Southeastern expands Aviation Sciences program to Rose State College

Press Release Date: 08-05-2011

DURANT, Okla. – The Southeastern Oklahoma State University Aviation Sciences Institute recently received approval to offer its programs at Rose State College in Midwest City.

Officials from Southeastern and Rose State made a joint announcement today regarding the approval.

Aviation courses will continue to be offered at Southeastern’s Durant campus, Tinker Air Force Base (Midwest City), and Oklahoma City Community College.

"The aviation industry continues to grow and is a key to economic development in Oklahoma," said Southeastern president Larry Minks. "We believe that expanding our aviation program will be a win-win-situation for our students, Rose State, Southeastern, and the state of Oklahoma. Adding another delivery site will provide improved access and opportunity for students interested in the aviation field."

"This partnership with Southeastern Oklahoma State University Aviation Sciences Institute is a natural fit for Rose State College," said Rose State President Dr. Terry Britton. "We take pride in our longtime association with the aviation industry, particularly in our relationship with our strategic partner, Tinker Air Force Base. We welcome this educational opportunity with Southeastern."

At the graduate level, Southeastern offers the Aerospace Administration & Logistics program.

For undergraduates, the Aviation Management Option is divided into four options:

• The Business Option is designed for those who want a business background but one that is focused on the specific needs of the aviation industry.
• The Maintenance Management Option is for those who want to manage aviation maintenance operations.
• The Safety Option is for those who want a business background but focused on the specific area of safety in the aerospace workplace.
• The Security Option is for those who want a business background but focused on the quickly evolving area of security in the aerospace field.

Dr. David Conway serves as director of the Southeastern Aviation Sciences Institute.

According to the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission, Oklahoma’s aviation and aerospace industry is one of the state’s largest employers, resulting in approximately 144,000 jobs statewide. The industry yields an annual industrial output of $12.5 billion and generates an annual payroll of $5 billion. One in 11 Oklahomans derive their income from the aviation and aerospace industry with an average salary of nearly $55,000 compared to about $30,000 for the average Oklahoman.

Oklahoma is also one of seven centers in the world for the modification, maintenance, repair and overhaul of aircraft, boasting the world’s largest military aircraft repair facility, Tinker Air Force Base, and the world’s largest commercial aircraft repair facility, the American Airlines Engineering Maintenance and Engineering Center in Tulsa.