Professional Aeronautics

I cannot even begin to explain my dislike for this school.  I started the program in 2007 and have taken all online courses because it fit into my schedule.  Instructors??  A 3rd grader can teach better than these incompetent, disconnected instructors!  I have 3 classes left until I finish my degree in Professional Aeronautics.  Guess what I learned?  Nothing!  I learned how to waste the last 4 years of my life giving this school money.  Yes, like the previous poster stated...it's ink on a resume.  Stay away from the program.  I also learned that when I was talked into going to ERAU, I could have gone any where else with the same amount of credits and had a degree that was worth something.  

Its not the aero degree that's gets you the 100k job its your experiance ...the bs aero just checks the block ...

I went to DAB campus after 4 year avionics in AF and received BSPA.  The BSPA is a good degree but you do have to "sell" it harder than if you had a degree with a name people understand - the problem isn't that the BSPA is a bad academic program - it does what it is supposed to - provide flexibility to the world that has aviation experience and that sell themselves based on that experience - the BSPA allows them to gain a degree without starting from "0" as does an 18 year old freshman.  The problem is that hiring managers don't understand it.  Liberal arts??  Tough to agree with that one - at least in today's vernacular..nothing "arts" about it.  I have flight, safety, and aircraft maintenance (A&P)as my electives with same core classes as traditional BS Biz and BS Management.  Hmm..and I went to a nationally ranked MBA program, they didn't seem to worry about the varied academics of a BSPA.  

BSPA is not a waste of money..first job out of college was in engineering and moved into more field engineering / field sales role.  People that have taken ERAU technical academics towards A&P are able to bridge the gap between a pure engineer with no hands-on experience and the pure technician working in the field.  Had I not had a BS degree, I would not be where I am today.  Had ERAU not had the BSPA degree, I would not have had an avenue to apply all of that specialized aviation knowledge and would have had to start over in a traditional BS program.

Come one guys - a BS landing you a 100K job based only on having a BS?  That's unreasonable.  But combine a BS with a good work ethic, specialized knowledge and experience and you can get to $100K.  But don't depend on the BS only - you'll be disappointed in any BS program.  Don't pay any attention to that guy or gal that called it a joke and to attend a real school.  They don't know what they are talking about!!

What's the alternative if you work full time, can't go to a traditional four year program, don't have a rich uncle and love aviation and don't want a general B.S. degree?  My guess is that people that blame the BSPA for lack of advancement or perceived opportunities blame other things as well.

By the way..I put "B.S. in technical management" on my resume because Professional Aeronautics doesn't mean anything to people.  Never have a problem with it.

Having a BSPA & MAS from ERAU is a well worthwile endeavor for anyone aspiring to work within the aviation industry or outside of aviation. Having a degree and not pursuing the right avenues for employment regardless of industry would be a waste for anyone with any type of credentials.  ERAU online worldwide is a great avenue in whch to pursue your educational studies.  I am retired USN, AD1 (E-6) that went to work for US Airways (PSA Airlines) in CAK. That opportunity gave me the experience in CFR 121, Regional CRJ's and DO 328 props and FAR acumen. After USAirways filed bankruptcy 2 times, I experienced 50 percent loss of the work force in CAK. Although I was still employed, I thought it wsa time to adventure into the CFR 90/135 operation which gave me the necessary skills and experience I needed to round out my portfolio of experience. I was offered a opportunity to manage a CFR 135 operation in creating a training department that at that time, did not exist. After a year and 1/2, acquiring the prestegious FAA Diamond Award 2005 for the Company I was working for, I opted to resign from that company as they did not have a very good culture and treated their employees like garbage. In addition, many of the upper management personnel did not have any formal college education, no degree, but were fortunnate to manage a large scale company with no clue on how to manage people, assets and resouces. I did a total 180 outside of the aviation industry and went into the medical field training side. It was the best decision I ever made as I found out that having a degree from ERAU got me where I needed to be paywise, but having the business acumen and skills necessary required additional work on my part. Project Leadership and Six Sigma trainng is what I needed and purused. So if anyone is assuming that having a degree alone from ERAU is all you need to find that electric and satisfying job in the aviaiton industry, you will be dissappointed. Pursue your passion and acquire the necessary skills you need to succeed. Surround yourself with effective leaders and great managers who have integrity, loyalty and empathy for the folks who they work for. Stray away from the "Good Ole Boy Network" particualry in the aviation industry. If you notice, many of them are self seeking and jump job positions quire frequently 2 years or less and they are moving. Why? My reasoning is that they talk the talk quite well and do not like to stay in a position long enough for the fear of being identified as crafty, ignorant and self seeking.  Hard work and longivity say's alot about a person's ability to be hardpressed to endure the hard time in ensuring a job well done in the best interest of the company, its employees and long term growth.  Best Wishes..

I am a soon to be AF retiree with 20 years of aviation experience. I finished up my BSPA a few months ago and landed a job with the Department of State. The position has nothing to do with aviation. It has nothing to do with my degree either. I got the job for two reasons. The first is my military background. In the eyes of the employer, that experience equates to being stable, dependable, leadership, and the ablility to follow directions. The second reason is that I have a degree. To the employer this means time management skills and the ability to learn. Like many have posted, experience is what counts. You have to be able to sell your experience. The degree is an additional selling point. If you started the BSPA, finish it. Focus on what skills you bring to the workforce. If you are a college student with no work experience you will be starting out as entry level, no matter what college you attend. Don't get hung up on where the BSPA fits in to the job market. The employer is hiring you, not your diploma.

The BSPA will not get you a 100k job without at least ten years of experience. There are pretty much no "degrees" that will get you a 100k job by itself, and that includes engineering degrees. Unless you have at least ten years in aviation do not expect 100k. Sure somebody out there knows someone who got that 100k right out of the gate. Do yourself a favor and look up some information yourself to see some entry level salaries. There are several jobs that ask for masters degrees that do not pay 100k. If you know 100% that you are going into aviation then the BSPA will be good for you. If there is a chance that you may go into anything else, you might want to consider a different major. I have an excellent paying job ($75k) working for a great company (Gulfstream Aerospace) and a BSPA. Experience got me this job, not the degree. In fact I finished my degree after I was hired for this position. The degree will make me more competitive for my next position though. In the end you will still need experience. The degree might get you an interview that you would not have gotten otherwise.

This degree is for people in the field who want one more leg up and to knock the cobwebs off of the grey matter.  I've worked many sides of aviation for many years. I have an excellent paying job in aviation due to my experience and years of hard work but was recently passed over for an even better position due to the lack of a 4 year degree even though I was better qualified then the person who ended up with the position. Why, no 4 year degree. Many large companies are using algorithms to eliminate the thousands of potential candidates for open positions. Many times a resume is thrown out before a real set of eyes even sees it just due to this fact. We also live in an age when snot nose kids feel entitled to a great job because of a degree. For many years in many professions that is the way it has been. Don’t expect that anymore. This isn't going to get it for you especially in the aviation field unless perhaps you are going to be an engineer. Then get an engineering degree. Also keep in mind, aviation is a volatile small little world.

First off, one reason I decided to pursue ERAU's BSPA degree is because I had many of the core credits taken care of through military training and my Professional Military Education. My wife, however, is the main reason I pursued this degree program.

Prior to meeting her, I changed degree programs about five different times. Once we married, my wife finally put her foot down and insisted that I stick with one degree program and finish it. The amount of college loans to actual degrees I held was grossly disproportional. According to my wife, I should have had a Masters degree. She should know, she owns two of them.

Her point was that in this economy a person with a 4-year degree has a better opportunity than a person with no degree or even a 2-year degree. I agree with others that the BSPA is more like a liberal arts in aviation degree; however, I did learn a lot of information and it has made me a more critical thinker and a more rounded individual. It all depends on what you take away from the classes and how you apply those classes to your career.

The degree program may not land you that 100k dollar job and it may not even be as impressive as your competition who has a 4 year engineering degree or other specialized degree, but you will fare much better than the individual with no degree at all. A word of advice for those looking to get into the FAA: Get your A&P license. The BSPA degree will play second fiddle to your A&P license.

Remember, regardless of the type of degree you have it is better than having a two year degree or even no degree at all. You can always go back and choose a different degree program if you want (and can afford to).

I wouldn't say that the BSPA is a waste of money. Alone it might not land you a job but coupled with experience it can be an invaluable tool. I got out off the Air Force almost a year ago after 10 years as a crewchief and landed a Aviation Safety Inspector job with the FAA. After landing the job I asked the recruiter what made me more appealing than the other applicants. He said we all had A&P licenses, most of us had associates, only two of us had Bachelors' degrees, and I was the sole applicant with a Masters' (also from Embry-Riddle). Couple all that book learning with 10 years of experience turning wrench and you are the prime candidate for this job.

First of all, if you are thinking about getting a degree, just do it.  Secondly, I have to say that I'm impressed.  It's always a comfort to see that there are still folks out there who are just a little less literate than myself, but stand ready with advice.  If you are misusing the words their, there and they're, you might want consider biting your tongue before bashing any degree from any school.  A refresher in elementary or junior-high spelling/ grammar might be in order.  Wow.

I have completed high school and would like to join the erau worldwide campus, but by reading all your comments has put me in a soup. Summarizing all of you , I won't be able to get a nice paying job if I get my Bachelor's degree in Professional Aeronautics/Technical management from erau worldwide. If not erau, what better school can provide me this kind of courses??Help from you experienced guys would really do a world of good.

oh no.....Im a little over half way done with my BSPA degree but looks like Ill be dropping out since everyone thinks it sucks and can't get you a job

I find it very depressing, seeing people crushing others ambitions. When people ask for an advice, tell the truth, but also be polite enough to select gentle phrases. Especially, when words affect people’s future, earnings, and families. Lots of people get a master degree nowadays and nobody cares whether their knowledge in that degree was excellent, below average, or even poor. And they could occupy a job that has nothing to do with their background, very common phenomena in the management levels, So why crush people ambition?.
In fact, I met some people who earned a degree through a distance learning institutes, and showed more knowledge than some people who went to fancy name colleges for the same specialty!, and we can sit here all night debate this issue and end up making books over it, but we will win by saying the glass is half full.   
So, enough generalizing ignorance, and spending money, time, and effort on education is never a waste.

Eh, the Professional Aeronautics is only impressive to those on the outside of aviation.  It doesn't make you a SME, it's just a Liberal Arts degree with an aviation name.  I have worked around 10 BSPA people in the last 5 years and they are nothing more than admin people that can sort of talk airplane.  Most try to pass themselves off as engineers when there are no engineers around.  Very sad.  In my opinion, this degree is tarnishing the reputation of ERAU.  If you want an aviation degree that means something in the aviation industry, you should go to an actual ERAU residential campus in FL or AZ or at least got to a state school and get a real technology/engineering degree for much cheaper.  This degree is a huge waste of money when you have to compete against other ERAU alumni who have actual technology or engineering degrees. 

In closing, go apply yourself and go to a real university and earn a real degree.  This degree fools no one.

I got a butt load of credits towards my BSPA for flight school and the SFQC/lang school. I am active duty so all I pay for is books. I don't even plan on flying when I retire in 6 years unless its for law enforcement, but this little block checker is going to do nothing but good for me landing a FED/state/local LE job (better than my GED) Plus, it sounds cool to someone who doesn't know its a basket weaving degree. I will finally have something to put up next to my wife's prestigious degree in P.E. from UNCP, wich got her a great job in management- completely different than her major (nothing to do with dodgeball) So if you are planning on flying the space shuttle, you might want to check out some other degree plans/schools, but if you want to do something that just requires a degree and you get ton of credits from evaluated aviation experience, you cant go wrong w/ the BSPA

To land an airline job you can have a bachelor's degree in anything, even Tibetan philosophy.  The discipline doesn't matter as long as you have the degree - and A LOT of flying experience (and all the ratings).  It helps bunches if it is A LOT of RECENT flying experience.  The Prof. Aero. degree is fine, too.  As long as it's accompanied by the flying (which must include turbine time).  An ideal path might be to learn to fly in high school.  Start instructing and doing charter as soon as rated, go to college while still flying hundreds of hours a year, and keep flying A LOT until that major airline job is secured.

Then, assuming you can pass the psych test and don't have any DUI's, felonies or personality quirks, you have to hit the hiring cycle.  And that might take years.

Russ 
(40+ years flying and captain with major airline)

I'm kind of in the same hard spot as some people. I'm almost finished with my BSPA, have an A&P and a TS/SCI clearance. however as valuable as all that stuff is, I'm still having a heck of a time finding a job since I have no/very little experience other than driving a forklift and loading air cargo.

After Army flight training you will be awarded about 50-55 credits from ERAU based on which airframe you fly. I recieved 52 and fly OH-58D's. Also I think some people really hit the nail on the head about a B.S. (not just the BSPA) being more of a statement that your trainable.  Why would someone think that a 4yr degree earns them 100K without experience?  Is it a check the block?  Probably, but so is any other one.  You want something to solidify your skill marketability then get a masters or Ph.D.

I just completed my B.S.P.A.  I went to ERAU back in 1992, was not focused and got involved in the dot com's.  Eventually that went bust.  2001 I got back into flying seriously and got all my ratings, ATP etc.  I decided to get into ATC for job security and also a fun job, home every night.  I was able to get credit all my flying certificates and ATC certificates towards my degree along with my Miami Dade Community College classes.  All left was to take some 300 - 400 level classes, and some other classes I was missing.  Online is way cheaper than on campus.  Besides the fact my father wanted me to finish college (and my self also 18 years later).  Hopefully after ATC I can get on with a flying gig, they would probably require a 4 year degree in anything.  Even DEA or FBI want a 4 year.  This would probably make you a better candidate for the flight department if that's your goal.

The Professional Aeronautics degree at ERAU is an excellent degree, but I do agree with those who think it is more supplemental than a main ticket to a dream job. However, I do highly recommend to those who are already in the aviation field to look into this degree as a stepping stone to future career development. If you are in the military (aviation field), it will help supplement your military career (and a possible commision).

I think a main concern for those thinking about getting this degree is how it will benefit them in the outside world (not in the military). It can help in several ways. For those with a maintenance/aviation mgt. background the BSPA ensures the credentials (to your prospective employer) that you obtained through professional experiences during your service. This will be most beneficial for those who want to continue in the aviation field but in the civilian world.

Now, for those who may want to branch-out to other fields, I think a Master's degree (such as in Management, MBA, etc.) will help out greatly while still keeping in-line with the educational/professional growth that the BSPA reflects. It's important to not see the BSPA as a terminal degree if one chooses to be open to further opportunities of growth. For higher levels of opportunity, I think the Master's level becomes more important than the BSPA. This doesn't mean that the BSPA just becomes secondary in nature. Far from it. The BSPA in itself, aside from the negative views some may hold, already demonstrates that the degree-holder has the commitment and ambition to achieve professional goals. 

The type of job also plays an important part for the BSPA.The BSPA usually becomes useless if:
1. The job doesn't require a degree and has a limited career track (although a degree still makes you more competitive)
2. The job sets you in a non-aviation career track (which is when the Master's degree becomes more important)
3. The job is set in a higher-level position that requires a graduate degree.

Don't be too quick to believe anyone who says the BSPA is useless. Usually, it's someone who falls in any of the three categories above or even a combination of them.

I am an avionics technician with the Air National Guard and have over 5 years active-duty in the USAF. I will be getting my BSPA with a double minor soon. Whether I want to stay in aviation or branch out to another field, I think the BSPA will significantly increase my opportunities. If I wish to achieve higher career goals, the Master's level is the next step and I might choose a general field of graduate study (management, MBA etc.) to keep my options open. For those who might want a specific field (other than aviation), deciding on a graduate study close to your chosen field becomes even more important. Nevertheless, the BSPA (as with most undergraduate degrees) has already proven to everyone that the degree-holder is competent to take the next higher step, should he or she desire to do so.

I already have A&P and I am trying to pursue a degree in Professional aeronautics. What suggestion do you have for me?

I am currently on track to obtain the BSPA.  I am getting this degree to qualify myself for a position that requires an academic background in the field of aviation.  This degree is supplemental to the BS, MS, & Ph.D. I already have from a state college.  In my experience, ANY BS is used only to demonstrate to employers that you are trainable and can complete tasks.  I am also private, inst., multi, commercial.  The easiest way to make 100k is to get a job in sales, then by an airplane and fly whenever you want.

i am doing this program and i am a a and p mechanic do you guys think that this degree is going to help me to become a manager in an airline

Randy,

Thank you for taking the time to reply.  I appreciate your input on this matter and will give it serious thought.

Brian

Brian,
It seems that you have a lot to offer the aviation industry (pilot license, 20 years exper etc). The question is: what do you consider a decent job? I imagine your experience- depending on what it is- and education combined could land you a job as an FBO manager or some type of management position within an airport or airline.
JET, I don't know my response to Brian helps to answer your question or not. Keep in mind though that this degree plan is geared towards aviation. Some federal agencies require that you have a four year degree in any discipline in order to meet their education requirements. It all depends on what career you want.

Randy

Any current or former Army pilots know about how many credits are awarded for flight school with this program versus a more specific degree program?

Does this program give credit if you are already working at an airline as a pilot for all the ratings you currently have?

Jet,

I would think a counselor at Embry Riddle would be able to help answer that question.  Good luck with the program.  How do you like it so far?

Brian

I am enrolled in that program, I do not know what job can I performe after I graduate.
Any help, please?

I have an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts from Kent State University.  In about a year I'll have an Associate Degree in Aerospace Mgmt.  I'm also a Private Pilot and have taken all the course work toward a degree in Professional Piloting (Didn't finish that one)  In addition, I have 20 years experience working in the airport environment at the Pittsburgh International Airport.
I am planning on pursuing the BS. in Professional Aeronautics from Embry Riddle.  Does anyone think that with these degrees and my experience I would be able to land a decent job?

The BSPA is more of a liberal arts in aviation. It won't be much help outside of the aviation industry. However, the degree, and twenty years of AF experience did land me a career with my company. I don't make the magic 100K but I'm close. There were other guys hired along with me that only had their CCAF degree. They make around the mid 50K range with the same experience level as me. Just something to think about.

Because the BSPA was pretty much made for pilots who need to check a box for their jobs. Its pretty much for anyone with a skilled job already to get a generic bachelor's so that they can move up or take slots that require one. I have a BSPA and it is almost completely useless aside from saying I have a bachelor's. While I wouldn't recommend an engineering degree from a Community College I would recommend a regular Business Admin. degree from a state college. The BSPA is a scam and won't do much for you aside from my previously stated reasons.

Jim I think that any company who says the 4-year BSPA is just for "self-fulfillment" should take a reality pill. Any degree without experience is useless depending on the competition. I fail to see how a community college diploma in engineering out-ranks a 4-year Bachelor's.

Im active duty military and I have an Associates in Aviation Maintenance Technology. I planned on getting the  BSPA (B.S. Professional Aeronautics) degree. Does this degree land you that $100,000 a year job Or does F-15 guy speak the truth?

BSPA is just a degree for self fulfillment. I have been overlooked for more upper positions in the aviation field for not having a specific degree. I was told that most companies do not recognize non engineering degrees from ERAU. You are better off spending your $10-$100K at a local college for an engineering degree and learn to fly at your local airport.

I agree with the comments... I am ex Navy AD, A&P Lic, A.S. in Aviation Maintenance, B.S. in Business. I have been out of the Aviation Industry for over 25 years, but now want to get back in, so I thought going to ERU for a BS in  Aviation Maintenance, along with my 25 years in the corporate world, should get me back in the door... Any advise on my path would be much appreciated...?

The BSPA (B.S. Professional Aeronautics) degree is an excellent degree for those already working in the aviation/aerospace industry. It provides an important credential on the resume and strengthens one's background. What is important to realize about this degree is that it is more a supplemental than a stand-alone entry-level ticket. Therefore, it is important to know how your current background correlates with this degree and how it can provide a future career path to your liking. The good thing about the BSPA is that it can be adaptable (by choosing your courses of specialization through various electives) within various fields of interests (technical, management, engineering, aviation safety, security, etc.)

Loved the degree, but it wasnt very helpful in landing me a job.

This school is awesome!  Number 1! So far I've only taken one class online and I find it better than Park University.  I have taken 6 classes on World Wide Campuses which are located across the U.S. and other countries.  Online classes are not the only good thing about Embry-Riddle because you can take a regular lecture in class at a location near you even if you're not military.