Published: Monday, September 23, 2013 at 12:40 a.m. Last Modified: Monday, September 23, 2013 at 12:40 a.m.

WINTER HAVEN | A fourth baccalaureate degree soon will be offered at Polk State College, now that the State Board of Education has approved an aerospace science degree.

The degree program, granted unanimous approval by the state board Tuesday, will start in the fall.

Polk State College will be the first public college or university in Florida to offer the degree, spokeswoman Rachel Pleasant said.

It is yet another step in a building aerospace program the school began this year. In January, PSC launched an associate of science in professional pilot program that prepares students to become pilots and flight instructors.

An associate of science in aerospace administration was added in August, designed to train students for management positions at airports, airlines and in a variety of related operations.

PSC President Eileen Holden said in a statement the new degree is a "milestone" for PSC and its region.

"Our aerospace program was developed to address, on a local level, an international need for pilots, flight instructors, and other aviation personnel," she said in a statement. "Now, with the bachelor's degree, we will be able to provide more advanced training to better address those needs and prepare our students for successful careers in aviation."

The developments in aviation education were a reaction to demand from local airports, the Central Florida Aerospace Academy and other entities within the aviation community.

Dave Steele, associate vice president of communications and public affairs for the school, said the bachelor's degree is a great next step.

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Polk State College Sets Itself Apart With Aerospace Degree