What Do Most Pilots Major in? Best College Degrees for Aviation Careers

The journey to becoming a pilot is about more than logging hours in the sky—it’s also about the education that shapes your future. 

Many aspiring aviators are curious about the most common college majors for pilots and how those choices shape long-term careers. 

While there isn’t a single required degree, fields like aviation, aeronautical science, and engineering often provide a solid foundation. Ultimately, pairing academics with hands-on flight training is what truly sets future pilots apart.

At Leopard Aviation, we give students the chance to pair their studies with real-world flying experience. By combining classroom knowledge with hands-on training, we help future pilots move closer to rewarding careers in airlines, cargo, and beyond.

Do You Need a Degree to Become a Pilot?

When students ask us if a degree is necessary to fly, the answer is both simple and nuanced. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) does not require a college degree for pilot certification. You can become a licensed pilot with proper training, certifications, and flight hours. Many pilots begin their careers by focusing entirely on flight school without stepping into a college classroom.

However, when it comes to airline careers, the landscape looks different. While regional airlines may not require a degree, most major airlines either prefer or expect one. A bachelor’s degree—regardless of the field—often signals discipline, dedication, and the ability to handle complex coursework. 

Airlines value those qualities almost as much as flight hours. That’s why many aspiring aviators consider blending academics with hands-on training to strengthen their career paths.

At Leopard Aviation, we see students approach the journey from both directions—some pursue a degree first and then focus on flight training, while others combine the two. Either way, we help future pilots build the real-world skills and experience that college alone cannot provide.

What Do Most Pilots Major In? Top College Degrees for Pilots

When wondering what most pilots major in, the truth is there isn’t a single right answer. Pilots come from diverse academic backgrounds, but some majors are particularly common because they align closely with aviation.

Aviation / Aeronautical Science

This is the most direct route for anyone serious about becoming a pilot. These programs focus on flight operations, navigation, weather, safety procedures, and FAA regulations. Students often pair these degrees with active flight training through schools like Leopard Aviation to get both theory and hands-on flying time.

Airline or Commercial Aviation

Some universities offer specialized tracks that prepare students specifically for commercial flight. These programs are structured to match airline requirements, including training modules that parallel real-world scenarios. When paired with our training, students graduate with not just knowledge but also the flight hours needed to qualify for jobs.

Aerospace Engineering

For those fascinated by the mechanics of flight and aircraft design, aerospace engineering offers a technical route. While it may not be as focused on daily flying skills, this degree provides a strong background in aerodynamics, propulsion, and systems. A pilot with this major understands the aircraft inside and out, which can be a major advantage.

Business / Management

Not all pilots fly for airlines. Corporate, charter, and private pilots often benefit from business or management knowledge. Understanding contracts, operations, and logistics can help a pilot excel in leadership positions. Pairing a business degree with our flight training makes for a highly adaptable career profile.

STEM Majors (Math, Physics, Computer Science)

Aviation is rooted in science. Majors in math, physics, or even computer science provide strong problem-solving and analytical skills. As technology continues to evolve in aviation, having this kind of academic background can give pilots a competitive edge.

Other Majors

Pilots don’t always follow technical paths. Degrees in psychology, communication, or education can be equally valuable. These fields build leadership, interpersonal, and teaching skills—qualities especially useful for those who become Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs) before joining airlines.

How Majors Influence Pilot Careers

Your major can shape how quickly you transition into the airline world, but it doesn’t define your entire future.

• Aviation-specific degrees may shorten your timeline since coursework directly aligns with pilot training.
• Broader majors like business or STEM give you career flexibility outside of flying.
• Airlines often view degrees as evidence of discipline rather than just technical preparation.

This is where flight schools make all the difference. At Leopard Aviation, we complement academic learning with practical training. While a university classroom teaches the theories of meteorology or navigation, our flight instructors put you in the cockpit to apply those lessons in real time. That combination—academic study plus practical flying—produces confident, capable pilots.

Benefits of Combining College with Flight Training

The strongest preparation comes from balancing both education and flying. Many universities with aviation programs actively partner with flight schools so students can earn a degree while also logging flight hours.

Here’s how students often combine the two with us:

• Parallel Paths – They study full-time at a university while scheduling flight lessons around their classes.
• Hands-On Balance – While books cover theory, we focus on the tactile skills of flying—controlling aircraft, managing weather, and handling emergencies.
• Career Readiness – By graduation, they have both a degree and significant flight experience, which means they are more competitive when applying to airlines.

At Leopard Aviation, our scheduling flexibility makes this balance possible. Students can progress at their own pace, ensuring neither academics nor flying is neglected.

Do Pilots Need a Graduate Degree?

The short answer: almost never. A graduate degree isn’t required for pilot certification or airline hiring. Still, there are situations where advanced education may help.

• MBA (Master of Business Administration): For those moving into aviation management or leadership roles within corporations.
• Advanced STEM Degrees: Helpful for those who want to work in aircraft design, research, or technical aviation roles.

For most pilots, the time and cost of graduate school aren’t necessary. Instead, their focus is on building flight hours, gaining certifications, and progressing toward airline or cargo careers. We often advise students that investing in flight training will pay dividends faster than pursuing a graduate degree.

Career Pathways After College and Flight Training

Once a student completes both their degree and flight training, the next step is building experience. The most common path looks like this:

1. Certified Flight Instructor (CFI): Many graduates teach flying to others, gaining both income and hours toward the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate.
2. Regional Airlines: After reaching the 1,500-hour threshold, pilots often move into regional airlines. These airlines act as stepping stones to the majors.
3. Major Airlines or Cargo Carriers: With experience, pilots can apply to airlines like Delta, United, or cargo companies like FedEx and UPS.

A degree supports advancement to these higher levels because many of the larger carriers prefer or require it. Yet the flight hours and real-world experience gained at a school like Leopard Aviation remain the foundation. Universities can’t provide hundreds of logged hours in the cockpit—we do. That’s why students often blend both paths.

Why Choose Leopard Aviation for Flight Training While in College

For students wondering how to fit flight training into an already busy schedule, we offer an environment designed for success.

• Scottsdale Location: Arizona offers more than 300 days of flyable weather, which means fewer delays and faster training timelines.
• Modern Fleet: Our aircraft are equipped with advanced avionics and maintained to the highest standards, giving students the tools they’ll use in professional aviation.
• Flexible Scheduling: We understand that college students juggle classes, exams, and other commitments. Our instructors build custom schedules that fit each student’s lifestyle.
• Experienced Instructors: Our team doesn’t just teach flying; we mentor. Many of our instructors are former airline or military pilots who guide students toward long-term careers.
• Full Career Path Support: From your first solo flight to preparing for an airline interview, we provide ongoing support, making sure your journey doesn’t stop with training hours.

At Leopard Aviation, we believe the best pilots come from a mix of academic strength and real-world practice. College provides knowledge, but flight training transforms that knowledge into confidence and skill.

Your Degree and Flight Path Aligned

Choosing what most pilots major in is just one step in shaping your aviation career. Whether it’s aviation, engineering, or another field, pairing academics with strong flight training ensures you’re ready for success. 

At Leopard Aviation, we provide the real-world flying experience that turns classroom learning into practical skills. 

By combining your studies with our personalized training, you’ll gain the confidence, hours, and preparation needed to stand out in a competitive industry. With the right degree and dedicated flight experience, your path to becoming a professional pilot becomes clearer and faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do pilots need a college degree to fly professionally?

A college degree is not required for all pilot jobs, but many major airlines prefer or strongly recommend it. A degree can also improve career flexibility, open leadership opportunities, and serve as a backup career path outside aviation if needed.

2. What are the most common college majors for pilots?

Pilots often major in aviation, aeronautical science, aerospace engineering, or aviation technology. These programs combine flight training with academic coursework. Some also study management, physics, or computer science, which provide broader technical or leadership skills while still supporting aviation career growth.

3. Is a Bachelor of Aviation the best choice for aspiring pilots?

A Bachelor of Aviation is one of the most direct routes, since it integrates academic studies with structured flight training. Many universities partner with flight schools, making it easier for students to graduate with both a degree and key pilot licenses already completed.

4. Do non-aviation majors still allow you to become a pilot?

Yes. A degree in business, engineering, or even liberal arts does not prevent you from becoming a pilot. Flight training is conducted separately from college majors, so students with unrelated degrees can still complete licenses and ratings through flight schools or university aviation programs.

5. How long does it take to complete a degree for pilots?

Most bachelor’s degrees take four years, though some aviation universities offer accelerated three-year tracks. Dual programs with flight schools may allow students to graduate with both a degree and pilot certificates, streamlining their pathway into the industry and airline hiring pipelines.