Aviation Programs at MSU
Frequently Asked Questions
- What aviation degree programs does MSU offer?
- What is the difference between the ATP Pilot Operations degree program and the Aviation degree program?
- Who qualifies for the program?
- What can I expect to pay for the program?
- Can the aviation program be completed online?
- How do I sign up for the aviation program?
- How can I find out more about the different programs?
- Can you transfer in prior college credits?
- Can you do this program part-time?
What aviation degree programs does MSU offer?
MSU has four aviation degree programs: the Bachelor of Science in Airline Transport Professional Pilot Operations (ATP Pilot Operations) degree, the Bachelor of Science in Aviation, and the Associate of Science in both fields. The ATP Pilot Operations degree programs are designed for candidates with little to no flight training experience and are carried out in conjunction with the flight training company ATP. The degree programs in aviation are designed for candidates who already have flight experience and FAA certificates.
What is the difference between the ATP Pilot Operations degree program and the Aviation degree program?
MSU Airline Transport Professional Pilot Operations Program
The MSU ATP Pilot Operations degree program is designed so that students can pursue an associate or bachelor's degree while simultaneously working toward FAA pilot and flight training certification at one of ATP's locations across the United States. Academic credits are earned online, through independent study, or through traditional study, depending on the classes. This program is geared for students with little to no FAA certificates. The highest certificate students are allowed to start with in this program is Student Pilot or Private Pilot. Those with additional FAA certificates are encouraged to pursue MSU's B.S. or A.S. in Aviation.
MSU Aviation Program
MSU's other aviation program is designed for students with extensive FAA certificates. The degree program includes the Associate of Science in aviation and the Bachelor of Science in aviation. These degrees permit up to 45 credit hours based on FAA certificates. Students work to obtain the remainder of their academic credits through independent study, traditional classroom study, or online study. The program accepts FAA certificates from many flight training schools and does not charge to transfer FAA certificates and ratings. MSU also accept credits from regionally accredited colleges and universities, saving you time and money.
Who qualifies for the program?
Students interested in aviation with little to no FAA credit as well as student pilots and private pilots can pursue the MSU ATP Pilot Operations degree program. Students with extensive FAA certificates should pursue MSU's B.S. or A.S. in aviation.
Any student requiring flight instruction is required to hold a Federal Aviation Administration medical certificate. For more information, go to the FAA's website.
What can I expect to pay for the program?
MSU Airline Transport Professional Pilot Operations Program
Within this degree program, you may have the opportunity to receive federal aid in addition to private student loans. Tuition and fees can be found by clicking here.
MSU Aviation Program
Tuition and fees for the program vary depending on the courses chosen and the format of the class (on campus, independent study, or online). A breakdown of tuition and fees can be found on MSU's website.
All students enrolled in a degree-seeking program with MSU can apply for financial aid regardless of the format of their classes. Financial aid awarded depends on a number of factors, including your income, grade level, and dependency status.
Can the aviation program be completed online?
MSU Airline Transport Professional Pilot Operations Program
The MSU ATP Pilot Operations degree program is completed in a blended format. This means that flight training courses are on-site and taught by ATP at one of ATP's flight centers while other courses are pursued through independent study, online, or at an MSU campus.
MSU Aviation Program
MSU's B.S. or A.S. in aviation can be pursued through independent study, traditional study, or online study. This program can be completed 100 percent online.
How do I sign up for the aviation program?
MSU Airline Transport Professional Pilot Operations Program
- Request an official copy of your college and/or university transcripts sent directly to Admissions Processing at MSU. Complete and submit the form linked below to the Registrar's Office at each college and/or university you have attended. If you have not previously attended a college or university, submit the form to your high school or GED test center. A high school diploma or GED is required for admission.
- Candidates for the program should also fill out a FAFSA and enter school code 003807 for Mountain State University.
- Fill out an introductory flight training and admissions interview. Candidates will have to pay $175 before starting this interview.
- This will fee will include the $150 required to complete the admissions interview and the $25 application fee to Mountain State University.
A detailed list of steps and links to apply for the program can be found on the ATP website.
MSU Aviation Program
- Request an official copy of your college and/or university transcripts sent directly to Admissions Processing at MSU. Complete and submit the form linked below to the Registrar's Office at each college and/or university you have attended. If you have not previously attended a college or university, submit the form to your high school or GED test center. A high school diploma or GED is required for admission.
Download transcript request form for MSU Aviation program
- Candidates for the program should also fill out a FAFSA and enter school code 003807 for Mountain State University
- Candidates interested in MSU's B.S. or A.S. in aviation should click here to begin filling out the application form. A nonrefundable $25 application should be submitted to
Mountain State University
Admissions Processing
410 Neville Street
Beckley, WV 25801
How can I find out more about the different programs?
MSU Airline Transport Professional Pilot Operations Program
For more information on the ATP Pilot Operations degree program, please contact our information center at 866.367.6781 or e-mail atp@mountainstate.edu.
MSU Aviation Program
For more information on MSU's B.S. or A.S. in aviation, please contact our information center at 866.367.6781.
Can you transfer in prior college credits?
Yes. Both programs accept qualifying credits from regionally accredited colleges and universities.
Can you do this program part-time?
MSU Airline Transport Professional Pilot Operations Program
The ATP Pilot Operations degree program is very time-intensive, especially in the first two years of the program. Students cannot complete this program through part-time study.
MSU Aviation Program
Students in this program can complete the program at their own pace.
