Best Online Bachelor’s in Aeronautics and Aviation

Prospective aeronautics and aviation students should consider several factors when choosing an online program, such as admission requirements, school reputation, and specializations. Admission requirements vary by school. Some programs only admit students with a pilot license, while others let students complete license requirements during their degree. Applicants who do not meet the admission requirements may need to spend extra time and money completing coursework or earning licensure before enrolling.

School reputation and program specializations can also help prospective students narrow their choices. The best online aviation programs often cultivate relationships with top employers, giving students internship opportunities with airlines, airplane manufacturers, and other aeronautics employers.

Additionally, prospective students should research whether a program leads to certification in their desired field. For example, many aeronautics and aviation programs meet the requirements for Federal Aviation Administration certifications, such as air traffic controller and pilot certification. After carefully researching aeronautics and aviation programs, prospective students can find the best fit for their professional goals.

Professionals who specialize in aviation management operate the business side of airlines, airports, and aircraft manufacturers. Aviation managers may oversee the daily operations of an aircraft manufacturer or manage a department within an airline. They may also supervise aviation professionals at an airport or oversee airport security.

Aviation management professionals can specialize in areas like airline management, airport management, or air commerce management. A background in air transportation prepares aviation managers for roles like freight and cargo manager.

A career in aviation management requires training in management, business administration, and aeronautical science. Aviation managers need leadership and organizational skills in addition to strong communication and interpersonal abilities.

Most aviation managers hold at least a bachelor’s degree. Both a degree in business administration with a concentration in aviation management and a bachelor’s in aviation management prepare graduates for aviation management careers. Most programs incorporate an internship to give students hands-on experience in the field.

Aeronautics denotes the science and practice of flying vehicles, including the design, manufacturing, and operation of airplanes, aircraft, and spacecraft. Aeronautics professionals can specialize in areas like engineering, aviation, and navigation.

Aeronautical engineers design commercial jets, satellites, and helicopters, ensuring their designs meet safety standards and operate as intended. Mechanics and technicians repair aeronautical equipment and maintain aircraft to improve safety. Pilots operate aircraft, including commercial jets, military fighter planes, and helicopters. Aeronautics professionals can also specialize in unmanned aircraft systems and air traffic control.

A bachelor of science in aeronautics prepares graduates for most aeronautics careers. During an aeronautics degree, students build aviation skills and knowledge and receive hands-on training with aircraft. Many aeronautics programs offer concentrations in areas like aviation maintenance, air traffic management, and commercial space operations.

Aeronautics encompasses a variety of specializations that offer lucrative earning potential. For example, airplane pilots and air traffic controllers earn average salaries of over $100,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Many aviation and aeronautics careers require a bachelor’s degree. Prospective aviation professionals can pursue an aviation bachelor’s degree online to meet the education requirements for aviation jobs, like airline pilot, in a flexible, accessible format.

During a bachelor’s in aviation, students gain the knowledge and skills necessary for aviation careers. They complete courses on topics like airplane aerodynamics, commercial flight, and aviation safety. They may also take courses on aviation weather, turbine engines, and GPS navigation.

Depending on the program, online learners may complete classes in an asynchronous or synchronous format. In an asynchronous format, students do not log in at set times for their classes, while a synchronous format includes set meeting times. Some programs offer an accelerated format that allows students to graduate in less than four years.

Many online aviation bachelor’s programs incorporate internships or external requirements to prepare students for aviation jobs. For example, online students may enter the program with a pilot’s license or complete the requirements for a pilot’s license through a local program while earning their degree.

A bachelor’s degree in aviation prepares graduates for several lucrative career paths, such as aircraft mechanic, commercial pilot, and air traffic controller.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics