As for your question get a degree in whatever you want, even if it is commercial aviation despite what others say on this board. Spending 4 years of college studying something I don't like is not my idea of fun. Also if you are studying something you don't like the chances are you won't take time to do it and put it off. As for the response that an AA degree is like a high school diploma is outrageous. What would make you think that, is it the fact that it only takes 2 years after high school? I'm just curious because it seems idiotic to call it the equivalent to a high school diploma. To someone with a PHD maybe a bachelor’s degree is the equivalent of a GED. Also in some states to teach you don’t need a college degree, and to be a substitute teacher you don't even need a high school diploma. At least a CFI has training in the area they are instructing.