About the Program

Program Numbers:  S-6200 (Professional Pilot);  S-6210 (Aerospace Administration)

Overview

This program, the first of its kind at a public college in Florida, offers a new dimension in aerospace education. This degree focuses on the present and future needs of the aerospace industry by addressing critical topics such as human factors, environmental and legal issues, and advanced aircraft systems and resource management. By approaching the aerospace field with a holistic view, students can delve into various aspects of this worldwide industry with a perfect mix of advanced theoretical review and hands-on practice. A Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Sciences will propel your knowledge, skills, and career far beyond your current horizon.

Graduates of the Aerospace Sciences BS degree program will have an additional specialization in Pilot Science or Aerospace Administration. A bachelor’s degree in the aviation field is considered an entry-level degree for many careers, including work as a pilot for major airlines or corporations or in mid- to senior-level management positions. For existing aviation professionals looking to expand their career options, the Aerospace Sciences BS degree is an extremely cost-effective, flexible option to consider when seeking to broaden their resume.

Professional Pilot Concentration

The Professional Pilot Concentration is flexible enough to accommodate a vast array of potential students. Polk State Aerospace students who complete the Associate of Science in Professional Pilot Science will find transitioning into this program an extremely fluid and logical process. Experienced pilots in the field who require a bachelor’s degree for career advancement opportunities will also benefit from the open-entry approach that this degree option employs. While the bulk of one’s pilot training will have been completed in the Associate of Science degree program or through industry experience, additional elective flight training options exist in the upper level coursework for those looking to further expand their pilot skill set.

Aerospace Administration Concentration

The Aerospace Administration Concentration picks up right where the Polk State Aerospace Associate of Science in Aerospace Administration degree leaves off. Like the Professional Pilot Concentration, this degree path allows for open-entry as well, even if you did not complete your associate’s degree within Polk State Aerospace. The upper level course work in this program focuses on a wide range of topics, including airport planning and design, airport and airline operations, and management and marketing strategies. Billed as a business degree with an aviation slant, this degree program can enhance your knowledge and capabilities while also benefiting your resume.

Structure

The Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Sciences relies on a simple operational theory – aviation is a system. Students from both concentrations of this degree program will take a common core of seven courses. These courses will allow program enrollees to work collaboratively with their colleagues and counterparts to better develop an appreciation for the systematic nature of the aerospace field. Afterward, students will benefit from four courses within their chosen concentration and the option of up to nine program elective credits to use toward additional specializations or focus points at their discretion. All program students reassemble for a final graduate capstone course to cement the wide-ranging concepts learned throughout the program. Students will demonstrate their understanding of the desired program learning outcomes by managing and flying in a simulated airline environment.

Training Methodology

While there are obviously theoretical concepts that must be mastered in an upper level academic program, Polk State Aerospace relies heavily on practical, scenario-based training to assist students in applying and mastering those theoretical concepts. Our training methodology is based on the simple fact that concepts, once practiced, are more easily retained, evaluated, and synthesized. The Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Sciences allows students to apply their skills through individual and group assignments and activities, not the least of which is the capstone course that serves as the culmination of this course of study.