There has been a constant growth in the air transportation industry in the United States (US). The reason for the growth is that most people prefer using air transportation to get to their destinations because it is the fastest mode of transport. The increased growth in the industry has influenced several institutions of higher education such as Western Michigan University, Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Purdue University, and Ohio State University to offer programs in aviation.

The program enables students to acquire strong technical skills supported by decision-making, critical thinking, and communication abilities. The program also prepares students for teamwork and cockpit resource management. The program is designed to take four years. In the US, the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) is responsible for accrediting the bachelor's degree in professional flight.

Academic Qualifications Required to Apply for an Aviation Degree

For applicants to be admitted for an aviation bachelor's degree in the US, they should meet the set academic qualifications. Applicants should present official high school transcripts to help the institution to get information about the candidate relating to academic preparation. The transcripts show the courses that a candidate has taken and grades to determine if the applicant is adequately prepared for the dynamic nature of college-level work.

For a candidate to be admitted for an aviation bachelor's degree in the US, the applicant must have earned a “C” or better in any IB, AP, Dual Enrollment, Honors, or AICE course. An applicant for an aviation bachelor's degree in the US must have a minimum GPA of 2.5. An applicant must be aged 17 years and above. A candidate must have a General Education Diploma (GED), a high school diploma, or equivalent. Additionally, an applicant must have a passing score on an SAT exam or entrance exam.

Application Criteria

After identifying a preferred institution, an applicant should meet with an admission associate to obtain program details. An applicant should obtain information from the financial services department to determine how to pay for the degree. The visit to the financial services department is important to allow one complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), estimate the cost of attendance, and determining the aid or scholarships that a candidate is qualified to apply. A candidate must complete an application form. Additionally, an applicant should provide relevant documents such as a social security card, official high school transcript, and birth certificate to help in the assessment for admission in the institution.

Application Documents

Universities and colleges offering an aviation bachelor's degree in the US have different application procedures that applicants should follow before getting admitted for an aviation bachelor's degree. However, the main documents required during admission into the aviation program include official high school transcript with evidence of graduation, driver’s license or ID card, birth certificate, social security card, and FAA class 3 medical certificates. Non-U.S. applicants are required to get Transportation Security Administration (TSA) approval through the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). Applicants may also be required to provide their curriculum vitae (CV), a personal statement, and a letter of recommendation during the application process.

The Course Syllabus

In most universities, students enrolled in aviation programs are required to take eight aviation core courses. The courses include the private pilot fundamentals, introduction to the aviation industry, aviation communication, aviation management and marketing, aircraft performance and weather, aviation regulations, aviation capstone, and aviation human factors and safety. Students may also be required to take additional courses in finance, marketing, management, administration, and economics.

The Cost of Undertaking an Aviation Degree

The cost of an aviation bachelor's degree in the US varies from one institution to another. Among the factors that influence the cost of an aviation degree program are geographical location, admission terms, and residency, especially when students choose to live in campus dorms. The cost of an aviation bachelor's degree in the US ranges from an annual $18,069 to $56,050 out of total state cost. Financial aid, such as US federal student loans, is available to students pursuing aviation programs.

Other federal financial aid programs include Pell Grant, no credit check student loan, and cosigner student loans. Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) also offers financial aid to help in funding flight training. Additionally, there are several scholarship opportunities for aviation students from organizations such as the women’s pilot group 99s, the Greater Miami Aviation Association (GMAA), and the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP).

Internship Opportunities in the Aviation Field

Institutions offering aviation programs can organize internship opportunities for their students. Students can get internship opportunities in different US airports, airlines, and consulting companies. Students can gain valuable skills and experiences through internships programs with airlines such as JetBlue Airlines, American Airlines, and Southwest Airlines.

Employment Opportunities in Aviation

There are numerous higher-paying employment opportunities in the manufacturing and engineering sectors for individuals with a degree in aviation. Advancement in the level of technology has led to increased demand for aviation professionals in the US. For every pilot operating an aircraft, there are about ten other aviation professionals involved in ensuring the successful operation and planning of a flight. The professionals include flight instructors, airport managers, members of regulatory bodies, fixed base operators, government consultants, and air traffic controllers.

A person with a degree in aviation program can get employment opportunities in airlines and fields such as aviation support systems, cargo aviation, corporate aviation, flight support and planning, and air transportation management. There are other airport-based jobs available to a graduate of an aviation program. A graduate can work as a pilot, or co-pilot, aircraft and avionics mechanic, airfield operations specialist, transportation security screener, or aeronautical engineer.