Because degree titles can sometimes be unclear or misleading, we've organized aviation-related degrees and certificates offered by colleges and universities into 26 distinct categories. This makes it easy to quickly identify the focus of each program and understand exactly what type of degree or certificate a school offers at a glance.

(air cargo)

An Air Cargo degree program prepares students to coordinate the shipment of freight by air, ensuring cargo is properly documented, handled, and transported safely and efficiently. They work with airlines, freight forwarders, and customers to arrange shipments, track cargo, prepare shipping documents, and ensure compliance with transportation regulations.

(air traffic control)

An Air Traffic Controller degree program prepares students to manage the safe and efficient movement of aircraft in the air and on the ground. Coursework typically covers air traffic control procedures, aviation regulations, radar operations, communications, weather, and airspace management.

(aircraft dispatch)

An Aircraft Dispatcher degree program prepares students to support airline flight operations by planning, monitoring, and coordinating aircraft movements. Coursework typically covers flight planning, weather analysis, navigation, aircraft performance, aviation regulations, and operational decision-making to help ensure safe and efficient flights.

(aircraft systems)

An Aircraft Systems degree program provides students with an understanding of the systems that enable modern aircraft to operate safely and efficiently. Coursework typically covers electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, avionics, propulsion, and flight control systems, along with system integration, troubleshooting, and maintenance principles.

(customer relations)

A Customer Relations degree program prepares students for customer service and operational roles within airports and airlines. Coursework typically covers passenger services, ticketing, reservations, baggage handling, airline operations, communication skills, and aviation regulations.

(education)

An Aviation Education degree program, which is generally a master or doctorate degree, prepares experienced aviation professionals and educators for leadership roles in teaching, research, curriculum development, and academic administration. Coursework typically focuses on educational theory, aviation training methodologies, leadership, research methods, and the advancement of aviation education programs.

(human factors)

An Aviation Human Factors degree program examines the relationship between people, technology, and the aviation environment to improve safety and performance. Coursework typically covers human behavior, decision-making, ergonomics, crew resource management, aviation psychology, and the prevention of human error in aviation operations.

(maintenance)

An Aviation Maintenance degree program prepares students to inspect, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair aircraft and their components. Coursework typically covers airframe and powerplant systems, avionics, aviation regulations, maintenance procedures, and aircraft safety practices.

(maintenance management)

An Aviation Maintenance Management degree program combines technical aircraft maintenance knowledge with business and leadership training. Coursework typically covers maintenance operations, aviation regulations, safety management, quality assurance, budgeting, and personnel management, preparing graduates to oversee aircraft maintenance programs and teams.

(management)

An Aviation Management degree program prepares students for leadership and administrative roles within the aviation industry. Coursework typically covers airport and airline operations, aviation regulations, business management, finance, safety, marketing, and strategic planning.

(manufacturing)

An Aviation Manufacturing degree program prepares students for careers in the design, production, assembly, and quality control of aircraft and aerospace components. Coursework typically covers manufacturing processes, materials, production management, quality assurance, engineering principles, and aviation industry standards.

(meteorology)

An Aviation Meteorology degree program focuses on the study of weather and its impact on aviation operations and safety. Coursework typically covers atmospheric science, weather forecasting, climate systems, meteorological data analysis, and the application of weather information to flight planning and decision-making.

(physiology)

An Aviation Physiology degree program examines how the human body responds to the unique physical conditions encountered in flight. Coursework typically covers aerospace physiology, human performance, altitude effects, spatial disorientation, fatigue, acceleration forces, and aviation safety.

(safety)

An Aviation Safety degree program prepares students to identify, assess, and mitigate risks within aviation operations. Coursework typically covers safety management systems, accident investigation, risk analysis, human factors, aviation regulations, and safety compliance to help promote safe and efficient aviation environments.

(security)

An Aviation Security degree program prepares students to protect airports, aircraft, passengers, and aviation infrastructure from security threats. Coursework typically covers aviation security procedures, threat assessment, emergency management, cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, and security operations.

(testing)

An Aviation Testing degree program prepares students to evaluate aircraft, systems, and components to ensure safety, performance, and regulatory compliance. Coursework typically covers flight testing, aircraft performance analysis, data collection, certification standards, troubleshooting, and aviation safety procedures.

(avionics)

An Avionics degree program prepares students to install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair the electronic systems used in modern aircraft. Coursework typically covers aircraft instrumentation, navigation systems, communication systems, flight control electronics, electrical systems, and avionics troubleshooting procedures.

(flight attendant)

A Flight Attendant degree program prepares students for careers providing passenger service and ensuring safety aboard commercial aircraft. Coursework typically covers airline operations, aviation safety procedures, emergency response, customer service, communication skills, and passenger care.

(general)

A General Aviation degree program provides students with a broad understanding of the aviation industry and its various operations. Coursework typically covers aviation fundamentals, aircraft systems, flight operations, safety, regulations, and industry practices, preparing graduates for a variety of aviation-related careers.

(military)

A Military Aviation degree program prepares students for careers involving military aircraft operations, aviation leadership, and defense-related aviation roles. Coursework typically covers flight operations, aviation systems, military aviation procedures, leadership, safety, and the unique requirements of military aviation environments.

(missionary)

A Missionary Aviation degree program prepares students to use aviation skills in support of humanitarian, religious, and outreach missions around the world. Coursework typically covers flight operations, aircraft maintenance, aviation safety, cross-cultural service, and the unique challenges of operating aircraft in remote or underserved areas.

(pilot: airplane)

An Airplane Pilot degree program prepares students for professional flight careers by developing the knowledge and skills needed to safely operate aircraft. Coursework typically covers flight training, aviation regulations, aircraft systems, aerodynamics, navigation, weather, flight planning, and aviation safety.

(pilot: airplane)(maintenance)

An Airplane Pilot and Maintenance degree program combines professional flight training with aircraft maintenance education. Coursework typically covers flight operations, aerodynamics, aircraft systems, aviation regulations, maintenance procedures, troubleshooting, and safety practices, preparing students for careers in both aircraft operation and technical support.

(pilot: airplane)(management)

An Airplane Pilot and Management degree program combines professional flight training with aviation business and leadership education. Coursework typically covers flight operations, aircraft systems, aviation regulations, safety, airport and airline management, finance, and organizational leadership, preparing students for careers as pilots and aviation professionals.

(pilot: helicopter)

A Helicopter Pilot degree program prepares students for professional careers operating rotary-wing aircraft in a variety of aviation environments. Coursework typically covers helicopter flight training, aerodynamics, aircraft systems, navigation, weather, aviation regulations, flight planning, and safety procedures.

(pilot: unmanned aircraft)

An Unmanned Aircraft degree program prepares students for careers involving the operation, management, and application of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly known as drones. Coursework typically covers UAS operations, flight planning, remote piloting, regulations, sensors, data collection, safety, and emerging drone technologies.