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15 Best Schools with Online Bachelor’s in Aeronautics/Aviation in 2023

Online Bachelor's in Aeronautics Aviation - featured image

A career in the aeronautics and aviation industry is perfect if you want to embark on an exciting journey into the endless skies and shape the future of transportation and exploration. This industry offers a multitude of career options, from pilots, air traffic controllers, flight attendants, airport managers, and many other positions for air travel within the Earth’s atmosphere to space scientists, aerospace engineers and other jobs involving spacecraft design and space exploration.

Online Bachelor's in Aeronautics Aviation - fact

Boeing, a leading global aerospace company, has announced that the global aviation market will require 2.3 million new staff in the next 20 years to complement the forecasted rise of the global commercial airplane fleet by 2042.

Space tourism is also gaining momentum, with companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic working to make space travel more accessible to civilians. In short, clear skies and soaring horizons await those who start their online bachelor’s in aeronautics aviation as early as today and obtain their degree in 2 to 4 years!

Quick Summarization

A Bachelor’s degree in Aviation/Aeronautics opens doors to the dynamic and rapidly evolving world of aviation and aerospace. Exciting career opportunities are available for graduates of the Bachelor’s program, including aircraft piloting, aviation management, aerospace engineering, air traffic control and many more.

Methodology

If you’re searching for online aviation degree programs at the Bachelor’s level to enroll in, your journey just got easier. We’ve compiled a well-researched list of top-tier educational institutions in the US offering exceptional degree programs in this field.

Each of the online Bachelor’s in Aviation/Aeronautics programs on our list meets specific criteria, including:

  • Offers courses 100% online or blending of online and face-to-face classes,
  • Covers essential topics in aviation and aeronautics, including aircraft operations, aviation management and aerospace technology,
  • Employs faculty members with expertise in the field and relevant industry experience,
  • Prepares students for further education and career advancement, especially for those interested in pursuing a Master’s or Ph.D. degree or those intending to apply for professional license,
  • Emphasizes diversity and inclusion in both the curriculum and student support services, considering that aviation/aeronautics is a global industry that encompasses multiple cultures,
  • Provides financial aid options, credit transfer opportunities and other ways to reduce the overall cost of tuition,
  • Offers comprehensive support services, including access to academic advisors, 24/7 technical assistance, online libraries and resources to enhance student success,
  • Uses modern technology and cutting-edge learning management systems to deliver course materials and enhance communication,
  • Holds accreditation from industry-recognized organizations to ensure compliance with rigorous academic standards and garner respect from employers and institutions alike.

Visit our Methodology page for information.


15 Best Online Bachelor’s in Aeronautics/Aviation

California Aeronautical University

California Aeronautical University

California Aeronautical University offers two bachelor’s degree programs related to Aviation:

To obtain the BS Aeronautics degree, students are required to complete 188 credits including 120 credits of Core courses.

The BS Aeronautics curriculum involves up to 4 days a week of actual flying, which provides enough aviation training for students to earn six certificates and ratings upon graduation. It equips students with the knowledge to meet the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements and testing standards to earn a Private Pilot Certificate (PL), Instrument Rating (IR), Commercial Pilot Certificate, Multi-Engine Rating and both a Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI) Certificate and a Certified Flight Instructor, Instrument (CFII) with a single-engine aircraft rating.

The University’s intensive training in the BS Aeronautics program makes graduates eligible for a restricted FAA-mandated airline transport pilot (ATP) certification with only 1,000 flight hours and at least 21 years old, instead of the standard qualifications of 1,500 flight hours and at least 23 years old.

On the other hand, the BS Aviation Business Administration requires students to complete 180 credits including Core courses of 108 credits, which include the following:

  • Introduction to Aviation Business
  • Aviation Communication Methods
  • Aviation Ethical Issues
  • Aviation Law
  • Principles of Marketing
  • Personal Finance
  • Principles of Management
  • Principles of Supervision

These aviation bachelor’s programs are accelerated programs, which means that students can earn their Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautics or in Aviation Business Administration in as fast as three years.

The University has gained the approval of Federal Aviation Administration Part 141, which means that aeronautics graduates are eligible for a 500 flight-hour reduction when applying for their ATP certificate.

The University is also accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS).


Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University offers three online bachelor’s degree programs through its Worldwide & Online Campus that students wanting a career in the aviation industry will be interested in.

  • The Bachelor of Science – Aeronautics requires students to complete 120 credits toward graduation including 36 General Education credits and 36 Core/Major courses credits. Students with existing aviation-related skills and knowledge can have their experience credited toward the Bachelor’s degree. They can also opt to customize their degree with a range of Minor specialties including Air Traffic Control, Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Aviation Maintenance. The curriculum of this program has gained the nod of the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) after a rigorous review that ensures the highest standards of quality, performance and integrity are maintained.
  • The Bachelor of Science – Aviation Maintenance requires 120 credits for students to obtain the degree including 36 credits of GenEd courses, 18 credits of Aviation Maintenance courses and 33 credits of Program Core courses. Students have the option to customize their Bachelor in Aviation Maintenance by focusing on a Specialization in either Management or Safety, both of which require a total of 18 credits.
  • The Bachelor of Science – Aviation Business Administration requires 120 credits including 36 credits of GenEd courses, 36 credits of Common Business Core courses and 21 credits of Aviation Management Core courses. Students can also customize their Bachelor’s degree by specializing in one of the more than 30 Minors or in the Aviation Marketing Major, both of which require 27 credits. This program is recognized by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (ACBSP).

The SACSCOC-Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has given their approval on the institutional accreditation of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Furthermore, the University offers a 4+1 Combined Pathway Program that allows students the accelerated opportunity to complete their Bachelor’s and related Master’s program in only five academic years. This opportunity is available to students in the BS Aeronautics program as well as in the BS Aviation Maintenance.


Everglades University

Everglades University

Florida-based Everglades University offers a 100% online Bachelor of Science in Aviation/Aerospace degree program that combines a solid general education foundation with a variety of aviation and management courses. Students can complete the program in as long as 41 months, depending on any previously earned credits that are transferable toward the degree.

To obtain the BS Aviation/Aerospace degree, students are required to complete 123 credit hours including 30 credits of General Education courses, 42 credits of Upper Division Required courses, 12 credits of Lower Division Required courses and 21 credits of Interdisciplinary Studies courses. Some of the program-required courses include the following:

  • Airline Management
  • Aviation Human Factors
  • Aviation Insurance and Risk Management
  • Aviation Labor Relations
  • Aviation Law and Regulations
  • Corporate Aviation Operations
  • FBO and Flight School Management
  • History of Aviation
  • Introduction to Aeronautics
  • Introduction to Space
  • Introduction to Sustainability

BS Aviation/Aerospace students also have the opportunity to personalize their degree to reach their career goals by choosing one of the Concentration areas available such as:

Everglades University’s institutional accreditation to award bachelor’s and master’s degrees is endorsed by the SACSCOC.


Liberty University

Liberty-University-Online

Liberty University offers a hybrid program for a Bachelor of Science in Aviation, which equips aspiring professional pilots with the practical decision-making capabilities necessary to succeed in military, missionary and commercial flights. The program combines online courses with in-person classes for flight training. Students can finish as early as 3.5 years for those who are entering the aviation field for the first time or as early as 2.5 years for those with flight experience.

The BS Aviation requires a total of 120 credit hours for students to graduate. Delivered by instructors who are experienced leaders in the field of aviation, some of the courses in this program are:

  • Airplane Aerodynamics
  • Commercial Flight I
  • Aviation Weather
  • Turbine Engines and Jet Transports

Liberty University also offers the following aviation-related Bachelor’s programs:

  • The Bachelor of Science – Aviation Maintenance Management is a 100% online program that students can complete in an average of two years after completing 120 credit hours with courses like Aviation Safety, Aviation Human Factors and Principles of Troubleshooting, and
  • The Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management is an online program that can be completed in an average of 3.5 years after gaining 120 credit hours through various courses like Aviation Leadership, Corporate and Business Aviation, Principles of Aviation Administration and Human Resource Management.

Liberty University is a SACSCOC-accredited institution. Furthermore, the University’s School of Aeronautics has also received the nod to offer the Restricted ATP (R-ATP) program or reduced ATP program.


University of North Dakota

University of North Dakota

University of North Dakota offers an entirely online Bachelor of Science in Aviation Studies degree program with asynchronous classes that allow students the flexibility to learn and obtain their degree while juggling work and personal commitments.

In order to obtain UND’s BS Aviation Studies degree, students must complete 120 credits. Some of the courses in the program are the following:

  • Aviation Orientation
  • Introduction to Air Traffic Management
  • Introduction to UAS Operations
  • Aerospace Law
  • Airline Operations and Management
  • Airport Planning and Administration
  • Aviation Safety
  • Essentials of Flight
  • General Aviation Operations and Management
  • Human Factors
  • Aviation Senior Capstone

Students also have the option to customize their Bachelor’s degree by choosing any of the following Specialization:

  • Safety Specialization, which includes courses on Aircraft Accident Investigation, Aviation Safety Analysis, OSHA Safety Standards for Industry and Cyber-Security and Information Assurance; and
  • Business Specialization, which includes courses on Fleet Planning and Aircraft Acquisition, General Aviation Operations and Management and Financials for Entrepreneurs.

Students can further personalize their Bachelor’s degree with optional courses that can be taken to satisfy graduation requirements.

The University also offers a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Safety and Operations degree program in an online format for students who prefer a support role in the aviation industry that will ensure the safety of ground and air personnel. The program requires 120 credit hours for students to graduate and can be completed in four years.

UND holds institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission or HLC.


Eastern New Mexico University

Eastern New Mexico University

Eastern New Mexico University’s Bachelor of Science in Aviation Science degree program is available either as an entirely online program or as a hybrid program with both in-person and online classes. This degree is ideal for those who want to jump-start their career in the aviation industry, as it provides the academic foundation and a broad view of aviation.

It also provides students with a solid background before becoming professionals in the aviation industry such as air traffic controllers, pilots and airport managers.

ENMU also offers a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science in Aviation Science as either a 100% online or a hybrid degree program for non-traditional students who already have extensive experience in the field of aviation. Students for this BAAS Aviation Science program should also have either an Airframe and Powerplant License (A&P) or at least a minimum of 30 accumulated semester hours of aviation-related credits from other institutions. Those who have extensive military training in an aeronautical or aviation technical field may also qualify for the BAAS program.

The Higher Learning Commission has granted accreditation to Eastern New Mexico University.


LeTourneau University

LeTourneau University

LeTourneau University offers a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Studies as a 100% online program with year-round accelerated courses for transfer students who have previously earned college credits or aviation experiences that are transferable toward the Bachelor’s degree.

The coursework in the BS Aviation Studies is highly customizable which means that students can choose their courses to suit the specific branch of the aviation industry where they want to concentrate their careers such as FBO management, aircraft management, aircraft maintenance management, aviation safety specialist and aviation operations coordinator.

Students must complete 122 credit hours before they can obtain the BS Aviation Studies degree. This requirement includes 15 hours of Concentration courses and 36 hours of Aviation Management Core courses.

LeTourneau University also offers a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management, another aviation-related degree program that’s available completely online. It’s also available as a hybrid program, combining on-ground and online courses.

The BS Aviation Management program requires students to complete 120 credit hours toward graduation including 42 hours of Aviation Management Core courses such as:

  • Airport Operations and Management
  • Aviation Human Factors
  • Aviation Law
  • Aviation Management 2
  • Aviation Safety Factors
  • Aviation Safety Management Systems
  • Human Resource Management
  • Microeconomics
  • Organizational Behavior
  • Principles of Financial Accounting
  • Project Management

Both the BS Aviation Studies and Aviation Management programs require 12 hours of Theology and Vocation courses and 32 hours of General Education courses.

Students under the BS Aviation Management program can customize their Bachelor’s degree from a choice of several Concentration options:

LeTourneau University’s institutional accreditation to award degrees is approved by the SACSCOC. The University is a National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements or SARA participant.


Lynn University

Lynn University

Lynn University has a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Operations program offered in a 100% asynchronous online learning format. It can be completed in four years with three Start Dates annually. The program provides students with a combination of operational and management skills that will bring their careers in the commercial and general aviation fields.

This program requires students to complete a total of 120 credits to obtain the Bachelor’s degree including 33 credits from Core Curriculum courses, 54 credits from College Core Requirement courses and 15 credits from Major Requirements courses. The curriculum essentially combines business, technology and aviation courses such as the following:

  • Primary Flight Theory and Training, Solo
  • Global Aviation Regulations and Law
  • Aviation Weather
  • Aviation Technologies
  • Aviation Safety and Human Factors
  • Airline and Airport Operations
  • Air Traffic Basics

The University also offers two other Bachelor’s programs related to the aviation industry:

  • Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management, which is a 100% online program with optional onsite flight training and requires 120 credits toward graduation. Courses include Operations Management, Global Aviation Regulations & Law, Business Strategy, Business of Innovation, Aviation Technologies, Aviation Operations and Aviation History.
  • Bachelor of Science in Professional Pilot, which is a 100% asynchronous online program intended for students with flying experiences and requires the completion of 121 credits toward graduation. Courses include Aviation Safety and Human Factors, Aviation Technologies, Aviation Weather, Commercial Flight Theory, Commercial Flight Training, Flight Instruction Methods and Procedures and Global Aviation Regulations & Law.

SACSCOC acknowledges Lynn University’s accredited status to award degrees.


Purdue Global

Purdue Global

Purdue Global’s online Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management degree program equips students with business management and aviation operations know-how to gain the capabilities to handle supervisory roles in the aviation industry.

Students will have to complete 180 credits (120 semester credits) in order to obtain the BS Aviation Management degree including 45 credits of Core courses and 94 credits of Major courses. The coursework is a combination of business management and aviation studies including courses on Aviation Business, Aviation Finance, Airline Operations, Introduction to Management and Leadership in Practice.

BS Aviation Management students can also personalize their degree to suit their career goals through a range of Electives available in the program including two micro-credentials:

  • The Business Development micro-credential, which is a set of courses totaling 29 credits that will equip graduates with the capability to develop effective strategies in working with customers, and
  • The Diversity micro-credential is a set of courses totaling 22 credits that enhances graduates’ awareness and handling of matters concerning cultural competence and diversity.

This Aviation Management degree program is partly crafted by Purdue Global’s School of Business and Information Technology, which are also creators of the Institution’s business programs that are recognized by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

Institutional accreditation granted by the HLC applies to Purdue Global.


Texas A&M University-Central Texas

Texas A&M University-Central Texas

Texas A&M University-Central Texas aims to provide students with the professional and leadership capabilities to succeed in a variety of roles in the aviation industry through its fully online program Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management degree.

This BS Aviation Management program requires students to complete 120 credit hours toward graduation. The curriculum includes junior-level and senior-level courses as well as internships with a broad range of organizations and employers in the aviation industry.

Students can opt to add the Maintenance Concentration to their BS Aviation Management degree to further their career in the industry by taking management positions in airline maintenance operations, corporate maintenance management, aerospace industry companies and other related sectors. It’s also ideal for aviation students with FAA Airframe and Powerplant ratings.

The University also offers a 100% online degree program for Aviation Science-Professional Pilot Bachelor of Science that students will be able to complete in a year if summer semesters are taken with a full load. The University also takes pride in the distinction of being the sole state-supported institution offering a four-year professional pilot program in Texas.

Texas A&M University-Central Texas meets the accreditation standards set by the SACSCOC to award degrees.


Utah Valley University

Utah Valley University 

Utah Valley University offers three online or hybrid Bachelor’s degree programs related to the aviation and aeronautics industry.

  • The Bachelor of Science – Aviation Management develops students’ practical leadership skills, industry knowledge and general management capabilities to handle a variety of careers in the aviation industry. It requires students the completion of 120 credits toward graduation including 85 credits of Discipline Core courses and 35 General Education courses.
  • The Bachelor of Science – Aerospace Technology Management prepares students for various technical and professional roles in any part of the life cycle of aerospace products. Take note though that this program does not offer initial training for Airframe and Powerplant. This program is ideal for students with the Airframe and Powerplant ratings of the FAA-issued Maintenance Technician Certificate or a license as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Cat B1). Students are required to complete 123 credits toward graduation including 35 credits of GenEd courses, 45 credits of Technical Core courses and 30 credits of Discipline Core courses. There are five Specializations available for this degree, namely: Aviation Management, Aircraft Operations, Airport Management, Aircraft Accident Investigation and Technology Management.
  • The Bachelor of Science in Professional Pilot prepares students for employment with airlines, corporate operators, cargo carriers and private companies, among many others. It’s a 120-credit program that requires 68 credits in Discipline Core courses and 35 credits in GenEd courses. The curriculum requires FAA flight training, which can be completed at the University’s Utah facility or at any flight school. Graduates will earn a minimum Commercial Pilot Certificate with the option of obtaining more certificates as high as the Multi-Engine Instructor level.

The University’s Part 141 training facility is approved for the Restricted ATP (R-ATP) or reduced ATP program by the FAA, which makes BS Professional Pilot graduates eligible to obtain their license at 1,000 hours total flight time instead of the standard 1,500.

Utah Valley University is a Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities– or NWCCU-approved school.


University of Wisconsin Oshkosh

University of Wisconsin Oshkosh

University of Wisconsin Oshkosh offers an Aviation Management emphasis in its Bachelor of Applied Studies in Leadership and Organizational Studies through its 100% online and accelerated degree program that can be completed in as early as two years. This program is designed for students with an applied associate degree, an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) diploma or at least three years of related professional experience.

The Aviation Management emphasis enhances the students’ leadership and administration potential by focusing on the field of aviation and aeronautics including the following subject matters:

  • Airline management
  • Aviation and aeronautics systems analysis
  • Aviation labor relations
  • Aviation law
  • Conflict resolution, negotiation and arbitration skills
  • Strategic and operational planning

The Higher Learning Commission has granted accreditation to UW Oshkosh.


Florida Institute of Technology

Florida Institute of Technology

Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech) offers a 100% online Bachelor of Arts in Aviation Management degree program that covers a foundational and broad range of business knowledge combined with aviation-specific courses in order to prepare students for a variety of roles within the aviation industry. These careers include Airline Managers, Airport Operations Managers, Airport Security Managers, Aviation Directors, Freight and Cargo Management and General Aviation Managers.

In this degree program, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of air transportation management as well as the management and development of airports. They will also gain practical knowledge in aviation management by developing an airline business plan, which enables learners to apply their skills in real-life scenarios such as determining the equipment and facilities to run an aviation maintenance operation as well as the factors affecting airfield and airspace capacity.

SACSCOC has approved the institutional accreditation of Florida Tech to award degrees.


Metropolitan State University of Denver

Metropolitan State University of Denver

The Metropolitan State University of Denver offers the Bachelor of Science in Aviation & Aerospace Management degree program with a combination of online and in-person courses. The University also boasts of offering unrivaled resources that no other university in Colorado can provide such as a satellite engineering lab and industry partnerships that allow students to access the same state-of-the-art software and technology that NASA uses, incomparable flight training simulation laboratories and close associations with aerospace contractors that provide internship and job opportunities.

The BS AAM program requires students a total of 120 semester hours for graduation including 33 credits of General Studies and 58 credits of Required Courses. Some of the courses are:

  • Introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Systems
  • Introduction to Space
  • Introduction to Aerospace Systems Simulation
  • Aviation Weather
  • Flight Dispatch and Load Planning
  • Aviation and Aerospace Law
  • Airline Management
  • Airline Planning
  • General and Business Aviation Operations

MSU Denver’s institutional accreditation is endorsed by the Higher Learning Commission.


National American University

National American University

National American University offers a 100% online Aviation Management Bachelor’s program that provides students, especially experienced pilots, Airframe and Powerplant technicians and active Air Force military or veterans, the fundamental knowledge and strategies they require to fulfill business and management positions in the field of aviation.

To obtain the Bachelor’s degree, students are required to complete a total of 180 credits including 51 Specialty Core courses. The requirement also includes 63 credits of Major and Support Core courses such as the following:

  • Aviation Safety Programs
  • Aviation Law
  • Crew Resource Management
  • Airport Security
  • Air Transportation System
  • Introduction to Business
  • Financial Accounting for Managers
  • Principles of Management

National American University has received institutional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission.

Learning Outcomes of Bachelor in Aviation/Aeronautics Programs

Learning outcomes state the competencies that students are expected to gain after completing the Bachelor’s degree program. These expectations may differ depending on the program’s focus and the institution. Below is a summary of the common Learning Outcome statements you may encounter from different programs.

Aviation Technology and Knowledge

  • Understand aviation technology applications in aircraft, navigation, planning and scheduling.
  • Learn air traffic control basics and prepare for the air traffic control exam.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of regulations, laws and legal issues related to the aviation industry.
  • Identify aviation safety and safety management issues.

Operations Management and Decision-Making

  • Develop an understanding of operations management including tactical and strategic decision-making tools within the aviation industry.
  • Build decision-making and analytical skills using applicable computer applications.
  • Assess market conditions in aviation management simulations to execute strategic and tactical actions.
  • Leverage existing business technologies for organizational continuity.
  • Apply acquired knowledge, expertise and judgment in an operational aviation setting.

Professional Development and Certifications

  • Work towards obtaining a professional pilot’s license and associated ratings.
  • Demonstrate self-directed learning to complete professional industry certifications, training courses or approved internship programs.
  • Successfully exhibit the required knowledge, maneuvers, and competencies of an instrument-rated commercial multi-engine pilot in accordance with FAA standards.

Strategic Aviation Management

  • Manage private and public aviation organizations, assessed through comprehensive exams and practical techniques.
  • Design effective aerospace support organizations through simulated aerospace operations setting by evaluating customer needs, existing market conditions and aerospace vehicle support requirements.
  • Identify current issues and propose solutions through formal reports and presentations on topics related to aerospace vehicle certification standards, maintenance planning, regulatory requirements, safety management and training in aerospace sectors.
  • Critically analyze concepts in aviation management for organizational decision-making.
  • Demonstrate the leadership skills necessary to satisfy objectives in strategic aviation management.

Leadership and Communication

  • Develop critical skills for effective leadership and organizational management.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in oral and written presentations.
  • Demonstrate appropriate ethical perspectives in a worldwide and multi-cultural business environment.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in communicating across multiple stakeholder groups.
  • Demonstrate ability to collaborate productively in a professional business setting.

Candidates for the Online Aviation/Aeronautics Bachelor Degree Programs

Online Bachelor’s programs in Aviation/Aeronautics typically accommodate a diverse range of students, including the following:

Aspiring Pilots with No Flight Experience

Some online Aviation/Aeronautics programs offer flight training courses in their own training centers or in collaboration with local flight training schools, making them suitable for individuals who aspire to become pilots but have no prior flight experience. These programs often provide a structured path to earning pilot licenses.

Experienced Pilots Seeking a Degree

Experienced pilots, including those with private pilot licenses or commercial pilot certificates, may enroll to earn a Bachelor’s degree to enhance their career prospects and meet educational requirements for certain positions like airline pilot or aviation management roles. Many online curriculums recognize your flight experience as credits toward degree completion.

Aircraft Maintenance Technicians

Maintenance technicians with Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification may pursue an online Bachelor’s degree in Aviation/Aeronautics to broaden their knowledge base and qualify for managerial or specialized roles in technical departments. Often, your work experience can contribute to lowering the required credits for the completion of the Bachelor’s program.

Military Personnel and Veterans

Active personnel and veterans in the Air Force or those with aviation-related experience in the military may pursue online degrees to transition into civilian aviation careers after their service. Some online curriculum credits your work experience toward your Bachelor’s degree.

Aviation Enthusiasts and Professionals

Individuals who are already working in the aviation industry like air traffic controllers, aviation managers and aerospace engineers can enroll in the Bachelor’s program to further their education, improve their skills and advance in their careers. The online programs are also ideal for aviation enthusiasts who do not intend to become pilots.

Career Changers

Some students may come from unrelated fields and seek to transition into the aviation industry. Online programs provide flexibility for career changers to gain the necessary qualifications and knowledge to enter the field.

International or Overseas-based Students

Online programs in Aviation/Aeronautics offer the flexibility of obtaining your degree without ever visiting the campus, and thus, they may attract international students looking to study aviation from their home countries or continue their education while working in aviation-related roles. These programs are also ideal for American students who are currently staying abroad and want to further their education.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I become a pilot with a Bachelor’s in Aviation/Aeronautics degree, even if I have no prior flying experience?

Yes, you can. Many flight schools and universities offer integrated flight training programs alongside the academic coursework required for the Aeronautics Aviation online degree. These programs take you from zero flight hours to earning your license as a professional pilot for private, commercial and any other types of flights. It’s a comprehensive path for aspiring pilots. In the case of purely online degree programs, many online institutions work in collaboration with local flight schools so you can obtain your flight hours in a training laboratory nearest you.

Is financial aid available for students pursuing a Bachelor’s in Aviation/Aeronautics?

Yes, it is. Aviation programs, like any other on-campus or online bachelor’s degree, present many ways to reduce tuition costs. These can include scholarships, grants, federal student loans and work-study programs. Additionally, some aviation-specific scholarships are offered by organizations and industry associations. It’s essential to explore financial aid opportunities through your chosen institution and external sources to help fund your education.

What should I consider when choosing a specialization within a Bachelor’s in Aviation/Aeronautics program?

Consider your career goals when selecting a specialization in an Aviation program. If you aspire to become a pilot, focus on programs that offer flight training. If you’re interested in management, look for aviation management or airport operations specializations. Aerospace engineering is an option if you’re inclined toward technical aspects. In essence, you must ensure that the specialization aligns with your long-term career aspirations and enhances your skill set in your chosen field of aviation and aeronautics.

Key Points to Ponder

  • A Bachelor in Aviation/Aeronautics is a gateway to not just becoming a professional pilot but also to a wide variety of careers in the industry whether on the ground, up in the air or into space.
  • While many Bachelor’s programs in Aviation/Aeronautics in online schools provide students with a broad picture of the industry, some programs focus on specific aspects such as Operations Management, Professional Flying and many other specializations.
  • An Aerospace or Aviation degree online typically only accepts students with prior flying experience, while a few provide a hybrid learning format where students are expected to personally come to the Institution’s flying lab or a partner training school in the local area for their flight simulations.

Additional Information:

Malcolm Peralty
Chief Editor