Masters or not

  • Thread starter Thread starter B
  • Start date Start date

B

Well-Known Member
Here is a question for ya all. I just finished my under grad degree in aviation. Is it worth while to have a masters degree as a pilot?
 
Only if you're interested in a management pilot position or get one in an area in furtherance of a side gig--but I wouldn't bother with one in anything aviation-related (in fact, I wouldn't--and didn't--bother with an aviation-related undergrad degree).
 
It's not going to do you any good as a pilot (except that an MBA might help in the corp. flight world). But if you want to get a Masters Degree, go for it! Knowledge is good.

MF
 
[ QUOTE ]
What's included in the masters degree? (Flight time and etc.)

[/ QUOTE ]

No flying involved in a Masters degree....
 
I have heard form many people that I should have something to fall back on. I think that if I lose my medical I can combine a degree in aviation safety and my experience as a pilot to get a good paying job in the industry.ie FAA, NTSB, ect. I don't know why some one would just abandon a career after so many years.
 
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
What's included in the masters degree? (Flight time and etc.)

[/ QUOTE ]

No flying involved in a Masters degree....

[/ QUOTE ]

Lots and lots of research and writing papers though! Almost as fun as flying.
laugh.gif
crazy.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]
(in fact, I wouldn't--and didn't--bother with an aviation-related undergrad degree).

[/ QUOTE ]

It's nothing more than liberal arts with flying on the side anyway.
 
[ QUOTE ]
I have heard form many people that I should have something to fall back on. I think that if I lose my medical I can combine a degree in aviation safety and my experience as a pilot to get a good paying job in the industry.ie FAA, NTSB, ect. I don't know why some one would just abandon a career after so many years.

[/ QUOTE ]

As far as I know a good number of the non flying jobs in the FAA still require you to maintain your currency (at least the ones where you would transition from being an airline pilot to FAA inspector).

Its good to have a backup...but personally I'd pick something non aviation related(For example my backup is computers)...and I think a masters degree for a backup might be overkill. .

I'm hardly an expert though. Best of luck with whatever you choose.
 
I ended up getting mine.. but it is purely for personal reasons to fall back on during those times I may not be flying or pursuing my next opportunity.
 
[ QUOTE ]
I think it's worth it to have the Masters Degree just....because!

[/ QUOTE ]

Now, there you go again, you elistist liberal snob. Preaching education just because? What's wrong with you?
buck.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I think it's worth it to have the Masters Degree just....because!

[/ QUOTE ]

Now, there you go again, you elistist liberal snob. Preaching education just because? What's wrong with you?
buck.gif


[/ QUOTE ]

Darn, busted again!!!
grin.gif
Imagine, somebody that values education for the sake of learning...what's next? Feeding the poor?
smirk.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]
Feeding the poor?
smirk.gif


[/ QUOTE ]

Well, it's not like it's in the Bible or anything.

Oh, wait.
smirk.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Feeding the poor?
smirk.gif


[/ QUOTE ]

Well, it's not like it's in the Bible or anything.

Oh, wait.
smirk.gif


[/ QUOTE ]

That's the left-wing interpretation, tony....get it right!
 
You do not need a masters to be a management pilot. I think you would be far wiser spending the money on flight training.
 
I get my Msater's degree here in about 2 weeks. MS in Aviaition Safety from Central Missouri State University. The main reason I did it was when I started, I was flight instructing for CMSU, nobody was hiring, and it was a good opportunity (just finished the BS, already in the "school frame of mind", defers student loans, etc).

Will I ever use it? Who knows. But I've learned some cool stuff and seen some cool stuff along the way. I've gotten NBAA PDP certificates out of it, learned about aircraft accident investigation, learned about airport planning and management, and various other things about aviation, but not necessarily flying. I didn't have to write too many research papers, but there were projects and presentations that were just as involved such as:
-"Here's a list of requirements we want for a corporate flight department, set it up on paper."
-Design an airport to handle X amount of operations, the biggest airplane is a B-757, expect to handle this many passengers on a daily basis.
-Set up an Aviation Safety Program.
-Investigate an airplane "accident" (old crashed airplane set up the way it was crashed).

If you have the time, resources, and desire to get your Master's degree, get it. It's something that can't be taken away from you. You may decide during the course of it to go into a different area of aviation or another industry completely.

Chris
 
Back
Top