In partnership with Coast Flight Training, the city of San Marcos and Texas Aviation Partners, the university will begin offering a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science with a concentration in aviation science degree. The course will provide a pathway to certifications and licensure required for professional pilots, according to a news release.
The overview
Coast Flight will provide the flight training at San Marcos Regional Airport, which is owned by the city of San Marcos and operated by Texas Aviation Partners.
"This program is another example of TXST's commitment to provide access to an education that gives our students the marketable skills they need to enter and thrive in the Texas workforce," Texas State President Kelly Damphousse said in the news release.
Texas State’s Department of Occupational, Workforce and Leadership Studies—also known as OWLS—will offer the new program.
“Our innovative B.A.A.S. Aviation Science-Professional Pilot concentration is poised to revolutionize our department's approach to delivering career-focused, hands-on training in a field that's experiencing rapid growth and high demand in Central Texas and beyond,” OWLS Chair Shetay Ashford-Hanserd said in the news release.
The framework
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for pilots will grow nationally by more than 5,600 positions—an increase of more than 4%—between 2022 and 2032. Around 16,800 openings for commercial pilots are projected each year on average over the decade, with many openings a direct result of pilots reaching mandatory retirement age, according to the news release.
“The Department of OWLS is excited to help train the next generation of pilots and aviation professionals to meet the workforce demands in our nation,” B.A.A.S. Program Coordinator Felix Quayson said in the news release.
The total cost of the flight courses would be nearly $114,500, according to the Texas State website.
According to the news release, professional pilots have a range of job opportunities, including:
- Fly and navigate airplanes, helicopters and other aircraft
- Couriers and express delivery services
- Federal government services
- Support activities for transportation
- Nonscheduled air transportation, including tours and charter flights
- Ambulance services
- Technical and trade schools
- Professional, scientific and technical services
“We are excited to provide prospective students with the opportunity to turn their passion for flying into a bachelor’s degree from Texas State University,” OWLS Assistant Chair Shailen Singh said in the news release.
More information on the new program can be found on the Texas State website.
