Oliver L. Parks Department of Aviation Science
The mission of the Oliver L. Parks Department of Aviation Science is to actively engage in the fulfillment of Saint Louis University’s mission so that students are formed as global citizens who are intellectually, technically and ethically prepared to be responsible leaders in the aviation profession and their community.
The Oliver L. Parks Department of Aviation Science continually seeks ways to improve and add to the curriculum. Faculty are engaged in building a team-based, learner-centric pedagogy that will prepare students as outstanding team members and global citizens.
About Our Fleet
To support its instructional efforts, the Oliver L. Parks Department of Aviation Science maintains a varied fleet of aircraft, including Diamond DA-20, Piper Archer PA28-181 with Garmin G1000nxi, and Seminole PA44 aircraft for primary instrument training and commercial training. The Piper Seminole serves as a multi-engine trainer. Students also take advantage of a repertoire of Frasca Tru-Flite Advanced Aircraft Training Devices (AATDs – fixed simulators) for simulation training. In addition to those AATDs, in McDonnell Douglas Hall there is a state-of-the-art Canadair Regional Jet-700 simulator in which students take their capstone course, conducting flights as if operating a 70-seat airliner. This additional training prepares students for initial training at a regional airline.
Aviation Degrees at SLU
Undergraduate
The Oliver L. Parks Department of Aviation Science offers a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics degree program with concentrations in aviation management and flight science. Aviation management (AMGT) prepares the graduate to pursue a variety of careers as a non-flying aviation professional. Flight science (FSCI) is intended for those students who wish to pursue a career as a professional pilot.
Graduate
The department also offers a Master of Science in Aviation and Doctor of Philosophy in Aviation. SLU's aviation Ph.D. program allows for a customized curriculum in which the student works with their Advisory Committee to identify a plan of study that compliments their scholarly and professional goals.