2 Transition.

Global Flight Science Option

A majority of countries across the globe adhere to either Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) standards for certification of flight crews. By preparing students to meet both FAA and EASA knowledge requirements, the Global Flight Science Option intends to prepare students for professional flight careers in most countries across the world. Following the freshman year in Madrid, students arrive in St. Louis for the sophomore, junior and senior year. While in St. Louis, students work toward FAA flight ratings including the Private, Instrument and Commercial Multi-Engine pilot. Upon graduation from the Global Flight option in St. Louis, students have the option of returning to Madrid or other global regions for additional transition training leading to international certification.

While in Madrid, students will enroll in ground school coursework and an introduction to European aviation standards and regulations. All coursework is delivered in English while students experience the diversity of a major European metropolitan area. The Global Flight Science option provides the student with a multicultural experience in preparation for careers as globally qualified flight crewmembers.

Aviation Management Concentration

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Aviation Management Concentration 

Flight Science Concentration

2+SLU programs provide a guided pathway for students transferring from a partner institution. 

• Aeronautics, B.S., Aviation Management concentration (STLCC 2+SLU)