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 (137)
Liste des 137 établissements
- Pennsylvania Highlands Community CollegeJohnstown
- University of CincinnatiCincinnati
- Luzerne County Community CollegeNanticoke
- Parkland CollegeChampaign
- Eastern New Mexico UniversityPortales
- Salt Lake Community CollegeSalt Lake City
- Embry–Riddle Aeronautical UniversityDaytona Beach
- Broward CollegeFort Lauderdale
- Mt. San Antonio CollegeWalnut
- Spartan College of Aeronautics and TechnologyTulsa
- Utah Valley UniversityOrem
- Community College of Beaver CountyMonaca
- Miami Dade CollegeMiami
- Green River Community CollegeAuburn
- Southern Illinois University CarbondaleCarbondale
- Central Oregon Community CollegeBend
- Florida Institute of TechnologyMelbourne
- Cypress CollegeCypress
- Northwestern Michigan CollegeTraverse City
- Big Bend Community CollegeMoses Lake
- Southern Utah UniversityCedar City
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona BeachDaytona Beach
- Guilford Technical Community CollegeJamestown
- Mercer County Community CollegeWest Windsor
- Aviator College of Aeronautical Science and TechnologyFort Pierce
- Montana State UniversityBozeman
- Orange Coast CollegeCosta Mesa
- Vincennes UniversityVincennes
- Polk State CollegeWinter Haven
- Tarrant County CollegeFort Worth
- Middle Georgia State CollegeMacon
- Kansas State UniversityManhattan
- University of Cincinnati-Clermont CollegeBatavia
- Florida State College at JacksonvilleJacksonville
- Asheville–Buncombe Technical Community CollegeAsheville
- Chandler–Gilbert Community CollegeChandler
- Dodge City Community CollegeDodge City
- San Diego Miramar CollegeSan Diego
- Aims Community CollegeGreeley
- Sacramento City CollegeSacramento
- Fox Valley Technical CollegeAppleton
- SUNY Schenectady County Community CollegeSchenectady
- Tulsa Community CollegeTulsa
- Community College of Baltimore CountyBaltimore
- Lane Community CollegeEugene
- Treasure Valley Community CollegeOntario
- Texas State Technical CollegeWaco
- Cochise CollegeSierra Vista
- Sinclair Community CollegeDayton
- Dutchess Community CollegePoughkeepsie
- Hinds Community CollegeRaymond
- College of Southern NevadaLas Vegas
- Glendale Community CollegeGlendale
- Lone Star CollegeThe Woodlands
- Colorado Northwestern Community CollegeRangely
- Colorado Mesa UniversityGrand Junction
- Ozarks Technical Community CollegeSpringfield
- Lake Area Technical CollegeWatertown
- University of Alaska AnchorageAnchorage
- Pearl River Community CollegePoplarville
- Central Texas CollegeKilleen
- Ivy Tech Community CollegeIndianapolis
- Portland Community CollegePortland
- Vaughn College of Aeronautics and TechnologyFlushing
- Ozarka CollegeMelbourne
- Klamath Community CollegeKlamath Falls
- Lehigh Carbon Community CollegeSchnecksville
- Lenoir Community CollegeKinston
- Sandhills Community CollegePinehurst
- Southwestern Illinois CollegeBelleville
- Academy CollegeBloomington
- Iowa Lakes Community CollegeEstherville
- Florida Institute of Technology-OnlineMelbourne
- Warren County Community CollegeWashington
- Clover Park Technical CollegeLakewood
- LeTourneau UniversityLongview
- Community College of Allegheny CountyPittsburgh
- Atlantic Cape Community CollegeMays Landing
- George C Wallace State Community College-HancevilleHanceville
- California Aeronautical UniversityBakersfield
- South Louisiana Community CollegeLafayette
- Northwest CollegePowell
- University of Alaska FairbanksFairbanks
- Western Oklahoma State CollegeAltus
- Carroll Community CollegeWestminster
- Reedley CollegeReedley
- Craven Community CollegeNew Bern
- Casper CollegeCasper
- North Shore Community CollegeDanvers
- Indian Hills Community CollegeOttumwa
- Yavapai CollegePrescott
- University of Arkansas – Fort SmithFort Smith
- Wichita Area Technical CollegeWichita
- Rio Salado CollegeTempe
- Jackson CollegeJackson
- Lake Superior CollegeDuluth
- Pasco–Hernando State CollegeNew Port Richey
- Hesston CollegeHesston
- Illinois Eastern Community CollegesOlney
- Rochester Community and Technical CollegeRochester
- Madisonville Community CollegeMadisonville
- Butler Community CollegeEl Dorado
- Holmes Community CollegeGoodman
- Rose State CollegeMidwest City
- Indiana Wesleyan University-National & GlobalMarion
- Lincoln Land Community CollegeSpringfield
- Walla Walla UniversityCollege Place
- Santa Fe CollegeGainesville
- Cecil CollegeNorth East
- Palm Beach State CollegeLake Worth
- Hampton UniversityHampton
- William Jessup UniversityRocklin
- Mississippi Delta Community CollegeMoorhead
- Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell CampusRoswell
- Lewis UniversityRomeoville
- County College of MorrisRandolph
- Ohio University LancasterAthens
- Mohawk Valley Community CollegeUtica
- Gateway Technical CollegeKenosha
- Dakota College at BottineauBottineau
- Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Carolina CampusCarolina
- Andrews UniversityBerrien Springs
- Blue Ridge Community and Technical CollegeMartinsburg
- Southeastern UniversityLakeland
- Palomar CollegeSan Marcos
- Liberty UniversityLynchburg
- Salem Community CollegeCarneys Point
- Lynn UniversityBoca Raton
- Dakota County Technical CollegeRosemount
- San Bernardino Valley CollegeSan Bernardino
- Palo Alto CollegeSan Antonio
- Pacific Union CollegeAngwin
- New England Institute of TechnologyEast Greenwich
- Capital Community CollegeHartford
- Northwest Florida State CollegeNiceville
- University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community CollegeRio Grande
- St. Petersburg CollegeSt. Petersburg
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.


























