A degree in air transportation or aviation management can prepare you for a number of careers within an airport, aircraft mechanics center or jet retailer. You'll get to work with flight simulators to learn basic pilot commands, air traffic fundamentals and weather patterns. Keep reading to learn more about your education, certification and career options.
What Programs Teach Air Transportation?
Though master's degree programs are available, those working in air transportation most commonly earn associate's or bachelor's degrees. Possible program titles include aviation, air transportation management, and aviation management. Most of these programs offer similar courses.
Many master's degree programs focus on commercial flight and aerospace engineering. While some programs focus on flying planes or plane maintenance, other programs focus on airport or airline management. Online options are rare for this field of study, but some colleges may offer independent study options that allow students to work one-on-one with faculty.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Levels</b></td><td>Associate, bachelor's and master's</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Course Topics</b></td><td>Meteorology, communications, logistics, labor relations</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Certification</b></td><td>Titles administered through the Federal Aviation Administration and the International Air Transport Association</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Career Options</b></td><td>Air traffic control, airline dispatch, project manager, flight operator</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td>$130,420 <i>(Air Traffic Controllers)</i></td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td>1% growth <i>(Air Traffic Controllers)</i></td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatWillMyCurriculumLookLike">What Will My Curriculum Look Like?</h3><p>If you choose to enroll in an associate's degree program for aviation or air transportation, you learn two parts to the industry: business concepts and airport regulations. Some programs work with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to provide coursework that can prepare you for industry certifications. Some of the subjects you may study include aviation meteorology, airport operations, aviation fundamentals, communications, marketing, aviation psychology and the human factors in air transportation.
</p><p>Bachelor's degree programs in air transportation and aviation lean more toward management. They bring together three areas: business management, airport operations and aircraft technology. Some colleges work with local airports or flight labs to simulate training. Some of the subjects covered in this program include airline operations, aviation history, aviation law, aircraft design, logistics, airline administration, airline safety, aviation weather and flight optimization. You learn how to schedule flights, order maintenance services, market airlines, design airports, develop pilot skills and work with public relations.
</p><p>A master's degree program could work for you if you're a college graduate looking to further your skills or be eligible for a management position. This program could also benefit you if you want to further your education in a specific area. Master's degree programs look into the air transportation industry and how you can regulate it. You'll study topics in transportation safety, security, ethics, and labor relations. You'll complete your program with a capstone project that will research a solution to a transportation weakness.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCertificationsApplyToThisField">What Certifications Apply to This Field?</h3><p>The FAA provides aircraft, airport, airline and airmen certifications. In terms of airmen certification, you can become certified as a pilot, mechanic, flight engineer, flight navigator or control tower operator. In order to work as an air traffic controller, you must meet a number of qualifications, such as having four years of study in this area, three years of job experience or a combination of the two. This means that with an associate's degree and two years of work experience, you may qualify. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) also provides certification in aviation management. The organization works with colleges to provide adequate training for its certification exam.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCareersCanIConsider">What Careers Can I Consider?</h3><p>After graduating from an associate's degree program, you can seek an entry-level position in an airport sector, such as air traffic control, airport maintenance, cargo management, flight attending, ramp service, security or customer service.
</p><p>Bachelor's degree programs also prepare you to work as air traffic controllers. However, you can also consider work as an airport operations director, revenue analyst, airline dispatcher, passenger representative or a cargo handler. Earning a master's degree readies you to work as a supervisor, sales manager, logistician, project manager or flight operator.</p>
