Degree
 

Lori,

I'm in the process of making some educational decisions. Do the pilots that fly for the majors mostly have aviation degrees? Or are 4 year degrees in other areas such as business acceptable?

They don't care what the degree is. Get one that is in another field that interests you, since you need a back up for the lean times.

A non-aviation degree is better for several reasons...

A aviation degree is based largely on completion of vocational training (flight training) plus some gen-ed requirements. Since an aviation degree is the path of least resistance, the market is flooded with them. Any airline you really want to work for has thousands of applicants for each slot...you want to stand out.

A non-aviation degree means you have more exposure to non-aviation knowledge...ie more well-rounded. Most airline pilots like to talk about anything BUT aviation while on a trip, so you might actually be better off at an interview with some other degree. In many cases the type of degree will not matter however.

If you get a degree in some marketable skill, then you have a fallback position if flying slows down or you have medical issues.

ReelDeel -

Wher I went to school - Oklahoma State University - there were two paths in the Aviation Degree. One was the Professional Pilot's Course which was all the ratings (up through CFII) and Gen Ed and the degree was much like the pilot mills that you hear about from others. The other course was more business oriented and was basically a business degree with specialization in aviation.

Get a degree in something that interests you. Work hard and do well and I doubt that you will have any problems defending your choices during an interview with any company; and if you do, is that a company that you really want to work for?

USMCFLYR

Thanks Guys. I can't get over how helpful this forum is.

Sorry for being MIA for awhile.... looks like the guys here have given great responses.

They're right - bottom line is that airlines don't really care what your degree is, just that you have one. So major in what interests you - it will give you a different perspective. It can also provide a foundation for pursuing other income sources should you unfortunately find yourself grounded.

Lori