N261ND

I have a 4 year bachelor of business administration degree and am working on my flight training where I have the opportunity to earn a bachelor of science in aeronautics while I complete my flight training.


I plan on going all the way with my flying; (CFI, CFII, MEI,...and beyond)
Will the regional airlines care that I have a BBA istead of a BS? I've heard that a Bacelor of Science is gettting important. Is this true? Anyone think the regionals will change their desired qualifications in this area in the future? Specifically Pinnacle.

I would love to hear from people at the regionals and what each company leans towards in this manner

any advice is appreciated

SkyyDesk

So far as I know, a degree is not required to work for regional airlines. This goes for Comair, Chataq, Mesa, SkyWest, Express Jet, Eagle and ASA at least.

However, it certainly doen't hurt to have a degree as it shows follow through. In addition, should you plan to continue on to the heavy machinery and fly for Fed Ex, UPS and the like they will certainly want and require in most instances a degree, unless you have military training then it gets murky. Even the specificity of your degree, be it a BA, BS, in Journalism to Math really doesn't matter so much as you have accomplished something, including aerospace. Besides, get it because you will need something to fall back on when you get furloughed....but I hope not.

JumpCaptain

Most regionals only require a high school diploma or GED. Don't worry about your degree. No one will care.

If you want a job, you only have to know two words: Flight & Time.

rickair7777

Many regionals state a preference for a 4-year degree. Whether they actually apply this depends on current supply and demand. The type of degree is irrelevant at the regional level. The one cfi at my old flight school who did not have a degree got left behind when several others and myself got regional jobs. He ended up doing a year of night cargo, then got a regional job.

At the major level, the degree is essentially required, and a hard science or engineering degree might be more helpful. A masters is even better. Essentially ALL military fixed wing pilots have degrees, and usually pretty competetive academic histories. Also the military encourages advanced education and pays for it, so many ex-military guys will have a masters.

Yes, get a degree. It should also be one that can get you a job if aviation turns south (no underwater basket weaving). Avoid aviation degrees at all costs unless it is an actual engineering degree.

Since you already have the 4 year, focus on quality flight time. Get a masters if you can work it in along the way.