Do you love to fly? Are you interested in planes? If you are, you should consider majoring in air transportation or possibly being a part of the Air National Guard. Students in this major study aviation and the technical/business side of the aviation industry.
Education
According to the College Board, air transportation most often leads to an associate’s degree. Consider taking statistics, economics and computer science during high school to prepare for the major. Typical college courses for air transportation include air traffic control, flight theory, national airspace system and computer science.
What to know before you apply
Before you decide on a certain school or program, make sure that the prospective department has good computer equipment and labs. Also, you should know whether an airport is nearby, as this will affect your internship opportunities. Finally, you need to have an idea of your career goals before deciding on a college. If you need extra training after graduation, make sure that your two-year degree will prepare you for that post-grad education.
Salary
A major in air transportation or time in the Air National Guard will prepare you for careers including air traffic controllers and aircraft pilots. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, air traffic controllers earn an average yearly salary of $114,460. Aircraft pilots earn an average of $118,070 per year.
For more information about aviation careers and the Air National Guard, visit NextStepU.com!
