Slippery Rock University is boldly positioning itself as a prominent leader through a first-of-its-kind aviation partnership. This forward-thinking “co-enrollment” model delivers stability and strength by allowing students to be simultaneously enrolled at SRU and the Community College of Beaver County (CCBC). Students will progress toward an associate degree from CCBC and a four-year bachelor’s degree from SRU, securing a solid foundation for growth in the high-demand field of aviation.
This pathway is designed to empower lasting excellence for ambitious students. Achieving a bachelor’s degree while training as a pilot provides proven and expanded knowledge, increased earning potential, and a related four-year degree to expand their technical knowledge to secure influence and become a front-runner in the aviation industry. SRU ensures students are prepared leaders ready to make a difference in the world.
Unlike traditional transfer agreements, this collaborative model provides a fully integrated college experience, while accelerating degree completion at both institutions. Students retain full access to academic resources, advising, and campus life at both institutions, building a powerful foundation that gives them the confidence to thrive in their professions and grow into the leaders they are ready to become.
Eligible bachelor’s degree programs at SRU for this aviation pathway with CCBC include:
- Homeland security.
- Corporate security.
- Computing.
- Cybersecurity.
- Mechanical engineering.
- Electrical and computer engineering.
- Industrial and systems engineering.
SRU’s mechanical engineering and industrial and systems engineering programs are globally recognized for meeting the rigorous standards of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. SRU will be applying for ABET accreditation for the electrical and computer engineering program, after that program was launched in Fall 2025.
CCBC’s aviation pathway is a top-rated aviation training program in the nation within the James M. Johnson School of Aviation Sciences. SRU is one of six “premier partner” institutions empowering students on the aviation pathway with the option to transfer credits to earn a four-year degree.
“This partnership is an ideal match for students who want to further enhance their careers and earning potential by complementing their aviation training with a relevant bachelor’s degrees here at SRU,” said Nicole Dafoe, dean of SRU’s College of Engineering and Science. “This is another way we are providing greater opportunities for students that align with workforce needs. The skills and knowledge required by employers continues to evolve and this is yet another way we are collaborating with education and industry partners to set students up to thrive.”
“This unique pathway provides flexibility, accessibility and value while developing future aviation leaders,” said John Higgs, CCBC’s senior dean of the James M. Johnson School of Aviation Sciences. “Our well-known aviation programs have 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. We are excited to see this program soar as students start strong at CCBC and finish stronger at Slippery Rock.”
More about the aviation pathway is available on the SRU website.
