BS in Aviation (pilot training and college degree)

I know University of Oklahoma offers this, anyone familiar with it, or any other school that offers it? rising HS senior has always wanted to be a pilot. I know, Colorado Springs, but was looking for other options. Thanks!

Louisiana Tech has an aviation program.

I would not recommend it. The son of a friend had one, became an airline pilot. When he was laid off he went back to school to get a more marketable degree (engineering).

The University of North Dakota has a well-respected aviation program, and has been called the “Harvard of aviation”. It also has the advantage of being really, really cheap for OOS students - ~$20,000 a year in tuition.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - has two campuses, one in Daytona Beach and one in Prescott, Arizona. has BS in aeronautical science that teaches you how to fly.

Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology on Long Island, NY has an aviation major with flight training.

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association maintains a database with schools with flight training programs in each state: http://flighttraining.aopa.org/learntofly/school/aviation_colleges/

Southern Illinois University has a good aviation science program. I have heard anecdotally, though, that it may be a better financial choice to get your pilot’s license on your own and go to college for related fields rather than paying college prices for aviation courses. You may want to consider that in your research for schools and programs.

Florida Tech, but it costs $15000 per year in addition to tuition, so not a cheap option.

My brother hires lots of commercial pilots. His suggestion was along Charger2’s lines, possibly doing college through an on-line program - the aviation degree is unnecessary, and minimum flight times are inadequate. There are very good flight schools that train many domestic and international pilots, with good simulators. (This is not going to a flight school at your random community airport.) It is not inexpensive, but may be less expensive than many colleges. Once you reach a certain qualification level, he said you can usually get some paying work, often with the flight school where you’re doing your training. Keeping scheduling flexibility is key to getting work when you’re getting started, so the on-line college classes are often a better fit. You have to have more hours to achieve a commercial rating when you go through the flight schools vs. a college program, but it is generally less expensive and the extra flight hours make you more marketable when you’re looking for flying work.

Early jobs are likely to be low-paid and very varied hours, often in smaller towns/airports.

Key: Make sure your son can pass an aviation First Class Medical Certificate exam. If not, his options would be significantly limited.

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Completely agree with @Charger2’s advice.^^^^^
I don’t know what kind of a job a “degree” in Aviation would net you other than piloting.

Several high schools in our area offer aviation and piloting to their students. Their difficulty is in accruing lots of flying hours and they don’t need a degree to do that.

Many experienced and knowledgeable pilots went through the armed services or through the service academies to get their hands-on training. The academies, as well as the armed forces teach engineering and physics which pilots really rely upon when flying.

I don’t know what your ultimate goal is but if that is to fly, then you’re going about it the wrong way.

My DH has a degree from ERAU in Aeronautical Science. Yes, when he was furloughed, he did not have a lot of other options. These days, he is an FO with American Airlines, having joined them through the purchase of TWA. Major airlines do require a BS degree these days - possibly unless an applicant is retired military. Your kid could attend ERAU and major in something more marketable and still pick up all the flight hours needed to graduate with his Commercial Multi-Engine license and CFII. Then he will have to accumulate hours by instructing, pulling banners, etc.

Get a college degree and join the armed services for free flight training. :wink:

It’s certainly not a practical, stable career choice, but the pros often outweigh the cons for many pilots. When asked, most pilots love what they do.

Henderson State University in Arkansas.

http://www.hsu.edu/Academics/Aviation/index.html

Eastern Kentucky University has a great reputation. I know someone who is studying there now.

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Here’s one pilot’s story. Take it for what it’s worth…I’ve been a commercial airline pilot at a major U.S. carrier for over ten years flying mostly international. It’s been a great job and provides a very comfortable life for my family. However, It took a lot to get to this point. After HS, I enlisted in the Navy and was trained to be an air traffic controller. Not satisfied with just talking to pilots, I decided to become one and was eventually accepted into the NROTC program. I attended USC and got an engineering degree because that’s what the Navy said they preferred. Upon graduation I “owed” the Navy five years (I believe it is now ten years). I received my commission as an officer and went to Pensacola for Navy flight training. In the Navy I flew helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. It was truly an adventure as I traveled the world doing very interesting missions and served with outstanding individuals. It wasn’t always fun and family separations were hard. Every time I had an opportunity to get out and go to the airlines, the Navy would entice me with something interesting to stay (graduate school, test pilot school, congressional aide, Embassy duty), Before I knew it, 20 years had gone by. I knew I would have to eventually transition from the Navy, so after 20 I “retired” with a nice pension, medical and educational benefits for my kids. With the education and experiences the Navy provided me with, I had many career choices in civilian life. But I wanted to return to the cockpit because as someone once told me “if you love what you do, then it’s not realy work.” I was fortunate to get hired by a major airline right away and truly love my job. Disclaimer: The military is not for everyone (nor do they take everyone), and as with many things in life, good timing and luck played a role in my career. The airline industry, like any other, has had their ups and downs, and my past experience may not translate to your son’s future. Best of luck!

LIberty U offers several options and operates a commercial FBO center on the nearby commercial airport.

http://www.liberty.edu/index.cfm?PID=21942

http://www.auburn.edu/academic/provost/aviationcenter/

Well said @TuckerTroy but we all know there are no assurances on pilot training in the military. The OP could wash out.

Armed forces pilots go to head of the line for hiring at the major airlines. Plus, they get the pilot training for free.

Working as a commercial pilot for a small affiliate airline is a crappy job.

U should contact @busdriver11 who (I think) also started career via Armed Services.

And the physical requirements to even be considered for pilot training in the military is much more strict than for civilians.