Depending on the role, aeronautics and aviation professionals may fly planes and unmanned aircraft, repair spacecraft, or manage airlines.
A bachelor's degree in aviation or aeronautics prepares graduates for careers like airplane pilot, air traffic controller, and aviation manager. These fields offer lucrative salaries and strong job growth. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6% job growth through 2028 for airline and commercial pilots, who make an average salary of over $115,000 per year.
Top 10 Online Bachelor's Programs in Aeronautics and Aviation 2020
- Hampton University Hampton, VA
- Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology Flushing, NY
- Liberty University Lynchburg, VA
- University of Nebraska at Omaha Omaha, NE
- Lynn University Boca Raton, FL
- LeTourneau University Longview, TX
- Everglades University Boca Raton, FL
- Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus Portales, NM
- Hallmark University San Antonio, TX
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide Daytona Beach, FL
Table of Contents
This page introduces the best online bachelor's programs in aeronautics and aviation, including how to choose the right program and aviation job opportunities.
During a bachelor's in aviation and aeronautics, students build the knowledge and skills required for in-demand aeronautics and aviation jobs. Earning an aviation bachelor's degree online gives students the flexibility to balance their studies with personal and professional obligations. Online learners can often complete courses on their own schedule without required login times.
Best Online Bachelor's Programs in Aeronautics and Aviation
School List
| Rank | School | Location | Apply | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Hampton University |
Hampton, VA | ||
| 2 |
Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology |
Flushing, NY | ||
| 3 |
Liberty University |
Lynchburg, VA | ||
| 4 |
University of Nebraska at Omaha |
Omaha, NE | ||
| 5 |
Lynn University |
Boca Raton, FL | ||
| 6 |
LeTourneau University |
Longview, TX | ||
| 7 |
Everglades University |
Boca Raton, FL | ||
| 8 |
Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus |
Portales, NM | ||
| 9 |
Hallmark University |
San Antonio, TX | ||
| 10 |
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide |
Daytona Beach, FL |
End of list, bravo!
Online Bachelor's Programs in Aeronautics and Aviation Ranking Guidelines
We selected the following degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing an Online Bachelor's in Aeronautics and Aviation Degree Program
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.
The best online aviation programs often cultivate relationships with top employers, giving students internship opportunities with airlines, airplane manufacturers, and other aeronautics employers.
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.
What Is Aviation Management?
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.
Aviation management professionals can specialize in areas like airline management, airport management, or air commerce management.
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.
What Is Aeronautics?
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.
Aeronautics professionals can specialize in areas like engineering, aviation, and navigation.
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.
What is a Bachelor's Degree in Aviation?
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.
During a bachelor's in aviation, students gain the knowledge and skills necessary for aviation careers.
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.
Aeronautics and Aviation Jobs
A bachelor's degree in aviation prepares graduates for several lucrative career paths, such as aircraft mechanic, commercial pilot, and air traffic controller.
Air Traffic Controllers
Air traffic controllers monitor and direct aircraft on the ground and in the air. They provide landing and takeoff instructions for pilots, inform pilots about critical flight information, and manage aircraft entering and leaving their airspace.
Most air traffic controllers manage multiple aircraft simultaneously, working as tower controllers, approach and departure controllers, or en route controllers. Air traffic controllers maintain a safe environment for crews, passengers, and equipment. They also minimize delays and increase efficiency by overseeing the flow of aircraft.
Median Annual Salary
$124,540
Projected Growth Rate
1%
Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians
Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians repair and perform maintenance on aircraft. Aircraft mechanics diagnose mechanical and electrical problems to repair aircraft components like electrical systems and brakes. They also replace defective parts and perform regular maintenance scans using diagnostic equipment. Aircraft mechanics must ensure their work meets performance standards and maintain records of their repairs and maintenance.
Avionics technicians specialize in electronic instruments. They diagnose performance problems and equipment malfunctions by analyzing flight test data and testing electronic instruments. Avionics technicians also install instrument panels, repair malfunctioning components, and keep records on their maintenance and repair work.
Median Annual Salary
$63,060
Projected Growth Rate
3%
Airline and Commercial Pilots
Airline and commercial pilots fly airplanes, helicopters, and other aircraft. They must check the condition of their aircraft before and after a flight, ensure the aircraft meets performance and safety standards, and verify weather conditions before a flight. Pilots submit flight plans to air traffic control and communicate with air traffic controllers to navigate on the ground and in the air.
During a flight, pilots operate aircraft along planned routes while monitoring engines, fuel consumption, and other aircraft systems. They must also respond to changing conditions, including emergencies, such as a mechanical malfunction. During takeoff and landing, pilots closely coordinate with flight engineers, air traffic controllers, and ground personnel.
Median Annual Salary
$115,670
Projected Growth Rate
6%
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
