Program: S6200
The Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Sciences degree program at Polk State College is designed to provide a holistic, operational study of the U.S. and international aerospace systems. The advanced skills and information gained through this program prepare the student for a professional career in commercial aviation or aerospace administration. The degree incorporates Safety Management Systems (SMS) concepts into each course, allowing for the development and application of information regarding safety factors and risks that are naturally present in the aerospace environment. Each student participates in a common program core before specializing in either a Professional Pilot or Aerospace Administration concentration, both of which culminate in a Capstone Course that encourages implementation of theoretical mastery of the degree content in an operational context.
The Polk State College Aerospace Sciences Program website provides information about flight-training requirements and costs. Flight-training costs are paid directly to the College.
Admission Criteria:
Admission to this program requires an Associate in Science (AS) or Associate of Arts (AA) degree (or the equivalent) from a regionally accredited school or college, and at least a 2.0 grade point average on a 4.0-point scale. If the student’s associate degree is from a non-regionally accredited institution, but is nationally accredited, the degree qualifies for admission, but a course-by-course evaluation is done according to Polk State College’s transfer practices and policies.
A student who elects to pursue the Professional Pilot Concentration must also have earned the following Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ratings:
- US FAA Private Pilot (Airplane Single-Engine Land)
- Instrument Rating (Single-Engine or Multi-Engine)
- Commercial Pilot (Single-Engine Land or Multi-Engine Land)
These ratings can be earned in the Polk State College Associate in Science in Professional Pilot Science degree program. Alternatively, the student may have earned these ratings through any FAA-approved provider.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs):
Upon successful completion of the program, the graduate is able to:
Required Program Core
PLO 1: Integrate professionalism in all aspects of involvement in the aerospace environment.
PLO 2: Demonstrate effective written, digital, and oral communication.
PLO 3: Employ critical-thinking skills in professional and academic activities.
PLO 4: Evaluate and implement safety management system concepts in all aspects of the aerospace environment.
PLO 5: Formulate and execute a safety plan of action in the workplace.
PLO 6: Facilitate team-process skills when working with others.
PLO 7: Integrate and apply pertinent national and international rules, regulations, and guidance regarding the aerospace industry.
Professional Pilot Concentration
PLO 1: Integrate basic and advanced concepts of aircraft operations to manage risk.
PLO 2: Operate aircraft systems in various categories of transport aircraft.
PLO 3: Compare traditional and modern avionics systems and procedures.