1 of 2 people found the following review helpful
3
10
Anonymous
(Graduate) on July 6, 2011
(email verified)
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Waste of Time
Got the BS in PA last year, then retired from the Air Force. Been trying to find employment for nearly a year, having applied so far for over 400 jobs! (Not a typo.) The types of jobs I should be able to get are, obviously, aircraft/aviation-oriented. However, those employers want A&P licenses, or flying experience. I have neither, and the employers in the field couldn't care less about some non-pilot/non-crew chief with a B.S. in "Professional Aeronautics." Yeah, my own fault, I know it. But it was really the only thing I could reliably attend while the AF stationed me all around the world. Sadly, so far it's only worked to get me interviewed for the "any four-year degree" jobs, most of which don't pay much, are nowhere near what I want to do, or want me to move to BFE.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
7
10
Kelleybill
(Graduate) on November 29, 2010
(email verified)
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Have to have aviation background
You have to have an aviation background and career specific certificates for this program to be of use to you. If you don't have an A&P, FCC or pilot's license, look elsewhere; it won't help you get your foot in any doors. It isn't a waste of money but it is intended for a narrow range of people that have specific technical expertise. For example, if you have an A&P and would like to move up the ladder but don't want to quit your full time job to go to college full time, this is a great option as it builds on what you already know as well as gives you (at least when I did it) 60 credits for the A&P license. Take it to the bank that American Airline's human resource department is aware of ERAU as well any other aviation specific employer. But, if you aren't in aviation, very few people will have ever heard of ERAU. If you are in military aviation, it is an excellent option, lots of flexibility. This is especially true if you want to stay in the military and go to OCS.
If you are a commercial pilot looking for a B.S., it is good in that you receive a boat load of credits for your certificates. Most, if not all; commercial airlines require a B.S/B.A. degree in anything, including modern history of Tibetan basket weaving. But, if you chose another college, you would need to start from zero credits as a freshman and spend many more years completing four years (+/- 120 credits) of college part time. For BSPA, you only need to finish last two years (60 credits). Price tag is steep though. Check with ERAU about allowed percentage of XFER credits, but def. try to take things like English and Math at local Community College and then transfer them
I gave it a "10" for Institution because ERAU is well known in aviation, internationally. Engineering program nationally ranked #1 year after year (US News and World Report), only service academies put more pilots into military flight positions, Daytona campus is well ranked in S.E. college rankings, has strong research relationships with government and industry, more than a few space shuttle astronauts from ERAU (including two on next shuttle launch). In terms of aviation and aerospace educational institutions, it is in top 5%.
Hope this helps. Great program, great school but be careful when selecting - you have to already be on an established career path.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
2 of 6 people found the following review helpful
1
10
Anonymous
(Graduate) on July 14, 2010
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Nothing but ink on a resume
I want to start out by saying nothing is worse than a for profit online school like: University of Phoenix, Grand Canyon, Collins, etc… ERAU may stink at some things but at least their nonprofit.
I went to ERAU (worldwide) and obtained my Bachelors in Professional Aeronautics. What a waste! The degree is a joke in the aviation community. I’ve had the degree for two years now and it has done nothing for me other than add ink to my resume.
I recently made the mistake of starting a Masters with ERAU. I justified it because I wanted the GI Bill money. I couldn’t have been more disappointed with what I have experienced so far. In my last four classes there has been only one professor that’s worth anything. The others are all retired enlisted military knuckleheads who throw-up their worthless military training. With the exception of high tech equipment, military training is unfortunately worthless. The “civilian world” is far more efficient! The “civilian world” isn’t bound to the dogmatic promotion structure and frivolous jobs found in the military. Point being, no one wants to hear about how you kicked caulks for 20 years… This is a Masters class not a bar or VFW!
The majority of the classes are at or near a base resulting in a lot of military people, which is fine. However; it is not fine when these people divide amongst themselves i.e. officers vs. enlisted and bicker back and forth. The facilities are subpar in my opinion, their old and often hinder leaning due their location on airports. I know it’s an aeronautical university but we don’t need to learn inside of the aircraft. Their infrastructure with their blackboard is horrible. They’re constantly upgrading it which only seems to worsen it.
Support: my school email has been broken for two years. Why haven’t I fixed it? The helpdesk people are creatures from another planet.
Use of technology: there is no tangible technology; we are shown pictures through PowerPoint and textbooks.
The saddest thing with ERAU is the student knowledge base. Like I said I am in a Masters program and this semester alone there have been people who do not know:
• The difference between a turboprop (turbine engine) and a turbocharger (piston engine)
• What Skunk Works is
• What a “glass cockpit” is
• The differences with tricycle gear and tail dragger gear
• What a cross wind landing is
• Someone said there’s only two turboprop aircraft manufactures
• What wingtip vortices’/ wake turbulence are/is
• Etc…
In summary, I have to highly advise people to not attend this university if you desire work in the aerospace industry. The education you receive will not help you unless it “checks a box” required for a promotion. If you want a good, respectable degree go to a State School.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful
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