Master's Degrees
 

So I'm considering getting a graduate degree, eventually, and was wondering if anyone has any ideas that might loosely relate to aviation. I know I don't need one to be a pilot, but education is never a bad thing.

I am kind of thinking that meteorology would be a fun master's degree...relates well with aviation and would look good on a pilot's resume, but has many other career applications as well.

Thanks much.

Oklahoma State and ERAU have very similar Graduate programs (according to my limited research of their course of instruction) FIT has a graduate program but I think that focuses on aviation safety. Purdue and UND also have graduate programs but, to me, they didn't have an exciting syllabus.

Did you get a degree at Purdue or UND? If so, in your opinion, what made the syllabus boring? I was considering doing ERAU since they give their instructors free graduate tuition, although I'm sure that the other schools do too, or at least highly discounted.

Aviation safety is one I didn't think about. Probably pretty interesting with some good applications...and then I would be a shoe-in for a job with the TSA:eek:

Thanks for the input.

I am a Riddle grad so I may be a bit biased. I compared the courses of instruction side by side taking my knowledge of the Aero Sci program at ERAU and making an assumption of what the courses at the other schools would cover. On paper the Oklahoma State and ERAU programs caught my attention more because they have more focused programs with multiple courses of study compared to a general program with a few wide ranging topics and one course of study. It is an individual decision based on individual preferences. Find the program that interests you and don't go somewhere for the school name unless you are talking Ivy Leauge.

Why would you put all your eggs in one basket? Find something interesting that has nothing to do with aviation. If the aviation market tanks...all the jobs dry up, not just the flying ones. Do something that's relatively recession-proof.

You can do something like an MBA that could also apply to aviation.

Excellent point and I don't disagree that a generic MBA would be very valuable. I'm just not excited about the prospecet of a "Dilbert Job." If the aviation industry goes into a recession then I'd argue that a major portion of the economy is also in a recession. The aviation industry is huge, from FBO and Airport managment, to the FAA, Business Aviation, aircraft sales, education, etc. An aviation degree isn't worthless and I don't buy into the thinking that someone can't get a "regular" management job with an aviation focused degree.

I'm just trying to get some ideas that will at least be applicable to my career and have recognized the "eggs in one basket" theory. However, I wouldn't necessarily consider meteorology as narrowing my job options to only aviation. It is highly applicable to aviation, but if I need to get out, I can go work for a TV station, NOAA, etc.

I have thought about just getting a general MBA, or even one in aviation management, but I too can not get excited about a "dilbert" job.

A bunch of schools, even the non-aviation state schools, have programs in aeronautical based human factors. Seems kind of fun, and I could go work for NASA.

Thanks guys.

Osu!
 

If you plan to attend in person, go to Oklahoma State. I did my BS there and it was a great program and fun times. I did ERAU extended campus for my MS and it was pretty good too...mid-term, paper, presentation, final, nearly every class. Good luck.

I've heard good things about Oklahoma State. How is it living in Oklahoma...at least tolerable with some fun stuff to do for two years?

That might be one reason. I barely got through school until I switched to a major that I was actually interested in. There are lots of aviation related businesses - so I wouldn't consider it putting all of your eggs in one basket. If I don't end up flying after I leave the military I've thought about using my safety experience to get a master's and maybe look into NTSB. If I didn't have such a disdain for lawyers I might even consider Aviation Law :rolleyes: Sorry for the swipe at you Vagabond! ;)

USMCFLYR

A little penile envy there, Major? heh heh heh. You seem to have a very serious problem. Now, I'm a very good lawyer, but I don't think even I can get you off. ;)

I think I might keep my eggs a little closer to the basket than going to law school. As fun as it sounds to pull all-nighters 4x/week for the next 3 years, I'm not sure I have that in me. My first and foremost goal is to be a pilot, but to get a master's degree that will make me stand out. All in all, I want the degree to help with my career, not just give me a reason to bail out before I've started...

If there's anything the last year has taught us it is that airline employers don't care if you've won a Nobel as long as you have the time to get hired (and in some cases references). Yes, it looks nice to have another line in your Education section, but it is not worth going through multiple years of school and a lot of money for that line on your resume, because I don't believe that it will help you that much. Don't put all that time, money, and effort into a line on your resume...put it into something that is truly useful, like a real backup plan.

On a side note, I have always said, "If I can't do what I love, I'm gonna make a lot of money so I can enjoy my time away from work."

I'm not saying that you should find a "Dilbert" job and be miserable...but find something that is actually useful....in multiple industries.

I guess a lot of it is that I would really like to have a master's degree. Sort of a pride issue. I don't see anything wrong with higher education, and if I can flight instruct for the school and get free tuition, I think that's a great deal.

Thanks all.

If it's a matter of personal pride, to hell with it. Find a degree that's interesting. If it's a matter of having a plan B, do something practical.

Pip, what would you choose if you were going to grad school? Assume that MBA is not an option...I would cry since I would be so bored. :confused: