Aviation Studies

Schreiner University’s Bachelor of Science in Aviation Studies combines university coursework with structured pilot ground and flight training. The four-year program develops aeronautical knowledge and flight skills, with coursework in flight operations, weather, safety, crew coordination and flight instruction.

What is Aviation Studies?

Aviation Studies brings together classroom study and practical flight training. Students study how aircraft operate, how pilots plan and make decisions, and how flight crews manage safety and communication. Schreiner’s catalog describes the degree as preparation for professional pilot work in commercial and private settings.

Why study Aviation Studies at Schreiner?

Schreiner combines an undergraduate degree with an FAA Part 141 flight-training program. Students take ground school, electives and core courses on the main campus and complete flight instruction at Schreiner Field at Kerrville-Kerr County Airport, about nine miles away. Flight coursework is paired with classroom study in meteorology, aviation safety and crew resource administration.

What you’ll learn

• Build private-pilot knowledge in aerodynamics, aircraft performance, weather, navigation, radio communication and FAA regulations.
• Plan and conduct flights, including cross-country routes, with attention to airspace, charts, preflight decisions and safety.
• Study instrument navigation, instrument-flight rules, weather, flight planning and decision-making.
• Prepare for commercial flying through advanced ground school and dual and solo flight training.
• Analyze aviation weather, aircraft incidents, emergency procedures, human factors and safety systems.
• Study multi-engine aircraft operations and learn the fundamentals of teaching and flight-instructor responsibilities.

What you can do with this degree

The curriculum is designed to prepare students for professional pilot work in commercial and private aviation settings. Schreiner’s published four-year pathway includes training toward FAA Private and Commercial Pilot certificates, an instrument rating, a multi-engine rating and a Certified Flight Instructor–Airplane certificate. FAA certification depends on meeting applicable eligibility, knowledge and practical-test requirements.

Learning beyond the classroom

Students take part in real and simulated flight training early in the program. Flight instruction is based at Schreiner Field. The catalog’s major requirements allow a choice between an aviation internship and a senior capstone. The catalog describes the internship as hands-on experience with local aviation companies; placements may be paid or unpaid and require senior standing and department approval.

How the program works

The Bachelor of Science is organized as a four-year pathway with sequential ground-school and flight courses. Schreiner identifies the flight training as FAA Part 141. Flight courses have prerequisites, including appropriate FAA medical certification.

Flight instruction takes place at Schreiner Field, about nine miles from the main campus. Students must arrange their own transportation between campus and the airport. Schreiner’s program page states that Aviation Studies students are required to live in on-campus housing.

Plan for substantial flight-training costs in addition to tuition: Schreiner’s published flight-lab fees exceed $100,000 over the four-year program. Review current course-level charges with Financial Services before enrolling.