Aviation

Major, Minor

School of Science and Technology

The Aviation program at Quincy University combines hands-on flight training with a strong liberal arts foundation to prepare students for leadership and professional opportunities across commercial, corporate, and military aviation.

Two flight students inside plane cockpit with door open looking at the camera

Opportunities & Outcomes

Students in the Aviation major gain hands-on, real-world experience that prepares them for a dynamic and highly regulated industry. Through experiential learning, industry-aligned coursework, and professional networking opportunities, students build both technical competence and leadership skills. Opportunities may include flight training, simulation-based learning, internships, and collaborative projects with aviation professionals. Students also develop strong communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills essential for safety-critical environments.

Career Pathways

Graduates of the Aviation major are prepared for a wide range of careers across the aviation and aerospace industries. Depending on concentration and certifications earned, career paths may include roles such as professional pilot, aviation manager, flight operations specialist, airport operations coordinator, safety analyst, dispatcher, or roles within government and regulatory agencies. Alumni are equipped with the knowledge, professionalism, and ethical foundation needed to advance in a global aviation workforce.

Commercial & Airline Aviation

  • Commercial airline pilot (with required certifications)
  • First officer or captain
  • Airline operations or dispatch roles
  • Aviation safety or compliance specialist

Corporate & Private Aviation

  • Corporate or charter pilot
  • Flight department or operations manager
  • Aviation scheduling or logistics coordinator
  • Fixed-base operator (FBO) management

Airport & Aviation Management

  • Airport operations manager
  • Aviation business or facilities manager
  • Aviation project coordinator
  • Airport safety or regulatory support roles

Military & Government Aviation

  • Military pilot or aviation officer
  • Aviation logistics or operations specialist
  • Government aviation administration roles
  • Air traffic or aviation safety support positions

Training, Safety & Leadership

  • Flight instructor (with certification)
  • Aviation training coordinator
  • Safety management systems (SMS) specialist
  • Aviation program administrator

Programs of Study Offered

  • Bachelor of Science in Aviation
  • Bachelor of Science in Aviation, Non-Flight Concentration
  • Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management
  • Minor in Aviation Management

Applicant Requirement

Applicants to the Aviation program at Quincy Aviation must complete a Second Class Flight Medical examination and show proof of U.S. Citizenship status before beginning flight training.

Faculty Spotlight

Shelby Miller, BS

Shelby Miller, BS

Instructor of Aviation

Bonaventure Program

The Bonaventure Program is every QU student's foundation for our liberal arts education, involving service learning, signature courses, writing and technological literacy. Program Requirements

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