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Program Information | Degree Requirements | Career Outlook

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN

AERONAUTICAL SCIENCE

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More Professional Pilots Have Come From Embry-Riddle
Than From Any Other University

Ready to Work, Prepared to Lead

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

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 degrees, our graduates enter the aviation industry with their commercial certificate and multi-engine and instrument ratings. Our students have choices. They can tailor their degree for specific career goals. Our program has the flexibility to offer certification as an aircraft dispatcher, 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.

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 (corporate) 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

Immerse Yourself in the Total Aviation Environment
of Our Colleges of Aviation Sciences

Florida and Arizona Offer Ideal Year-round Flying Conditions

The year-round clear flying weather and the resort communities surrounding our residential campuses in Daytona Beach, Florida, and 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.

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. That's why the United States Air Force Academy chose Embry-Riddle to provide introductory flight training to their cadets and lieutenants who will become Air Force pilots. The five-year contract has now ended but you can read the original press release.

When 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 in Embry-Riddle's fleet of training aircraftThe 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, or industry 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.

The graduate will have an FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with multi-engine and instrument ratings. Graduates will also be able to understand the scientific aspects of flight, along with an in-depth background of the aviation industry; knowledge with practical career applications.

Aircraft and Simulators

At the Daytona Beach campus, students have access to aircraft, including Cessna 150s, Cessna 172RGs, Cessna 172 R/Ss, Piper PA28R Arrows, and Piper PA44 Seminoles. Simulators include Frasca 141, Frasca 142, and Jeppesen FS200AC.

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B.S. DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Our Program Focuses on the Skills and Knowledge
Required by Today’s Industry

The Aeronautical Science degree program blends flight training with rigorous academic study to provide a strong foundation for a career as a professional pilot with the airlines, corporate aviation, or the military. This approach to aviation education gives the students added value over traditional flight training programs by focusing on the skills and knowledge required by today’s industry. Foundation skills in mathematics, physics, communications and aeronautics, including FAA certification as an instrument-rated pilot, are typically attained during the first two years of the program.

The last two years include extensive professional-level aeronautical science and flight courses that prepare the graduate for a career as a professional pilot, including airline flight crew operations in multi-engine jet transport aircraft. Advanced flight training up to and including entry-level airline training is provided. 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.

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 the aviation and aerospace industries. Upon completion of the curriculum, the student will possess a minimum of an FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with multi-engine and instrument rating. Optional advanced flight training includes upset training, certification as a flight instructor and instrument flight instructor, and training as a flight crew member in a jet transport aircraft.

Students pursuing the Aeronautical Science degree 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.

NOTE: Please refer to the University Academic Regulations and Procedures section of the catalog for more information on flight course related issues.

Suggested Program of Study

General Education 39
Aeronautical Core 55
Specialty Course 29
TOTAL DEGREE CREDITS 120
University General Education
Course Title Credit
  Communication Theory and Skills* 9
  Lower-Level Humanities* 3
  Lower-Level Social Sciences* 6
  Upper-Level Humanities* 3
-OR-
  Upper-Level Social Sciences* 3
  Computer Science Elective* 3
  Computer Science Elective* 3
  Management Elective* 3
MA 111 College Mathematics for Aviation I 3
MA 112 College Mathematics for Aviation II 3
PS 103 Technical Physics I with Laboratory 3
PS 114 Technical Physics II with Laboratory 3
Total Credits 39

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AeronauticalScience Core Courses
Course Title Credit
AS 121 Private Pilot Operations 5
ASC 101 Aeronautical Sciences Success 1
AS 221 Instrumental Pilot Operations 3
AS 321 Commercial Pilot Operations 3
AS 309 Aerodynamics 3
AS 310 Aircraft Performance 3
AS 311 Aircraft Engines-Turbine 3
AS 340 Instructional Design in Aviation 3
-OR-
FA 417 Flight Instructors Rating** 3
AS 350 Domestic and International Navigation 3
AS 356 Systems and Components 3
AS 357 Flight Physiology 3
AS 358 Advanced Avionics 3
AS 387 Crew Resource Management 3
AS 408 Flight Safety 3
AS 420 Flight Technique Analysis 3
WX 201 Survey of Meteorology 3
WX 301 Aviation Weather 3
Total Credits 51

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Flight Core Courses**

Single-Engine Flight Track
Course Title Credit
FA 121 Private Single Flight 1
FA 221 Instrumental Single Flight 1
FA 321 Commercial Single Flight 1
FA 323 Commercial Multi Add On 1
Total Credits 4

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Multi-Engine Flight Track
Course Title Credit
FA 121 Private Single Flight 1
FA 122 Private Multi Flight With Laboratory 1
FA 222 Instrument Multi Flight 1
FA 322 Commercial Multi Flight 1
Total Credits 4

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Airline Pilot Specialty
Course Title Credit
AS 254 Aviation Legislation 3
-OR-
AS 405 Aviation Law 3
AS 380 Pilot Career Planning and Interviewing 1
AS 402 Airline Operations 3
-OR-
AS 410 Airline Dispatch Operations 3
AS 411 Jet Transport Systems 3
AS 435 Electronic Flight Management Systems 3
FA 420 Airline Flight Crew Techniques and Procedures 2
  Electives 11
Total Credits 26

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Commercial Pilot Specialty
Course Title Credit
AS 254 Aviation Legislation 3
-OR-
AS 405 Aviation Law 3
AS 380 Pilot Career Planning and Interviewing 1
AS/AES 300/400 Level 3
  Minor 9-18
  Electives 1-10
Total Credits 26

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Military Pilot Specialty
Course Title Credit
AS 435 Electronic Flight Systems 3
SS 340 American Foreign Policy 3
  ROTC 16
  Elective 4
Total Credits 26

*Embry-Riddle courses in the general education categories of 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/SocialSciences:
LOWER-LEVEL: HU 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146
LOWER-LEVEL: PSY 101 and EC 200, SS 110, 120, 130, 204 or 210
(Military Pilot Specialty may take only PSY 101 and SS 110, 120, or 130.)
UPPER-LEVEL: HU/SS 300-400 level or PSY 350
Management:
BA 201

**Flight:
Students have a choice of either the Single-Engine Flight Track orMulti-Engine Flight Track. Both result in certification as a Commercial Pilot with Multi-Engine and Instrument ratings.

The Single-Engine Flight Track is selected by most students. In this track, single-engine aircraft and flight training devices are used for the majority of training. Students who select this track do so primarily because it will allow certification as a flight instructor sooner, allowing for the opportunity to flight instruct part time while completing their degree. The single-engine track also provides an opportunity to complete the required flight education with reduced flight fees when compared to the Multi-Engine Flight Track.

The Multi-Engine Flight Track emphasizes multi-engine aircraft operations. This track is selected by students who do not necessarily desire to attain their flight instructor certificate and prefer to complete their flight education with more multi-engine flight time. Students who are in the Multi-Engine Flight Track who wish to attain their Certified Flight Instructor certificate must complete their single-engine add-on to their commercial multi certificate before they can be certified to instruct in single engine-aircraft.

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.

After completing the core curriculum, students may take an additional semester or more to acquire additional advanced certificates and ratings, including those for single-engine commercial, certified flight instructor airplane and instrument and/or they may enroll in the Airline Flight Crew Simulation course.

Cooperative Education credits may be used as open electives.

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ERAU FLightline

About the Specialties

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.

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.

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 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.


Aircraft Dispatch Certification Program

For the student interested in airline flight operations management, Embry-Riddle offers a program to prepare the student for aircraft dispatcher certification testing. The FAA awards the Aircraft Dispatcher Airman Certificate to graduates of the approved program after the successful completion of a standardized written examination and a practical test.

Licensed dispatchers are employed by airlines to manage the ground-based tasks vital to a successful airline flight. Dispatchers share responsibility with the captain for preflight planning and preparation of the dispatch release, and they are included in the decision loop on equipment failures, weather variations, or traffic delays for monitoring the progress of the flight, issuing safety-of-flight information to the crew, and canceling or redispatching the flight.

To carry out these tasks properly, dispatchers must be knowledgeable in aircraft performance capabilities, meteorology, operating regulations, air traffic control, and instrument flight procedures. They must also be able to make sound decisions that incorporate the company's economic and scheduling considerations.

Certification Requirements
The aircraft dispatcher certification program is available at the Daytona Beach campus. Dispatcher preparation is based on the successful completion of the following Aeronautical Science courses and the applicable prerequisites.

Aircraft Dispatch Certification
Course Title Credit
*AS 410 serves as the capstone course to the Aircraft Dispatcher program. Students cannot enroll in this class until they have completed and passed all other required Aeronautical Science courses for the Aircraft Dispatcher Program. Students must be 21 years of age to take this examination.
AS 221 Instrumental Pilot Operations 3
AS 321 Commercial Pilot Operations 3
AS 310 Aircraft Performance 3
AS 410 Airline Dispatch Operations* 3
AT 300 ATC in the National Aerospace System 3
WX 201 Survey of Meteorology 3
WX 301 Aviation Weather 3
Total Credits 21

This program is offered in the pursuit of a degree and not as separate training. Qualification for FAA testing normally requires a minimum of six semesters of instruction.

To receive credit for any of the courses toward the aircraft dispatcher certification program, the student must sign up in each required course, maintain a record of 100 percent attendance in each course and earn a grade of at least 70 percent in each course.
For additional information, contact the program director: Charles P. Donahue
386-226-6864

 

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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 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.

For a list of current programs, please see the Careers page in the Aeronautical Science Department Web site.

 

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.