TCU launches aviation program with two majors to meet growing industry demand
TCU has announced a new aviation program that includes a Bachelors of Science degree with two different concentrations in professional aviation, and an aviation studies minor, as a number of college across Texas launch similar programs.
TCU’s new aviation program’s two main concentrations are aviation administration and professional pilot, which are designed to prepare students for post-graduate careers in the industry. The aviation administration concentration will begin accepting students for the fall 2026 semester, and the professional pilot concentration will welcome students in fall 2027.
“This program will strengthen the long-term pipeline for a vitally important industry, not only in North Texas but well beyond, and it ensures our students have access to top instructors and real-world opportunities that equip them for a career in this thriving industry,” wrote Floyd L. Wormley, TCU’s provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, in a statement.
North Texas is one of the most prominent regions in the country for the aviation industry, with American Airlines and Southwest Airlines headquartered in Dallas-Fort Worth. Lockheed Martin, Bell and Raytheon, major global aerospace companies, are also headquartered in the region. Dallas-Fort Worth Airport is one of the busiest in the world.
Last year, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed a resolution that designated Fort Worth as the “aviation and defense capital of Texas.”
“The Dallas-Fort Worth region sits at the center of one of the most important aviation networks in the world,” wrote TCU Chancellor Daniel W. Pullin, in a statement. “Expanding aviation education at TCU aligns with the momentum across the booming North Texas region and the growing demand for well-trained talent in this key industry.”
The launch of the program also comes as TCU continues to carry out its “Lead on: Values in Action” strategic plan, which includes several goals to increase student enrollment, improve the university’s national footprint and to achieve Research 1 status, the highest designation given to research institutions in the country.
Launching the aviation program will help TCU focus on “student-centered growth” and expand its academic programs to more interested students, according to the release.
“For nearly a century, Fort Worth has been at the center of aeronautic and aerospace innovation,” wrote Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, in a statement. “This new degree pathway at TCU helps ensure the next generation of leaders and innovators will be developed right here in the Aviation and Defense Capital of Texas, strengthening our workforce of well-prepared leaders and playing a key role in the future of this vital industry.”
The Bachelor of Science in Professional Aviation will be part of TCU’s College of Education, according to the university. The program was created in response to the rapid aviation industry growth in the region and the increasing demand for qualified professionals in Dallas-Fort Worth. TCU leaders say the programs were shaped in close collaboration with aviation industry professionals.
According to a TCU webpage launched alongside the program announcement, sample classes for the major include: aviation leadership, airport operations and administration, air cargo operations, aviation safety and human factors in aviation. The website also says graduates of the program will be equipped with the skills to pursue post-graduate careers as a commercial pilot, flight instructor, airport operations specialists and air cargo roles, among others.
TCU’s announcement comes shortly after the University of Texas at Arlington announced it would launch an aviation pathway in its College of Liberal Arts. Like TCU, UTA leaders also said the pathway was created to meet the growing demand for aviation professionals in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
This story was originally published April 23, 2026 at 2:24 PM.
