Bachelor of Science in
Pilot Operations
The Bachelor of Science in Pilot Operations is designed to help pilots and students learn aviation management skills that boost career advancement opportunities.
About the Bachelor of Science in Pilot Operations
The Bachelor of Science in Pilot Operations is designed for undergraduate students with an interest in aeronautical science who are already licensed pilots. The online aviation degree is intended to help students achieve roles in aviation leadership and compete for competitive pilot positions, while learning from faculty with industry-leading experience. This specific degree is highly sought after for pilots who would like to pursue roles as chief pilots within their organization. In addition, military Warrant Officers will have a great jumpstart to their civilian flying career with this degree upon transitioning.
Pilots who already hold their multi-engine ATP or are commercial/instrument rated with any added ratings — such as multi-engine and either a flight dispatcher, flight engineer or added jet type rating — can transfer up to 45 credits toward this 120-credit degree.
Student Learning Outcomes
What you will learn while earning a degree in pilot operations:
- Apply mathematics and science to aviation-related disciplines
- Management in Aeronautical Science
- Use industry techniques, skills and modern technology necessary
Pilot Operations Career Opportunities
Careers and Employers
Setting the standard, Embry-Riddle graduates are set to enter the workforce in top companies, including The Federal Aviation Administration, corporate aviation companies and airports. The 2023 Boeing Pilot and Technician Outlook forecasts the need for 649,000 pilots by 2042, along with 690,000 maintenance technicians and 938,000 cabin crew members.
Graduates with an online aviation degree often secure roles in:
- Airline Management
- Aviation Safety
- Aviation Maintenance
DETAILS
About Pilot Operations at the Worldwide & Online Campus
The Bachelor of Science in Pilot Operations is an online program that accepts a student's valuable experience through the award of up to 45 prior learning credits. The specially designed curriculum then builds on those skills and knowledge to focus on key attributes needed in aviation leadership.
Housed in the Embry‑Riddle Worldwide College of Aviation, this flexible, online aviation degree allows focused and driven professional pilots to earn their degree in as little as two years, taking classes where they want and when they want.
As a result, many of our graduates are recognized as trailblazers, and our alumni ranks include airline and aerospace executives, military general officers and astronauts.
Tracks/Specialties and/or Certificates
*Graduates from the Worldwide Bachelor of Science in Pilot Operations are not eligible to apply for a restricted privileges airline transport pilot (ATP) certificate.
Pilot Operations Information
- Credits: 120
- Online or In-Person: Fully online, EagleVision Virtual Classroom or see if a Worldwide location is close to you
Helpful Links
- Attend a Worldwide Virtual Info Session
- Discover the Department's Faculty
- Explore the Fields of Study: Aviation
- Find Related Clubs & Organizations
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the essential operating systems of aircraft as they relate to fundamental pilot operations.
- Apply scientific principles and programs related to aviation safety as they correlate with aircraft operations.
- Develop foundational management knowledge and skills needed to achieve greater leadership opportunities within aviation flight organizations.
- Apply fundamental concepts in national and international legislation and law as they pertain to the aviation industry.
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
General Education
| General Education | ||
| Embry-Riddle courses in the general education categories of Communication Theory and Skills, Humanities, Social Sciences, Physical and Life Science, Mathematics, and Computer Science may be chosen from as listed, assuming prerequisites are met. Courses from other institutions are acceptable if they fall into these broad categories and are at the level specified. | ||
| Communication Theory and Skills | ||
| Any Communication Theory and Skills above ENGL 106 | 9 | |
| Humanities | ||
| Lower-Level Humanities (Any Lower or Upper Level Humanities) | 3 | |
| Upper-Level Humanities (Any Upper Level Humanities) | 3 | |
| Social Sciences | ||
| Any Social Science | 6 | |
| Physical Science | ||
| Physical Science | 6 | |
| Mathematics | ||
| Any College Algebra or Higher Math Series | 6 | |
| Computer Science | ||
| Any Computer Science | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 36 | |
Core/Major
| BSPO Core | ||
| ASCI 121L | Airmen Knowledge Test Preparation | 1 |
| ASCI 121 | Private Pilot Operations | 5 |
| ASCI 222 | Instrument Pilot Operations | 3 |
| ASCI 333 | Commercial Pilot Operations | 3 |
| ASCI 254 | Aviation Legislation | 3 |
| ASCI 301 | Introduction to Air Traffic Control | 3 |
| ASCI 309 | Aerodynamics | 3 |
| ASCI 357 | Flight Physiology | 3 |
| ASCI 412 | Corporate and Business Aviation | 3 |
| ASCI 426 | Airport Management in ATM | 3 |
| ASCI 491 | Operational Applications in Aeronautics | 3 |
| AMNT 260 | Aircraft Electrical Systems Theory | 3 |
| AMNT 271 | Airframe Systems and Applications | 3 |
| AMNT 272 | Fundamentals of Aircraft Avionics | 3 |
| AMNT 281 | Turbine Engine Theory and Applications | 3 |
| AMNT 416 | Aviation Maintenance Management: A Global Perspective | 3 |
| MGMT 201 | Principles of Management | 3 |
| BSAS 320 | Human Factors in Aviation Safety | 3 |
| BSAS 330 | Aircraft Accident Investigation | 3 |
| BSAS 335 | Mechanical and Structural Factors in Aviation Safety | 3 |
| BSAS 409 | Aviation Safety | 3 |
| BSAS 345 | Aviation Safety Program Management | 3 |
| WEAX 201 | Meteorology I | 3 |
| WEAX 301 | Aviation Weather | 3 |
| Total Credits | 72 | |
Electives
| Open Electives | 12 | |
| Total Degree Requirements | 120 | |
Plan of Study (BSPO)
Year One
| Term 1 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| Communication Theory and Skills above ENGL 106 | 3 | |
| College Algebra or Higher Math Series | 3 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 6.0 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| Communication Theory and Skills above ENGL 106 | 3 | |
| College Algebra or Higher Math Series | 3 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 6.0 | |
| Term 3 | ||
| Communication Theory and Skills above ENGL 106 | 3 | |
| Computer Science Elective | 3 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 6.0 | |
| Term 4 | ||
| Humanities LL | 3 | |
| Social Science | 3 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 6.0 | |
| Term 5 | ||
| Social Science | 3 | |
| Open Elective | 3 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 6.0 | |
| Credits Total: | 30.0 | |
Year Two
| Term 1 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Science/Physics | 3 | |
| Physical Science/Physics | 3 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 6.0 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| ASCI 121 | Private Pilot Operations | 5 |
| ASCI 121L | Airmen Knowledge Test Preparation | 1 |
| Credits Subtotal | 6.0 | |
| Term 3 | ||
| ASCI 222 | Instrument Pilot Operations | 3 |
| ASCI 254 | Aviation Legislation | 3 |
| Credits Subtotal | 6.0 | |
| Term 4 | ||
| AMNT 260 | Aircraft Electrical Systems Theory | 3 |
| AMNT 271 | Airframe Systems and Applications | 3 |
| Credits Subtotal | 6.0 | |
| Term 5 | ||
| AMNT 272 | Fundamentals of Aircraft Avionics | 3 |
| AMNT 281 | Turbine Engine Theory and Applications | 3 |
| Credits Subtotal | 6.0 | |
| Credits Total: | 30.0 | |
Year Three
| Term 1 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| MGMT 201 | Principles of Management | 3 |
| WEAX 201 | Meteorology I | 3 |
| Credits Subtotal | 6.0 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| Humanities UL | 3 | |
| ASCI 333 | Commercial Pilot Operations | 3 |
| Credits Subtotal | 6.0 | |
| Term 3 | ||
| ASCI 301 | Introduction to Air Traffic Control | 3 |
| ASCI 309 | Aerodynamics | 3 |
| Credits Subtotal | 6.0 | |
| Term 4 | ||
| BSAS 320 | Human Factors in Aviation Safety | 3 |
| BSAS 330 | Aircraft Accident Investigation | 3 |
| Credits Subtotal | 6.0 | |
| Term 5 | ||
| BSAS 335 | Mechanical and Structural Factors in Aviation Safety | 3 |
| Open Elective | 3 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 6.0 | |
| Credits Total: | 30.0 | |
Year Four
| Term 1 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| ASCI 357 | Flight Physiology | 3 |
| ASCI 412 | Corporate and Business Aviation | 3 |
| Credits Subtotal | 6.0 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| AMNT 416 | Aviation Maintenance Management: A Global Perspective | 3 |
| BSAS 345 | Aviation Safety Program Management | 3 |
| Credits Subtotal | 6.0 | |
| Term 3 | ||
| BSAS 409 | Aviation Safety | 3 |
| WEAX 301 | Aviation Weather | 3 |
| Credits Subtotal | 6.0 | |
| Term 4 | ||
| ASCI 426 | Airport Management in ATM | 3 |
| Open Elective | 3 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 6.0 | |
| Term 5 | ||
| ASCI 491 | Operational Applications in Aeronautics | 3 |
| Open Elective | 3 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 6.0 | |
| Credits Total: | 30.0 | |
| Total Degree Requirements | 120 | |
B.S. in Pilot Operations to M.S. in Aeronautics
This program is for students who are committed to continuing their education through the Master’s degree. This fast-paced program allows qualifying students the opportunity to complete both the Bachelor of Science in Pilot Operations (BSPO) and the Master of Science in Aeronautics (MSA) in five academic years. While a bachelor’s degree will afford the student qualifications toward entry-level and management positions in aviation, the addition of a master’s degree will enable graduates opportunities for enhanced global leadership and larger income potential.
Students who are accepted in the BSPO-MSA combined pathway program must complete a minimum of 75 credit hours toward the BSPO degree; all core courses must be taken. Students must confer with an advisor to ensure that the courses selected are suitable (a grade of B or better must be achieved). Upon completion of the BSPO requirements, students will be enrolled in the MSA and can complete their degree in one year. In any graduate course taken by an undergraduate student, a grade of B or better must be earned. If a grade of C or F is earned in any of the courses taken in lieu of the elective courses in the BSPO degree, the student will be removed from the program, have credit awarded to the BSPO degree only, and may continue to complete the BSPO degree.
As a minimum, the applicant must have at least a 3.00 GPA. Students initiate program acceptance through their Academic Advisor or Campus Advisor; to help ensure program criteria are met. Student Advisor will complete the request for processing into the program.
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Summary
120 Credits
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