For college aviation programs, does it make a difference if its a 2 year degree compared to 4 year.?

Question

Hello,

I know that some aviation colleges have 2 year programs and some have 4 year like seneca. Is the 4 year more better and shows more knowledge? Most people say that the 2 year is better because you finish earlier. But when it comes to the airlines, will it matter?

Answer 1

I'm currently enrolled at Hallmark College of Aviation, in San Antonio. Their program is 14 months long, and I get 2 bachelors degrees, plus I attain my A&P certificate once I've taken the FAA General, Airframe, and Power Plant tests.. I know that the program is shorter than attending almost anywhere else, and it's as good as attending a 2 or 4 year program at any other campus.. So I would speculate that it's completely dependant on where you go, not to mention how many classes a day you attend. This would look good on a resume for a perspective employer, being that it shows a shorter amount of time attended with the maximum amount of academic credits earned. Being that you'd be in school a vast majority of the time and not out partying. Aviation is relatively strict with their requirements. TRUST ME.

Answer 2

The answer to this question is different for airlines in the States compared to airlines in Canada. Since your question is in the 'Canadian' section and you reference Seneca (I'm an alumus) I'm going to assume you're looking for an answer in regards to Canada.

I discuss the issue of getting a degree in depth in a post on my blog at http://piloteh.blogspot.com/2008/03/ques... but I'll outline some of the basics.

Airlines in Canada do like to see a candidate with a degree (in aviation or anything else). But, they also like to see candidates from recognized aviation college diploma programs. Airlines are more interested in your hours and flying experience. Therefore, someone who does a two year college program might make it to the airlines faster than someone who does a 4 year program, because the first person has two extra years in which they are gaining hours. Depending on where you work, you can get as much as 1600-2000 hours over that two year period which will make you a much more competitive candidate for the airlines.

Doing a shorter program will likely leave you in less debt when you finish. Beware! the pay in aviation is extremely low for the first few years.

All that being said, getting a degree can be very helpful. Within aviation it is still considered a benefit. As well, if something ever goes wrong with your health or you get laid off or your airline goes bankrupt, having a degree may help you find employment outside the aviation industry.

It jsut depends on the type of person you are, what your financial situation is like and what your life goals are.

Read through the blog post and don't hesitate to send me an e-mail if you have anymore questions.

Cheers!

James Ball

Author of "So, You Want to be a Pilot, Eh? - A Guidebook for Canadian Pilot Training"

http://www.piloteh.com

http://www.piloteh.blogspot.com

Answer 3

Unless you dad is CEO of the airline your odds of getting hired with only a 2 year degree is about zero. Most all airlines require a 4 year degree as a minimum. Personally I discourage people from getting aviation degrees. Few airlines care what your degree is in so any field of science is good. However, no airline pilot will go through his carrier without being out of work for long periods of time. During that time its good to be able to work as an Engineer, architect, etc. So, don't waste your time getting an aviation degree that won't buy you much; focus on a degree that will pay the bills when the airlines are laying pilots off.

-Robert, CFII, Commercial Pilot.

Answer 4

Having a 2 year college degree vs a 4 year college degree, irrespective of the major, does make a difference.  However, airlines don't care how you got your ratings and how long it took you.  They also don't care what your major is or where you went to school.  All they want to see is that you meet their minimum hiring requirements, have a 4 year degree and know someone who can recommend you.

My recommendation is to not do an official college aviation program at all.  Get a 4 year degree in your second career choice, and go to a local FBO to do your training.  That way, you're trained in two different careers.

Answer 5

The 4 year is way "more better."  They will teach you much more, maybe even a little bit of english.

But seriously it depends on your goal in life. Do you want to be a flight instructor or regional airline pilot (or other entry level job) forever? If so, a 2 year degree is great. no need to spend the extra 2 years in school building up your debt.

If you have higher ambitions in life, then you will be well served by a 4 year degree, or higher.

I assume you are looking at a pilot related program. If so, do yourself a favor and stay away from an aviation degree. There isn't an aviation company out there that requires an aviation degree. In fact, some places, such as nasa consider an aviation degree to not be good enough for a pilot position. Just something to think about.  Its also a good idea to broaden your horizons with a degree in another field you are interested, just so you have something else to fall back on.