[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Key Takeaways[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check” marker-color=”secondary”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students who earn an advanced degree in aviation often qualify for roles in management, manufacturing, engineering, safety, or academia.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Depending on their specialization and experience, graduates with an aviation degree can pursue jobs like aircraft technician or mechanic, aerospace engineer, and pilot.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Core aviation classes focusing on science, calculus, and statistics can also help prepare students for work in other engineering and physics fields.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-flex] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An aviation degree is an excellent fit for students interested in aircraft, engineering, physics, and aeronautics. Attending aviation school prepares graduates for work in a variety of roles and sectors that include flying as a commercial pilot, designing engines and aircraft, or working in a public or private aeronautics lab. In an aviation degree program, you’ll study subjects like flight training, meteorology, aircraft maintenance, aerodynamics, aviation law, and safety.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An aviation degree prepares graduates for work in the field of aviation and aeronautics. It focuses on the safety, maintenance, law, weather, and engineering of aircraft. If you’re planning to pursue an aviation degree, this educational pathway can prepare you for several high–paying and exciting careers. With an aviation degree, you can begin a career as an engineer, air traffic controller, aircraft mechanic, or pilot.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A bachelor’s degree in aviation will qualify you for work as an airline or commercial pilot. A master’s degree in the field will prepare you for roles in management, manufacturing, engineering, and safety. A Ph.D. is the terminal degree in aviation, and is largely reserved for those seeking to lead aviation research or teach at the university level.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ class=”text-tertiary”]Featured Online Schools[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ id=”what-can-you-series” class=”font-bold”]The “What Can You Do With This Degree?” Series[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”accreditation”]What Kind of Accreditation Should My Degree Program Have?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Accreditation is the process by which colleges and universities are evaluated and validated . Colleges and universities that have earned accreditation have met the standards set by accrediting organizations. These organizations are comprised of faculty from various accredited colleges and universities. Legitimate regional and national accrediting organizations are recognized by the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ed.gov/”]U.S. Department of Education[/hen-ui-link] (ED). Typically, the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.chea.org/”]Council for Higher Education Accreditation[/hen-ui-link] (CHEA) recognizes the same institutions, although CHEA recognition isn’t mandatory. A college or university must be accredited by a Department of Education-recognized accreditor in order for its students to receive federal financial aid.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For a detailed look at the differences between regional and national accreditation, check out [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/accreditation/”]What Do I Need to Know About College Accreditation?[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text]
What is Regional Accreditation?
Regional accreditation is the signifier of quality education; this includes the currency of curriculum, credentials of educators, and credibility of degrees. Regional accrediting agencies only accredit institutions in their geographical area.
The Six Regional Accrediting Agencies
[hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.msche.org/”]Middle States Commission of Higher Education (MSCHE)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.neche.org/”]New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.hlcommission.org/”]The Higher Learning Commission (HLC)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nwccu.org/”]Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”http://www.sacscoc.org/”]Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.wscuc.org/”]WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list]
[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To find out if a college or university on your list is regionally accredited, check the Department of Education’s [hen-ui-link href=”https://ope.ed.gov/dapip/”]Database of Postsecondary Institutions and Programs[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text]
What Is National Accreditation?
National accreditation is often perceived as a less rigorous standard than regional accreditation and is governed by educational accreditors agencies that are not restricted by region or geography. This means that one such agency can provide accreditation to any college or university in the U.S. that meets its criteria. National accreditation is commonplace among trade schools, religious schools, and for–profit colleges. Most regionally–accredited colleges do not accept or recognize credits or degrees earned from colleges that lack regional accreditation. However, national accreditation may be a useful indicator of quality for students pursuing vocational training, competency-based education, or other education models that operate under a for-profit model.
[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To learn more about National Accreditation, check out [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/accreditation/”]Understanding National Accreditation[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For help safely navigating the For–Profit Sector, check out our [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/for-profit-vs-non-profit-colleges/”]Guide to For–Profit Colleges: What You Need to Know[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text]
What is Programmatic Accreditation?
Programmatic accreditation certifies that an institution’s program, department, or college has met the standards of the programmatic accrediting agency. While programmatic accreditation agencies often have national jurisdiction, programmatic accreditation is not institutional national accreditation. In fact, programmatic accreditation often coexists with regional accreditation. In some disciplines, a degree with programmatic accreditation may even be required to earn a license or enter professional practice. When it comes to aviation degree programs, the main programmatic accreditation organization is the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aabi.aero/accreditation/accredited-programs/”]Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI)[/hen-ui-link]. Programs that maintain accreditation through AABI have to report that they are maintaining certain levels of performance, integrity, and quality. As a student, you can be confident that your AABI–accredited aviation degree will be respected and valued as you enter your career.
[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The easiest way to determine accreditation status is to contact your school of choice, or visit the website for any of the above accreditation agencies. Each provides a searchable database of accredited institutions and degree programs. You can also look at the [hen-ui-link href=”https://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/”]Department of Education’s database[/hen-ui-link] of all recognized accreditors within its purview.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Or, to learn a little more about navigating the tricky accreditation landscape, check out [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/accreditation/”]Accreditation of Colleges and Universities: Who’s Accrediting the Accreditors?[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-link href=”#top/”]Return to the top[/hen-ui-link] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”degree-types”]What Kinds of Aviation and Aeronautics Degrees Are There?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”aviation-associate”]Associate Degree in Aviation[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As with many industries, an associate degree in aviation will give you a strong foundation in the subject matter, but you will likely need to earn additional degrees to pursue several jobs in the field. An associate–level aviation program is typically a 60–credit degree, requiring a minimum of two years to complete. Some associate degrees in aviation include pilot licensure as part of the curriculum requirements. This means that you could qualify to work as a commercial or airline pilot upon completion of your degree. However, many candidates for these roles will hold at least a bachelor’s degree in aviation. While this is not technically required, a bachelor’s degree is likely to make you a far more competitive candidate in the job market. The good news is that many of your credits will likely transfer to a four–year degree program, which will ultimately save you time and money.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ id=”aviation-associate-courses”]What Courses Will I Take?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Applied Calculus for Aviation[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Commercial Pilot[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Introduction to Aeronautical Science[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Introduction to Weather[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Physics[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Statistics with Aviation Applications[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ id=”aa-vs-as”]What’s the Difference Between an Associate of Arts and an Associate of Science in Aviation?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most associate programs in aviation are associate of science (AS) degree programs. The main difference between an associate of science and associate of arts (AA) degree program is the core curriculum. An AS in aviation will include more STEM courses, while an AA in aviation will include general courses in the humanities and arts in addition to your aviation courses.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”aviation-bachelor”]Bachelor of Aviation[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A bachelor’s degree in aviation will prepare you for several careers in the field. Bachelor’s programs are typically 120 credit hours and take around four years to complete. Earning a bachelor’s degree in aviation will qualify you for work as a commercial or airline pilot, as well as several other jobs in the industry like air traffic controller, aircraft mechanic, or technician. Many bachelor’s degree programs offer specializations, including aviation safety, aviation security, and airport maintenance management. You may also be required to complete a capstone project as part of your bachelor’s degree in aviation.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ id=”aviation-bachelor-courses”]What Courses Will I Take?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Aerodynamics[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Airline Operations[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Aviation Legislation[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Aviation Management[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Aviation Safety[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Business Ethics[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ id=”ba-vs-bs”]What’s the Difference Between a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Aviation?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The bachelor of science (BS) is the most common aviation degree. A bachelor of science in aviation will focus on science and math–related courses alongside your aviation studies, whereas a bachelor of arts (BA) program will include courses in humanities, arts, and interdisciplinary studies.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”aviation-master”]Master of Aviation[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A master’s degree in aviation or aeronautics can help take your career to the next level. While a bachelor’s degree qualifies you for many positions in the field, a master’s degree can help you pursue advanced career opportunities in organizational leadership, engineering, and safety oversight. Most master’s programs in aviation consist of around 30 credit hours and take two years to complete. You will likely complete a thesis or capstone project as part of your master’s degree program. It’s also important to note that some master’s programs are specific to aviation and aeronautics, while others may house the aviation specialization in a broader program such as engineering.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ id=”aviation-master-courses”]What Courses Will I Take?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Aviation Fuels and Emissions[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Aviation Leadership[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Human Factors in Aviation[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]International Aviation Regulatory Systems[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Project Management for Aviation[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Statistical Analysis for Aviation[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ id=”ma-vs-ms”]What’s the Difference Between a Master of Arts and a Master of Science in Aviation?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most candidates will pursue a master of science (MS) in aviation and aeronautics. The key difference between these degree types is that MS degree programs will focus on math and science subjects alongside your aviation studies, while MA programs will include a wider range of arts and humanities courses.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”aviation-doctorate”]Doctorate in Aviation[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A doctorate in aviation is the most advanced degree available in the field. This degree is intended to prepare those who wish to work as aviation and aeronautics experts in teaching and research, whether at a university or through a think tank, research foundation, or private firm. Often a 60–90 credit degree program, a doctorate in education takes three to six years to complete. You can choose a concentration like safety, human factors, airport development and management, education and training, or operations. Completing a doctorate in aviation or aeronautics will set you apart as a leader in this field and qualify you for many high–paying positions.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ id=”aviation-doctorate-courses”]What Courses Will I Take?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Aviation Statistics[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Current Practices and Future Trends in Aviation[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Ethics in Aerospace[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Foundations of Aviation[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Instructional Design in Aviation[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Quantitative Research Designs in Aviation Research[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-link href=”#top/”]Return to the top[/hen-ui-link] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”certification”]What Kind of Licensing or Certification Do I Need?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Depending on what you want to do with your aviation degree, you may or may not need to be certified or receive a license. If you plan to be a pilot, you will need various licenses. The license will depend on the kind of organization for which you plan to fly. There are different certifications for private, commercial, and airline pilots, all administered by the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.faa.gov/pilots/become/”]US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)[/hen-ui-link]. Many degree programs include opportunities for certification as part of their curriculum. If you want to be a pilot of any kind, it’s a good idea to choose a program that includes certification.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You don’t necessarily need certification for every job in the field of aviation and aeronautics, but in many cases, these added credentials may help to advance your career. For example, the FAA also offers [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.faa.gov/mechanics/become/”]certification for aircraft mechanics[/hen-ui-link]. This certificate isn’t required to work as a mechanic, but if you aren’t certified, you’ll only be able to work under a mechanic who is.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Licensing and Certifying Organizations[/hen-ui-heading]
[hen-ui-link href=”https://epicflightacademy.com/types-pilot-licenses/”]The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)[/hen-ui-link]
As the lone entity certifying pilots in the U.S., The FAA offers a variety of licenses, including a private pilot license, commercial pilot license, airline transport pilot license, and more.
[hen-ui-link href=”https://www.iata.org/training/Pages/index.aspx#&&Value=Civil+Aviation+Authority”]The International Air Transport Association (IATA)[/hen-ui-link]
The IATA offers a variety of training courses and certificates for those in the aviation field. With courses on subjects such as air navigation, ground services, and civil aviation authority, this organization can provide critical knowledge and valuable certificates as you advance in your career.
[hen-ui-link href=”#top/”]Return to the top[/hen-ui-link] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”careers”]What Can You Do With an Aviation Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you’re wondering, “what can I do with an aviation degree?” there are plenty of options. Your aviation or aeronautics degree can be the key to entering many challenging and exciting Aviation Careers. For more detail, check out a few of these top aviation degree jobs:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Aerospace Engineers[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Air Traffic Controllers[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Aircraft Mechanics[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Aircraft Technicians[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Airline Pilots[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Commercial Pilots[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Flight Attendants[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-link href=”#top/”]Return to the top[/hen-ui-link] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”salary”]What Kind of Salary Can I Earn With an Aviation Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Your aviation degree could open the door to a variety of careers in aviation or aeronautics. The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides median annual salary information for some of the top aviation degree jobs:[/hen-ui-text]
[hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes493011.htm”]Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians[/hen-ui-link]
$72,640
[hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/aircraft-and-avionics-equipment-mechanics-and-technicians.htm”]Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians[/hen-ui-link]
$70,740
[hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/aerospace-engineering-and-operations-technicians.htm”]Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians[/hen-ui-link]
$74,410
[hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/airline-and-commercial-pilots.htm”]Airline and Commercial Pilots[/hen-ui-link]