Top reasons to earn an aviation degree at CAU
If you’ve ever had a dream of flying—for the thrill, the adventure, the sense of purpose, and the prestige–earning an aviation degree with California Aeronautical University (CAU) might be for you.
Here are five reasons an aviation degree is right for you.
Set yourself apart for future advancement
Some major carriers are requiring at least an undergraduate degree to compete when trying to advance past the regional level. While you may not need a degree, many of our students are eager to set themselves apart from their contemporaries.
“The reason I decided to attend CAU, was to eventually set myself apart. At the time of applying, I was thinking about my end goal. I know many colleagues that regret not getting their degree earlier while they had the time,” said Luis Reynoso, assistant chief flight instructor at CAU’s San Diego location. When asked some of the reasons he saw some opt to earn certificates and ratings without a degree, he explained that they are trying to save time. “But, when you think about it, you are only shaving off about a year and depending upon the school you may not be eligible for a 250-500 reduction of hours toward an air transport pilot certificate (ATP) like you may be with CAU.”
Many will find that a three-year bachelor of science degree that comes with certificates and ratings up to CFII (certificated flight instructor instrument), where you are applicable for a reduction of hours toward an ATP, will overall save you more time and money than you may have imagined and could set you up for future advancement opportunities faster, explained Tamu Smith-Kohls, CAU vice president of enrollment management.
Passion
Do you daydream about a future in which you’re the one in the flight deck flying across the world? Maybe you’ve taken a discovery flight and caught the aviation bug. Or just maybe you have a pilot in the family and can’t stop thinking about the thrill of flying with them.
An aviation degree can help turn your dream of flying into a reality. Plus, earning a bachelor’s degree in aeronautics can provide a supportive environment and structured pathway to enter the aviation industry.
Aviation community
Studying in an aeronautics degree program can provide the opportunity to be with other student pilots. They can be your best support as you work through your college education. Not only do you have shared interests, your classmates can sympathize about workloads or assist you with courses you might find challenging.
Even more importantly, the sequential nature of a degree program ensures that students who have more experience are always present; this means you will have plenty of people from whom to learn.
Pathway to advancement
Aviation is a goal-oriented career. With a variety of elements to track through specific milestones—flight hours, ground school, checkrides—it’s helpful to choose an educational partner that can assist you with earning the necessary certificates/ratings and degree within the designated time frame.
Many aviation universities have partnerships with regional airlines that can provide a direct pathway to airline cadet programs. Choosing to earn an aviation degree means that student pilots can have a structured pathway from zero flight hours all the way to airline cadet program!
Pilot shortage and job outlook
Boeing’s Pilot and Technician Outlook study found that long-term demand for newly qualified pilots remains strong. Due to senior pilots reaching retirement age, pilots furloughed during the height of the pandemic making career changes, and other contributing factors, 600,000 new pilots will be needed to fly the global commercial aviation fleet over the next 20 years.
With the right training and educational partner, the projected job outlook can provide considerable opportunities for someone earning an aviation degree.
Earn an aviation degree that can provide a pathway to a fun, passion-filled career in a growing industry.
