How Embry‑Riddle’s Online Bachelor of Science in Pilot Operations Makes the Aviation World ‘Your Oyster’

Brady Fredrickson is among the first graduates to earn a Bachelor of Science in Pilot Operations (BSPO) degree through the College of Aviation at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University’s Worldwide Campus. This new program is designed for undergraduate students interested in aeronautical science who are already licensed pilots.

A fully online offering, the BSPO was created to help students achieve key aviation and safety leadership roles while learning from faculty with industry-leading experience and building on their own aviation skills and knowledge.

What are some benefits of Embry‑Riddle’s BSPO degree?

Associate Professor Dave Hunt, the BSPO Program Coordinator, says that “pilots can potentially transfer up to 45 credits from their current ratings and certificates toward their degree and be approximately a third of the way done before even starting the program. To accomplish this online from anywhere in the world is an efficient and effective approach in advancing a pilot's career.”

For his part, Brady found numerous other advantages.

“The pilot job market is evolving rapidly, and more employers are saying: ‘Great, you can fly an aircraft, but what additional skills do you have?’” Brady said. “This is where the BSPO becomes invaluable, as it allows me to demonstrate my skills in areas beyond flying, such as management, leadership and safety. I have a clear understanding of how these competencies work together, which I believe will open additional opportunities in my career."

Another key attribute was that the online program allowed Brady to strike a balance between his classes and his independent flight training, which was also progressing at a rapid rate. Before he even started his final senior capstone project, he had completed six check rides to earn his multi-engine add-on and his ratings as a Certified Flight Instructor, an Instrument CFI and a ground school instrument instructor.

Dual Enrollment at Embry‑Riddle opens the door

Brady, who is from Midland, Texas, says his interest in aviation started in “the nursery room” and grew from there. His connection with Embry‑Riddle, which would eventually result in experiences at all three campuses, began in 10th grade when his mother told him about the university’s Dual Enrollment program.

Brady took six classes for college credit, including Aviation Legislation and Introduction to Aeronautical Science, and also completed several required courses. Along the way, he also participated in aviation summer camp programs at the Daytona Beach Campus before ultimately deciding to attend the Prescott Campus to study Aeronautical Science.

But then Brady saw an announcement about the newly-created BSPO program and thought, “This looks like it's right up my alley.” He decided to finish his bachelor’s degree online from home in Texas with the confidence that it would make a difference as his aviation career evolved.

"All of us who want to become airline pilots are following similar paths, and we will all graduate with equivalent ratings and certifications,” Brady said. “In essence, we appear nearly identical in qualifications. The question then becomes, 'How do I differentiate myself from other aviation school graduates?’ The BSPO degree helps me achieve that distinction."

What were the top takeaways from the BSPO program?

Brady said the BSPO program provided plenty of highlights, such as being able to choose his research topic when it was time for his senior capstone project.

“I like the fact that if there's enough trust between the instructor and the student, the instructor can just say to the student: ‘Do what you wish, just make sure it's reasonable,’” Brady said.

He said he also enjoyed a Humanities class that focused on how aviation is depicted in films and how those portrayals have changed over the years.

“My final was to watch both 'Top Gun' movies and write about them,” he said. “How could you not enjoy that?”

But perhaps his favorite courses involved safety management systems, since learning about how accidents happen and how to prevent them is a primary focus in today’s aviation industry.

"Discussions on safety and error chains are relevant far beyond aviation; the principles can be applied to almost any life circumstance," Brady said.

His diligent work and determination, combined with the flexibility and support provided by Embry‑Riddle, culminated when he walked across the stage in August 2024 to receive his degree during the Worldwide Campus commencement ceremony in San Diego.

Beyond becoming a college graduate at age 20, Brady also earned summa cum laude status.

“I believe this demonstrates that with discipline and motivation, achieving the highest honors is possible while also excelling in flight training,” he said. “It should reassure others that the BSPO program's timelines are reasonable and that success is attainable.”

Virtual program, real-world impacts

Although the BSPO is entirely online, it still offers many networking opportunities. For Brady, that involved a group from one of his management classes and also Adjunct Associate Professor Kevin Smith, a safety expert.

"My management group consisted of four individuals, and we remain in contact," Brady said. "Some members are already flying for regional airlines, while others are working in the Caribbean. I also stay in touch with Professor Smith, who has been incredibly supportive. I credit him significantly for helping me refine my career direction."

Brady also had high praise for the Center of Mentorship Programs and Student Success (COMPASS), a renowned Embry‑Riddle program that features three unique mentoring initiatives. Initially founded by the Worldwide College of Arts & Sciences, COMPASS now supports all Embry Riddle students to help them “Navigate Forward.”

Brady said that his COMPASS meetings with Associate Professor Trevor J. Adams “significantly impacted my academic views and perspectives on being successful.”

While he is now pursuing a graduate degree at Purdue University, Brady says the BSPO from Embry‑Riddle has provided a solid foundation for expanding his aviation career, whether on the flight deck, as part of a safety management team, or as a check airman or chief pilot.