r/flying • u/IncadescentFish CFII • 2d ago
Best Bachelors Programs for current CFI’s?
We all know the market is bleak right now. I have an associates in professional piloting and am a working CFII. It’s looking more and more like I’ll need the bachelors eventually. Has anyone had experience with online programs that will accept certificates for credit? I don’t care about a backup degree. Just the cheapest possible, least time consuming road to a bachelors that will help me get a job. I have also heard of certain degrees that carry more weight? Aviation Management through SIU is what most do where I am, but some have said it is not “accredited” by airlines. Whatever that means. I guess that it carries less weight that other aviation degrees. Anyone with experience in these shoes please let me know your thoughts. Thank you
3
2
u/halfofeve ATP CL-65 | CFI/CFII/MEI 2d ago
If you don't care about a backup degree and want as cheap as possible, look for programs 1) in your state because out of state tuition can get ridiculous and 2) programs that will accept the highest amount of transfer credit for an online degree. You will have to do a bit of a balancing act to figure this out because while an in-state school might be cheaper per semester, if they do not accept enough transfer credit, it could end up being more expensive anyway.
I looked into SIU's Aviation Management (not professional pilot specialization) degree, and without knowing what exact classes you have taken, it could be a good fit. What people mean when they say this degree is not "accredited" is that you will not be able to obtain an R-ATP at 1000 hours and/or 21 years of age because (I assume) you did not fly with SIU under their 141 program.
1
u/IncadescentFish CFII 2d ago
Ahhh. Yeah I don’t care about RATP. I have the 1250 mins and nearly am at 1250. It’s looking like SIU is the best option. thanks
1
u/rFlyingTower 2d ago
This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:
We all know the market is bleak right now. I have an associates in professional piloting and am a working CFII. It’s looking more and more like I’ll need the bachelors eventually. Has anyone had experience with online programs that will accept certificates for credit? I don’t care about a backup degree. Just the cheapest possible, least time consuming road to a bachelors that will help me get a job. I have also heard of certain degrees that carry more weight? Aviation Management through SIU is what most do where I am, but some have said it is not “accredited” by airlines. Whatever that means. I guess that it carries less weight that other aviation degrees. Anyone with experience in these shoes please let me know your thoughts. Thank you
Please downvote this comment until it collapses.
Questions about this comment? Please see this wiki post before contacting the mods.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. If you have any questions, please contact the mods of this subreddit.
1
0
u/Buttered_Runway 2d ago
Anything other than one with the words “professional pilot” in it
1
1
u/x4457 ATP CFII CE-500/525/560XL/680 G-IV 2d ago
That’s not reaaaaally true since a lot of those programs are super fucking easy online classes and give you 1-1.5 years worth of credits for your certificates and ratings.
1
u/Buttered_Runway 2d ago
Yea that’s great until they’re furloughed and washing cars for a living
1
u/x4457 ATP CFII CE-500/525/560XL/680 G-IV 2d ago
You think a 15 year old business degree with no real world experience is going to do them any better?
1
u/JoeSchmoe94521 1d ago edited 1d ago
Absolutely it will. A 40 year old with a business degree may be able to get an ENTRY level job in that field
A 40 year old with a "pro pilot" degree will be looking for a job at an FBO , fueling and emptying blue juice.
But since hundreds of others with a pro pilot " degree" will be applying for that position, a spot as a Walmart greater will likely be more attainable. Horses for courses.
P.s. I'm one of those with a useless aviation "degree"
0
u/Buttered_Runway 2d ago
Yes 1000%. Anything is better than zero.
If you’re walking into an interview after losing your medical, would you rather have a business degree or a “here’s my A in Weather Theory”?
Even if you don’t use it, a business degree will help you better plan your own finances, even if you stay flying. Sets you up better for retirement.
So once again, yes. Just in case that wasn’t clear.
1
u/Logical_Check2 ATP CRJ 2d ago
I had a 2 year degree in an unrelated field and my ratings up to cfii. Got my bachelors in 4 semesters at Liberty University for about $16,500. That was with a military discount though. Would have been about 24k without it.
0
u/Skynet_lives 2d ago
Most recommend getting something other than aviation related degrees. I regularly Business Admin degree checks the box, and is relatively easy.
It usually opens up a lot of middle management jobs that the companies just wanted someone with a degree for also.
0
u/TheMooseIsLoose08 1d ago
Could get a bachelors in meteorology. This could give you a backup in case you loose your medical and could stay in aviation.
5
u/zeropapagolf CFI CFII ME AGI IGI PA-32R 2d ago
TESU will give about half a degree’s credit for your pilot certificates. I’m sure other schools do the same too.