Purdue Global’s online aviation program soaring through partnerships, student experiences

Purdue Global helping address pilot shortage, proving flight program works in an online environment

Purdue Global’s School of Aviation is helping aspiring pilots like Adrian Mullins achieve success. (Purdue Global photo/Kelsey Lefever)

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — As a young child, Chris Huber would fly internationally with his parents to their home countries of Mexico and Canada, all while dreaming of piloting big airplanes.

“We would travel at least twice a year to go see family,” said Huber, who earned his degree in professional flight from Purdue Global’s School of Aviation earlier this year. “I loved how travel makes the world seem so much smaller. Having most of my family abroad, travel was a necessity for me to connect with my family’s culture and heritage. I quickly gained an appreciation and love for aviation.”

Similarly, current Purdue Global student Adrian Mullins has dreamed of flying airplanes since childhood, when his family would spend time traveling between their home in Georgia and his parents’ home country of England.

“My interest in aviation started when we would take all of these flights back and forth,” Mullins said. “And whenever you get on a plane, you always look in the cockpit and think, ‘Wow. How do the pilots know how to work all of those buttons and switches?’ In addition, my mom was a flight attendant, and my dad designed airplane engines, so I was intrigued from an early age.”

Huber and Mullins are seeing their dreams come true, largely in part to the degrees offered through Purdue Global’s School of Aviation.

Watch Video

Lifting off

In the midst of a significant pilot and aviation mechanic shortage, Purdue Global — Purdue’s online university for working adults — is aiming to navigate the skies with its aviation degree programs, providing an affordable, flexible and accessible online option. Aspiring pilots like Huber and Mullins, mechanics, and those interested in aviation management can earn degrees that employers respect. With robust online learning options and a network of more than 90 flight training partnerships across the United States, including Puerto Rico, the program caters to a diverse range of learners, accelerating pathways for students aiming to soar in the aviation industry.

Purdue Global’s School of Aviation is a collaboration with Purdue University’s School of Aviation and Transportation Technology. The partnership, which was announced in 2019, combines the quality of Purdue’s legendary aviation program and history with Purdue Global’s flexibility and affordability.

Julius Keller’s leadership and passion for aviation are leading to student success. Keller serves as associate head for Purdue Global’s School of Aviation. (Purdue Global photo/Kelsey Lefever)

“The Purdue Global aviation program was inspired and implemented for accessibility, ultimately,” said Julius Keller, associate head for the Purdue Global School of Aviation. “We don’t have to go with the traditional collegiate aviation program, so I think the Purdue Global program provides that affordability and flexibility.”

Online learning meets aviation

Lynn Massenzio has direct oversight over the aviation program, ensuring a smooth ride for both students and faculty. (Purdue Global photo)

The flexibility of Purdue Global’s online format is a game changer for many students.

Lynn Massenzio, associate dean of Purdue Global’s College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, works closely with the School of Aviation; she said the program accommodates different types of students. Those who already hold Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ratings and certifications can focus solely on online coursework, while others complete their private pilot license through a local flight school before starting online classes.

“The online courses are a blend of asynchronous and synchronous formats, providing both flexibility and structure,” Massenzio said. “This format is particularly beneficial for working adults, allowing them to balance their studies with professional and personal commitments.”

Students can take up to two courses per 10-week term with the possibility of accelerating their studies depending on their flight training progress.

Courses are developed and/or taught by professors like Marisa Aguiar, who have spent their careers in the aviation industry and, as in Aguiar’s case, have researched industry safety standards.

“Our experience in the industry leads us to teach these courses in a way that produces quality, competent managers and strong leaders in our industry,” Aguiar said.

Purdue Global professor Marisa Aguiar stands between the nose and propeller of a small airplane.
Marisa Aguiar’s passion for online learning and aviation safety standards is preparing students for careers in the aviation industry. (Photo courtesy of Phoenix East Aviation/Michaela Gaddis)

This is something that Mullins has appreciated, and he believes it has enhanced his learning experience.

“I’ve noticed that all of the professors are either actively in the industry as pilots or in the training departments or own a flight school, so they’re all extremely knowledgeable on the subjects, which is a great benefit to students,” Mullins said.

Addressing pilot shortages and enhancing accessibility

The Purdue Global School of Aviation is also addressing the industrywide pilot shortage. By working with partners that offer accelerated flight programs, students can complete their training faster than traditional campus-based programs. Overall employment of airline and commercial pilots is projected to grow 5% — or nearly 20,000 new openings each year — from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“Our graduates enter the workforce more quickly, helping to alleviate the pilot shortage and meet the growing demand in the aviation sector,” Massenzio said.

The program’s design also incorporates cost-saving measures. For instance, students who complete their FAA certifications with approved flight schools can earn up to 45 credits toward their degree, significantly reducing tuition costs and time to reach graduation.

“The goal is to get your knowledge, skills and abilities and get into the workforce, and if you can do that faster and at a reduced cost, then it sounds like a win-win to me,” Keller said.

A partnership-driven approach

Andrew Rachmell, a director of educational partnerships in Purdue’s Office of Industry Partnerships, spearheads business development for the Purdue Global aviation program. He emphasized the critical role of partnerships in the success of the program

“Our partnerships are essential because they provide local accessibility for flight training and create job opportunities for our students,” Rachmell said. “Because of the flexible nature of our program, many of our students are able to complete their flight training within 12 months after enrolling, and by the time they graduate in three years or less, have the required flight hours to advance to the airlines.”

Andrew Rachmell, a director of educational partnerships in Purdue’s Office of Industry Partnerships.
Andrew Rachmell plays a critical role in Purdue Global’s School of Aviation, securing partnerships for the benefit of the student experience. (Purdue University photo)

“Flight school partners are integral to the flight program,” Keller said. “Students will achieve their private pilot certificate all the way through CFI (certified flight instructor), and those certificates and ratings will transfer as credits into the Purdue Global program. And during that same time, they’re also taking the online courses.”

Purdue Global’s network of 95 flight training partners spans over 140 cities, offering students the chance to train close to home while ensuring they meet industry standards.

Rachmell’s role involves not only expanding this network but also establishing alliances with airlines that are interested in providing mentorship and a pathway into a pilot job for our students who apply, qualify and are accepted. Additionally, he seeks partnerships with corporations and associations that serve the aviation industry to promote the program.

“We offer significant benefits such as tuition reductions and flexible course schedules,” Rachmell said. “This approach ensures that professionals in the aviation industry can continue their education without disrupting their careers.”

Mullins found out about Purdue Global when he saw posters advertising the opportunity while attending Superior Flight School in Kennesaw, Georgia, leading him to inquire about the program.

“I learned that the flight certificates count as part of the degree and that my prior technical college credits transfer over as well, which gives you a good head start on a bachelor’s,” Mullins said.

Credits for prior learning and experience helped Adrian Mullins get a jump-start on his goal of earning a degree from Purdue Global. (Purdue Global photo/Kelsey Lefever)

Embracing Purdue’s rich aviation history

The synergy between Purdue Global and Purdue’s School of Aviation and Transportation Technology is a key element in maintaining high educational standards. Keller underscored the importance of this collaboration.

“We ensure that Purdue Global’s curriculum aligns with Purdue West Lafayette’s gold standards,” Keller said. “This collaboration allows for continuous improvement and maintains rigorous educational quality.”

Purdue Global is also exploring ways to further enhance the student experience, especially for those who live close to campus. Keller suggested that students might have opportunities to engage with the Purdue campus and its facilities, even if they are primarily enrolled in online courses. This hybrid approach could offer additional benefits, such as access to Purdue’s aviation resources and community.

“There’s an exchange of information and experience,” Keller said. “The ultimate goal is to have a curriculum that is suited to meet the students’ needs and set them up for success, so as they pursue their career goals, they’ll have the best opportunity and best outcomes.”

With the help of Purdue, the Purdue Global School of Aviation is well positioned to help students like Mullins and graduates like Huber reach new heights in their aviation careers.

“My goal after completing the degree with Purdue Global is to finish building the 1,500 hours required to become an airline pilot and then transition from maintenance to the flight deck,” Mullins said. “Purdue Global is helping me achieve this goal.”

Purdue Global graduate Chris Huber shakes hands with Julius Keller while receiving his degree at commencement.
Purdue Global graduate Chris Huber’s career is taking off thanks to a degree from Purdue Global’s School of Aviation. (Purdue Global photo/Kelsey Lefever)

“That Purdue name on my degree carries a lot of weight,” Huber said. “When I first applied to my airline, they asked me about having a degree. I told them I was enrolled at Purdue Global, and they responded by saying, ‘That’s a great program.’ I know my experience with Purdue Global has been well worth it.”

About Purdue Global

Purdue Global is Purdue’s online university for working adults who have life experience and often some college credits. It offers flexible paths for students to earn an associate, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree, based on their work experience, military service and previous college credits, no matter where they are in their life journey. Purdue Global is a nonprofit, public university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and backed by Purdue University. For more information, visit https://www.purdueglobal.edu.

Media contact: Adam Bartels, adam.bartels@purdueglobal.edu

Note to journalists:

A video link is available on YouTube. Photos are available on Google Drive.

Purdue Global News

Purdue Global logo on a black background

Purdue Global, Strada Education Foundation partner to increase career tools and outreach for adult learners

February 6, 2025

Student raising a hand with a question for the teacher.

Initiative multiplies efforts to increase number of math teachers in Indy area

January 27, 2025

U.S. Olympic luge athlete Ashley Farquharson poses with her helmet.

Guild and Team USA Learning Network U.S. Olympic luge athlete balances career and online business classes

January 24, 2025

Benson Njuguna and Sharon Aranga pose for a photo while attending Purdue Global’s commencement ceremony.

Purdue Global supplements hands-on clinical experience with Kenyan students, prepares them to become public health leaders

January 23, 2025