Texas Christian University announced the launch of a new Bachelor of Science in Professional Aviation and an Aviation Studies minor, expanding academic opportunities for students in a high-growth, high-demand field in proximity to one of the nation’s busiest air travel hubs. 

TCU’s new major will include two concentrations — Aviation Administration and Professional Pilot — designed to prepare students for careers across the aviation industry. The Aviation Administration concentration is anticipated to welcome its first students this August (2026), providing a pathway to build skills needed for leadership roles with airlines, airports and aviation-related organizations. The Professional Pilot concentration is planned to begin in fall 2027, following a structured, FAA-aligned Part 141 progression that prepares students for a range of aviation careers, including but not limited to commercial flight. 

“The Dallas–Fort Worth region sits at the center of one of the most important aviation networks in the world,” TCU Chancellor Daniel W. Pullin said. “Expanding aviation education at TCU aligns with the momentum across the booming North Texas region and the growing demand for well-trained talent in this key industry. With this new field of study, TCU is preparing Horned Frogs for leadership and service in a critical field with deep roots within our home community.” 

The program aligns with priorities outlined in TCU’s Strategic Plan, LEAD ON: Values in Action, particularly the university’s focus on student-centered growth and expanding academic programs connected to workforce opportunity and demand. 

An Aviation Hub 
The North Texas region plays a central role in the global aviation sector, home to major airline headquarters (American Airlines, Southwest Airlines), global aerospace companies (Lockheed Martin, Bell Textron, Raytheon) and one of the busiest airport systems in the world (Dallas Fort Worth International Airport). The city is also home to Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport, the world’s first industrial airport, providing flight services for air cargo, corporate and government aviation. Earlier this year, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed a resolution formally designating Fort Worth as the “Aviation and Defense Capital of Texas,” recognizing the city’s long-standing leadership in aerospace innovation and its role in advancing aviation technology and manufacturing.  

“For nearly a century, Fort Worth has been at the center of aeronautic and aerospace innovation,” Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker said. “This new degree pathway at TCU helps ensure the next generation of leaders and innovators will be developed right here in the Aviation and Defense Capital of Texas, strengthening our workforce of well-prepared leaders and playing a key role in the future of this vital industry.” 

Prime Location 
The aviation major is designed to leverage the university’s location within the Dallas–Fort Worth aviation corridor, creating opportunities for students to engage directly with one of the nation’s most active aviation and aerospace ecosystems through industry partnerships, internships and experiential learning. 

“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,” Floyd L. Wormley Jr., provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs said. 

Industry leaders say that kind of intentional alignment is what sets programs apart in preparing students for the realities of today’s aviation landscape. 

“The aviation industry demands strong leadership and sound decision-making in a highly complex, fast-moving environment," Kyle Mabry ’93 MBA, former vice president of global sales and international operations for American Airlines and advisor to TCU's professional aviation program, said. "What makes TCU’s program especially compelling is its intentional connection to industry, not just in concept, but in how the curriculum is being shaped with input from industry professionals and leaders. That kind of alignment helps ensure students graduate with a meaningful understanding of the airline business, operations, organizations and decision-making, preparing TCU students to be more competitive as they enter the workforce.” 

TCU’s Aviation Degrees and Programs 
The BS in Professional Aviation will be housed in TCU’s College of Education, building on the college’s longstanding expertise in preparing professionals for complex, high-responsibility fields. That foundation — grounded in best practices in leadership development and evidence-based pedagogy — will support aspiring aviation leaders and pilots. The professional pilot program will culminate with the Certified Flight Instructor rating. The Aviation Administration concentration and Aviation Studies minor are anticipated to launch in fall 2026. The Professional Pilot's anticipated launch is fall 2027. All three programs are pending SACSCOC approval. 

The program was developed in response to the aviation industry’s rapid growth and evolving demand for trained professionals across operations, logistics, management and emerging technologies. Shaped in close collaboration with industry leaders, it ensures academic preparation reflects the realities of today’s aviation environment. By integrating practical insight with coursework, TCU equips students with a stronger starting point as they enter the field, reducing the learning curve and enabling them to contribute more quickly in their early professional roles. Located in one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs, TCU provides a unique environment that connects academic learning with real-world aviation operations and hands-on training. 

In addition to the major, TCU will offer an Aviation Studies minor, expanding access for students across campus to explore aviation through coursework in safety, operations and industry decision-making, and will providethe opportunity to earn a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. The minor combines academic flexibility with real-world application, offering a clear entry point into a high-demand field and attracting students across disciplines that intersect with aviation. 

Together, the programs reflect TCU’s continued investment in academic offerings that connect classroom learning with in-demand fields and workforce needs. 

For students drawn to the aviation industry, TCU is building a new runway and preparing the next generation of Horned Frogs to Lead On and take flight. 
 
Learn more about the Professional Aviation program.