Aviation

Students who wish to enter the aviation industry in numerous capacities pursue this major. An understanding is gained of air transportation, how it works, and the business and economics behind it. They learn about the process of flying from one place to another, including the on-the-ground measures taken to ensure safety and efficiency. Students become more knowledgeable about aeronautics than if they were to enroll in flight school, because they become critical thinkers and problem solvers who can tackle a myriad of difficult tasks within the field. The program may consist of classes in pilot fundamentals, aviation safety, aviation management, human factors of aviation, aviation regulations, management and business law.

After completion of the program students usually become licensed pilots and certified flight instructors. Many go on to work in air traffic control and airport management. While many find employment in airports, others may join government agencies, airline companies, and aviation support services. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, slow job growth is expected in the field of air transportation. However, more educated professionals will have a competitive advantage because of their depth of knowledge pertaining to all things aviation. Experienced aviators – particularly airline pilots, copilots and flight engineers – have excellent earning potential. Their average yearly salary in all industries is $111,680.