Take Your Aviation Career Further—From Anywhere
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Complete your aviation degree 100% online while gaining real-world flight experience near you. Designed for pilots, professionals, and career changers ready to elevate their future.
ECSU’s online Aviation Science program is designed for working professionals, pilots, transfer students, and military members seeking a flexible path to a bachelor’s degree.
Students complete academic coursework online while gaining practical flight experience through approved training affiliates or prior certifications.
Graduates are prepared for careers across airlines, corporate aviation, general aviation, and government sectors.
Concentrations
Choose a concentration that aligns with your career goals:
- Aviation Management (Fully Online)
- Professional Aeronautics / Air Traffic Control (Fully Online)
- Flight Education (Online coursework + affiliate flight training)
Minor:
Flight Training Opportunities
Students can complete hands-on flight training through ECSU-approved affiliates, including:
- Piedmont Flight Training (Winston-Salem, NC) – Offers Private, Instrument, Commercial, and CFI training pathways
| Organization | Certified? |
|---|---|
| VA | Yes |
| R-ATP | Yes |
Online and Affiliate Programs
Aviation Sciences students interested in completing a degree online have several options:
- Aviation Management and Professional Aeronautics students can complete all their coursework either in an on-campus program or an online program.
- Students interested in a Flight Education degree can complete an on-campus program or an online program with flight training conducted through a Flight Training Affiliate (FTA).
- Students with their FAA ratings interested in a Flight Education degree can receive up to 34 credit hours towards the completion of the online program depending on the certificates and ratings held. This option is designed for working flight instructors and regional airline pilots seeking to complete their undergraduate degree.
Interested in a flight lab next semester?
Complete your lab form
Flexible Pathways
Ideal for:
Working pilots & flight instructors
Transfer students
Military personnel
Adult learners finishing their degree
Accelerated & Partner Pathways
Fast-track your aviation journey through strategic partnerships that help you start earlier, finish faster, and go further.
Start Early
Lenoir Community College Aviation Hub
- Begin your aviation journey as a freshman through dual enrollment
- Train at the Aviation Center for Excellence in Kinston, NC
- Seamlessly transfer into ECSU’s Aviation program
- Option to complete your bachelor’s online or on campus
Go Further
Accelerated 4+1 with ERAU
- Earn your bachelor’s and master’s in as little as 5 years
- Begin graduate coursework during your senior year
- Save time and tuition while increasing career potential
Student Organizations & Industry Connections
A professional collegiate aviation fraternity founded in 1929 to bring together students that have a common interest in the field of Aviation. Membership is open to all collegiate men and women who have a strong interest in any career within the aviation and aerospace industry. AHP is the oldest aviation organization on college campuses today!
OBAP Inspires excellence and provides opportunities in aerospace by supporting, transforming, educating, and mentoring our members and communities.
PAPA is dedicated to bringing awareness and support to all members of the Asian community in all fields of aviation. We hope to inspire current and prospective professionals towards a fulfilling career in aviation.
Women in Aviation International (WAI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the encouragement and advancement of women in all aviation and aerospace career fields and interests. Our diverse membership includes astronauts, pilots, maintenance technicians, engineers, air traffic controllers, business owners, educators, journalists, flight attendants, high school and university students, air show performers, airport managers, and many others. We are dedicated to: investing in our current and future workforce, developing an inclusive and sustainable aviation and aerospace industry, and inspiring girls to pursue careers in aviation and aerospace.
The National Intercollegiate Flying Association was formed for the purposes of developing and advancing aviation education; to promote, encourage and foster safety in aviation; to promote and foster communications and cooperation between aviation students, educators, educational institutions and the aviation industry; and to provide an arena for collegiate aviation competition.
With more than 600 members, the Southeast Chapter is the largest chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives. This chapter represents twelve states as well as the Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia.The association is guided by a nine-member Board of Directors and an Executive Secretary.
The University Aviation Association (UAA) is the voice of collegiate aviation to our members, the industry, government and the general public. Through the collective expertise of our members, UAA plays a pivotal role in the advancement of degree-granting aviation programs that represent all segments of aviation. Today, UAA is comprised of over 1200 members from more than 220 colleges and universities in the U.S., Canada, Australia, Europe, and Asia. The organization and its members are poised to meet the ever-changing needs of the aviation industry and address the challenges of the 21st century.
Founded in 1947 and based in Washington, DC, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) is the leading organization for companies that rely on general aviation aircraft to help make their businesses more efficient, productive and successful. The association represents more than 11,000 companies and professionals, and provides more than 100 products and services to the business aviation community, including the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), the world’s largest civil aviation trade show.
AOPA is the beacon for those who cherish the freedom to fly. It demonstrates what is possible when a determined organization listens to its members, collaborates with its colleagues, finds solutions with its partners in government, and focuses its resources—all to secure the future of General Aviation. AOPA’s success is proof that the public good can be served while individual freedoms are preserved.
Career Pathways
Graduates are prepared for careers such as:
- Government & Defense Aviation Roles
- Commercial Pilot
- Air Traffic Controller
- Aviation Manager
- Airline & Airport Operations
Restricted-ATP
The ATP certificate is the highest level of pilot certification in the United States. It is required for pilots operating as captains or first officers in Part 121 air carrier operations (airlines) and some other commercial aviation roles. An ATP requires a minimum of 1,500 flight hours and completion of various training and knowledge requirements.
A restricted ATP (R-ATP) is a modification to the standard ATP requirements and allows pilots to obtain the ATP certificate with fewer flight hours than the usual 1,500 hours, with certain limitations. This allows graduates of approved programs (including ECSU) to be eligible for employment with airlines faster.
Graduates may qualify for Reduced ATP minimum flight hours:
- 1,000 hours (with 60+ aviation credits)
- 1,250 hours (with 30+ aviation credits)
The R-ATP allows pilots to become first officers in Part 121 air carrier operations with the reduced flight hour requirement.
Program Leadership
Program Coordinator | STEM Complex | mgfaison@ecsu.edu | 252-335-3437
Tour Coordinator | 323 STEM Complex | sbradford@ecsu.edu | 252-335-3270
Take the Next Step
Your Aviation Career Starts Here
