The program, housed under the university’s Department of Organization, Workforce and Leadership Studies, aims to decentralize flight education by utilizing US Aviation Academy’s existing facilities in New Braunfels, Denton, Atlanta, and Kansas City. By integrating professional flight training directly into the academic curriculum, the initiative provides a streamlined path for students to secure commercial pilot credentials while completing their undergraduate requirements.
Texas State University and US Aviation Academy Expand Pilot Training
To combat the widening national pilot shortage, Texas State University is teaming up with US Aviation Academy to launch a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science in Aviation Science. Beginning in Fall 2026, students can pursue degrees and flight certifications simultaneously at campuses in Texas, Georgia, and Kansas.
Industry demand underscores the urgency of this expansion. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates over 5,600 new commercial pilot roles by 2032, with roughly 16,800 annual openings driven largely by retirements. For TXST President Kelly Damphousse, the partnership is a strategic move to improve accessibility to high-paying aviation careers. US Aviation Academy Vice President Steve Kugler emphasized that these academic collaborations are vital for developing a sustainable pipeline of aviation professionals, noting that the program is already accepting applications for its current network across six states, with plans to expand into six additional regions pending regulatory approval.
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