Hampton University

Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia, has prepared aviation professionals since 1985 through its Department of Aviation, part of the School of Engineering, Architecture and Aviation. It offers undergraduate degrees for future airline pilots, air traffic controllers, airport managers and drone operators.

Programs

• B.S. in Flight Education (Professional Pilot), with private, instrument, commercial and flight instructor certificates earned along the way
• Aviation Management, Airport Administration
• Aviation Management, Air Traffic Control
• Aviation Management, Uncrewed Aircraft Systems
• Minor in Aviation

Flight training

Flight students start private pilot training from their first day. Training is delivered as Hampton University Aviation, Powered by Thrust, which combines Hampton's academic program with Thrust Flight's FAA Part 141 flight training, using technically advanced aircraft with glass cockpit avionics. The university has also worked with Rick Aviation's FAA approved Part 141 program.

Graduates

Hampton names United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, FedEx Express, Republic Airways, ExpressJet and the FAA among the employers of its flight education graduates.

Company facts

• Aviation program since 1985
• Accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI)
• First HBCU approved by the FAA for the Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative
• Member of the FAA UAS Collegiate Training Initiative
• Flight education enrollment grew from 19 students in 2023 to 176 in fall 2026