Online Aeronautics and Aviation Programs
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The aviation industry continues to evolve and needs pilots and other aeronautics experts to address ongoing staff shortages. A bachelor's in aeronautics and aviation prepares students for a variety of careers besides piloting. Many programs offer specialized training in areas such as engineering, maintenance, and air traffic control.
Degree-seekers typically complete a bachelor's in aeronautics and aviation in four years. Learners can take classes online or on campus. Working professionals and other nontraditional students appreciate online programs' flexibility. The on-campus experience offers in-person interaction with faculty and peers and access to campus facilities.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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Online Bachelor's in Aeronautics and Aviation Programs
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide
Daytona Beach, FL - 4 years
- Online
100% Online, Hybrid | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $250-$465
Out of State | $250-$465
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Aviation Accreditation Board International
Located in Daytona Beach, Embry-Riddle develops programs focused on aviation and other STEM fields. The BS in aeronautics builds on prior aviation knowledge and skills. Students new to the field can also enroll to receive comprehensive foundational training.
The curriculum explores topics like aviation safety, aviation legislation, and production and operations management. Students receive credit for aviation training or experience.
Enrollees can use elective credits to customize the online bachelor's in aeronautics and aviation. Elective coursework can cover areas such as aviation maintenance and aeronautical science. Admission requires a high school diploma or GED certificate.
Everglades University
Boca Raton, FL - 4 years
- Online
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $800
Out of State | $800
Credits to Graduate
123
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Florida-based Everglades University offers a highly customizable BS in aviation/aerospace. The degree enrolls students with or without FAA certification, but some concentrations require prerequisite flight training. Transfer students can complete the degree in an average of 41 months.
The online bachelor's in aeronautics and aviation blends general education coursework and specialized training. Students can choose a concentration like flight operations or aviation operations management.
An aviation security concentration provides training in airport, aviation, and corporate security. Students also explore counterterrorism principles and practices. Admission requires a high school diploma or GED certificate.
Hampton University
Hampton, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $300
Out of State | $300
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Aviation Accreditation Board International
HU is an HBCU where students can pursue the BS in aviation management entirely online. The BS prepares working professionals for airport management positions. Students receive a strong liberal arts education and focused professional development.
Enrollees explore concepts such as flight safety, airport operations, and crew resource management. All students learn about airport planning and finance in this online bachelor's in aeronautics and aviation.
Participants culminate the degree with a capstone project or practicum. Admission requires a high school diploma or GED certificate.
LeTourneau University
Longview, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online or Hybrid | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $380-$410
Out of State | $380-$410
Credits to Graduate
122
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
The online BS in aviation management at LETU reflects the many job opportunities in the aviation sector. Students can choose one of four concentrations: aircraft dispatch, homeland security, maintenance, or professional pilot.
All enrollees complete a program core that explores concepts such as aviation human factors and airport operations and management. The professional pilot concentration requires flight training at the Abbott Aviation Center in Longview, Texas.
Texas, an air transportation hub, may offer a variety of aerospace manufacturing job opportunities. Admission to the bachelor's in aeronautics and aviation requires a high school diploma or GED certificate.
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $390-$455
Out of State | $390-$455
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
LU operates the largest flight school in Virginia. The BS in aviation only enrolls licensed pilots or those who will earn a pilot’s license at an LU flight training affiliate. This facilitates the delivery of a fully online bachelor's in aeronautics and aviation.
The curriculum provides training in aviation safety and leadership. Students learn airplane aerodynamics and advanced GPS navigation. Enrollees receive credit for FAA certificates and ratings.
LU undergraduates receive free electronic books. Admission requires a high school diploma and flight training or an FAA commercial pilot certificate.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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Polk State College
Winter Haven, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online or Hybrid | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $123
Out of State | $469
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | Yes
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Polk State designs a degree completion BS in aerospace sciences. The 60-credit program builds on an associate degree from a regionally accredited school. Students choose an aerospace administration or professional pilot concentration.
Learners interested in the professional pilot concentration must hold FAA certificates or ratings. Participants can use elective credit to customize their education with specialized coursework and an internship opportunity.
The online bachelor's in aeronautics and aviation requires a hybrid capstone course. Admission requires an AA or AS and a minimum 2.0 GPA.
Siena Heights University
Adrian, MI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $545
Out of State | $545
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | Yes
Program Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission
SHU is a Catholic college located in Adrian, Michigan. Students can use an AAS and professional training to earn SHU's bachelor of applied science. Enrollees design a curriculum that builds on their knowledge and expertise in a technical/trade occupation such as aviation.
The 30-credit curriculum offers liberal arts and other coursework but no aviation training. Students can transfer up to 90 credits into this bachelor's in aeronautics and aviation. Participants receive one-on-one advising and degree planning. Admission requires an associate degree and college transcripts.
Texas A&M University-Central Texas
Killeen, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $260
Out of State | $668
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | Yes
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
The BS in aviation science at A&M-Central Texas is a degree completion program offered entirely online. Students complete junior- and senior-level coursework in one of two majors: aviation management or professional pilot.
Learners pursuing the professional pilot option must transfer lower-level aviation and flight coursework. Students receive credit for FAA private pilot, instrument, and commercial pilot ratings. The aviation management major offers a maintenance concentration.
All enrollees can pursue internships at partnering aviation organizations. Admission to the online bachelor's in aeronautics and aviation requires at least 30 transfer credits and a minimum 2.0 GPA.
How We Selected These Schools
In order to create our directory list of online bachelor's in aeronautics and aviation programs, the BestColleges Rankings Team sourced the most recent data available from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Navigator, both of which are hosted by the National Center for Education Statistics. We identified 8 schools that qualify for our alphabetical list based on the following criteria.
- Each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution.
- Must offer a bachelor's degree program in the given subject.
- Must submit an annual report to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Review our Editorial Policy and Standards to learn more about the standards we uphold.
Featured Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aeronautics and Aviation Programs
Is a bachelor's in aeronautics and aviation worth it?
Yes! The aviation industry needs highly skilled workers to address a shrinking labor workforce. Industry experts highlight a need for workers such as pilots and aviation mechanics. This shortage is driven by pilots and mechanics retiring from the field. The Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated the problem by encouraging early retirements and discouraging people from choosing aviation careers.
These headwinds make it a great time for a career in aviation as the industry rebuilds its workforce. A bachelor's in aeronautics and aviation is a starting point for a rewarding career in this field. Online options make this degree even more accessible.
What can I do with a bachelor's in aeronautics and aviation?
One of the great things about this degree is its versatility. Students can pursue a career as a pilot or one behind the scenes, such as flight coordinator, mechanic, or in aviation management. The job outlook looks good for some occupations.
For instance, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that jobs for airline and commercial pilots will grow 6% between 2021-2031. BLS also projects 6% employment growth for aviation mechanics. Many schools offer customizable programs with concentrations that address your career interests. Some schools offer degree completion programs for people like pilots with FAA certificates or ratings.
What continuing education is available for aeronautics and aviation graduates?
Continuing education allows workers to enhance their knowledge and skills. This may lead to career advancement in their current job or provide a pathway for a career change. FAA regulations require ongoing continuing education to ensure optimal worker performance and safety.
For instance, pilots must routinely perform certain exercises to keep their certification. Pilots can pursue certifications that allow them to fly bigger planes. Mechanics can earn additional certifications to work on specialized flight instruments. Advanced education is another option. Some holders of a bachelor's in aeronautics and aviation may want to pursue a graduate degree, such as a master's in mechanical engineering.
How much money can I make with a bachelor's in aeronautics and aviation?
The salary a graduate with a bachelor's in aeronautics and aviation earns depends on the career they pursue, employer, location, and experience. According to the BLS, airline and commercial pilots with just moderate on-the-job training made a median pay of $134,630 in 2021. The highest 10% of commercial pilots earned more than $205,940.
Aircraft mechanics and service technicians made a median pay of $65,380 in 2021, and the highest 10% earned more than $98,590. The lowest 10% of commercial pilots, mechanics, and technicians made $50,080 and $38,270, respectively.
What are the highest-paying jobs with a bachelor's in aeronautics and aviation?
Payscale is a good source of degree-specific information about pay. As of June 2022, Payscale reports top-paying jobs for someone with a bachelor's in aviation include aviation/aerospace program manager with an average base salary of $115,913. Airline pilots, copilots, or flight engineers make an average base salary of $114,930. Corporate jet pilots make $103,984, followed by training and development managers with $79,081.
