Okay, so I will try to keep this brief.

I am currently in a Part 141 Flight school. (Eastern Michigan University.) I am an aviation Major (meaning, just the pilot/flight degree.) Thing is, my classes needed will be done this semester, but I am WAY behind on my pilot certification. (Soon to take my private pilot checkride.)

EMU offers an Aviation Management degree as well. Since my classes will be done, but I will still have to do lots of flight time to get my flight degree, I am considering doing a double major and getting both the Flight BA and the Aviation Management BA. That way, while I finish up my flying for the Flight BA, I can still take classes toward the Av. Manag. BA. This way, if something happens and, for whatever reason, I can’t work as a pilot (either hate the lifestyle, can’t keep up my Medical, etc etc) I would also have a degree In Aviation Management. On the downside, this means I’m adding another ~$30G to the already VERY expensive flight degree.

My question is, does having an Aviation Management degree actually carry any weight in the field? Or if something happens and I can’t work as a pilot, will having the Flight BA carry enough weight to maybe be able to get me a desk job?

Just curious on to what people who are IN the field think about it.

(Note: I know there is a flight training board, but thought this one might be more appropriate because I have an end goal of making it to the majors as of this point--plus it's a busier board.)

 

The aviation major won't do much for you in aviation, let alone outside. The management degree should have outside applications. I'd go with that.

 

One degree is enough. Save your 30k, youre gonna need it with the paychecks you will be getting for the next 10 years.

 

I know this doesn't answer your question, but most in the field would tell you to get a non-aviation major.

 

Well, I want an aviation degree. I'm six classes away from having a flight BA. Plus, with the new "restrictive ATP", it does actually have a purpose. I want to get into the aviation field regardless. (Not exactly happy with the field I'm in.)

I'm going to get the Flight BA regardless. I want to fly, and no one will give me loans for the flight time unless it's a Flight degree. (For example, if i went strictly Mang., I couldn't get loans for the flight time.) So I'm sticking that out. Just debating getting a Mang. on top of it.

 

Having a 4yr degree is good; having a non-pilot degree is better.

 

What he said.

 

For whatever it's worth, I learned a long time ago that things don't always work out the way you want them to. If, for whatever reason, things don't work out for you in commercial flying, your aviation degree is pretty much worthless.

 

You get one or two things things in college, an EDUCATION and/or a TRADE. Usually, an education is just going to make you knowledgeable but a trade will help you make money at something specific. What one are you getting or are you getting BOTH? At the end of the day, what can you do that someone needs?

 

!Red Flag!