California Aeronautical University recently opened a campus at Falcon Field Airport in Mesa.

“CAU’s approvals to operate provide educational pursuits in a number of fast-paced, year-round aviation-related degree programs that prepare students for a range of potential career opportunities in the aviation industry and beyond. CAU’s curriculum includes programs with professional flight training and aviation business courses that prepare students for exciting careers,” according to a release.

The CAU Phoenix-Falcon Field campus is at 4710 E. Falcon Drive Suite 105 in Mesa and is accepting new students. Go to calaero.edu or call 661-615-5915.

Programs to be offered include a bachelor's of science in aeronautics, bachelor's of science in business administration and associate's of science in aviation studies.

Students can also pursue through CAU’s California campus online a master's of science in aviation and master of business administration.

CAU has worked to expand its offerings into new markets and online to prepare the next generation of aviation professionals with its specialized programs.

Through the university’s outreach efforts and programs, CAU’s goal is to open the eyes of young people to the possibility of starting careers as professional pilots, and aviation business professionals, the release states.

“Most students don’t even consider careers as pilots because they think it’s out of reach,” California Aeronautical University President Matthew Johnston said in the release. “We hope to show students that becoming a professional pilot or other aviation professional is not only possible, but is a realistic long-term career option. CAU serves students from all over the globe between our campus and flight centers in California, and now with the most recent opening of our Phoenix-Falcon Field airport campus.”

One of the highlights of the bachelor's of science in aeronautics and the associate's of science in aviation studies program is students earn numerous certificates and ratings along with their degree.

All courses, including flight labs, are taught at CAU by CAU instructors at each of its locations, not contracted out to another flight training provider. This allows for more convenience and consistency for CAU students, the release states.

Falcon Field was established in 1941 as a military airport during World War II to train British Royal Air Force and American pilots. In 1948, the federal government deeded the property to the City of Mesa as a municipal airport. Learn more at falconfieldairport.com.