Degree + flying?

Question

How hard would it be to do a degree and flying at the same time?

People have suggested i do a degree and then get a job in that field and put myself through flight school , or vice versa.

Is that good?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Do the degree first

then do the flying school

Answer 2

Train for your pilot certificates and ratings before and during college.

Answer 3

Get a Degree and join the military.Best bet.

Answer 4

Depends on the type of flying job you have.  Many flying jobs have irregular schedules, making it hard to work on a degree in the "traditional" fashion.  An online degree would be somewhat easier because you can tailor your coursework with your flying schedule.

As for which way is better, it really depends on your career goals.  Do you want to be a professional pilot, or are you intending on having a different career and flying for recreation?  There are certainly advantages and disadvantages to both ways, but it's hard to even scratch the surface without more information about where you're trying to end up.

EDIT:  Ok, thanks for the additional details.  Here's the pros and cons of each way given your goals.

Fly first, degree later:

Advantages: you start building your time sooner, which is a huge advantage if you are airline-bound.  Even for other flying jobs, it just means getting to the more "advanced" jobs that much sooner, meaning a better schedule, better pay, etc.

Disadvantages: It may be quite difficult to work on that college degree while working full time with an irregular schedule.  It will probably be a non-traditional degree, meaning you won't get the full experience of a college education (daily personal interaction with other students and professors, extracurricular activities schools offer, professional networking opportunities, etc.)  It may also be harder to finance flight training this way.

Degree first, fly later (or as part of the degree):

Advantages: if you take flight courses through the college/university, you can finance it on student loans.  You will probably get the degree faster because you can dedicate all of your time toward your education.  You'll get all of the advantages of the traditional college education listed above.  Also, as a female, you may be eligible for many scholarships that promote diversity in aviation, which can really help with the high cost of both college and flight training.

Disadvantages: this may push back every step of your professional career by about 4 years (although the fact that you have a degree may help get some jobs quicker).

Let me know if you would like any other clarification on any of this.  Good luck and enjoy!!

Answer 5

Ive heard that the best way it to get you rratings and work as a part time cFI and go to school. I don;t know which one im doing yet. Il probably do the dregree and then flying.

Answer 6

Go to an accredited college that offers a bachelor in aviation where flying is incorporated in the curriculum.  I went to Lewis University in Romeoville Illinois where I majored in Aviation Administration and minored in flight.  It had an airport, LOT, on campus so you could walk to the terminal and fly.  It cuts into your social life, but then again if you like flying that is where you want to be anyway.  I know that Purdue University in West Lafayette IN has a similar program, as does Northern Illinois University, Southern Illinois University, Embry-Riddle which is in Florida, and I had a friend from Lewis transfer to a school in North Dakota I think so check around and see what is near you.  I also continued flying all summer after work in the evening to keep current and build up my hours so it can be done.