If you have dreams of a career in the sky, the first step to starting your professional pilot career is school. Although a formal bachelor’s degree in aviation is not a requirement to earn a private pilot license (PPL), most major airlines are beginning to require a degree or give preference to pilots with aviation degrees. To edge out your competition, we recommend enrolling in a professional pilot program and earning your bachelor’s degree.
In-Person Program vs. Online Program
Numerous studies have found that online degrees are just as prestigious as traditional degrees, so earning a degree online will still give you the same opportunities within the aviation industry as a traditional one.
You do not need to have any flight experience to gain admission to a university’s undergraduate aviation program. Applying to an aviation program is not that different from applying to any other type of program, and the career path is not solely fit for those who excel in or prefer STEM subjects. Choosing the right educational option for your desired aviation career path largely depends on how you prefer to learn.
Traditional brick-and-mortar aviation programs usually follow a full-time, rigid class schedule and require students to wait until later in their schooling journey to begin flight training and obtain the flight certifications necessary to complete their degrees. However, online programs work a little differently.
Benefits of an Online Aviation Degree
Earning your degree online gives you an opportunity to earn your certifications and formal degree while attending flight school at a partner location at the same time. This setup is ideal for students who have other responsibilities and commitments that require a more flexible schedule.
Online programs also tend to be less expensive than in-person schooling. Some schools charge a flat tuition rate that does not make school more expensive for out-of-state students, and many offer financial aid packages that are easy to apply for.
Which Online Program is Right for Me?
With over 100 online programs out there, it can be difficult to pick from the list. The most important thing to consider when researching schools is accreditation status. You should always choose a college or university that has received accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. These programs go through a rigorous process that involves extensive reviews to earn their accreditations, proving that they are a trustworthy and high-quality option. Accreditation also impacts your eligibility for financial aid as well as the potential for your course credits to transfer if you decide to choose another school down the road.
We also recommend choosing an online program that offers flight school instruction close to where you live. Online degrees are built for convenience, so flight training should be too! Take a look at the local centers that partner with universities to ensure you’re learning from the best flight instructors in your area.
Ready to take to the sky?
An online aviation degree can open up a world of opportunities for those who want to become airline pilots. With the extraordinary demands of the aviation industry, there are tons of jobs available for those with the proper training and education. Plus, with the availability of online aviation programs, it has never been easier to start your aviation career and professional pilot training.
If you’re ready to begin the perfect online aviation program, give Jeff Air Pilot Services a call! We’re proud to partner with Indiana Wesleyan National & Global to offer flexible and affordable flight school training and the opportunity to obtain a formal degree!