Originally Posted by
sailingfun
The associates degree will give you a much better chance of a career flying job.
Slightly better chance, the real statistical break point is at the bachelors degree level.
And no you cannot acquire R-ATP eligibility after you have your ratings.
No you do not need an aviation degree, I'd suggest something else just to be well-rounded and maybe have an entree to a backup career if aviation doesn't work out.