by our College Data Analytics TeamAre you fascinated with the science of flight? A program in Air Transportation will educate students in the study of aviation, in addition to the business and technical side of the aviation industry. You will study the many factors and manpower that go into executing a single flight.
You may have the ability to choose a concentration in this major. Some of the specializations available are Aerospace Science and Technology, Professional Pilot and Flight Crew, Airways Management and Operations, Air Traffic Controller, Airline Flight Attendant, and Flight Instructor.
In addition to taking classes in your chosen concentration, you will also take courses in flight theory, business administration, aviation safety, air traffic control, meteorology, ad federal aviation regulations. This major is typically offered as an Associate's degree; however this can vary depending on the concentration.
In 2020-2021, air transportation was the 91st most popular major nationwide with 9,984 degrees awarded. This is a difference of 1,494 over the prior year, a growth of 15.0%.
Our 2023 Best Air Transportation Schools ranking analyzes 50 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for air transportation students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of air transport programs later in this article.
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
BS in Operations Management - Logistics & Transportation
Enhance your Bachelor of Science in Operations Management with a concentration in Logistics and Transportation at Southern New Hampshire University.
The airline industry is constantly being updated with new technology and regulations. Those who work in this field will always be learning in order to stay up to date. Clear and careful communication is necessary to prevent devastating accidents and mistakes. Problem-solving and decision-making skills are also important in this field, as is the ability to stay calm in tense situations.
Students might need to pursue additional education, depending on which concentrations they pursue; for example airline pilots need to obtain a commercial pilot's license.
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for most air transport degree programs and many students will need a minimum GPA and SAT/ACT score depending on the school. Once you obtain your degree, additional air transport certifications required to pursue a career in this field.
There are various different levels of air transport degrees. Air Transportation programs offered by schools range from a to a , which is the highest air transport degree you can get. Air Transportation programs can take anywhere between one to four or more years for a full-time student to complete.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to air transport, with approximately 37.3% of workers getting one. See the the most common levels of education for air transport workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 35.0% |
| High School Diploma | 22.4% |
| Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 15.8% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 11.8% |
| Some College Courses | 7.6% |
About 59.2% of workers in careers related to air transport obtain at least associate degrees. See the chart below for the most common degree level workers in air transportation have received.
This of course varies depending on which air transport career you choose.
There are many different career paths in the airline industry. Air traffic controllers organize and direct the movement of air traffic and make sure the planes are safe distances apart. Another job is that of aircraft mechanic or technician. These professionals work long hours in order to maintain and repair airplanes and helicopters. Other jobs include becoming an pilot or flight attendant. Some of these careers may require additional training. The demand in this field varies depending on your chosen profession. For example, there is an increased demand for air traffic controllers, but less of a demand for aircraft mechanics. Salary varies depending on career choice and any additional training received.
Want a job when you graduate with your air transport degree? Air Transportation careers are expected to grow 6.6% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to air transportation.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Flight Attendants | 128,500 | 10.2% |
| Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers | 123,300 | 6.8% |
| Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers | 86,900 | 3.5% |
| Commercial Pilots | 42,300 | 3.7% |
| Air Traffic Controllers | 25,800 | 3.6% |
Recently graduated air transportation students earned an average of $46,821 in 2019-2020. Earnings can range from as low as $20,297 to as high as $80,363. As you might expect, salaries for air transport graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for air transportation graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers air transport grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers | $169,560 |
| Air Traffic Controllers | $120,830 |
| Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers | $102,850 |
| Commercial Pilots | $96,530 |
| Airfield Operations Specialists | $56,760 |
With over 557 different air transport degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased air transport school rankings to help you with this.
Air Transportation is one of 3 different types of Transportation & Materials Moving programs to choose from.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| General Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science & Technology | 5,034 |
| Airline/Commercial/Professional Pilot & Flight Crew | 2,223 |
| Aviation/Airway Management & Operations | 1,895 |
| Air Traffic Controller | 338 |
| Other Air Transportation | 317 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Ground Transportation | 17,893 |
| Marine Transportation | 1,203 |
| Other Transportation & Materials Moving | 4 |
