Best College Degree Program For A Prophead

[UndauntedFlyer]

THE BEST COLLEGE DEGREE FOR A PROPHEAD

Much is written and discussed about college training for young people interested in aviation. My advice is to always get a degree in something of your interest, be it computer science, business management, political science, etc. But the problem is that most young people, like electricity, seek the path of least resistance when choosing an educational degree program. And aviation flight courses are always the path of the very least resistance. Heck they are fun so they are just what students want.

So OK, you’re a “Prophead” and must choose a degree major. Well, flight training for sure, but combined with what? Well I can say that Aviation Management, Airway Science, etc, are mostly a waste of money because there is so little bang for the buck. Such degrees are too focused. So really, wouldn’t just a traditional degree in Business Administration be better in the long run?

But suppose you’re a prophead and kind of mechanical. So business isn’t for you. You want to fly but you also want to know how the build and repair airplanes. You just want to know more about the inner workings of airplanes. What then?

In my opinion, the old tried and proven combination of an Aviation Technology (A&P) program with flight training is the best.

There are schools that have 4-year degrees in Aviation Technology and the students get their A&P certificates as part of the curriculum. Flight training is possible too.

At least with this degree combination there is still a backup education in case the flying becomes a problem, i.e., medicals, burnout, or other problems.

 

[pilotyip]

The danger of getting a tech degree when you intend to become a pilot. It will approximately 10 years to get a career job in flying, with or without a degree. After 5 years you elect to get out flying, your tech degree has become outdated compared to a new college grad. You have to decide what you want to be. If it is a pilot fly airplanes, do the degree on the side.

 

[UndauntedFlyer]

If you really want to stay in aviation no matter what, the best education includes the TOTAL AIRMAN concept. That is these three FAA certificates:

1. Commercial Pilot Certificate with AS&MEL, Instrument Airplane
2. Flight Instructor Certificate with AS&ME, Instrument Airplane
3. Mechanic, Airframe & Powerplant

Then get a generic college degree such as Business Management, Computer Science or Journalism.

With this training you will have the best chance to be able to stay in aviation and make a living.


Success is when opportunity meets preparation. Opportunities without preparation equal failure.

 

[pilotyip]

Don't forget getting a dispatchers certificate to be totally rounded for an aviation career.

 

[pilotyip]

Yea going to the boat solo at a 125 hr total time in that T-28 and making 8 landings has to be one of most memorable events in my life. I was truly lucky to get to fly that beast.

 

[UndauntedFlyer]

The A&P mechanic certificate is the real key to a TOTAL AVIATION EDUCATION when combined with the pilot and CFI certificates.

 

[Ralgha]

My degree is in computer science and I fly to evaluate systems. Best decision ever. Software design and engineering. Everything with a microprocessor runs on software... From the local ATM or gas station pump to the fire control systems in the most advanced military aircraft in the US arsenal. Food for thought...

Software engineers are forever bound to hardware, but hardware engineers can don't give a flip about software and can construct systems that run entirely in hardware with no software requirement. Granted it is cost prohibitive and not easily modified, but that's beside the point!

 

[JessMan]

A meterology degree is useful as a pilot obviously, but remains useful if you lose your medical.