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Degree Suggestions?

Old 12-01-2008, 09:19 AM
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Talking Degree Suggestions?

Hi, I was considering going to
Embry Riddle in daytona because I would be getting my BA and all the flight training but I have decided not to because it isn't worth the money.

I'm at a community college at the moment, and i'm wondering why some people say get a business degree? Would it be okay if I had a bachelors in a computer related field, or is there a specific reason for getting a business degree?

Also, I was considering going to ATP after I finish my associates. I've read a few posts from people saying that they wouldn't recommend rushing the training, but it doesn't seem too bad. If not, should I just get my PPL over the summer and fly a few days during the school year, and work up from there?

Thank you,
Marcus
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Old 12-01-2008, 10:20 AM
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Welcome to APC Marcus. I don't believe the degree makes a difference. Just make sure it's something marketable in some field outside of aviation. You will be more comfortable knowing that you have a solid fall-back option in case you can't fly one day. I have a science degree.

One of my CFI's is approaching 90yrs old. He's started flying right after Orville did, and believes that rushed training is a mistake. You should learn to fly in all kinds of weather, not just spring and summer. I'd recommend flying every now and again during school to maintain proficiency. If that's not an option, just wait until you finish school. Taking long breaks between your flights deteriorates your skill set.

I'm working towards my CPL btw.

Last edited by Senior Skipper; 12-01-2008 at 10:34 AM.
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Old 12-01-2008, 11:23 AM
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Originally Posted by mbastian3 View Post
...I'm at a community college at the moment, and i'm wondering why some people say get a business degree? Would it be okay if I had a bachelors in a computer related field, or is there a specific reason for getting a business degree?...
Marcus, get your degree in anything you want too. It doesn't matter in the aviation field. Just make sure you do well, B average or better. Pick something you enjoy studing and have fun with it.
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Old 12-01-2008, 07:13 PM
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Oh, that's awesome! Yeah, I think i'll work on getting my PPL over the summer and fly for a bit through the school year and as I go through college. Thanks a bunch, and i appreciate the opinion of the wise hehe (90yr old).
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Old 12-01-2008, 07:31 PM
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Marcus,
If I could do it all over, I would look into accounting or some form of I.T. These degrees have proven to be rewarding for graduates in recent years. A degree in one of these fields would be a very solid back up plan and as many have seen in recent months, a back up plan comes in handy sometimes...
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Old 12-01-2008, 08:01 PM
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Marcus:

Riddle is a good school. I finished there back in '87. My 4 yr degree cost me less than 25K. Unless you have a full scholarship or well to do parents, I'd advise attending a State University and flying at a local FBO or a small "not so expensive" flight school.

JMO.


Marcus
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.....and yes, my name is Marcus as well.
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Old 12-02-2008, 03:05 PM
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i was wondering how important the quality of your degree is. since any 4 year degree is sufficient do they base all gpas the same or will a decent grade in a hard major outwiegh be par with a good grade in a easier major?
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Old 12-05-2008, 01:00 PM
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Your doing it write finish community college and get your ratings at the same time, find a CC with I flight program if you can so you get credits for ground school and flt time then start Instructing and work on a four online, build up at least 1000hrs PIC then move on, the degree will be close to done by then to, the degree is hugely important, dont let anybody tell you its not, you'll only go so far without it.
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Old 12-06-2008, 05:56 PM
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A community college for two years is an excellent choice simply because it will get you, at the very least, an Associate's Degree at a very manageable pay-as-you-go cost. If you are pursuiing your flight credentials at that time, you can ease toward the remaining four-year degree at a pace you like and at a cost you can afford. I can't overstate how important it is to keep your debt under control.

By all means, get a degree in a field where you can begin working immediately. You may find that you can make considerably more in a non-aviation field (with much more upside potential) than you can flying professionally. And that, for practical reasons, means you will probably kiss goodbye to an airline career and, instead, go rent, say, a new-model Diamondstar 40 whenever you want to scratch your flying itch.

Don't underestimate the financial upside of many non-aviation careers. Annual bonuses, stock options, pension plans and Supplemental Pension Plans, even for lower-level managers, are a huge employment incentive. Consider that many employers have a "Rule of 75", where you add your age and years of service to get 75 (25 years of service at age 50 = 75). At that point, you might have 90% medical coverage for life. Airlines will never touch that. They can't.

The benefit of business courses is that it exposes you to many fields, both quantitative and qualitative. Pick a study you like and specialize.

Again, keep your debt manageable (better yet, stay out of debt) or you'll regret it big time before you know it.
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