The Department of Transportation Studies has a mission to provide comprehensive transportation education that builds on the latest data, systems and technologies. Current programs:

• Master of Science Degree in Transportation Planning and Management
• Affiliated Ph.D. programs
• Bachelor of Science Degree in Maritime Transportation Management and Security
• Bachelor of Science Degree in Aviation Science Management, Management Concentration
• Bachelor of Science Degree in Aviation Science Management, Professional Pilot Concentration 

Graduate study in Transportation Planning and Management is designed to train students for successful careers in the various field of transportation. Programmatic emphasis is on preparing the students to enter the public and private sectors with considerable training and advanced knowledge concerning planning and policy, logistics and management, systems and technology, and homeland security. Students can structure their degree programs based on their career goals. For those focusing on planning or operations careers, the TSU transportation program has a strong foundation in traffic operations, transportation planning, public transportation and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). For those pursuing management careers, TSU transportation programs have strong foundations in transportation principles, economics and finance, logistics, homeland security, and transportation policy and management.

The mission of the B.S. Program in Maritime Transportation Management and Security is fourfold:

1. to produce graduates for a variety of administrative and managerial positions in maritime transportation and port operations,
2. to produce graduates to function effectively in a number of diverse careers in three critical areas of maritime transportation: logistics, security, and environment,
3. to provide students with the academic background and preparation for pursuing advanced studies in the field of maritime transportation or affiliated areas,
4. to provide training programs and individual courses to individuals already in the maritime profession.
   In the fulfillment of this mission, students selecting the Maritime Transportation Management and Security program as a major will be prepared for a number of career specialization options including but not limited to: Freight Logistics Specialist, Shipping Manager, Port Manager and Operator, Port Security Officer, Maritime Policy Maker, Maritime Transportation Planner, Environmental Compliance Coordinator/Specialist, and Emergency Response Specialist. To that end, graduates of the Maritime Transportation program will also be academically prepared for graduate studies in the discipline of maritime.

Texas Southern University Aviation Science Management Program was established in 1986. In 2015, the University introduced a Professional Pilot Concentration which is a FAA Part 141 Pilot Training Program. The program incorporates the core curriculum of Aviation Science Management. The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Aviation Science Management is earned by the successful completion of 120 credit hours including 42 hours of general education core courses and other courses as established by Texas Southern University and approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, 78 hours of courses as defined by the Aviation Science Management Program. 

The mission of the Aviation Science Management Program is to prepare students with the foundational knowledge required to develop and function as aviation professionals. Specifically, our mission is to prepare our majors with the base knowledge and skills for graduate study and entering the workforce as entry level aviation professionals.

The Aviation Science Management Degree with Management Concentration provides a strong foundation for a career as a manager in the aviation industry. The curriculum provides skills in management, communications, and research to prepare students for leadership positions in the field of aviation management. The last two years of matriculation include extensive professional-level Aviation Science Management courses through internship and aviation capstone project whereby students could develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The degree in Aviation Science Management is accredited by the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE). 

The Aviation Science Management Degree with Professional Pilot Concentration leads to accomplishment of an academic degree and a professional pilot license, providing opportunities for employment in the aviation industry for graduates. The Professional Pilot Concentration is designed to prepare students for several career options that include general aviation pilot, certified flight instructor, corporate pilot, and airline pilot. After successful completion of Commercial Pilot License, then the students will have options for two tracks: (1) Certified Flight Instructor and (2) Multi-engine. 

The TSU Aviation program partners with entities including the Houston Airport System, United States Coast Guard, United States Air Force, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Republic Airways, and PSA who all support TSU Aviation students with jobs and/or scholarship money. TSU owns and operates six aircraft, including a twin-engine located at Ellington Airport along with two full motion flight simulators. In addition, TSU has a newly created virtual airport laboratory which allows training of Air Traffic Controllers, pilots, and airport officers. Finally, TSU owns a private aviation library located in the school’s technology building.