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News Story

April 01, 2025

La Roche University, Community College of Beaver County Develop New Aviation Management Program

A person in a headset using binoculars to look out the window of a control tower.

PITTSBURGH, April 1, 2025 – La Roche University, in collaboration with the Community College of Beaver County (CCBC), has launched a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management.

The new major combines flight training with essential business education, providing students with an unparalleled opportunity to enter the rapidly growing field of aviation.

“Leading airlines increasingly prefer pilots with baccalaureate degrees, recognizing the value of a comprehensive education. The new Aviation Management program at La Roche University is designed to meet this demand, combining rigorous flight training with a strong foundation in management,” said Dr. Howard Ishiyama, provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs. “This approach ensures that our graduates are not only prepared to meet the industry’s current needs but are also equipped to lead and succeed in its future.”

Two Degrees, Three Exciting Tracks

Through this unique partnership, students can choose from three specialized tracks: Professional Pilot, Advanced Piloting or Air Traffic Control. Upon completion of the program, students will earn both an Associate Degree in Applied Science from CCBC and a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management from La Roche. Students can reside at La Roche throughout all four years of the program.

“We are excited to see this new partnership soar,” said Dr. John Higgs, senior dean of the James M. Johnson School of Aviation Sciences. “CCBC has placed a professional pilot in the cockpit of every major airline in the United States and an air traffic controller in every FAA control tower in the country. Our nationally recognized training programs, combined with La Roche’s expertise in career-focused business education, will more than prepare the industry’s future aviation leaders.”

Through this unique partnership, students can choose from three specialized tracks: Professional Pilot, Advanced Piloting or Air Traffic Control. Upon completion of the program, students will earn both an Associate Degree in Applied Science from CCBC and a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management from La Roche. Students can reside at La Roche throughout all four years of the program.

Pilots who are interested in pursuing a military aviation career also can complete U.S. Air Force ROTC classes through La Roche’s partnership with the University of Pittsburgh.

Students complete their ROTC courses at Pitt, including Leadership Lab, Physical Training and Aerospace Studies, and all non-ROTC courses at La Roche.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for commercial and airline pilots is expected to increase by 5% over the next decade, while the need for air traffic controllers is projected to grow by 3%. With the aviation workforce aging, the shortage of pilots, particularly captains, is expected to grow even more acute, creating ample opportunities for qualified graduates. In fact, nearly 50% of current pilots are set to retire in the next 15 years, further emphasizing the importance of preparing the next generation of aviation professionals.

According to Gray Decision Intelligence, enrollment in aviation-related programs has surged nationally, with a 12.2% compound annual growth rate in the number of bachelor’s degree graduates in aviation from 2018 to 2023. The starting median salary for aviation-related graduates also is among the highest, with airline pilots earning in the $123,000 range post-entry.

La Roche’s new Aviation Management program offers a comprehensive approach to the industry’s needs, combining online courses and management training. Students complete flight instruction through a pre-approved provider. The program positions students for success in one of the most dynamic and in-demand fields in the workforce.

For more information on the Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management program at La Roche, please visit laroche.edu or contact the Office of Freshman Admissions: admissions@laroche.edu or 412-536-1272. Transfer students should email transferadmissions@laroche.edu or call 412-536-1260.

 

About La Roche University: An independent liberal arts university in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, La Roche University offers 68 undergraduate programs of study, seven master’s degrees and two doctoral degrees, with particular strengths in education, business, criminal justice, psychology, nursing, and health and medical sciences as well as interior architecture & design and graphic design. This residential university provides a vibrant campus community for women and men enjoying 30-plus student organizations and an exciting NCAA Div. III athletics program. Founded by the Sisters of Divine Providence in 1963, La Roche University embraces its Catholic heritage while welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds. With a legacy of social justice and a commitment to international exchange, La Roche University educates students to be lifelong learners and achievers in an increasingly diverse and global society.

 

About Community College of Beaver County (CCBC): Community College of Beaver County is empowering communities through education. CCBC offers 10 pathways to success in aviation, business, criminal justice, education, health sciences, liberal studies, STEM, industrial technology, college here and now for high school students, and continuing education and workforce development for lifelong learners. Students can earn degrees, certificates, and micro credentials and be career ready or continue their educational journey through premier transfer agreements. CCBC is an Achieving the Dream Leader College, named to Top Colleges in Pennsylvania, is GI Jobs Magazine Military-Friendly School and ranked Best in the Valley by our community. Learn more at ccbc.edu, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. 

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