BETHLEHEM, Pa. — New bachelor's degree programs are about to take off at two area universities.
Moravian University and DeSales University both have announced bachelor of science degrees in aviation management.
Moravian said it will begin recruiting for its inaugural class this semester, with the goal will be to start the program in fall 2026.
DeSales University, which said its program will blend business leadership with hands-on flight training, expects to begin enrolling students at the same time.
“This new program will now serve students with a passion for flight and aviation technology, while positioning the Lehigh Valley as a leader in high-skill aeronautics education."Moravian University President Bryon Grigsby
Moravian plans to later add an air traffic controller program and more, according to a release.
The Moravian program’s two degree paths will include a bachelor of science in aviation management and a bachelor of science in professional pilot training.
There will be an emphasis on hands-on professional training, mentorship and industry placement, according to a news release.
The DeSales program also will offer two tracks: Commercial Pilot and Flight Instructor, both aligned with FAA standards.
Moravian University President Bryon Grigsby called it “a transformative step” in programming for the fifth-fastest-growing university in the country.
“In 2024, we opened the School of Professional Studies & Innovation and this new program will now serve students with a passion for flight and aviation technology," Grigsby said.
"While positioning the Lehigh Valley as a leader in high-skill aeronautics education."
FAA-certified
Moravian's program will be “combining rigorous instruction with practical flight training, industry partnerships, and a commitment to safety, innovation and student success," the release said.
Mark Cronin, a pilot and flight instructor with more than four decades of experience as a commercial airline captain and a veteran of the United States Air Force, will run the aviation management program.
Flight training will take place at Lehigh Valley International Airport, with some other showings out of Queen City Airport in Allentown.
The program will happen in partnership with flyGATEWAY Aviation Institute, which also works in tandem with Lehigh Carbon Community College.
The LCCC associate’s degree programs in aviation science and professional pilot training complete flight training at LVIA, too.
flyGATEWAY also operates at four other Pennsylvania airports and another in northern Delaware.
'Global need for qualified professionals'
DeSales' program will be in collaboration with Penn Flight Academy, based at Quakertown Airport.
It will graduate students "prepared for a range of roles in aviation, from professional pilot to airport management and operations leadership," it said in a release.
“Our students will not only learn to navigate aircraft but also to lead people and organizations with integrity in a complex, global industry.”Christopher Cocozza, dean of DeSales's Waterbury Reilly School of Business
“DeSales is uniquely positioned to offer an aviation management program,” said Christopher Cocozza, dean of DeSales's Waterbury Reilly School of Business.
“Our students will not only learn to navigate aircraft but also to lead people and organizations with integrity in a complex, global industry.”
Students will complete general education and business courses on campus while taking flight and aviation operations courses.
"The aviation industry continues to experience steady growth and a global need for qualified professionals," DeSales said in a release.
DeSales said its program will distinguish itself "through its close integration with business studies and its commitment to developing leaders who see aviation as a field of service, innovation and human connection."
DeSales Provost Terese Wignot said, “Success in aviation requires both precision and perspective. Our students will gain the hands-on experience and business foundation to navigate a dynamic industry with confidence and care.”
