Aeronautics Pathways
Through programming, increased enrollment and new hires, the College of Aeronautics and Engineering is expanding at a rate parallel to no other within Kent State University. Corporate partners and relationships provide internship and mentoring opportunities to CAE students along with a clear pathway to post-collegiate employment.
Pathway Programs
By providing mentorship, conditional employment as a first officer for Allegiant, and assistance with regulatory credentials, the Accelerate Pilot Pathway streamlines the process new pilots face when transitioning from flight school to a major commercial carrier.
Upon entering their senior year, students may be hired on as a cadet and provided a conditional job offer as an Allegiant first officer. Cadets enjoy Allegiant employee benefits such as pass travel on Allegiant flights, participation in visits to Allegiant’s headquarters in Las Vegas, and access to Allegiant’s training centers.
Once a cadet reaches their required hours of flight training, Allegiant sponsors their attendance in an Airline Transport Pilot Certification course, and upon completion, the cadet joins Allegiant as a first officer.
Whether you’re building your time in the sky or your career on the ground, we hope to be your next destination. Our team is innovative and exciting, but its true strength—sincerity, courage, and compassion—lies in the quality of its people. As we grow, we are always looking to further staff our airline. Interested in learning more about joining us? As a Kent State student, take a look at CommuteAir for your future.
Kent State University’s nationally ranked Professional Pilot program, in the College of Aeronautics and Engineering, is one of only three nationwide that Delta Air Lines selected in 2019 to become a Delta Propel Partner, a program that creates career opportunities for students studying to be future commercial pilots.
“Student To Endeavor Pilot” - STEP is a program for aviation students and flight instructors to help prepare you for a successful career as a pilot in the airline industry. Endeavor Air will make regular visits to give presentations, answer questions, and — when you’re ready — conduct on-site interviews. The only requirement for participation in STEP is that you are a flight student or instructor at Kent State University - one of our focus schools.
Endeavor Air pilots enjoy an industry-leading contract that also includes: top-tier compensation, fast upgrades, world-class benefits, a great company culture and a guaranteed career path to Delta Air Lines.
Students complete their flight training and education in their program and then follow one of several prescribed paths to gain experience and build their flight time. Provided they meet all program requirements and pass required background and other related checks, those in the program will join jetBlue as first officers and will not be required to complete any additional jetBlue interviews.
Republic Airways pilots enjoy leading rates, work rules and quality of life. We are uniquely positioned to offer our pilots the best paths to a rewarding, long-term career at Republic or transition to the mains through our strong partnerships with American, Delta and United, elevating opportunities in your professional and personal development. Our sustainable relationships with our codeshares are one of the reasons Republic pilots enjoy a stable and successful career.
The Southwest Airlines Destination 225° Pathway is for individuals interested in pursuing a four-year degree that will lead them toward a career as a Southwest Airlines Pilot. Students at our partner universities continue to work on their degree and flight time while receiving guidance and a direct path to becoming a Southwest Airlines First Officer in as little as two years after graduation.
Aviate is United Airlines, Inc.’s pilot career development program offering both aspiring flight students and commercial pilots a defined career path to United as a First Officer. United’s goal is to attract outstanding people who want to join the very best team of pilots in the aviation industry.