There are a variety of avionics programs available. Brief information concerning the different associate's and Bachelor's Degree options in Avionics is provided, in addition to a general discussion of the core curriculum.
Avionics Degree Background
Since the avionics industry is varied, so too are the degree programs. You can study avionics at both the Associate's and Bachelor's Degree levels. At the associate's degree level, you could enroll in an Associate of Applied Science in Avionics Maintenance Technology, and at the bachelor's degree level, you might complete a Bachelor of Science in Avionics degree program.
Other avionics programs are actually offered through related fields; for example, you might complete an Associate in Applied Science or a Bachelor of Science in Electronic Engineering Technology with an emphasis in avionics. Others forego the name avionics in favor of aerospace electronics (though these programs have similar courses). Still other programs have more of a management focus in avionics.
Strictly repair and maintenance avionics careers typically require only an associate's degree; however, Bachelor's Degree programs are available as well. If you intend to go into the design of avionics equipment, a Bachelor's Degree in electrical and electronic engineering is usually sufficient. Your career goals will dictate what program is right for you.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutThisFieldOfStudy">Important Facts About This Field of Study</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td> Common Courses </td><td> FAA regulations, aircraft maintenance manuals, oral and written communication, customer service</td></tr>
<tr><td> Online Availability </td><td> On-campus programs are most common, but a handful of online options are available</td></tr>
<tr><td> Possible Careers </td><td> Avionics maintenance technician, unmanned aerial vehicle maintenance technician</td></tr>
<tr><td> Continuing Education </td><td> License review courses for general radio telephone operator license</td></tr>
<tr><td> Median Salary (2021) </td><td> $69,280 (<i>for all avionics technicians</i>)</td></tr>
<tr><td> Job Growth (2021-2031)</td><td> 5% (<i>for all avionics technicians</i>)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---CoreCurriculum">Core Curriculum</h3><p>Despite the variety of programs available, some aspects of the avionics core curriculum remains the same. The following is a list of typical core avionics courses:
</p><ul><li>Integrated avionics systems
</li><li>Microwave, pulse and radar systems
</li><li>Flight control systems
</li><li>Avionics integrated logistics support
</li><li>Navigation and communications systems
</li><li>Airframe instrument and electronic systems
</li><li>Avionics installation and maintenance
</li></ul><p>Many courses have accompanying lab time, which reinforces theory learned in class. The courses listed above have foundational and intermediate electronics courses as prerequisites. These prerequisites provide an understanding of AC and DC electricity, digital electronics, microprocessor principles and basic computer programming.
</p><p>In addition, most Bachelor's Degree Programs in Avionics have liberal arts general education requirements and a set of foundational mathematics and science courses. Many of the programs have a similar number of credit hours, usually between 120 and 130.</p>
