University Partnerships
Get a degree in Aviation!
Take your SMAT training to the next level.
The School of Missionary Aviation Technology partners with Christian universities to offer opportunities for our students who wish to incorporate their aviation training at SMAT into a degree. While the universities listed do not have aviation programs, they have partnered with SMAT to offer degree programs that incorporate SMAT’s technical training as an integral part. The university partnerships and requirements vary by school. Read on to find out more about degree opportunities.
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, MI offers a Bachelor of Science degree in missions aviation. It is a combined on-campus experience with a student attending the first two years of the program at Cornerstone. During this time, the student is earning credit for courses through their Bible, Religion, and Ministries department.
Then, during the third year, the student enrolls at SMAT and completes one or both of the programs. Third and fourth year if doing both maintenance and flight.
After completion of the SMAT program(s), the student returns to Cornerstone for their final semester or year—depending on how their classes were organized—in order to complete their degree. Cornerstone will transfer up to 60 credit hours toward the degree for the work completed at SMAT.
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grace Christian University (GCU) in Grand Rapids, MI offers several different options in partnership with SMAT.
Option A: The student earns a SMAT diploma and takes Bible and Theology classes at Grace Christian University to meet the requirement to become a missionary pilot. There is no degree awarded in this option.
Option B: The student earns 48 credits at Grace Christian University and a SMAT diploma for which GCU grants 12 credits. Then, these credits apply toward an Associate of Arts degree in General Studies. A total of 60 GCU credits.
Option C: The student earns an Associate of Arts degree (60 credits) from Grace Christian University. Afterward, they then transfer to SMAT for a diploma and FAA certification training.
Option D: In Option D, the student earns one of the following SMAT diplomas. Then, this transfers as a block toward the on-campus Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies or online Undergraduate Bachelor programs:
- Completion of SMAT Aviation Maintenance Technology Program—36 credit hours transferred back to Grace Christian University.
- Completion of SMAT Aviation Flight Training Program—36 credit hours transferred back to Grace Christian University.
- Completion of both SMAT Aviation Maintenance Technology and Flight Training Programs—48 credit hours transferred back to Grace Christian University.
NOTE: Grace Christian University describes certain criteria and specific GCU classes that must be completed in order to earn the degree.
Kansas City, Missouri
Calvary University in Kansas City, Missouri offers a Bachelor of Science in Professional Directed Studies: Airframe & Power Plant Mechanics. Through this program, Calvary recognizes 42 semester hours of credit from SMAT for completing and earning a certificate through their Airframe and Power Plant Mechanics (A&P Program).
Calvary University also offers a minor in Aviation Flight Training. They will recognize 15 semester hours of credit from SMAT for completing and earning a certificate through their Aviation Flight Training program.
Calvary SMAT A&P Program
Calvary Professional Directed Studies
Calvary B.S. PDS: Airframe & Power Plant Mechanics
Want to know more?
Contact us if you’d like to discuss your options for aviation training and degree opportunities through our university partnerships.