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What Degree Does a Pilot Need? (With 8 Degree Options)
Written by
Updated December 16, 2025
If you love flying and want to make it a career, you might consider becoming a pilot. Earning a degree in a relevant field, such as aviation or physics, may help you accomplish this. Understanding the different degree options and steps you can take to become a pilot can help you plan your educational path and career goals.
In this article, we discuss eight degree options for aspiring pilots, review certification and coursework requirements and expand on why it’s important for aspiring pilots to complete a formal degree program.Â
What degree does a pilot need?
Most companies recommend that pilot candidates earn a bachelor's degree. You might consider earning a degree from a Federal Aviation Administration-certified school, like the United States Air Force Academy. Students frequently pursue degrees relevant to aviation before getting further certifications and training. Here are eight degrees you can pursue to help you become a pilot:
1. Bachelor of Science in physics
Studying physics can teach you about thermodynamics and aerodynamics. This might prepare you for situations where you have to calculate kinetic forces and other interactions between your plane and the physical world. An understanding of these theories can help you fly safely. When completing your physics degree, you can also attend aerodynamics courses which can help you better prepare for future pilot tests.
2. Bachelor of Science in aviation maintenance
This degree teaches you about the maintenance of aircraft and their mechanical systems. Students in this field spend a lot of time in airports, which might ease their transition into flying an aircraft. They may also benefit from making connections with personnel at airports where they train. Understanding how the aircraft works can also help you excel when completing exams or operating an aircraft when you work on your flying hours. Aviation maintenance can also help individuals respond effectively to aircraft emergencies and verify aircraft integrity, which pilots accomplish prior to every flight.
Related:
What Are Aviation Degrees? How To Choose the Right One for You
3. Bachelor of Science in aviation management
Students of aviation management mostly focus on directing other pilots, but they also learn about how aircraft work. Pursuing this degree might help you prepare for any airport safety regulations you encounter as a pilot. It may help aspiring pilots anticipate expectations from future aviation managers.
4. Bachelor of Science in aeronautics
Students of aeronautical science learn how to build aircraft. They also learn the science of flight and how it impacts aircraft design. This can help aspiring pilots understand the crafts they fly. Since many of the coursework in this program overlaps with content discussed during aviation degree programs, this degree can help prepare you for additional aviation courses you might take to become a pilot.
5. Bachelor of Science in aviation
This degree can provide you with direct flight training and an understanding of aviation law. Some programs allow you to complete part, or all, of your pilot certification. This may be a good option for pilots who plan to fly commercially. Many aviation degree programs also require students to pursue internships with airline companies, which can further expand a student’s real-world experience as a pilot.
6. Bachelor of Science in air traffic management
Students of air traffic management learn how to coordinate planes along flight paths. You also learn how to create new flight plans so pilots can avoid adverse weather conditions. This may also help aspiring pilots anticipate expectations from air traffic control members.
7. Bachelor of Science in aviation technology
Aviation technology students learn how to maintain and fly aircraft. Common coursework includes classes in physics, aircraft maintenance and aerodynamics. Many programs award you with a full pilot certification when you finish your coursework. This may benefit aspiring pilots who plan to fly commercially or privately.
Related:
How To Become a Pilot
8. Bachelor of Science in computer science
While seeking an aviation-related degree is useful, other science degrees can help you achieve your goal of becoming a pilot. A degree in computer science can help you understand computer hardware and software, which many planes and jets utilize to function. This type of degree program can also help you better understand complex avionic equipment, which can help you succeed when you seek your pilot’s license.
Related:
How To Get a Computer Science Degree While Working Full Time
What certification does a pilot need?
The Federal Aviation Administration requires that all airline pilots earn an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate. The certificate takes about two years to complete. Some specific requirements include:
Flying experience:
Training pilots require 50 hours flying in multi-engine planes, 75 hours performing instrument-assisted flights, 100 hours flying at night, 250 hours acting as a pilot in command and 500 hours flying cross-country. This ensures they gain significant practice and familiarity with flying procedures.
Private licensure:
Pilots earn their private pilot license from an accredited institution. This allows them to fly private planes for individuals or organizations.
Commercial licensure:
Pilots earn their commercial pilot license from an accredited institution. This allows them to fly planes through commercial airlines like those you might find at a public airport.
Instrument rating:
Pilots earn these ratings, which demonstrate that they know how to fly in adverse weather conditions. They complete practice flights, using instruments such as radar and traffic control.
Age requirement:
The minimum age for a pilot is 23 years of age. This age limit ensures that pilots have spent an appropriate amount of time in school and training.
Testing:
Pilots take a written and practical test administered by the Federal Aviation Administration. These tests measure their knowledge of standards, procedures and federal laws.
Related:
What Is The Job Outlook for Airline and Commercial Pilots?
What courses does a pilot take?
Because there are many different skills and procedures a pilot uses, there are a wide range of courses they can take. Depending on the kind of pilot they're training to be, they might take different courses. Pilots often take courses that cover the following:
Aviation curriculum:
These are courses that teach you how to operate an aircraft and follow aviation law. You can take classes on the fundamentals of instrument flight, flight deck environmental issues and multi-engine flying.
Air traffic curriculum:
These are courses that teach you how to monitor an airport's aircraft activity and update pilots on changing flight conditions. You can take classes on air traffic control tower simulation, crew resource management and instrument flight rules procedure.
Business curriculum:
These are courses that teach you how to monitor the details of airport operations, including how to manage aviation staff and create business plans. You can take classes on career development for aviation professionals, principles of organization management and principles of marketing.
Aeronautics curriculum:
These are courses that teach you the science and mechanical operations of flight. You can take courses on aircraft stability and control, aircraft feedback control systems and advanced aerodynamics.
Related:
Interview Question: "Why Do You Want To Be a Pilot?"
Why is a degree important for a pilot?
The courses an aspiring pilot takes in school prepare them for the complicated process of flying. Here are some additional reasons you might consider getting a degree before pursuing a piloting career:
Some airlines require that you have a bachelor's degree before you can work for them.
The process of completing your degree requirements can put you in the results-oriented mindset required to complete your flight training.
You can learn the math and science required to understand flight operations and weather patterns.
A lot of universities have programs that lead to a career right after you get your degree.
It makes it easier to become a civilian pilot, which is the only alternative to joining a military pilot training program.
If you decide to transition away from piloting, your degree could help you secure positions in many technology- and management-related fields.
The professional connections you make in college could provide recommendation letters when you apply for flight schools or airlines.
The information on this site is provided as a courtesy and for informational purposes only. Indeed is not a career or legal advisor and does not guarantee job interviews or offers
Airline pilots |
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2. What Degree Does a Pilot Need? (With 8 Degree Options)
# What Degree Does a Pilot Need? (With 8 Degree Options)
Written by
Indeed Editorial Team
Updated December 16, 2025
If you love flying and want to make it a career, you might consider becoming a pilot. Earning a degree in a relevant field, such as aviation or physics, may help you accomplish this. Understanding the different degree options and steps you can take to become a pilot can help you plan your educational path and career goals.In this article, we discuss eight degree options for aspiring pilots, review certification and coursework requirements and expand on why it’s important for aspiring pilots to complete a formal degree program.
## Find your next job more quickly
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[Learn more](https://www.indeed.com/careerscout?from=jobseeker_marketing&sid=career_scout_us_career_guide_desktop_promo)Source: Indeed test data, US, May 2025, based on the average hires per apply
## What degree does a pilot need?
Most companies recommend that pilot candidates earn a bachelor's degree. You might consider earning a degree from a Federal Aviation Administration-certified school, like the United States Air Force Academy. Students frequently pursue degrees relevant to aviation before getting further certifications and training. Here are eight degrees you can pursue to help you become a pilot:
### 1\. Bachelor of Science in physics
Studying physics can teach you about thermodynamics and aerodynamics. This might prepare you for situations where you have to calculate kinetic forces and other interactions between your plane and the physical world. An understanding of these theories can help you fly safely. When completing your physics degree, you can also attend aerodynamics courses which can help you better prepare for future pilot tests.
### 2\. Bachelor of Science in aviation maintenance
This degree teaches you about the maintenance of aircraft and their mechanical systems. Students in this field spend a lot of time in airports, which might ease their transition into flying an aircraft. They may also benefit from making connections with personnel at airports where they train. Understanding how the aircraft works can also help you excel when completing exams or operating an aircraft when you work on your flying hours. Aviation maintenance can also help individuals respond effectively to aircraft emergencies and verify aircraft integrity, which pilots accomplish prior to every flight.
Related:
[What Are Aviation Degrees? How To Choose the Right One for You](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/degree-aviation)
### 3\. Bachelor of Science in aviation management
Students of aviation management mostly focus on directing other pilots, but they also learn about how aircraft work. Pursuing this degree might help you prepare for any airport safety regulations you encounter as a pilot. It may help aspiring pilots anticipate expectations from future aviation managers.
### 4\. Bachelor of Science in aeronautics
Students of aeronautical science learn how to build aircraft. They also learn the science of flight and how it impacts aircraft design. This can help aspiring pilots understand the crafts they fly. Since many of the coursework in this program overlaps with content discussed during aviation degree programs, this degree can help prepare you for additional aviation courses you might take to become a pilot.
### 5\. Bachelor of Science in aviation
This degree can provide you with direct flight training and an understanding of aviation law. Some programs allow you to complete part, or all, of your pilot certification. This may be a good option for pilots who plan to fly commercially. Many aviation degree programs also require students to pursue internships with airline companies, which can further expand a student’s real-world experience as a pilot.
### 6\. Bachelor of Science in air traffic management
Students of air traffic management learn how to coordinate planes along flight paths. You also learn how to create new flight plans so pilots can avoid adverse weather conditions. This may also help aspiring pilots anticipate expectations from air traffic control members.
### 7\. Bachelor of Science in aviation technology
Aviation technology students learn how to maintain and fly aircraft. Common coursework includes classes in physics, aircraft maintenance and aerodynamics. Many programs award you with a full pilot certification when you finish your coursework. This may benefit aspiring pilots who plan to fly commercially or privately.
Related:
[How To Become a Pilot](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-become-a-pilot)
### 8\. Bachelor of Science in computer science
While seeking an aviation-related degree is useful, other science degrees can help you achieve your goal of becoming a pilot. A degree in computer science can help you understand computer hardware and software, which many planes and jets utilize to function. This type of degree program can also help you better understand complex avionic equipment, which can help you succeed when you seek your pilot’s license.
Related:
[How To Get a Computer Science Degree While Working Full Time](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/computer-science-degree-full-time-work)
## What certification does a pilot need?
The Federal Aviation Administration requires that all airline pilots earn an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate. The certificate takes about two years to complete. Some specific requirements include:
- Flying experience: Training pilots require 50 hours flying in multi-engine planes, 75 hours performing instrument-assisted flights, 100 hours flying at night, 250 hours acting as a pilot in command and 500 hours flying cross-country. This ensures they gain significant practice and familiarity with flying procedures.
- Private licensure: Pilots earn their private pilot license from an accredited institution. This allows them to fly private planes for individuals or organizations.
- Commercial licensure: Pilots earn their commercial pilot license from an accredited institution. This allows them to fly planes through commercial airlines like those you might find at a public airport.
- Instrument rating: Pilots earn these ratings, which demonstrate that they know how to fly in adverse weather conditions. They complete practice flights, using instruments such as radar and traffic control.
- Age requirement: The minimum age for a pilot is 23 years of age. This age limit ensures that pilots have spent an appropriate amount of time in school and training.
- Testing: Pilots take a written and practical test administered by the Federal Aviation Administration. These tests measure their knowledge of standards, procedures and federal laws.
Related:
[What Is The Job Outlook for Airline and Commercial Pilots?](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/pilot-job-outlook)
## What courses does a pilot take?
Because there are many different skills and procedures a pilot uses, there are a wide range of courses they can take. Depending on the kind of pilot they're training to be, they might take different courses. Pilots often take courses that cover the following:
- Aviation curriculum: These are courses that teach you how to operate an aircraft and follow aviation law. You can take classes on the fundamentals of instrument flight, flight deck environmental issues and multi-engine flying.
- Air traffic curriculum: These are courses that teach you how to monitor an airport's aircraft activity and update pilots on changing flight conditions. You can take classes on air traffic control tower simulation, crew resource management and instrument flight rules procedure.
- Business curriculum: These are courses that teach you how to monitor the details of airport operations, including how to manage aviation staff and create business plans. You can take classes on career development for aviation professionals, principles of organization management and principles of marketing.
- Aeronautics curriculum: These are courses that teach you the science and mechanical operations of flight. You can take courses on aircraft stability and control, aircraft feedback control systems and advanced aerodynamics.
Related:
[Interview Question: "Why Do You Want To Be a Pilot?"](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/why-do-you-want-to-be-pilot)
## Why is a degree important for a pilot?
The courses an aspiring pilot takes in school prepare them for the complicated process of flying. Here are some additional reasons you might consider getting a degree before pursuing a piloting career:
- Some airlines require that you have a bachelor's degree before you can work for them.
- The process of completing your degree requirements can put you in the results-oriented mindset required to complete your flight training.
- You can learn the math and science required to understand flight operations and weather patterns.
- A lot of universities have programs that lead to a career right after you get your degree.
- It makes it easier to become a civilian pilot, which is the only alternative to joining a military pilot training program.
- If you decide to transition away from piloting, your degree could help you secure positions in many technology- and management-related fields.
- The professional connections you make in college could provide recommendation letters when you apply for flight schools or airlines.
\
The information on this site is provided as a courtesy and for informational purposes only. Indeed is not a career or legal advisor and does not guarantee job interviews or offers
\
Airline pilots
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