Question about aviation colleges???

[jn99_2000]

Hello to all,

I am a high school senior who seeks to become a professional pilot like many of you. My question is about colleges with aviation degrees. Between these schools which I am considering:

Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, AR
Louisana Tech
University of Louisana Monroe
University of Oklahoma
Oklahoma State
Southeastern Oklahoma State
Delta State University
Tennessee State University
Middle Tennessee State Unversity
Kentucky State University
Hampton University
Southern Illinois University

Does anyone have any first hand knowledge of these programs or have any of you flown with someone with an aviaiton degree from these schools. Any inside info would be welcomed.I listed these because of their geographical proximity to me (Greater Little Rock, AR) area and my elgibility for out-of-state tuition exemption. In addition to a career with the airlines/regionals I think I would like to become an Air Force officer and I am applying for a AFROTC scholarship. I am also good with computers and networking technologies and would like to minor in CIS because I know it can be rocky road to becoming a pilot.

 

[jbud]

Don't major in Aviation, major in Computer Science, Business, Finance, et cetera. Believe me, you will be glad you did.

A four year degree is a four year degree; take flying lessons on the side, study hard, get a good airline job, then fall back on your degree if things get rough.

JMHO

 

[flx757]

Don't major in Aviation, major in Computer Science, Business, Finance, et cetera. Believe me, you will be glad you did.

A four year degree is a four year degree; take flying lessons on the side, study hard, get a good airline job, then fall back on your degree if things get rough.

JMHO

Agreed 100%. I would get a degree in anything BUT aviation. All the airlines are looking for is a 4-year degree. They could care less what the degree is in. With a degree in something other than aviation, at least you will have something to fall back on during those inevitable down cycles you will encounter during your career as an airline pilot.

 

[jn99_2000]

I appreicate all your info, for many people at the local airport told me to get an aviation degree some are strongly opposed to it. But, i thought it would be easier to finance by going through a college since I could get scholarships that would count towards my flight training costs (like the AOPA ones, Departmental Scholarships etc) plus I figured it would be the direct track rather than run out of cash thus ending my training if pursuing training on the side.
If I did not major in aviation it would probubly be in Computer Information Systems, Industrial Technology because I like working with computers and manufactoring technologies also. I am working on getting a couple of computer certifications like A+ and CCNA which is extremely rigerous which I could fall back on if the Aviation degree doesn't work out.

 

[bobbysamd]

Southeastern Oklahoma State College

I disagree with those who say an aviation degree is worthless. Of course, you do study quite a few esoteric subjects which may have little value outside of aviation, but most aero science programs I've seen require students to take such things as English, management courses and business courses, and humanities. Knowledge gained in those courses is marketable outside of aviation; in fact, I've heard of a number of non-aviation entities, such as government, who are interested in aero science grads.

Any four-year degree from an accredited college is a valuable credential. That is the bottom line about college.

I have no first-hand knowledge about Southeastern Oklahoma State College's aviation program, but I have flown with a SOSC grad. She had not flown for several years when I flew with her, but it was apparent by how she flew and handled herself that she had received excellent training. That spoke volumes to me about the place.

Hope that helps a little. Good luck with your choice of colleges.

 

[siucavflight]

jn99
I have a bachleors degree in Aviation Management and a Associates in Aviation flight. The management degree would allow me to get a job in anything that is both aviation related or non aviation related. I went to SIU in Carbondale I really thought that the program was great. They had many internship opportunities available to the students there. Send me a PM if you would like more information.

 

[DCitrus9]

Get your flying wherever it is cheapest, and get a non aviation degree. Nobody gives a rat's a$$ what school you went to, or what kind of expensive toys they let you play with. They just want to see the right "ticket" and some sort of 4 year degree. An aviation degree can help you to some extent when the chips are down, but with aviation's current state as an example: it's best to have other options.
If you insist on an aviation school, I can say SIU at Carbondale is good. I instructed there and earned a bachelor's in Aviation Management.

 

[atldc9]

It is all about options. If you have an ATP, a few thousand hours and an aviation degree, great. If you have an ATP, a few thousand hours and a computer sceince degree, great. Any airline that is hiring would look at you the same.

But, if the airlines are not hiring, that tech company down the road isn't going to look at you with an aviation degree. Well, except for the opening in the mailroom.

I think the best choice is to get some options. Having a degree in a non-aviation specific specialty allows you to have more options when times are hard. Times will be good again, and you can bet the farm they will be bad again.

Besides, if you have a degree in accounting, or finance, or an MBA, those do help when looking at the upper mgmt jobs in airline flying, ie. vp of ops.

Having said that, the only thing that I would look for in a true aviation school is the ability to get an internship. When I was coming up hauling freight, we had guys leaving from piston twins directly to the majors, simply because they had interened with this major or that. Now that was worth something.

 

[LewisU_Pilot]

If I could do it over again I would of taken a year or two off of school right out of high school. Worked on all my ratings up to CFI/II. Than went onto an aviation school. Work part time CFI and majored in an easy major. I think some CFIs at my school receive free tuition. I also agree with everything siucavflight said. Except Lewis is a better flight school than SIU =)

 

[siucavflight]

LEWISuPILOT,
I dont want to start with my school is better than your school. But please tell me what you paid for all four years at Lewis, and then i will tell you what i spent on four years at SIUC, and i paid out of state tuition because i live in Iowa.