Aviation Degree or Business Degree?

FlyByWire22

FlyByWire22

Well-Known Member
Hello everyone,

I'm new to the forums, so I guess this is kinda of a introduction and first post all in one :D I've searched the forums regarding aviation degrees and non-aviation degrees; and heard most of the arguments. I'm currently a freshman at Western Michigan University, enrolled in the aviation flight science program. Ultimately, I'de like to be part of a corporate flight department, as a pilot. When I graduate in four years, I will have a degree in aviation flight sciences; which as most would agree is useless outside of aviation. I just got back from KBTL, where my instructor just informed me he just got a new job and will be leaving in two weeks. Great for him, I love seeing people moving up and he deserves it, but it just left me a little frustrated. I feel like this turnover will be a common theme at a collegiate aviation program (no offense to those enrolled in similar programs). So long story short I'm needing some opinions/words of advice on where to go from here. Do I enroll in the maintenance program, and get my A&P, but have a degree that is useless outside of aviation; or do I change completely and just get a general business degree? Because if anything were to happen, rendering me uncapable of flying for a living, I want a backup. Any help would be greatly appreciated, and I didn't really know where to post this, so feel free to move it to an appropriate spot.

Thanks!
 
Go Broncos!

I started at Western in the fall of 2001 studying aviation flight science, and having come in with my private, quickly realized the program wasn't for me. I switched to aviation management, thinking it'd somehow be better, but that only last about another semester. During my sophomore year I ended up switching to political science, and finally graduated with a degree in philosophy.

I currently work at a regional.

My point? Study something you enjoy, not something that'll "get you a job," because frankly such a degree doesn't exist (as much as pilots want it to). Could you study engineering or computer science and be fairly well qualified for a position? Sure, and maybe you could add nursing to that list too. But for the most part, the majority of undergraduate degrees simply show employers that you're not a hack and can get something done over an extended period of time. Additionally, an undergraduate degree will teach you HOW to think, which is huge.

I'm pretty happy with my philosophy degree. I'd recommend you find something you want to study, and then devote yourself to it. If that's aviation, that's cool, but if it's not, study something else and fly on the side, it worked out for this hick from the thumb.
 
FlyByWire22 said:
Do I enroll in the maintenance program, and get my A&P, but have a degree that is useless outside of aviation; or do I change completely and just get a general business degree? Because if anything were to happen, rendering me uncapable of flying for a living, I want a backup.
Click to expand...
I think you may have just answered your own question ;)

Welcome to JC! I'm a year younger than you and used to want to go into Aviation degrees but said to myself "Self , I really love History and if I don't fly professionally, I'd be a teacher and flight instruct during the summers as a part time job. So because of that I'm going to go to college for History/Education and fly on the side. This way I can graduate being able to do way more that I enjoy. I'd say get your degree in what you enjoy. I've been told to enjoy your 4 years in college and to me, enjoying it means studying what I want, where I want and being able to make friends who have different hobbies and interests than just Aviation.

Mike
 
1B9Pilot said:
Welcome to JC! I'm a year younger than you and used to want to go into Aviation degrees but said to myself "Self , I really love History and if I don't fly professionally, I'd be a teacher and flight instruct during the summers as a part time job. So because of that I'm going to go to college for History/Education and fly on the side. This way I can graduate being able to do way more that I enjoy. I'd say get your degree in what you enjoy. I've been told to enjoy your 4 years in college and to me, enjoying it means studying what I want, where I want and being able to make friends who have different hobbies and interests than just Aviation.

Mike
Click to expand...

THIS!!!

I love flying, and I'm very fortunate for all my friends who fly airplanes.

But I'm glad there are people in my life that know nothing about what I do, don't care about it, and don't want to talk about airplanes when I get back from a trip.
 
jtrain609 said:
I'm pretty happy with my philosophy degree. I'd recommend you find something you want to study, and then devote yourself to it. If that's aviation, that's cool, but if it's not, study something else and fly on the side, it worked out for this hack from the thumb.
Click to expand...
Fixed it for ya, ya hackopotamus.

But really, that's pretty good advice. I got a degree in flying and fixing, it worked for me, and if you have questions about that kind of program I'll be more than happy to answer.
 
I got a business degree.... If I could go back again, I would have done something aviation related. I didn't really like the last 5 years of my life taking one class after another dealing with a subject I had no interest in. Now I am stuck at an entry level 9-5 $25k per year job, not knowing what the weather is outside because the one window is too far from my desk. The degree is very generic and you tend to blend in with a lot of the competition out there. If you want to do something in business, get a finance or accounting degree. Makes you more marketable. Do something that interest you. Even if it is aviation. That is my advice.
 
Despite the fact that I am in the aviation degree business, I generally agree with the sentiments expressed above. You don't need a degree in aviation to get a job in aviation. I always tell prospective students that if your passion is aviation, come on down...but you can pursue that passion without an aviation degree. What type degree? Well that depends...I'm the practical type, so I would pursue something that would help me as a backup should my aviation career hit a speed bump. I've been around the business for 40 years now and the one thing I can predict is that it is unpredictable...so much depends on timing and a host of variables beyond your control...and anybody's ability to predict. A practical backup might be a good option. On the other hand I have to admit the idea of a history or philosophy degree is pretty appealing...I find both subjects fascinating. Just depends on how you are wired I guess. Some folks want to be "all-in" in aviation, that's what we are here for. Overstating the benefits of an aviation degree is unethical as far as I am concerned, but that doesn't mean that it isn't the best option for some.
 
As far as instuctor turnover at 141 I feel your pain. But im not sure which school gaurantees an instructor is available 100% of the time right now.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top