An online Bachelor’s in Aviation degree involves a multidisciplinary and complex field of study that leads to multiple career opportunities.
Online Bachelor’s in Aviation degree programs, offered by some schools throughout the country, educate students on air traffic control, aeronautic engineering, aviation management, airport management, professional pilot studies, aeronautics, and technology systems.
Aviation majors can also join the military as operators of unmanned aircraft or drone systems. Aeronautics concentration programs leading to an airline or commercial pilot’s career must be approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
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Several online Aviation schools offer an emerging specialization involving the design, building, and testing of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). It is a field of aviation technology that is strictly regulated by the FAA. Importantly, online Bachelor’s degree in Aviation students are taught the fundamental and technical U.S. and international laws governing aviation.
The Bachelor of Aviation degree program is a comprehensive and specialized program designed for individuals who are passionate about the field of aviation. This degree offers students a unique opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge and practical skills in aircraft operations, safety, management, and other critical aspects of the aviation industry.
With the rapid growth and opportunities in the aviation sector, this program equips students with the necessary tools to excel in various roles within the industry, making it an exciting and promising career choice.
Through a combination of theoretical classroom learning and hands-on training, students will develop a strong understanding of the complexities of the aviation industry and be well-equipped for a successful career in this dynamic field.
METHODOLOGY
At Online-Bachelor-Degrees.com, we highlight the Best Online Bachelor’s in Aviation Degree Programs. These carefully selected undergraduate programs cover the foundational concepts in airport operations, such as aviation safety and security, the laws covering aviation, air traffic control and systems, and aircraft design. Also, we feature the quality of training and education that these online schools offer.
Listed in random order, we help you make an informed decision by acquainting yourself with the online academic institutions on our list that offer a Bachelor’s in Aviation degree. As a future player in the field of aviation and aeronautics, we urge you to choose the program that is suitable for your career goals based on the following components:
Would you like to learn more? Check out our Methodology page!
Campus Location: Carbondale, Illinois
The Southern Illinois University-Carbondale (SIU) Aviation offers a comprehensive aviation curriculum for both undergraduate and graduate programs through its Department of Aviation Technologies. SIU is offering an online Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management (AVM), which builds on practical training in aviation maintenance.
The curriculum includes extensive lectures on:
Students are free to choose a minor in Air Traffic Control, Aircraft Product Support, and Airport Management and Planning. Students can complete the program in two years but must possess at least 60 credits of previous college work and an appropriate technical background. Otherwise, the expected time of completion is four years.
The 120-credit program consists of 39 hours of core curriculum courses, 42 hours of major coursework, and 39 hours of career electives.
Applicants must first apply to SIU Carbondale before being considered through a secondary review for admission into the Aviation Department.
Both in-state and out-of-state students pay the same tuition rate, and there are numerous financial aid options. SIU also complies with the Guaranteed Tuition Stabilization Plan where eligible students enjoy a consistent tuition rate for the entirety of their four-year stay.
The AABI-accredited program has a high graduation rate ranging between 40% and 57%, and 100% of its graduates are gainfully employed. Their employers include the US military, aviation schools, and airlines like Saudi Arabian Airlines and Delta. The goal of SIU’s Aviation Flight Program is to prepare professional pilots for today’s and tomorrow’s aviation industry challenges through comprehensive flight training.
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Campus Location: Longview, Texas
LeTourneau University (LETU) is one of the leading institutions in aviation education. For the past five years, LETU has been awarded the Loening Trophy and the American Airlines Safety Award. LETU offers online aviation degree programs of various specializations, including an online Bachelor of Science in Aviation Studies.
The program requires 122 credit hours, which includes 33 hours of Aviation Management core courses, 32 hours of General Education courses, 27 hours of elective courses, and 12 hours of Theology and vocation courses—all in line with the Christian worldview that the university upholds. Students in the program are required to maintain a 2.0 GPA.
LETU’s online Aviation Studies program engages students in:
Graduates pursue careers in airport management, maintenance, and aviation operations. Each online course can be completed in three to seven weeks, and all courses are available year-round so students enjoy the flexibility. Students are encouraged to take one course at a time to maximize learning.
Students with military experience including veterans and active-duty military personnel are eligible for work experience undergraduate-level credits. Their work experience will also be valued in the online classroom. Transfer students may also benefit from this program, as the university provides a way to convert previous education or aviation experience into college credits.
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Campus Location: Portales, New Mexico
Eastern New Mexico University offers two degree programs that are completely online. You can choose from a Bachelor of Science in Aviation or a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science in Aviation Science. No matter your choice, you can expect a quality educational program combined with the most innovative technology available with an emphasis on experiential learning and exceptional faculty.
ENMU’s Bachelor of Science in Aviation Science is designed for students who wish to study aviation as part of a liberal arts program. Students can earn this degree in two ways: online or by combining online and in-person classes.
In addition to providing a broad understanding of aviation, earning a bachelor’s degree in aviation science will help you pursue a wide range of careers in aviation management and the military.
You can also proceed to more studies in addition to your current bachelor’s degree so you can acquire careers in being a pilot, air traffic controller, or airport management professional.
Meanwhile, you can enroll in a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science in Aviation Science if you already have experience in aviation or if you’ve already taken up at least 30 semester hours of aviation-related courses from other universities and schools. This is also a program intended for students already holding an Airframe and Powerplant license.
You can pursue a wide range of employment opportunities in aviation science with a BAAS degree, including fields related to:
The aviation degree programs at ENMU are offered in several formats, such as live and recorded lectures, online coursework, and real-time participation with professors. ENMU uses the Canvas platform for its online courses.
Non-traditional students with extensive work experience in the aviation industry, who possess an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license or have at least 30 semester hours of relevant college credits are the perfect fit.
Individuals with extensive work experience in an aeronautical technical field or with extensive military training are also welcome to apply. The online program of study means being able to balance full-time professional responsibilities with studies.
All students are encouraged to become members of ENMU’s aviation interest organizations, such as Alpha Eta Rho (AHP) and the Professional Aircraft Mechanics Association (PAMA). Membership means expanding your professional network for career advancement purposes, among other benefits.
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Campus Location: Melbourne, Florida
Florida Institute of Technology offers a Bachelor of Arts in Aviation Management program that is fully online. The institute is one of the country’s six FAA’s designated learning partners in aviation and aerospace education. Graduates can pursue careers in airport security, airport management, and freight and cargo. The curriculum follows an eight-week format where students complete the program in an average of four years.
Students can also be granted college credits for their professional experiences as a private or commercial pilot; general, airframe or powerplant mechanic; or aircraft dispatcher. Florida Tech conducts an exam where students must achieve a minimum score of 70 to get the credits.
The program of study is a combination of aviation practices and business principles that prepare students for a wide range of careers. Some of the careers you can pursue include:
There’s an emphasis on air transportation development and management including the creation of airline and airport business plans. This degree can help you establish a career combining aviation and business principles if you are interested in aviation or aeronautics, or are already working in the field.
Florida Tech is popular among active military personnel, veterans, public safety professionals, and law enforcement officers for its online programs and affordable tuition.
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Campus Location: Lynchburg, Virginia
Liberty University (LU) is a leading provider of online education, and among the wide range of online bachelor’s programs it offers is the Bachelor of Science in Aviation. Unlike other online aviation programs, LU’s BS in Aviation is focused on practical and foundational decision-making skills. The skill sets learned range from:
These technical skills are complemented by a range of soft skills including:
As such, it’s an excellent choice for students aiming to become commercial, military, or missionary pilots.
Liberty also provides its students with the opportunity for productive participation in the Restricted Airline Transport Pilot (R-ATP) Program. This means being able to assume co-pilot responsibilities after completion.
As the largest flight school in the state of Virginia, LU assures superior aviation education and training. LU is also recognized as offering among the country’s best aviation programs, and its Loening Trophy is proof of it. While pursuing your degree in aviation online at Liberty University, you will study under professors who are experts in the field and possess superior knowledge and experience.
Candidates must either earn their pilot’s license in one of the university’s flight training affiliates or already possess a pilot’s license. Liberty grants college credits for aviation-related certifications and licenses via its Experience Plus Program.
Degree holders become proficient pilots in three and a half years on average after completing the 120-credit-hour requirement. But it can be shortened through the transfer of credits mentioned above; the limit is 75% of the total credits required for graduation.
Courses are offered in an eight-week format. Students can choose from eight start dates throughout the academic year, too, while the online format means there are no set log-in times for classes.
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Campus Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
The online Bachelor of Science degree major in Aviation/Aerospace from Everglades University combines communication, analytical and technical skills related to aviation and aerospace. Various concentrations are offered through the program including:
This program lasts for a total of 41 months. In addition to a solid general education, this program is flexible enough to offer a wide range of aviation-related courses and a strong selection of management classes.
Students choose their concentration based on their specific area of interest while also enhancing the depth and breadth of their knowledge. Every concentration increases the students’ knowledge of specific laws, rules, and regulations in the specific area of study. Regardless of concentration, students are encouraged to develop their communication, critical and analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Graduating from this program will prepare students for entry into and advancement within the diverse field of aviation based on their preferences and industry needs. Upon graduation, graduates will be prepared to compete in an aviation industry that is diverse and dynamic.
Students may opt to customize their study load as long as they complete the 123-credit hours required in the program, which full-time students can complete in three and a half years. Transfer of undergraduate-level credits can shorten the time spent in the program.
Students get a well-rounded education with interdisciplinary studies, general education courses, and electives combined with upper- and lower-division coursework.
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Campus Location: Prescott, Arizona
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s (ERAU) online Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics (BSA) degree is designed for students who are pursuing a career in aviation-related positions. The program accepts military members and students with acquired experience through the advanced standing prior-learning credit.
Students may complete the program in three years after completion of the required 120 credit hours. There are over 500 aviation courses to choose from, and students may customize their study plans. The topics covered in the curriculum are:
ERAU students have a training advantage because of the wide range of internship opportunities and co-op education available to them. The airline, air transportation, and other aviation companies have strong partnerships with ERAU for this purpose.
Students can also customize their degree by choosing a minor specialty. The choices include aviation maintenance, unmanned aircraft system, and air traffic control. ERAU also offers an accelerated BS-to-MS program where students earn both degrees in five years.
The cost of attendance is worth it, too, because 95% of Liberty Worldwide alumni are gainfully employed within one year after graduation.
The Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) accredits this program, which requires a thorough review of the curriculum to ensure adherence to the highest standards of performance, quality, and integrity.
This has resulted in producing alumni and graduates that have made significant contributions to the aviation and aerospace industries as aviation experts and specialists, general officers, astronauts, and CEOs.
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Campus Location: Boca Raton, Florida
Lynn University’s Burton D. Morgan College of Aeronautics has a stringent application process and only admits 75 aviation students at a time, therefore, producing world-class, quality, aeronautics graduates. It boasts “unrivaled personal attention and internship opportunities” for every student admitted to its programs. Under its undergraduate aeronautics program, Lynn offers an online Bachelor’s of Science in Aviation Management degree.
Students in the program will learn the core business structure of the aviation industry and be exposed to aircrew training, ground personnel and industry management, and simulations and cockpit training. The aviation management program at Lynn University provides a solid foundation in both business and aviation.
Students need to complete 120 credit hours with a four-year average completion time. While the coursework can be completed 100% online, students have the option to take on-site flight training sessions. Lynn has a fleet of top-of-the-line DA-42 TwinStar and Cessna 172 at its Boca Raton Airport facility.
The program has three start dates every year, thus, students can enroll at their convenient time. Lynn is an Apple Distinguished School, meaning students benefit from its latest learning technologies and innovative approaches. Students can qualify for the rATP at 1,250 hours upon graduation and use their electives in securing their ratings and licenses, too.
From the history of aviation to the basics of air traffic, plus management and operations, you’ll learn it all in this program. At Lynn, you decide what electives to take for your bachelor’s degree in aviation management. The licensing and ratings required for becoming a professional pilot are earned by pursuing flight training.
Candidates must submit a completed application, official transcripts, and personal statement to be considered for admission.
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Campus Location: Killeen, Texas
The Aviation Science department of the Texas A&M University-Central Texas (TAMUCT) offers fully online aviation programs with an extensive curriculum. TAMUCT offers a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Science – Aviation Management and a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Science – Professional Pilot. Both degree programs teach conceptual foundations in both aviation science and management.
By providing a comprehensive background in aviation studies, TAMUCT prepares students for the demands of airport management and equips them with skills for a professional pilot career.
The BS in Aviation Management program consists of 120 credit hours designed for completion in four years without prior college-level credits. The comprehensive coursework prepares students for management positions in airports, airlines, and other companies in the aviation industry. The courses include:
A concentration in Aviation Maintenance may also be completed as part of the BS in Aviation Science: Aviation Management degree. As an aircraft maintainer, you will develop leadership and maintenance management skills to expand your career opportunities.
The BS in Professional Pilot also consists of 120 credit hours that can be completed 100% online. Students must complete junior-level and senior-level courses including the FSS Commercial Flight Certificate and the FAA Instrument Rating coursework.
A wide range of employers is highly attracted to the program’s 36 hours of courses at the junior and senior levels. With real-world experience and exciting class projects, Aviation Management students develop leadership skills and professional experience.
The comprehensive curriculum covers both principles and practices of aviation science and management. Students learn the practical skill sets vital to obtaining their advanced aeronautical ratings suitable for both military and civilian careers.
TAMUCT accepts a wide range of credits from management, aviation, aircraft maintenance, and flight training coursework. FAA licensure including airframe, powerplant, and pilot ratings are also accepted in its experiential transfer credit program. There’s a 42-credit hour (lower-level only) limit for the transfer of credits.
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Campus Location: Orem, Utah
The School of Aviation Sciences of the Utah Valley University (UVU) offers two online aviation programs. UVU’s aviation programs are designed to provide students with the opportunity to earn a competitive advantage in the field of aviation. University students can opt to take Bachelor of Science Professional Pilot and Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management online.
The Professional Pilot degree trains students to become private or corporate airline operators. Most graduates of the program find employment in U.S. and international airlines, as well as cargo carriers and corporate flight departments. Students undergo FAA flight training and, thus, possess a Commercial Pilot Certificate upon graduation. Additional certifications can be earned as electives through the Multi-Engine Instructor coursework.
Students can choose between UVU’s facility at Provo or at any accredited flight school near them for their flight training. UVU’s FAA-accredited Part 141 training facility is the best place to earn your 1,000-hour total flight time necessary for airline employment. UVU graduates work for both domestic and international airlines, cargo carriers, corporate flight departments, and many other employers.
Credits may be approved for prior work experience in the aviation industry, FAA pilot certificates and ratings, and previous college courses. Minimum admission requirements include:
The BS in Aviation Management degree produces graduates with complex industry knowledge integrated with general management skills. Whether you already know what path you want to follow or are still exploring the possibilities, the Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management program was designed to introduce students to the seemingly limitless career possibilities in the aerospace industry.
As a foundation, it can provide important knowledge, practical experiences, internships, certifications, and guidance concerning any additional training or experience that may be needed to pursue a career. Students will undergo formal assessment through a comprehensive exam for these skills, too. Technical and transferable skills are both emphasized and assessed through exams, classroom participation, and simulations.
Minimum admission requirements include a 2.5 overall GPA and completion of 25 aviation credits and either English 1010 or English 1005 with a C+ or better grade. Once accepted, online students have a wide range of student support services designed for their academic and career success.
These include academic advising and tutoring, library and Canvas support, and financial aid services. Upon graduation from this program, you can grab job opportunities in fields such as government, safety, airline, airport, consulting, and manufacturing.
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The Fulton Library is the most eco-friendly state-owned building in The Beehive State! It has even won awards for its energy-efficient designs from the Intermountain Construction magazine, among other accolades.
Campus Location: San Antonio, Texas
Hallmark University offers an online Bachelors of Science in Aviation Maintenance Management program in its online learning environment. Students have access to coursework 24/7 via the university’s online platform. The program is tailored for students planning to pursue career opportunities in managing airports, airlines, and other aviation-related operations. The university’s College of Aeronautics program is rated No. 1 in all of Texas and consistently makes it to the Top 10 for its impressive FAA examination passing rate.
This is a 60-credit hour degree completion program that requires candidates to present an FAA Airframe and Powerplant certification for admission purposes. The expected completion time is 21 months, possibly the shortest degree completion program in aviation. This means more savings on tuition and better opportunities for management positions.
This is a great program to explore if you want to enter other career fields such as an aviation support specialist, maintenance supervisor, aircraft maintenance analyst, aircraft records analyst, or aviation general manager.
Candidates must present minimum requirements including:
Students are provided with industry-standard equipment, tools, and facilities to learn advanced aircraft mechanics and management skills. Hallmark itself offers an FAA-accredited aviation maintenance program that enables students to take the FAA-required licensure exam for aircraft technicians.
Their students work on real-life jet and turbine engines, airframes that have previously been in flight, as well as a variety of aeronautical equipment used in our industry today.
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Campus Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan
The College of Aviation of Western Michigan University (WMU) is one of the country’s largest aviation programs. WMU’s Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management and Operations online students receive the most advanced and world-class training in:
A strong force in aviation training, the college boasts 80 years of experience and a great reputation. The online bachelor’s degree in aviation program covers aviation-specific courses including aviation safety, meteorology, and aircraft systems. Students must complete a senior capstone project that demonstrates their fundamental understanding of aviation management and operations.
At WMU, you can combine two of your favorite subjects – aviation and business. Your unquenchable thirst for gaining a deeper understanding of the intersections between business and aviation will lead you to participate in meaningful curriculum projects, culminating in a senior capstone project.
Through the use of state-of-the-art simulation software, you will be able to create a business plan for an airline using the skills and knowledge you gained at WMU. Students also choose from minors, namely Business Analytics, Aviation Supply Management, Leadership and Business Strategy, Economics and General Business.
The General Business minor is earned from Haworth College of Business with the completion of one additional course. All students in the program, however, can proceed to the MBA program since their coursework meets its prerequisites.
Students also complete an internship with aviation companies whose partnerships with the College of Aviation mean excellent opportunities for learning the ropes. Graduates can even be hired by the companies they interned for!
Also, you can find many diverse offerings of student organizations that are organized by both the College of Aviation and the Haworth College of Business.
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The overall job outlook for Aviation graduates is projected to increase by 4% from 2022 to 2032, according to the BLS. A degree in aviation gives graduates the opportunity to advance in career prospects. It will increase the degree holder’s lifetime earnings.
Employment in the airline industry as pilots, flight engineers, and aviation managers will also increase by 4% from 2022 to 2032.
But these aren’t the only career paths that a bachelor’s degree in aviation will provide! Your unique career path will obviously be influenced by the specific degree earned and professional certifications. Keep in mind that a bachelor’s degree is the first step in career advancement – master’s and doctorate degrees are recommended, too.
Other career paths include:
Like any industry, the aviation industry has its share of ups and downs resulting in changes in employment outlook. The worldwide pandemic has adversely affected the airline industry, for example, and experts predict cyclical ups and downs in the long-term period.
Individuals who aspire to successful careers in the aviation industry must then have the flexibility, resilience, and resourcefulness to ride the ups and downs well.
Accreditation is an official review of various educational institutions that are handled by regional, national, or field-specific accreditation agencies. It is a seal of assurance that the school’s curriculum and overall program comply with the rigorous quality standards.
Aviation programs receive field-specific accreditation from the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI). This standard of approval is a prestigious accreditation. It implies that the online program meets the stringent industry standards for the aviation degree curriculum.
When looking at aviation programs, both regional and programmatic accreditations are crucial for many reasons. Not only are these accreditations a guarantee of compliance with higher education and aviation industry standards, but these are vital when transferring credits and finding employment. While national accreditation is acceptable, regional accreditation is more desirable for aviation schools.
Most aviation science and aeronautics programs, both online and traditional programs, can be completed in three to four years, on average. Your actual time-to-completion will depend on several factors including:
Be sure to consider the internship period and your specific circumstances including your professional responsibilities when planning your aviation studies, too. Check out accelerated programs, too, which allow students to earn their bachelor’s degree in less than four years.
Keep in mind that aviation and aeronautics are specialized fields that demand a wide range of specific technical and transferable skills. Precision in measurements, working under pressure, and applying advanced physics and math concepts are among the must-have skills. Effective communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills combined with teamwork, initiative, and perseverance are also necessary.
The specific courses as well as their content and sequence vary between schools and their programs. But there are common aspects, too, including:
Think of these tips when deciding on the best aviation degree for your specific circumstances:
People enjoy mobility. Being mobile is comforting, and this opens every chance for spontaneity. For adventure seekers, the prospect of a career in the aviation industry is a thrilling adventure in itself.
Would you like more information about lucrative career choices? Check these out:
