Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion

What you'll study

The curriculum trains students to integrate leadership and piloting capabilities, develop business management skills for aviation settings, and meet Airman Certification Standards for commercial and instrument ratings under FAA expectations. Topic areas listed by the programme include human factors and automation, U.S. and global aviation operations, safety management systems (SMS), aviation law and policy, regulations, air cargo and logistics, and risk management.

• Typical course codes in the programme include GEN-111, SCI-205 and a sequence of aviation courses such as AVP-111–AVP-114, AVP-201–AVP-203, AVM-120, AVM-220, AVM-225, AVM-310, AVM-320, AVM-330, AVM-410, AVM-450 and related business courses MGT-302, COM-325, ADM-310, MKG-421, MGT-460, ECO-310, ACC-310, FIN-310 and HRM-435.
• Most flight courses run 12 weeks; general education and major courses are offered in 6‑week sessions.

Entry requirements

Admission requires a standard high school diploma, GED, or a current high school transcript subject to approval by the Aviation Program Director. Applicants must submit original transcripts from all prior college study from institutions accredited by agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and CHEA. All candidates must be interviewed and approved by the program director or designee and sign the university Aviation Program Waiver of Liability. Some flight partner schools may impose additional requirements.

• FAA-related minimums noted in the programme: minimum age 17 for a Private Pilot Certificate and 18 for a Commercial Pilot Certificate; ability to read, speak, write and understand English; TSA verification requirements such as presenting an original passport or birth document.

Career prospects

Graduates can pursue several pilot career paths and management roles within aviation. The programme identifies potential jobs such as airport manager, banner tow/survey/crop duster pilot, entry‑level regional airline or corporate pilot, and flight instructor. The combination of flight hours, FAA certification pathways and management coursework is targeted at students seeking operational and leadership roles in aviation.

Scholarships & funding angle

Financial aid is available in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, veterans’ benefits and employer reimbursement. IWU provides program cost sheets and an estimated cost of attendance on its financial aid webpage; students may request cost sheets from an enrollment counselor. Flight training fees are listed separately and are substantial: the programme notes applicable flight fees typically range from $65,000 to $80,000 depending on career goals and chosen flight partner and are commonly covered through private loans or personal sources.