What is the best degree for becoming a Pilot? And how can it improve our desire to fly? The skies are calling, but in 2025–26, a pilot’s success depends on more than just logging flight hours. Airlines and aviation giants now want sharp minds, tech-savvy thinkers, and strategic decision-makers in the cockpit. The right degree doesn’t just get you hired, it can skyrocket your career, unlock higher salaries, and open doors beyond the flight deck. But which degrees matter? Some might surprise you. Whether you’re dreaming of commercial jets, fighter planes, or futuristic drones, these are the top degrees every aspiring pilot must consider before takeoff.
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Why Your Degree Matters in Modern Aviation
A degree is frequently a strategic benefit in the modern aviation sector, not just a nice-to-have. Well-rounded applicants with solid academic credentials are becoming more and more valued by airlines, commercial aviation firms, and even military units. A degree is an indication that you have mastered critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills that every successful pilot requires in and out of the cockpit.
Moreover, aviation is evolving fast. With advancements in automation, AI, cybersecurity, and complex air traffic systems, pilots are expected to understand more than just how to fly. A relevant degree can prepare you to engage with modern cockpit technologies, interpret data, and respond to real-time challenges with confidence.
And when your flying career eventually plateaus or winds down, your degree gives you the flexibility to transition into management, safety, training, or operational roles. In short, your degree isn’t just a credential, it’s your co-pilot for a future-proof aviation career.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Degree
Choosing the right degree for becoming a pilot is more than just picking what sounds cool, it’s about setting yourself up for long-term success in a competitive and ever-evolving industry. The following are the main things you should remember:
- FAA or Regulatory Approval: If you’re in the U.S. or a country with strict aviation standards, make sure your degree program is approved by the FAA or relevant aviation authority. Some programs also include Part 141 or Part 61 flight training, which can accelerate your licensing process.
- Integrated Flight Training: Look for programs that offer in-house or partnered flight schools. Getting your flight hours while earning your degree saves time, money, and logistical stress.
- Technical vs. Theoretical Balance: A good degree blends classroom knowledge (like aerodynamics, weather, and aviation law) with practical skills (like navigation and cockpit decision-making).
- Career Flexibility: Life happens. Choose a degree that can support alternate paths, like aviation management, operations, or safety, should you ever decide to hang up your headset.
- Reputation and Networking Opportunities: Universities with strong aviation programs often have connections to major airlines, internship pipelines, and alumni networks that can give you a hiring edge.
- Technology and Equipment: Make sure the school provides access to modern simulators, advanced avionics, and aircraft that reflect what’s used in the industry today.
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10 Best Degree for Becoming a Pilot in 2025–26
1. Bachelor of Aviation
The most obvious degree for becoming a pilot is a bachelor’s degree in aviation. A Bachelor of Science (BS) program in aviation is offered by some universities. Others, however, include aviation instruction in their Bachelor of Arts (BA) programs. Either way, it’s a highly specialized degree that covers all the information required to become a pilot.
The college will decide the actual course of study. The classes you take will vary since different colleges offer different degrees in aviation. However, in order to stay on track, the majority of programs require you to enroll in the school initially and maintain good grades.
Obtaining a bachelor’s degree in aviation entails coursework in electrical engineering, flying, and airplane engineering. Depending on your future career goals, you may also enroll in courses on aircraft maintenance, airport operations, and other aviation-related fields.
A degree in aviation takes four to six years to complete. You receive more flight training to become a commercial pilot in longer programs. Although accelerated programs can help you obtain your license more quickly, they don’t prepare you as well for the actual world.
In what ways does it help you become a pilot?
After completing a Bachelor of Aviation program, you can earn a full commercial pilot license. Prior to beginning training, the majority of commercial airlines will require pilots to hold a four-year degree. You will be considered a better option if you have a degree specifically in aviation.
Therefore, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in aviation is the most direct path if you want to work in the field as soon as you finish. You can obtain internships with airlines or other aviation-related businesses throughout your last two years of education. A bachelor’s degree in aviation is, therefore, a highly career-focused option.
There are alternative degrees that will work if you don’t mind spending your time getting to the top. Remember that many of the same courses that are taught in aviation bachelor’s degree programs are also part of other degree programs. You can still earn a degree in a different field if you choose a different path to become a pilot.
2. Bachelor of Science in Aviation Technology
A Bachelor of Science in Aviation Technology could be a perfect degree for becoming a pilot if you have some flying experience or are currently a military pilot. By the end of this program, you will have earned both your bachelor’s degree and a commercial pilot’s license.
Aviation technology schools require extensive flight instruction since they prepare you to take to the skies. Additionally, you will learn how to control aviation systems and maintain airplanes. Additionally, you will review aerodynamics and other physics concepts related to flying an airplane.
In what ways does it help you become a pilot?
A Bachelor of Science in Aviation Technology can prepare you to become a pilot, just like a Bachelor of Arts in Aviation. However, different programs may offer different pilot licenses. Therefore, choose one that supports your professional objectives.
A bachelor’s degree in aviation technology may be preferred by some employers due to the program’s reputation for being more rigorous. Additionally, a BS program may teach you more technical skills than a BA program, which tends to concentrate more on general aviation knowledge.
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3. Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering
Although a degree in aerospace engineering may not immediately place you in the pilot’s seat, airlines and flight schools view it as a huge advantage. Compared to a typical Bachelor of Arts or Science in Aviation, this degree offers a lot more employment choices in aviation, even though you will still need further flying training to become a pilot.
If you decide to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering, be ready for a challenging journey. It will be competitive because only a few schools provide recognized programs. To be accepted, you will often need to perform well academically. But once you’re in, you’ll have access to excellent training that will set you up for a variety of fascinating jobs in the aerospace and aviation sectors.
Aerodynamics and thermodynamics are two examples of the courses you’ll discover in an aerospace engineering curriculum. These are essential to comprehending airplane flight. However, you’ll also explore more specialized fields like rocketry and space travel. Careers at NASA and other space agencies are the focus of those.
In what ways does it help you become a pilot?
If your goal is to become a commercial pilot, it might be overkill to complete an entire aeronautical engineering degree. However, studying aerospace engineering could be a fantastic educational option if working as an airline pilot seems like a perfect fallback job while you aim for the stars.
A bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering that primarily emphasizes the abilities required for piloting is feasible. Additionally, when it comes time to apply for potential jobs in the aviation sector, having a degree in aerospace engineering will put you at the top of the list.
4. Bachelor of Aeronautical Science
Studying aeronautical science is one of the best degree for becoming a pilot that entails understanding how aircraft function, from the tiniest components to the most important (maybe the wings). You can use this to design and construct entire aircraft, but it won’t immediately turn you into a pilot. Nonetheless, you have a significant edge over other job seekers if you understand how airplanes fly.
The majority of those who earn degrees in aeronautical science go on to work as engineers who create new aircraft components or mechanics who repair aircraft. To keep airplanes safe in the air, you can also work as an air traffic controller. Although it may appear to be a specialized field, this leads to a wide range of careers in the fascinating field of rockets and airplanes.
In what ways does it help you become a pilot?
You won’t get to pilot anything just yet in Aeronautical Science. Since there is no real flying involved in this program, you will still require additional training to fly even after you graduate.
The good news? Much of what pilots learn will be covered in your classes. Additionally, compared to someone with only an aviation degree, you have additional employment alternatives with this degree. Your understanding of airplanes will therefore be very beneficial if you ever decide to move to building them, even if you eventually become a pilot!
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5. Bachelor of Science in Air Traffic Management
One of the best degree for becoming a pilot is Air Traffic Management. Although most air traffic management degrees are earned in four years, this highly specialized professional path requires a great deal of knowledge and experience.
Air traffic controllers and air marshals perform comparable duties for airplanes. They keep an eye on aircraft in the sky to make sure they don’t crash or become overly crowded. You must study how airplanes operate and how to read the weather to become a controller. In this manner, even during storms, aircraft can be kept safe.
In what ways does it help you become a pilot?
Do you hope to work as a pilot someday? A degree in air traffic control can be beneficial! Pilots benefit greatly from learning about adverse weather in this curriculum since they occasionally need to alter their course to escape storms. You will have an advantage because many pilots lack weather information.
Employers can see that you understand the rules of the skies and can maintain order if you have a degree in air traffic control. You may have an advantage over those who only hold a general aviation degree because of this.
This degree can lead to other occupations like an airport manager or an airplane engineer, but it won’t make you a pilot right away. Thus, this degree prepares you for a fantastic job in aviation, even if you don’t wind up flying airplanes.
6. Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management
One of the best degrees for becoming a pilot is aviation management, the on-the-ground activities that assist pilots in maintaining their aircraft in the air. Although large airlines also provide aviation management positions, the majority of aviation managers are employed by charter businesses. Although there is a lot of information about airplanes and their operations in aviation management courses, the main focus of this degree is business management rather than aircraft flying.
In what ways does it help you become a pilot?
The majority of students who pursue this degree go on to become aviation managers because it’s a very specific talent. However, if you choose to change careers and become a pilot, being in airports and near airplanes will give you a lot of contacts. Additionally, when you apply for pilot jobs, your extensive knowledge of aircraft and airports will be a benefit.
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7. Bachelor of Science in Aviation Maintenance
A degree in aviation maintenance is also one of the best degrees for becoming a pilot. It might be an excellent alternative if you enjoy the notion of becoming a pilot but want to have some other options. A different degree path in the same fundamental field is to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Maintenance Management. Those who wish to pursue careers in management or operations are better suited for aviation maintenance, which entails overseeing aircraft maintenance operations.
In what ways does it help you become a pilot?
You will master the fundamentals of aircraft operation as part of your Bachelor of Science in Aviation Maintenance program. If you choose to change careers, you can use this knowledge to pursue a career as a pilot. It will be simpler to enroll in flight school and obtain your wings if you are already familiar with airports and airplanes. Although earning a degree in aviation repair will provide you with a certain professional path, working in an airport setting will let you broaden your horizons anytime a change is needed.
8. Bachelor in Computer Science
After discussing the main aviation-related degrees that can be used to become a pilot, it’s time to discuss a few more degrees that will help you get into the flight school of your choice and land a pilot’s job. The science of piloting a plane has very little to do with computer science, yet any degree connected to science will increase your chances of landing your ideal job.
You will learn how to design software and engineer computer hardware as an undergraduate studying computer science. If your ambition of becoming a pilot doesn’t work out, you will have lots of other possibilities thanks to your computer science degree, which can prepare you for a wide range of professional routes.
In what ways does it help you become a pilot?
When applying for jobs as airline pilots, a bachelor’s degree in computer science will look good, just like any other degree linked to science. As a pilot, you won’t typically use your computer science degree, but your understanding of computer systems may help you understand the intricate equipment that airplanes need to stay in the air.
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9. Bachelor of Science in Physics
Again, one of the best degrees for becoming a pilot is Physics, no other general scientific degree may better prepare you for life as a pilot than a bachelor’s degree in physics. For example, most physics degrees contain courses on aerodynamics and thermodynamics, which are also included in aviation studies.
Courses like quantum physics, theoretical physics, analytical mechanics, and other subjects that will teach you about the physical universe are probably going to be part of your undergraduate physics curriculum. Focusing on aerodynamics classes and related fields of study is always a good idea, even if you have only a passing interest in becoming a pilot.
In what ways does it help you become a pilot?
Pilots frequently need to comprehend the forces that move airplanes and perform calculations. Even while earning a degree in physics does not directly qualify you to fly an aircraft, as a pilot, you will likely utilize your understanding of the subject daily.
10. Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
Your credentials will help you land a career in the aviation sector if you already hold a chemistry degree. Your scientific background will give you an advantage over applicants with BAs and other non-scientific degrees, even though you won’t need your chemistry degree on the job as a pilot.
You will gain an understanding of the functioning of both organic and inorganic chemical systems as you finish the courses required to acquire a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. Additionally, you will learn how to work with chemicals and learn about the interactions between various chemical substances. The majority of undergraduate chemistry courses last four years.
In what ways does it help you become a pilot?
Being a pilot does not require immediate preparation with a chemistry degree. If you decide to continue your studies in air traffic management, it could be beneficial to have a basic understanding of chemistry. A solid understanding of chemistry is necessary to comprehend how meteorological systems function, and aviation meteorology plays a significant role in the majority of air traffic control programs.
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What Are the Requirements to Become a Pilot?
Becoming a pilot is an exciting but structured journey, with specific requirements that vary depending on the type of license you’re aiming for. Here’s a breakdown of the general steps and qualifications you’ll need to meet:
1. Meet the Basic Eligibility Criteria
- Age:
- At least 16 years old for a student pilot license
- 17 for a private pilot license (PPL)
- 18 for a commercial pilot license (CPL)
- 23 for an airline transport pilot license (ATPL)
- Language:
Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English fluently (as required by the FAA and most global aviation authorities). - Medical Certificate:
Must pass a medical examination from an authorized aviation medical examiner (Class 1 for commercial/airline pilots).
2. Obtain the Necessary Flight Training
- Enroll in a flight school (Part 61 or Part 141 in the U.S.)
- Accumulate flight hours:
- Private Pilot: Minimum 40 flight hours
- Commercial Pilot: Minimum 250 hours
- Airline Transport Pilot: Minimum 1,500 hours (some exceptions apply)
- Flight training includes solo flights, cross-country navigation, night flying, and instrument training.
3. Pass the Required Exams
- Written Knowledge Tests: Covers aviation theory, regulations, weather, navigation, etc.
- Practical Flight Test (Checkride): Conducted by an FAA examiner or equivalent, where you demonstrate your flying skills.
4. Choose Your Career Path
- Private Pilot: Recreational flying, not for compensation.
- Commercial Pilot: Paid flying jobs like charter, cargo, or aerial photography.
- Airline Transport Pilot (ATP): Required to fly for commercial airlines.
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Salary Estimates For Pilot Careers
| CAREERS | MEDIAN | RANGE |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Airline | $187k | $168k-$209k |
| Commercial Airline Co-Pilot | $151k | $134k-$170k |
| Express Delivery | $212k | $239k |
| Federal Government (excluding postal service) | $104k | $116k |
| Test Pilot | $127k | $108k-$147k |
| Helicopter | $105k | $89k-$135k |
| Ambulance/Medical Service | $88k | $75k-$100k |
| Military | $127k | $114k-$141k |
| NASA – Civilian Pilot | $67k | $66k-$77k |
| NASA – Military Pilot | $113k | $99k-$130k |
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In conclusion, in the fast-paced, high-tech world of aviation, the right degree can be your strongest co-pilot. As we head into 2025–26, airlines, military branches, and private aviation firms are looking for more than just flying hours, they want well-rounded professionals with strong academic foundations. Whether you choose a degree in aviation, engineering, physics, or even computer science, what matters most is aligning your education with your long-term goals in the skies.
These top 10 degrees don’t just prepare you to become a pilot, they position you for leadership, adaptability, and growth in a competitive field. With new technologies and industry standards constantly evolving, pilots who invest in the right education will be the ones flying higher, faster, and further. So, if you’re ready to chart your course to the cockpit, start by choosing a degree that gives you both lift-off and lasting altitude. The journey to becoming a pilot starts here—make it count.