Associate Degree in Air Transportation
The Associate Degree in Air Transportation teaches the basics of aviation operations and management, preparing students for entry-level roles in the air transport industry.
About
This Associate Degree in Air Transportation is a two-year program offered in the United States, designed for students interested in the aviation and air transport sector. It provides foundational knowledge about how air transportation systems operate, including airport management, airline operations, and safety procedures. The program is suitable for young people who want to start a career in aviation without committing to a four-year degree. Graduates can pursue roles such as airline operations assistants, airport coordinators, or customer service agents within the aviation field.
- The degree covers essential concepts in air transportation systems and aviation regulations.
- It is aimed at students who have completed high school and want practical skills for the aviation industry.
- The program prepares students for entry-level positions in airlines, airports, or related companies.
- It offers a mix of theoretical knowledge and practical experience relevant to air transport operations.
- Students gain insight into airline management and airport logistics.
What you study
The curriculum of this Associate Degree balances classroom learning and practical activities over two years. Students start with introductory courses about the aviation industry and basic air transportation principles. As they progress, they study more specialized topics like airline operations, airport management, and safety regulations. Practical sessions may include case studies, simulations, or visits to airports to understand real-world processes.
- First-year courses focus on aviation fundamentals and regulatory frameworks.
- Second-year studies deepen knowledge in airline operations and customer service.
- Students learn about aircraft scheduling and logistics coordination.
- Hands-on projects and group work help develop problem-solving skills.
- Some programs include internships or practical training in aviation companies.
- The coursework prepares students to understand the complexity of air transport networks.
How to get in
To enter this Associate Degree program in the US, students typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Admission procedures vary by institution but often include submitting transcripts and sometimes a personal statement or interview. The program welcomes students interested in aviation who are motivated to learn about air transportation operations and management. There are usually no strict entrance exams, making it accessible to a broad range of applicants.
- Applicants must have completed high school (high school diploma or GED).
- Admission is generally non-selective, based on academic records and interest.
- Some colleges may require basic proficiency in English and math.
- Students with a passion for aviation and service industries are encouraged to apply.
- Application processes include submitting transcripts and sometimes an interview or essay.
Day to day
The academic year for this Associate Degree typically follows a semester system, with classes held several times a week. Students attend lectures, participate in workshops, and complete group projects related to air transportation. Many programs encourage or require internships during the summer or final semester to gain practical experience. The workload includes assignments, exams, and sometimes presentations. While full-time study is common, some institutions offer part-time or evening classes to accommodate working students.
- Students attend regular classes and participate in group projects.
- Internships or practical training in airports or airlines are often part of the curriculum.
- The program includes exams, assignments, and presentations.
- Students learn through case studies and simulations.
- Time management is important to balance theory and practice.
Careers this degree leads to
Graduates with this Associate Degree can find work in various roles within the air transportation sector. Jobs often involve supporting airline or airport operations, customer service, or logistics. The aviation industry regularly needs staff for coordinating flights, managing passenger services, and ensuring safety compliance. While some positions require further education, many entry-level roles are accessible with this degree. The job market can vary depending on economic conditions and airline activity, but opportunities generally exist in airports, airlines, and related companies.
- Common jobs include airline operations assistant and airport customer service agent.
- Graduates may work in flight scheduling or logistics coordination.
- The degree prepares for roles in airport management support.
- Employment is found mainly in airlines, airports, and aviation service companies.
- Entry-level positions often involve teamwork and communication skills.
Careers after further study
These careers require a higher level of study than this degree.
Continuing your studies
After earning this Associate Degree, students can continue their studies to deepen their knowledge or specialize further. Many choose to pursue a Bachelor's degree in fields related to aviation management, logistics, or business administration. This progression allows access to higher-level positions in the air transport industry. Some may also consider certifications or training in specific aviation areas to enhance their skills. Alternatively, students can explore related sectors such as transportation management or supply chain logistics.
- Students can enroll in a Bachelor's degree in aviation or business fields.
- Specialized certifications in aviation safety or airport operations are options.
- Some transfer to programs in logistics or transportation management.
- Further studies improve chances for management roles.
Where to study this degree (200)
Liste des 200 établissements
- Texas Lutheran UniversitySeguin
- Parkland CollegeChampaign
- Salt Lake Community CollegeSalt Lake City
- California State University Los AngelesLos Angeles
- University of Wisconsin–OshkoshOshkosh
- Pennsylvania Highlands Community CollegeJohnstown
- Keiser UniversityFort Lauderdale
- Florida State UniversityTallahassee
- Bowling Green State UniversityBowling Green
- University of CincinnatiCincinnati
- Luzerne County Community CollegeNanticoke
- Eastern New Mexico UniversityPortales
- St. Cloud State UniversitySaint Cloud
- South Louisiana Community CollegeLafayette
- Baker CollegeOwosso
- Embry–Riddle Aeronautical UniversityDaytona Beach
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona BeachDaytona Beach
- Liberty UniversityLynchburg
- University of North DakotaGrand Forks
- Broward CollegeFort Lauderdale
- Middle Tennessee State UniversityMurfreesboro
- Western Michigan UniversityKalamazoo
- Utah Valley UniversityOrem
- Southern Illinois University CarbondaleCarbondale
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-PrescottPrescott
- Florida State College at JacksonvilleJacksonville
- Purdue University West LafayetteWest Lafayette
- Auburn UniversityAuburn
- Oklahoma State University-Main CampusStillwater
- Lewis UniversityRomeoville
- Minnesota State University, MankatoMankato
- Metropolitan State University of DenverDenver
- Arizona State University Campus ImmersionTempe
- Middle Georgia State CollegeMacon
- Indiana State UniversityTerre Haute
- Florida Institute of TechnologyMelbourne
- Utah State UniversityLogan
- Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus
- Kent State University at KentKent
- University of DubuqueDubuque
- Mt. San Antonio CollegeWalnut
- Kansas State UniversityManhattan
- Central Washington UniversityEllensburg
- Cypress CollegeCypress
- Vaughn College of Aeronautics and TechnologyFlushing
- Eastern Kentucky UniversityRichmond
- Farmingdale State CollegeFarmingdale
- Spartan College of Aeronautics and TechnologyTulsa
- Southern Utah UniversityCedar City
- Jacksonville UniversityJacksonville
- Everglades UniversityBoca Raton
- Ohio University LancasterAthens
- San Jose State UniversitySan Jose
- University of Nebraska at OmahaOmaha
- LeTourneau UniversityLongview
- University of Central MissouriWarrensburg
- Miami Dade CollegeMiami
- Community College of Beaver CountyMonaca
- Bridgewater State UniversityBridgewater
- Green River Community CollegeAuburn
- Southeastern Oklahoma State UniversityDurant
- Aviator College of Aeronautical Science and TechnologyFort Pierce
- Louisiana Tech UniversityRuston
- University of OklahomaNorman
- Central Oregon Community CollegeBend
- Aims Community CollegeGreeley
- Saint Louis UniversitySt Louis
- California Baptist UniversityRiverside
- California Aeronautical UniversityBakersfield
- Henderson State UniversityArkadelphia
- Elizabeth City State UniversityElizabeth City
- Eastern Michigan UniversityYpsilanti
- Sinclair Community CollegeDayton
- Rocky Mountain CollegeBillings
- Texas A&M University – Central TexasKilleen
- Florida Institute of Technology-OnlineMelbourne
- Inter American University of Puerto Rico-BayamonBayamon
- Lynn UniversityBoca Raton
- South Dakota State UniversityBrookings
- Orange Coast CollegeCosta Mesa
- Northwestern Michigan CollegeTraverse City
- Treasure Valley Community CollegeOntario
- Big Bend Community CollegeMoses Lake
- Polk State CollegeWinter Haven
- Guilford Technical Community CollegeJamestown
- University of Alaska AnchorageAnchorage
- University of North TexasDenton
- Averett UniversityDanville
- Montana State UniversityBozeman
- Delta State UniversityCleveland
- Mercer County Community CollegeWest Windsor
- Vincennes UniversityVincennes
- York College, City University of New YorkJamaica
- Central New Mexico Community CollegeAlbuquerque
- Tarrant County CollegeFort Worth
- National American UniversityRapid City
- University of Cincinnati-Clermont CollegeBatavia
- Chandler–Gilbert Community CollegeChandler
- Asheville–Buncombe Technical Community CollegeAsheville
- Dodge City Community CollegeDodge City
- Glendale Community CollegeGlendale
- San Diego Miramar CollegeSan Diego
- Ozarka CollegeMelbourne
- Texas Southern UniversityHouston
- Baylor UniversityWaco
- Delaware State UniversityDover
- Southern Crescent Technical CollegeGriffin
- Walla Walla UniversityCollege Place
- Hinds Community CollegeRaymond
- Lane Community CollegeEugene
- Florida Memorial UniversityMiami Gardens
- Sacramento City CollegeSacramento
- Tulsa Community CollegeTulsa
- Fox Valley Technical CollegeAppleton
- Community College of Baltimore CountyBaltimore
- SUNY Schenectady County Community CollegeSchenectady
- University of Maryland Eastern ShorePrincess Anne
- Texas State Technical CollegeWaco
- Hampton UniversityHampton
- Lenoir Community CollegeKinston
- Vermont Technical CollegeRandolph
- Cochise CollegeSierra Vista
- Colorado Northwestern Community CollegeRangely
- Dutchess Community CollegePoughkeepsie
- Marywood UniversityScranton
- College of Southern NevadaLas Vegas
- Colorado Mesa UniversityGrand Junction
- Southern New Hampshire UniversityManchester
- Andrews UniversityBerrien Springs
- Lone Star CollegeThe Woodlands
- Pearl River Community CollegePoplarville
- Lake Area Technical CollegeWatertown
- Fullerton CollegeFullerton
- Ozarks Technical Community CollegeSpringfield
- University of Nebraska at KearneyKearney
- Klamath Community CollegeKlamath Falls
- Ivy Tech Community CollegeIndianapolis
- Central Texas CollegeKilleen
- Sauk Valley Community CollegeDixon
- Trident Technical CollegeCharleston
- Hallmark UniversitySan Antonio
- Portland Community CollegePortland
- Quincy UniversityQuincy
- University of MemphisMemphis
- Highline CollegeDes Moines
- Wichita Area Technical CollegeWichita
- Fairmont State UniversityFairmont
- Southwestern College - CaliforniaChula Vista
- Academy CollegeBloomington
- Lehigh Carbon Community CollegeSchnecksville
- Austin Peay State UniversityClarksville
- University of Louisiana at MonroeMonroe
- Sandhills Community CollegePinehurst
- Iowa Lakes Community CollegeEstherville
- Harper CollegePalatine
- Southwestern Illinois CollegeBelleville
- Purdue University GlobalWest Lafayette
- Clover Park Technical CollegeLakewood
- Warren County Community CollegeWashington
- University of Arkansas – Fort SmithFort Smith
- Community College of Allegheny CountyPittsburgh
- Thomas Nelson Community CollegeHampton
- Park UniversityParkville
- School of Missionary Aviation TechnologyIonia
- George C Wallace State Community College-HancevilleHanceville
- Atlantic Cape Community CollegeMays Landing
- Cloud County Community CollegeConcordia
- Northwest CollegePowell
- Carroll Community CollegeWestminster
- Casper CollegeCasper
- Craven Community CollegeNew Bern
- Reedley CollegeReedley
- North Shore Community CollegeDanvers
- University of Maine at AugustaAugusta
- New River Community CollegeDublin
- Montana Technological UniversityButte
- University of Hawaii at HiloHilo
- Indian Hills Community CollegeOttumwa
- Capitol Technology UniversityLaurel
- Yavapai CollegePrescott
- University of Alaska FairbanksFairbanks
- Western Oklahoma State CollegeAltus
- Rochester Community and Technical CollegeRochester
- Rio Salado CollegeTempe
- Westminster UniversitySalt Lake City
- Virginia Highlands Community CollegeAbingdon
- Charleston Southern UniversityCharleston
- National American University-EllsworthBox Elder
- Stephen F. Austin State UniversityNacogdoches
- Lord Fairfax Community CollegeMiddletown
- San Bernardino Valley CollegeSan Bernardino
- Geneva CollegeBeaver Falls
- Technical College of the LowcountryBeaufort
- San Diego Christian CollegeSantee
- Lake Superior CollegeDuluth
- Southeastern UniversityLakeland
- Pasco–Hernando State CollegeNew Port Richey
- Trinidad State Junior CollegeTrinidad
- University of WyomingLaramie
- Illinois Eastern Community CollegesOlney
Frequently asked questions
What prior education do I need to apply?
You need to have completed high school or have an equivalent diploma like a GED to apply for this Associate Degree.
Is this degree more theoretical or practical?
The program combines both theory and practical learning, including case studies, projects, and sometimes internships in aviation settings.
Can I work while studying this degree?
Some institutions offer part-time or evening classes, making it possible to work while studying, but full-time study is common.
What kinds of jobs can I get after graduation?
Graduates often find entry-level jobs in airline operations, airport customer service, flight scheduling, or logistics coordination.
Can I continue my studies after this degree?
Yes, many students pursue a Bachelor's degree in aviation, business, or logistics to access higher-level positions.
Is this degree recognized by airlines and airports?
This Associate Degree is recognized as a solid foundation for entry-level roles in the air transportation industry and is valued by many employers.
Are internships mandatory in this program?
Internships or practical training are often encouraged or required to provide real-world experience, but requirements can vary by institution.
Is there an option to study this degree through an apprenticeship?
Typically, this degree is not offered through apprenticeships or alternance programs in the US.






























