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Program Information | Degree Requirements | Career Outlook

Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Science

Ready to Work, Prepared to Lead

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Seventy-five years have passed since the first pilot was trained at Embry-Riddle. In that time our Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Science degree has developed into the world's preeminent aeronautical degree program. A plane landing at sunrise.

No longer does our program simply train pilots -- we educate the future leaders in the aviation industry. Already, one in four airline pilots is an Embry-Riddle alumnus, but more than that, our graduates are chief pilots, heads of flight standards, corporate vice presidents, military heroes, and astronauts; the "movers and shakers" of aviation and aerospace.

Top flight training program

Embry-Riddle graduates attain the most respected degree of its kind in the world -- a degree that has earned the trust of the aviation community.

In addition to their baccalaureate degree, our graduates enter the aviation industry with their commercial certificate and multi-engine and instrument ratings. Our students have choice. They can tailor their degree for specific career goals. Our program has the flexibility to offer certification as a flight instructor, instrument flight instructor, and training as a first officer in a turboprop aircraft . Students learn to fly everything from a Cessna 172, to the glass flight deck of the future in advanced simulators and new aircraft.

Customize your degree

The Aeronautical Science degree also offers numerous minors in disciplines ranging from humanities to space science. Come join us as we explore the future of aviation and aerospace. Become one of our many graduates who are pushing the envelope of this exciting industry and reaching for the stars.

You'll choose one of these areas of concentration: Airline Pilot, Commercial Pilot, or Military Pilot. The program is designed for students who want the challenge of the finest professional pilot education in the world.

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Program Information

Ideal year-round flying conditions

The year-round clear flying weather of our residential campus in Prescott, Arizona offer students outstanding environments in which to study, fly, and enjoy recreational activities. When inclement weather keeps planes grounded, we have extensive simulator resources as an alternative way to gain further flight training.

Embry-Riddle’s Aeronautical Science staff, faculty, and instructors bring a wealth of diverse academic, operational and management experience to the university’s flight training program. Their experience includes corporate, military, and air carrier flight operations. We are second to none in general aviation flight training.

Input from industry

The Flight Training Department also uses the services of an Industrial Advisory Council with its contacts within corporate aviation and most major air carriers in the United States. These contacts allow us to keep abreast of industry changes and industry needs. The advantage for students is to help them accelerate their transition into professional flying careers.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University prides itself in its ability to provide the finest education and training of its kind in the United States. The faculty and staff are carefully selected and vigorously and continuously trained to the highest of standards to ensure the quality of the services we provide.

As you tour the campus, please take some time to talk with our fine faculty members and flight department staff. You'll be impressed by their skills and commitment to excellence in flight training.

We take you that extra mile higher

Cessna aircraft, one of several which Embry-Riddle student pilots use during their flight training.The university’s flight training program is the most comprehensive program available in a four-year academic degree program. Training begins at the primary level and includes the development of airline transport pilot proficiency skills in full-motion flight simulators. We introduce students to advanced crew operations; cockpit resource management; turbine operations; transport category aircraft operations; severe weather avoidance techniques; and high-altitude, high-performance operations. Flight and other technical aviation courses required in the Aeronautical Science degree program total 84 semester hours, far in excess of the technical requirements of other four-year programs, which helps ensure that our students have a strong competitive edge.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Science combines flight training with academic preparation in the technical and managerial aspects of aviation. The graduate is prepared for a career as an airline, corporate and commercial, or military pilot.

In addition, the degree program provides a foundation for further development in such aviation-related disciplines as aircraft safety, flight operations management, airway regulations, and aircraft technologies. This approach to aviation education gives the students an added value over traditional flight training programs by focusing on the skills and knowledge required by today’s industry.

Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are developed via computer simulations in aircraft performance, navigation, and aircraft systems operation. Effective resource management, human factors, and safety awareness are constantly emphasized throughout the curriculum.

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Degree Information

The Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Science may be attained in eight semesters. To earn the degree, successful completion of a minimum of 120 credit hours is required. The purpose of the Aeronautical Science degree program is to prepare the graduate for a productive career as a professional pilot, and responsible citizenship in support of aviation and aerospace industries.

Upon completion of the curriculum, the student will possess an FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with multi-engine and instrument ratings. Optional advanced flight training includes upset training, certification as a flight instructor and instrument flight instructor, and training as a flight crewmember in a jet transport aircraft. Students pursuing the Aeronautical Science degree will select one of three specializations after matriculation.

Students entering under this catalog may select from the Airline Pilot, Commercial Pilot, or Military Pilot specialization. Please see section concerning the restrictions imposed by the Aviation Transportation and Security Act. All students must complete the general education courses, Aeronautical Science core courses, and the courses required to complete one (1) specialization in order to complete the requirements for the Aeronautical Science degree.

Bachelor's Degree Requirements

Airline Pilot Specialty
The Airline Pilot Specialty is designed for students whose goal is to fly for a scheduled airline. The academic and flight courses are designed to provide exposure to procedures and operations consistent with those found at air carriers. The upper-level AS courses are very technical and provide the foundation for the capstone flight courses that are designed to be consistent with current airline transport pilot requirements.

FRESHMAN YEAR
Course Title Credits
Communication Theory and Skills* 3
Computer Science Elective* 3
Lower-Level Humanities* 3
AS 121 Private Pilot Operations 5
FA 121 Private Single Flight 1
MA 111 College Mathematics for Aviation I 3
MA 112 College Mathematics for Aviation II 3
PS 103 Technical Physics I with Laboratory 3
UNIV101 College Success (1)+
WX 201 Meteorology I 3
Total Credits 27
+ Meets open elective or credit in excess of degree requirements.

SOPHOMORE YEAR
Course Title Credits
Communication Theory and Skills* 6
Lower-Level Social Science* 6
Management elective* 3
AS 221 Instrument Pilot Operations 3
AS 309 Aerodynamics 3
AS 357 Flight Physiology 3
FA 221 Instrument Single Flight 1 -or- FA 122 Private Multi Flight with Laboratory 1 AND FA222 Instrument Multi Flight 1
PS 104 Technical Physics II with Laboratory 3
WX 301 Aviation Weather 3
Total Credits 31

JUNIOR YEAR
Course Title Credits
Upper-level HU/SS elective* 3
AS 254 Aviation Legislation - or -
AS 405 Aviation Law 3
AS 310 Aircraft Performance 3
AS 311 Aircraft Engines - Turbine 3
AS 350 Domestic and International Navigation 3
AS 321 Commercial Pilot Operations 3
AS 356 Aircraft Systems and Components 3
AS 358 Advanced Avionics 3
AS 380 Pilot Career Planning and
Interviewing Techniques 1
FA 215 Upset Recovery 1
FA 321 Commercial Single Flight 1 AND FA 323 Commercial Multi Add On -or- FA 322 Commercial Multi Flight 1
Electives 3
Total Credits 30/31

SENIOR YEAR
Course Title Credits
AS 340 Instructional Design in Aviation - or -
FA 417 Flight Instructor Rating** 3
AS 387 Crew Resource Management 3
AS 402 Airline Operations - or -
AS 408 Flight Safety 3
AS 410 Airline Dispatch Operations 3
AS 411 Jet Transport Systems 3
AS 420 Flight Technique Analysis 3
AS 435 Electronic Flight Management Systems 3
FA 420 Airline Flight Crew Techniques and Procedures 2
Electives 8
Total Credits 31

TOTAL DEGREE CREDITS 120

 

Commercial Pilot Specialty
The Commercial Pilot Specialty is designed for pilots with career interests requiring a more flexible degree program. The Aeronautical Science core course integrity is maintained, while allowing greater opportunity for the selection of courses to meet the needs of corporate and other segments of the aviation industry not specifically addressed by the Airline Pilot or Military Pilot specialties. One minor must be completed to meet the degree requirements of this specialization.

FRESHMAN YEAR
Course Title Credits
Communication Theory and Skills* 3
Computer Science elective* 3
Lower-Level Humanities* 3
AS 121 Private Pilot Operations 5
FA 121 Private Single Flight 1
MA 111 College Mathematics for Aviation I 3
MA 112 College Mathematics for Aviation II 3
PS 103 Technical Physics I with Laboratory 3
UNIV101 College Success (1)+
WX 201 Meteorology 3
Total Credits 29
+ Meets open elective or credit in excess of degree requirements.

SOPHOMORE YEAR
Course Title Credits
Communication Theory and Skills* 6
Lower-Level Social Sciences* 6
Management Elective* 3
AS 221 Instrument Pilot Operations 3
AS 309 Aerodynamics 3
AS 357 Flight Physiology 3
FA 221 Instrument Single Flight 1 -or- FA 122 Private Multi Flight with Laboratory 1 AND FA 222 Instrument Multi Flight 1
PS 104 Technical Physics II with Laboratory 3
WX 301 Aviation Weather 3
Total Credits 31/32

JUNIOR YEAR
Course Title Credits
Upper-level HU/SS Elective* 3
AS 254 Aviation Legislation - or - AS 321 Commercial Pilot Operations 3
AS 310 Aircraft Performance 3
AS 311 Aircraft Engines-Turbine 3
AS 356 Aircraft Systems and Components 3
AS 358 Advanced Avionics 3
AS 380 Pilot Career Planning and
Interviewing Techniques 1
AS 386 Domestic and International Navigation 3
AS 387 Crew Resource Management 3
AS 405 Aviation Law 3
FA 215 Upset Recovery 1
FA 321 Commercial Single Flight 1 AND FA 323 Commercial Multi Add On 1 -or- FA 322 Commercial Multi Flight 1
Total Credits 30/31

SENIOR YEAR
Course Title Credits
AS 340 Instructional Design in Aviation - or - FA 417 Flight Instructor Rating** 3
AS 408 Flight Safety 3
AS 420 Flight Technique Analysis 3
BA/STG 300/400 Level 3
Minor 9-18
Electives 1-9
Total Credits 31

TOTAL DEGREE CREDITS 120

Military Pilot Specialty
The Military Pilot Specialty is designed for pilots with career interests in the military. This specialty contains the core Aeronautical Science courses and includes other courses optimized for a career as a pilot with the military. The Aeronautical Science degree, Military Pilot specialty is not a part of any ROTC program at Embry-Riddle but is designed for optimum utilization of the credit earned in ROTC.

FRESHMAN YEAR
Course Title Credits
Communication Theory and Skills* 3
Computer Science Elective* 3
Lower-level Humanities* 3
AS 121 Private Pilot Operations 5
FA 121 Private Single Flight 1
MA 111 College Mathematics for Aviation I 3
MA 112 College Mathematics for Aviation II 3
PS 103 Technical Physics I with Laboratory 3
UNIV 101 College Success (1)+
WX 201 Survey of Meteorology 3
ROTC 2
Total Credits 29

+ Meets open elective or credit in excess of degree requirements.

SOPHOMORE YEAR
Course Title Credits
Communication Theory and Skills* 6
Lower-Level Social Science* 6
AS 221 Instrument Pilot Operations 3
AS 309 Aerodynamics 3
AS 357 Flight Physiology 3
FA 221 Instrument Single Flight 1 -or- FA122 Private Multi Flight with Laboratory 1 AND FA 222 Instrument Multi Flight 1
PS 104 Technical Physics II with Laboratory 3
WX 301 Aviation Weather
ROTC 2
Total Credits 31/32

JUNIOR YEAR
Course Title Credits
Management elective* 3
AS 310 Aircraft Performance 3
AS 311 Aircraft Turbine Engines 3
AS 356 Aircraft Systems and Components 3
AS 358 Advanced Avionics 3
AS 350 Domestic and International Navigation 3
AS 358 Advanced Avionics 3
AS 387 Crew Resource Management 3
FA 321 Commercial Single Flight 1 AND FA 323 Commercial Multi Add On 1 -or- FA322 Commercial Multi Flight 1
ROTC 6
Total Credits 31

SENIOR YEAR
Course Title Credits
Upper-Level HU/SS elective* 3
AS 340 Instructional Design in Aviation - or -
FA 417 Flight Instructor Rating** 3
AS 408 Flight Safety 3
AS 420 Flight Technique Analysis 3
AS 426 Electronic Flight Management Systems 3
Elective 7
ROTC 6
Total Credits 28

TOTAL DEGREE CREDITS 120

AERONAUTICAL SCIENCE NOTES
* Embry-Riddle courses in the general education category Communication Theory and Skills, Computer Science, Humanities, Social Sciences and Management may be chosen from those listed below, assuming prerequisite requirements are met. Courses from other institutions are acceptable if they fall into these broad categories and are at the level specified in the Aeronautical Science vertical outline.

COMMUNICATION THEORY AND SKILLS:
COM: 122, 219, and 221, 222, or 410

COMPUTER SCIENCE:
IT 109 or CS 117 or 118

HUMANITIES/SOCIAL SCIENCE:
LOWER-LEVEL: HU 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146
PSY 220 and EC 200, SS 110, 120, 130, 204 or 210
(Military Pilot Speciality may only take PSY 220 and SS 110, 120, or 130.)
UPPER-LEVEL: HU/SS 300-400 level or HF 300 or
PSY 350

MANAGEMENT:
BA 201

** Flight education is a continuous process that normally begins sometime during the student's first year of attendance and will progress until culminating in a multi-engine commercial certificate with an instrument rating. The curriculum is designed to allow students to meet core objectives in a reasonable amount of time. Various factors influence students' progress. These factors include student academic preparation, student availability, student determination and dedication, the availability of aircraft and instructor pilots and the cooperation of the weather. Consequently, some students will finish before others.

Enrollment in AS or FA courses requires proof of U.S. Citizenship or a Department of Justice background check for International Students. Please see the "Aviation Transportation and Security Act" under the Admission to the Residential Campuses section of the catalog.

Cooperative Education credits may be used as open electives.

Other Links

Aeronautical Science Department - Prescott, AZ

Aeronautical Science Bachelor of Science - Daytona Beach, FL

Master of Aeronautical Science

Prescott Flight Line - Aviation Training

Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)

The Coalition of Airline Pilots Associations

Aviation Careers

 

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Career Outlook

Aeronautical science graduates have pipeline to careers

Over the years, Embry-Riddle has had in place one or more New-Hire Bridge Programs with commercial airlines. The programs are implemented and designed to provide exceptional opportunities for Embry-Riddle graduates with Aeronautical Science degrees to become new-hire pilots with airlines upon graduation. Contact the Aeronautical Science Department for further information.

This comprehensive agreement establishes selection criteria, specific course requirements, minimum flight requirements, and preferred hiring status for qualified aeronautical science graduates at Embry-Riddle's residential campuses.

The Airline Pilot Area of Concentration curriculum has been adapted to accommodate airline-specific training directly related with airline operations. Aircraft and engine systems, resource management, airline pilot operations and airline specific training can be included in pilot bridge programs. New Aeronautical Science students should check with the department for program application information.

 

The Embry-Riddle Advantage: The Career Services Office

One of the most valuable benefits of being a student or alumnus of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is access to the resources of the Career Services Office.

The Career Services Office provides career development assistance to all students and alumni of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, regardless of campus affiliation. The Daytona Beach office serves Daytona Beach, Worldwide Campus, and Worldwide Online students. Prescott campus students are served by the Prescott office.

The Career Services Web site offers students and alumni:

  • A virtual library of job search aids including interview tips
  • An alumni network which enables students to contact alumni throughout the United States and abroad to learn more about their careers and employers.
  • Sample résumés and cover letters
  • Company profiles and employment hotlines
  • Cooperative education opportunities
  • Current job listings; and
  • A Web-based résumé referral service

A career fair is hosted at the Daytona Beach and Prescott campuses each fall. Throughout each year, dozens of companies visit the campuses to recruit students and to provide information about their industry. On-campus interviews are also scheduled year-round.

The Career Services Office employs a staff of program managers to provide one-on-one career advisement, mock interviews, and résumé critique services. The Career Services Office encourages students to make contact early in their Embry-Riddle educations to explore career options and develop a successful job search strategy.

More From the Career Services Office

Career Advisement
Several degree-specific program managers are available for assistance with career choice/change, exploration of career opportunities, and development of job search techniques.

Career Resource Center
The Career Resource Center is a library of information that includes addresses and information on potential employers, as well as information on hiring trends, salaries, and other career references. The Career Resource Center is continuously updated and expanded to meet student needs. The Career Services Web site also serves as a virtual resource center with links to job listings, salary information, sample résumés, interview preparation, and company Web sites.

EagleHire Network
The EagleHire Network allows students and alumni to submit résumés directly to employers seeking full-time and co-op/internship candidates. EagleHire is a free service and is available to all students and alumni of the University.

Cooperative Education/Internship Program
Cooperative education positions provide an opportunity for students to gain valuable work experience while earning college credit, learn about their chosen field, and establish contacts in the industry. Co-ops and internships are opportunities to earn college credit while gaining career-related work experience for undergraduate and graduate students.