Jacksonville State U Launches Aviation Program

0:00I'm Cory, and this is your Pulse of the City, Birmingham News Today. Jacksonville State University in Alabama is launching a new Bachelor of Science in Aviation Program set to start in fall 2026. The program got approval from the Alabama Commission on Higher Education on March 13, 2026. It focuses on careers in commercial aviation, management, and public safety, with three main concentrations to give students real-world skills. The commercial aviation track includes flight training that meets federal aviation administration standards, helping students earn private pilot and commercial pilot certifications, plus instrument and multi-engine ratings. They will log about 300 flight hours by graduation. The public safety option trains first responders to use aircraft and drones and emergencies, while the management track prepares folks for leadership. Jobs at airports and airlines. Many leaders say this fills a big need as the aviation industry booms in Alabama and

1:00the southeast. It will create jobs and boost the local economy in Northeast Alabama, especially with the school spot near big airports in Atlanta, Birmingham, Huntsville, and Chattanooga. Right now the university is working on federal aviation administration Part 1-41 approval for ground school and teaming up with flight. Training providers. They are also searching nationwide for an aviation department head to lead the effort. Students hoping for the commercial track need to apply to the university first and submit a second application by May 15th. Interested folks can fill out an inquiry form for more details and current students should talk to advisors about switching majors. This story is shared with support from our sponsor. Some chase piece. I put my head in it. S-O-L-I-S-O-L-P-L-O dot com.