Do you have a passion for airplanes or space? The Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Aeronautics/Aviation may be the path for you.
Professionals in the aeronautics field design and develop aircraft. Aviation students in this field may become air traffic controllers or even airline pilots. Aerospace engineering is also apart of this field and trains students to be flight engineers and experts in aviation technology.
The job opportunities with this degree are endless. You will learn crucial skills such as problem-solving and communication. Many median salaries in this field are upwards of $100,000.
What Is an Aeronautics or Aviation Studies degree?
There are so many different paths you can take with this degree in the aviation industry, depending on your career goals. If you’re someone who’s good at math, problem-solving, and communication, then this degree will work for you. You may be able to work at the airport or for an airline.
Online programs in aviation or aeronautics, or aviation management degrees, are usually bachelor of science degrees. Coursework will focus on aerodynamics and the science of propulsion. There are a variety of different concentrations you could choose from in this program. Common concentrations for this degree include:
- Aviation Management
- Air Traffic Control
- Aviation Safety Science
- Flight Technology
- Flight Operations
How Much Can You Earn with an Online Aviation Degree?
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a degree program is what your salary could be. Aerospace engineers earned a median salary of $115,220 as of 2018 according to The Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The market for this field has a projected growth of 6% from 2016 to 2026. Although the growth rate is about average, aircraft today are being redesigned to be more sustainable, which calls for more demand in research and development.
Some closely related aviation careers include:
- Aviation Maintenance Management
- Airport Operations or Airport Management
- Aviation Science
- Aviation Law
- Commercial Pilot
- Aviation Operations Management
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is a great organization for air transportation jobs. In 2018 they employed 45,296 people with an average salary of $114,931.
What is required for an online Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautics or Aviation?
The enrollment requirements for Aeronautics/Aviation programs are pretty standard for a bachelor degree program. You may be required to submit standardized test scores, a high schools diploma, a personal essay, and letters of recommendation.
Having a background in certain subjects may help with your admission. Courses in math, physics, communication, and/or chemistry may be helpful. Some common classes for this degree include aerodynamics, flight dynamics, and aerospace engineering. If you’re already enrolled in a higher education institute, you can always transfer credits!
If you study Aeronautical Engineering then you may take classes in thermodynamics, aircraft design, or fluid mechanics. If you study Aeronautical Science then you may take some credit hours in navigation, avionics, or flight physiology.
Not all aviation jobs require a bachelor’s degree. If you want to be a technician, consider an associate degree then a technical training program. However, if you’re interested in a managerial role, a master’s degree might be necessary, but consider programs outside of aviation, such as a Master’s in Business Administration.
What are the best online Aviation degree programs?
OSR uses six data points to rank online degrees: three school-wide and three program specific. For school-wide, OSR uses Student Satisfaction, Admission Rates, and the number of programs the school offers online. For program specific, OSR checks the Median Debt of graduates from that program (affected by financial aid opportunities), how many degrees are offered within that program’s umbrella department, and what percentage of students at that school graduated from that department.
The six statistics are displayed by each school. The sliding bar under each statistic represents how that school compares to other US institutions. “Not reported” means a school did not release that information to the US Department of Education. A more detailed description of the OSR process can be found on the methodology page. Online learning is a rapidly growing field, and OSR aims to keep online colleges accountable to online students.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide
20-Year ROI$1,325,236![]()
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $9,000(in state) / $9,000(out of state)
- Multiple start dates
- Can earn over a quarter of transfer credits
- 120 credit hours required for graduation
School Wide
Program Level
100%OSR ScoreThe BS in Aeronautics is designed for students already in the field, those who previously worked in the field, or those who want to work in the field. This school was ranked number one for online bachelor’s programs by the U.S. News & World Report. You can also minor in different specialties depending on your campus affiliation like Aviation Maintenance, Unmanned Aircraft System, or Air traffic Control. The electives you take at this school are specific to your career goals. Some classes you will take in this program are Applications in Aviation/Aerospace Law, Introduction to Management Information Systems, and Statistics with Aviation Applications.
Liberty University
20-Year ROI$718,609![]()
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $15,734(in state) / $15,734(out of state)
- Multiple start dates
- 120 credits are required for both programs
- Tuition hasn’t increased in 4 years
School Wide
Program Level
91%OSR ScoreLiberty University’s School of Aeronautics offers a BS in Aviation and a BS in Aviation Maintenance Management. At this school, you can participate in the Restricted Airline Transport Pilot Program and earn a certificate. Liberty University has strong ties to several airlines and even hiring agreements for the aviation program. This university also offers several aviation scholarship opportunities like the LUSOA Flight Instructor Course Scholarship, LaFleur Memorial Fund, and the National Aviation Explorer Scholarship. Liberty University is military-friendly tuition discounts of $250 per credit hour for undergraduate courses. Eight different start dates are available throughout the year with no set login times.
American Public University System
20-Year ROI$1,257,003![]()
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $6,480(in state) / $6,480(out of state)
- Curriculum designed by former NASA astronaut
- 120 credit hours are required for graduation
- Can transfer up to 90 credits
School Wide
Program Level
82%OSR ScoreYou can choose from three concentrations at this school: space policy, aerospace science, or astronomy. This online program prepares you for careers in the space field. By doing this degree online, you don’t have to pay for any books. If you’re an active-duty servicemember, a dependent of one, National Guard member or reservists, then you can receive a $250/credit hour tuition grant. Some major classes you will take in this program are Introduction to Planetary Science with Lab, History of Space Flight, and Introduction to Space Studies. You will be required to take a capstone course as your last course before graduation.
Everglades University
20-Year ROI$828,429![]()
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $17,600(in state) / $17,600(out of state)
- 123 credits are required for graduation
- Capstone course required
- Designed for those in the field and those who want to get in
School Wide
Program Level
81%OSR ScoreEverglades University’s coursework is designed to include specific aviation material as well as management courses. There are six concentrations you can choose from in this degree: Aviation Maintenance Management, Flight Operations, Aviation Safety, Aviation Maintenance, Management, Security, or Aviation Operations Management. Your courses in this program include Aviation Law & Regulations and Introduction to Sustainability. EU has ranked #16 for the Best Online Colleges in Florida by Study.com for 2020. If you have prior learning in areas like FAA Certifications and Ratings, Physical Science, or Aviation, then you may be able to transfer in credits for your degree major.
LeTourneau University
20-Year ROI$956,579![]()
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $28,770(in state) / $28,770(out of state)
- 122 credits are required for graduation
- Transfer-friendly
- Capstone is required
School Wide
Program Level
80%OSR ScoreLTU has a top-ranked aviation program that has been recognized by the National Intercollegiate Flying Association for five years in a row. Some classes you may take in this program include Business Ethics, Aviation Management, and Aviation Safety Factors. If you have military experience, you are able to turn it into credits towards your degree. This highly customizable program can land you a career in different positions such as Airport management, Aircraft Maintenance shop management, or Flight operations management. This program also offers year-round accelerated courses. You will be required to take 12 credit hours of theology and vocational courses.
