10 Best Degrees for Becoming a Pilot What to Study if you want to become an airline pilot

Key Takeaways for Students:

• There are many paths to a career as a pilot
• Some degrees, like aviation and aeronautics, are direct entries into flying
• Other degrees, like computer science and physics, give a good foundation for pilot training

Becoming a pilot is a lofty career goal that can propel your life to new heights (see what we did there?). The Federal Aeronautics Administration (FAA) doesn’t expect an accredited degree to become a pilot. All the FAA wants is two months of ground training and at least 1500 hours in the air before you can get a commercial pilot’s license. Wycliffe A, a student in the Career Pilot and Aviation Management program at
Guilford Technical Community College, had the same inspiration as a lot of pilots: “I loved the airport as a kid, loved airplanes and was always excited to be able to fly on one.”

But a lot of employers – like airlines, obviously – prefer pilots who have degrees in related fields. Military service is a good start, too. Becoming a pilot involves a lot of work, but if it’s your dream to fly above the clouds, a degree from an accredited college or university is a great place to start.

Rank	Degree	Type of Degree	Pilot Training?
1.	Aviation	BS or BA	Direct path
2.	Aviation Technology	BS	Direct path, more technical
3.	Aerospace Engineering	BS	No direct path, more scientific
4.	Aeronautical Science	BS	No direct path, more scientific
5.	Air Traffic Management	BS	No direct path, more managerial
6.	Aviation Management	BS	No direct path, more managerial
7.	Aviation Maintenance	BS	No direct path, more technical
8.	Computer Science	BS	No direct path, more technical
9.	Physics	BS	No direct path, more technical
10.	Chemistry	BS	No direct path, more technical

There are lots of places to get the degrees in this list, and it’s even possible to study for some of these degrees online. But you should know that employers will look very closely at the school you chose for your degree. Degrees from schools like the United States Air Force Academy will look better to them than lower-quality schools.

The aviation industry is massive and there are many career opportunities that are available.

Wycliffe A, Student Pilot

In this list, we’ll cover the top 10 degrees you might want to consider as you work to become a pilot. Some degrees might be a more direct road than others, but all of the degrees we’ve listed will take you one step closer to soaring through the skies. Read on for a full overview of the 10 best degrees to get for becoming a pilot and why they’re useful for your career ambitions.

1. Bachelor of Aviation

The most obvious degree to get if you want to be a pilot is a bachelor’s degree in aviation. Some schools offer an aviation degree as a Bachelor of Science (BS) program. But others offer aviation education as part of a Bachelor of Arts (BA). In either case, it’s a very specific kind of degree that covers everything you need to know to be a pilot.

The actual course of study will depend on the college. Colleges offer different aviation degrees, so the classes you take will vary. But most programs require you to get into the school first and keep your grades up to stay on track.

Getting a bachelor’s degree in aviation involves subjects like airplane engineering, electrical stuff, and flying. You might also take classes on fixing planes, running airports, and other aviation jobs depending on what you want to do later.

Aviation degrees take 4 to 6 years to finish. Longer programs give you more flight training to become a commercial pilot. Accelerated programs might help get you your license quicker, but they don’t teach you as much for the real job.

How does it prepare you for being a pilot?

Many Bachelor of Aviation programs let you leave with a full commercial pilot certification when you finish the program. Most commercial airlines are going to want their pilots to have a full four-year degree before they start training. If you have a degree specifically in aviation, they’re going to see you as a better bet.

So if you want a job in aviation as soon as you graduate, shooting for a bachelor’s degree in aviation is the most direct route. In the last two years of school, you can find internships with airlines or other aviation-related companies. That’s why a bachelor’s degree in aviation is a very career-oriented choice.

If you won’t mind taking your time on your path to the skies, there are other degrees that will work. Keep in mind that many of the same courses taught in Bachelor of Aviation programs are also components of other degree paths. If you take a different route to become a pilot, you can still build on a degree in a different area.

2. Bachelor of Science in Aviation Technology

If you’re already a pilot from the military or have some flying experience, a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Technology might be a great fit. This degree program gets you a commercial pilot’s license along with your bachelor’s degree by the time you graduate.

Since aviation technology programs prepare you to take to the air, they involve a lot of flight training. You’ll also learn about aircraft maintenance, and how to operate aircraft systems. Plus, you’ll brush up on aerodynamics and other parts of physics that apply to operating aircraft.

How does it prepare you for being a pilot?

Just like a Bachelor of Arts in Aviation, a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Technology can equip you to become a pilot. However, the specific pilot licenses offered can vary between programs. So, pick one that aligns with your career goals.

Some employers might prefer a BS in Aviation Technology because these programs are known to be more demanding. You might also learn more technical skills in a BS program compared to a BA, which often focuses more on general aviation knowledge.

3. Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering

An Aerospace Engineering degree might not put you straight in the pilot’s seat, but flight schools and airlines consider it a major plus. While you’ll still need additional flight training to become a pilot, this degree opens doors to many more career options in aviation compared to a standard Bachelor of Arts or Science in Aviation.

Be prepared for a tough ride if you choose a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering. Only a small number of schools offer accredited programs, so it will be competitive. You’ll generally need strong academic performance to be accepted. However, once you get in, you’ll have access to top-tier training that prepares you for a wide range of exciting careers in the aviation and aerospace industries.

An Aerospace Engineering program will include some courses you’d find in aviation degrees, like aerodynamics and thermodynamics. Those are important for understanding how airplanes fly. But you’ll also delve into more specialized areas like space flight and rockets. Those are geared towards careers in NASA and other space agencies.

How does it prepare you for being a pilot?

Completing a full aerospace engineering degree might be overkill if you just want to become a commercial pilot. If flying for an airline sounds like a great backup career while you shoot for the stars, however, pursuing aerospace engineering might be a great educational path.

It’s possible to get a BS in aerospace engineering that focuses mainly on skills you’ll need as a pilot. Plus, having an aerospace engineering degree will put you at the head of the list when it comes time to apply to prospective employers in the aviation industry.

4. Bachelor of Aeronautical Science

Being an Aeronautical Science major means learning how airplanes work, from the smallest parts to the most crucial (the wings, maybe). This lets you design and build whole airplanes, but it won’t make you a pilot right away. Still, knowing how planes fly gives you a big advantage over other job seekers.

Most people with Aeronautical Science degrees become mechanics who fix planes, or engineers who design new airplane parts. But you can also become an air traffic controller, keeping planes safe in the sky. This might seem like a specific area, but it actually opens doors to many different jobs in the exciting world of airplanes and rockets.

How does it prepare you for being a pilot?

Aeronautical Science won’t put you in the pilot’s seat just yet. Even after graduating, you’ll need extra training to fly because this program doesn’t involve actual flying.

The good news? Your classes will cover a lot of the same stuff pilots learn. Plus, with this degree, you have more career options than someone with just an aviation degree. So even if you become a pilot later, your knowledge of airplanes will be super helpful if you ever decide to switch to designing them instead!

5. Bachelor of Science in Air Traffic Management

A BS in air traffic management is the best choice if you want to be an air traffic controller. This very specialized career path needs a lot of know-how and experience, but most air traffic management degrees only take four years to get.

Air traffic controllers are like air marshals for airplanes. They watch planes in the sky to make sure they don’t crash or get too congested. To become a controller, you’ll learn how planes work and how to read the weather. That way, you can keep planes safe even in storms.

How does it prepare you for being a pilot?

Thinking about becoming a pilot someday? An air traffic control degree can actually help! Learning about bad weather in this program is super useful for pilots, because sometimes they need to change course to avoid storms. Many pilots don’t know much about weather, so your knowledge will give you an edge.

An air traffic control degree shows employers you know the rules of the sky and can keep things running smoothly. This can give you an advantage over people with just a general aviation degree.

This degree won’t make you a pilot right away, but it opens doors to other jobs like airport manager or even airplane engineer. So even if you don’t end up controlling planes, this degree sets you up for a great career in aviation.

6. Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management

Aviation managers handle the on-the-ground operations that help pilots keep their planes in the air. Most aviation managers work for charter companies, but it’s possible to find a career in aviation management with major airliners as well. While aviation management courses include plenty of background on airplanes and how they work, this degree is ultimately more about business management than it is about piloting aircraft.

How does it prepare you for being a pilot?

Aviation management is a highly specialized skill, and most people who pursue this degree end up choosing careers as aviation managers. Being in airports and around planes, however, will provide you with plenty of connections if you decide to switch gears and become a pilot. Plus, your vast experience with airplanes and airports will be considered a plus when you apply for positions as a pilot.

7. Bachelor of Science in Aviation Maintenance

If you like the idea of becoming a pilot but want to keep your options open, a degree in aviation maintenance could be a good choice. Earning a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Maintenance Management is an alternative degree path in the same basic discipline. Aviation Maintenance involves managing aircraft maintenance operations, which is more suited for people who want to get into management or operations jobs.

How does it prepare you for being a pilot?

As part of your BS in aviation maintenance program, you’ll learn the basics of how aircraft work, and you can then apply this knowledge to a career as a pilot if you decide to switch paths. If you already know your way around airplanes and airports, it will be easier to enter flight school and earn your wings. Securing a degree in aviation maintenance will provide you with a designated career path, but working in an airport environment will allow you to expand your horizons whenever it’s time for a change.

8. Bachelor in Computer Science

Now that we’ve covered all the major aviation-related degrees you can use to become a pilot, it’s time to touch on some other degrees that will make it easier to get into your top flight school pick and find a job as a pilot. Computer science has very little to do with the science of flying a plane, but any science-related degree will help your chances of embarking on your dream career.

As an undergraduate studying computer science, you will learn how to engineer computer hardware and develop software. A degree in computer science can prepare you for a variety of different career paths, so if your dream of becoming a pilot doesn’t come to fruition, your background in computer science will provide you with plenty of backup options.

How does it prepare you for being a pilot?

Like any science-related degree, a BS in computer science will look good on applications for airline pilot positions. You will not directly use your degree in computer science during an average day as a pilot, but your background in how computer systems work may help you grasp the complex equipment that planes use to stay in the air.

9. Bachelor of Science in Physics

A BS in physics may do more to prepare you for life as a pilot than any other generic science degree. Most physics programs, for instance, include courses on thermodynamics and aerodynamics, which are both included in aviation programs as well.

As an undergraduate studying physics, you will most likely take courses like quantum physics, theoretical physics, analytical mechanics, and other areas of study that will help you learn about the physical world. Even if you’re only slightly interested in being a pilot, it’s never too early to focus on aerodynamics courses and related areas of study.

How does it prepare you for being a pilot?

Pilots often have to make calculations and understand the forces that move airplanes. As a pilot, you will probably use your knowledge of physics on the job every day, even if a physics degre doesn’t directly prepare you for piloting an aircraft.

10. Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

If you already have a degree in chemistry, your credentials will help you find a job in the aviation industry. You will not use your chemistry degree on the job as a pilot, but your background in science will put you a step ahead of applicants who have BAs and other non-scientific degrees.

As you complete the courses that are necessary to receive a BS in chemistry, you will learn how both organic and inorganic chemical systems operate. You will also learn how to handle chemicals, and you will discover how different chemical compounds interact with one another. Most undergraduate chemistry programs take four years to complete.

How does it prepare you for being a pilot?

A degree in chemistry does not directly prepare you for being a pilot. Knowing the fundamentals of chemistry may be helpful if you choose to pursue further education in air traffic management. Understanding how meteorological systems work requires a firm grasp of chemistry, and aviation meteorology is a major component of most air traffic management programs.

What is the Best Degree to Become a Pilot?

Prospective employers will want to see a degree that is directly related to piloting aircraft. Therefore, BA and BS degrees in fields like aviation, aeronautical science, and aerospace engineering can land you directly into flight training programs that lead to rewarding careers.

If you aren’t entirely sure that you want to be a pilot, however, there are plenty of other degree paths you can choose that will still set you up for flying aircraft in the future. Institutions that train pilots commonly accept degrees in any scientific field as prerequisites, so undergrads who want to keep their options open while they dream of flight would be better off choosing BS degrees in physics, chemistry, or computer science.

You could choose a different career path in aviation and switch to being a pilot later in life. Directing operations on the ground in airports or maintaining aircraft are great career paths when you know you want to be around planes but you’re not sure if you’re ready to fly. With experience around planes and airports, it will be easy to enter flight school programs when you decide you want to be a pilot.

What Do I Have to Do to Become a Pilot?

There are a lot of aspects of becoming a pilot that many people don’t know. Let Wycliffe A explain it to you, from his personal experience:

Physical Fitness: Wycliffe A was surprised to find that “you need to be in fairly good shape physically and mentally.” In addition, “the FAA will be very interested to know if you are on or were ever on anti-depressants or ADHD medications.” The medical certification is more demanding than most people realize.

Expense: According to Wycliffe, “Flying is really expensive. I haven’t done enough of it to need to take out a loan yet, but I plan on doing so in the future to cover the full cost of getting my commercial pilots license.”

Different Kinds of Licenses: Most people going to pilot school don’t realize there’s a difference between the commercial pilots license – the one that clears you to fly for money – and the ATP license, which is the one you need to fly for the airlines.

Time Commitment: Becoming a pilot can take years, or as little as 9 months. As Wycliffe notes, some programs “will essentially take you from zero to hero – that is no experience to
a commercial pilot – in 9 months.” Or, you can spend a few years earning certifications part-time through different colleges and flight schools.

Salary Estimates For Pilot Careers

CAREERS	MEDIAN	RANGE
Commercial Airline	$187k	$168k-$209k
Commercial Airline Co-Pilot	$151k	$134k-$170k
Express Delivery	$212k	$239k
Federal Government (excluding postal service)	$104k	$116k
Test Pilot	$127k	$108k-$147k
Helicopter	$105k	$89k-$135k
Ambulance/Medical Service	$88k	$75k-$100k
Military	$127k	$114k-$141k
NASA – Civilian Pilot	$67k	$66k-$77k
NASA – Military Pilot	$113k	$99k-$130k

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