Texas Christian University has announced the launch of a Bachelor of Science in Professional Aviation and an Aviation Studies minor, expanding its academic portfolio to address workforce demand in the aviation sector. The new programs are positioned within the Dallas–Fort Worth region, one of the most active aviation and aerospace hubs in the United States.
The bachelor’s degree will offer two concentrations: Aviation Administration and Professional Pilot. The Aviation Administration track is scheduled to begin in August 2026, focusing on preparing students for roles in airline operations, airport management and aviation-related organizations. The Professional Pilot concentration is expected to launch in fall 2027 and will follow a Federal Aviation Administration Part 141 training pathway, designed to prepare students for commercial aviation and related careers.
University leadership said the program aligns with regional industry demand and institutional priorities. According to Chancellor Daniel W. Pullin, the initiative reflects both the growth of the North Texas aviation sector and the need for a skilled workforce to support it.
The Dallas–Fort Worth region hosts major industry players, including American Airlines and Southwest Airlines, alongside aerospace and defense firms such as Lockheed Martin, Bell Textron and Raytheon Technologies. The area is anchored by Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, one of the world’s busiest airport systems, and Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport, the first industrial airport globally.
State leadership has also reinforced the region’s positioning in aviation. Earlier in 2026, Greg Abbott designated Fort Worth as the “Aviation and Defense Capital of Texas,” highlighting its role in aerospace manufacturing and innovation.
The program will be delivered through TCU’s College of Education, integrating leadership development with technical and operational training. University officials stated that industry collaboration played a key role in shaping the curriculum, with input from aviation professionals to ensure alignment with current operational and management requirements.
“This program will strengthen the long-term talent pipeline for a vitally important industry, not only in North Texas but well beyond, and it ensures our students have access to top instructors and real-world opportunities that equip them for a career in this thriving industry,” said Floyd L. Wormley Jr., provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs.
The Aviation Studies minor will provide additional access for students across disciplines, covering areas such as aviation safety, operations and decision-making. It will also include the opportunity to obtain a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, supporting emerging demand in unmanned aerial systems.
The initiative reflects broader trends in aviation workforce development, as demand increases for trained professionals across operations, logistics and technology-driven roles. By embedding industry partnerships and experiential learning into the program, TCU aims to strengthen the regional talent pipeline and improve graduate readiness for the aviation sector.
All programs remain subject to approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
