Aviation

Redhawks are meant to soar. We’ll prepare you to get to new heights in your career.

You see opportunities are rising. You see the landscapes are changing. You’re ready for a stable future of adventure. Pilot jobs are expected to rise 13% by the end of the decade. For pilots of unmanned aircraft, the growth rate is over 50% in the next five years. Airlines and private companies alike are challenged to rebuild their workforce. If you want a career filled with travel and flexibility, our aviation programs are tailored to your interests to help you soar.

  • 76% of U.S. commercial airlines either require or prefer hiring a pilot with a four-year college degree.
  • Gain the technical and business skills needed to support flight operations with our aviation management degree, designed to meet the growing demand for professionals in this field.
  • Take the Certified Member exam and earn certification from the American Association of Airport Executives, giving your resume as an Aviation Management student a competitive edge.
  • According to the FAA, 50% of licensed pilots will retire in the next 20 years, bringing job opportunities.
  • Southeast created the state’s first bachelor’s degree in unmanned aircraft systems.
  • Drone pilots are needed in a variety of industries from law enforcement to agriculture to film to construction.
Southeast partners with US Aviation and the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport, so your training is hands-on and professional. Plus, you’ll be in the air your first semester. You’ll be certified to offer flight training before you graduate, meaning you can start working in the industry as you’re earning your degree.

  • $250K

    Airline Pilots and Copilots

    According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual pay for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers is $250,050. 

  • $138K

    Commercial Pilots

    According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual pay for commerical pilots such as charter pilots, air and ambulance pilots, and air tour pilots is $138,010. 

  • 142K+

    Number of Jobs

    U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics calculated that there were 142,600 Airline and Commercial Pilot positions in 2022. 

  • 7%

    Job Growth

    The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 7% growth in employment of administrative services and facilities managers, including aviation managers, from 2021 to 2031.

Aviation student lizzie kight standing in from of aviation program plane talking to a camera

Lizzie Kight

Aviation Student

SEMO was probably one of the best choices that I could have made for aviation. There are great instructors here, great people in the program. There's a lot of support going on. My ultimate goal is to become a pilot for FedEx. I want to fly internationally because my whole life I have dreamed of nothing but traveling the world and seeing different things.
Explore the Professional Pilot Program

Aviation Programs

If you are interested in aviation but don't want to pilot an aircraft, an aviation management degree may be for you!
Program Details Degree Map

DEGREE TYPE

Bachelor's Degree

PROGRAM TYPE

Undergraduate

LOCATION

Main Campus - Cape

DEPARTMENT

Management
Get A Real Return on Investment

Invest in Yourself

We want to invest in you with scholarships, with time, with help finding the possibilities to see, learn, and do all you want! Complete this form to let us know what you are interested in doing. We’ll share all of the opportunities awaiting you at Southeast Missouri State University.

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Office of Admissions & New Student Programs

Contact Us

Location

Office

Academic Hall, 100D

Mailing Address

One University Plaza, MS 3550
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701-4710