Growing Program Expands With $65M State Funding

The aviation program at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) in Murfreesboro is one of the largest in the country and continues to grow.

With an estimated 1,200 students out of MTSU’s 20,000 enrollment, the aerospace program is getting so big it needs more space. Which it will have, thanks to a state allocation of $65 million. The funding enables the program to move to the Shelbyville Municipal Airport (KSYI). The move will be able to more effectively accommodate the 900 students in the professional pilot track. Aerospace students in other aviation areas such as air traffic control will be able to continue at the Murfreesboro Municipal Airport (KMBT).

Aerospace students in the professional pilot program graduate with a four-year degree which places them at an advantage for a career after their flying time. In addition to that holistic approach to career development, MTSU participates in recruitment and fast-track programs with airlines such as Delta Propel and the Southwest Destination 225^o initiatives. For students accepted into those programs the airlines mentor them through training and assist them with job placement.

MTSU Provost Mark Byrnes said, “We have a handful of programs that draw students from around the country and really around the world, and aerospace is one of those.”

FMI: www.mtsu.edu/