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Wednesday 26 November 2014

Career Information for an Aeronautics or Aviation Degree

Aeronautics or aviation is generally the science of flight, and this field may also include the manufacturing and design of airplanes and helicopters. Continue reading for an overview of the training, as well as career and salary info for some career options for graduates.

Essential Information

Individuals with an interest in the design, manufacture and flight of airplanes, spacecraft or helicopters may consider earning degrees in aeronautics, aviation or aerospace science. Topics covered in these degree programs include aerodynamics, propulsion, control engineering, structures, materials and aeroelasticity. Potential job options for graduates include aerospace engineers, aircraft pilots, or postsecondary educators. Information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that the first two listed careers require the minimum of bachelor's degrees for most positions, but postsecondary educators typically need graduate degrees. Pilots are also required to obtain pilots' licenses and special certificates, as dictated by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Aerospace Engineers


Aerospace engineers design and construct new aircraft and spacecraft, including missiles and rockets. They develop models, use knowledge of physics to anticipate and correct problems and test new systems for flaws before moving into final production. They may also estimate the cost of new products. Most aerospace engineers hold a bachelor's degree.

The BLS anticipates aerospace engineering jobs to grow by seven percent between 2012 and 2022. The average annual salary for an aerospace engineer in May 2013 was $105,450.

Aircraft Pilots

Aircraft pilots are professionals who fly airplanes. Most aircraft pilots work for commercial airlines, while the rest perform other tasks such as crop dusting, traffic monitoring and flying passengers and cargo to remote areas. Pilots require extensive FAA certification and experience. At one time, most pilots gained experience in the military, but more students are now learning the ropes by pursuing a college degree in aviation.

The BLS projects a seven percent decline in available jobs for airline and commercial pilots over the 2012-2022 decade. In May 2013, airline pilots, copilots and flight engineers made an average annual salary of $129,600.

Aerospace Science Professor

Students who complete an advanced degree program, such as a master's degree program, but more often a Ph.D. program, may consider becoming aerospace science professors. These professionals train and instruct students on aerospace design and aviation. Topics may range from combustion engines to electrical systems.

The BLS doesn't provide specific employment data for aerospace science professors, but it does note that job openings for postsecondary teachers in general were expected to rise by 19% between 2012 and 2022. The BLS also notes that postsecondary professors who teach engineering disciplines averaged $102,880 per year as of May 2013.

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