Accredited Online Aviation Degrees

Overview of Online Aviation Degrees

As a vocational program, there are several different educational paths aspiring aviation professionals can take in order to start their career in the industry. An associate degree is comprised of 60 credits and will take two years to complete. This level of degree is the typical minimum required for entry-level positions as an aviation professional. A bachelor's degree in aviation can be earned in four years by completing 121 to 128-credit hours of study. Graduates will be competitive for entry-level work and may be able to find positions at the management level. They will also be well prepared to enter into graduate programs if they wish.

For those interested in graduate studies, a master's degree would be the next step. Master's programs typically take two years to complete the required 30 to 36 credits. Graduates will become competitive in receiving leadership positions and pay advancements. Master degree holders can then go on to doctoral studies where they will be required to complete rigorous studies comprising of at least 60 credit hours and a dissertation over the course of five to six years. Holding a Ph.D. in aviation can prepare professionals for senior jobs in aviation management, air traffic control, and aviation research. Teaching aviation at the university level would also be an option.

Online Bachelor's Degrees in Aviation

Students participating in an online bachelor's program will complete 121 to 128 credit hours of study over the course of four years. A bachelor's program will prepare graduates for various entry-level and management level positions in the aviation industry. Job titles include airline manager, director of aviation, general aviation manager, airport manager, and airport security manager. The skills and knowledge needed to excel in any of these positions will be gained through the completion of courses like introduction to aviation, aerodynamics, airport management, airport design, aviation law, air transportation management, aviation planning, and national airspace system.

Aspiring aviation students applying for bachelor's programs must keep certain admission requirements in mind. If the applicant has completed fewer than 24 credits at an accredited institution they must turn in their high school diploma or GED. Students who have completed 24 or more accredited credit hours will be eligible to transfer those credits. A placement test demonstrating the applicant's efficiency in math and English will also be required. Aviation programs offered at the bachelor level can be found at universities and vocational schools. 

The Importance of an Accredited Online Aviation Degree

Regional accreditation is important for several reasons and should always be considered before enrolling in any online program or institution. Accreditation is the process in which schools and programs are evaluated by outside, non-profit agencies for quality assurance. If students have any interest in transferring to another school or program in their educational future, accreditation will ease the process, as most institutions will only accept transfer credits from another accredited institution. Federal student financial aid is also only available for students who attend accredited institutions. 

The Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) is the main accrediting body for programs in aviation. The organization aims to ensure the quality and relevance of aviation education. They also assist in making any improvements to an organization or program that will benefit all students involved in higher education. AABI makes their assessment of the program based on faculty, staff, administration, students, and resources. Once all information has been gathered the organization decides if the program fits the quality criteria. Participating in an AABI accredited program will make a graduate's resume more attractive to potential employers.

Aviation Jobs

There are many different career paths that aviation graduates can take within the industry based on their professional interests. Sample titles include air traffic controller, airport manager, and airport operations manager. Air traffic controllers help to make sure airplanes land and take off safely, as well as stay an appropriate distance apart while they are in the air. Typical job duties include coordinating the arrival and departure of aircraft, issuing takeoff and landing instructions to the pilot and crew, authorizing changes in flight path, providing weather reports and changes to the pilot and crew, and alerting airport employees when an emergency situation occurs.

Aspiring air traffic controllers will need a minimum of a two to four year degree in aviation or similar field to qualify for positions. All air traffic controllers are required to be certified and must pass a yearly physical exam as well as a bi-yearly job performance exam.

Aviation management is another notable career for those who are interested in working in the industry. Aviation management positions require a bachelor's degree. One aviation management position is that of an airport manager, who is responsible for watching over everything that goes on at a particular airport. Airport managers may find work at smaller airports in rural areas, or large, international airports. Duties will vary greatly depending on the kind of airport being managed. Aviation operations managers are responsible for ensuring safe take off and landing and also work as liaisons between air traffic controllers and maintenance.