Aviation Science
Program Description
-med.jpg)
A degree in Aviation Science from Mt. San Jacinto College is designed to prepare students without any prior aviation knowledge to become professional pilots. Our structured program strictly follows the ground school training requirements from the Federal Aviation Administration along with many additional courses taught by instructors with extensive real-world aviation experience in order to provide training above and beyond minimum licensing standards.
Career options are versatile. Opportunities exist as:
- certified flight instructors at flight schools;
- corporate pilots for executive transport;
- pilots for government agencies, law enforcement and emergency transport;
- technicians and managers for flight line operations and logistics; and
- pilots to meet the current hiring demand for commuter and airline operations.
It takes between 18 and 24 months to complete an Associates of Science degree in Aviation Science. Although MSJC only provides the ground or classroom training requirements towards FAA pilot certification, a student seeking a career as a professional pilot would progress through the Aviation Science training curriculum in order to prepare for FAA written examinations. The program offers ground school for Private Pilot, Instrument Pilot, Commercial Pilot, and Certified Flight Instructor requirements. In order to be eligible for FAA pilot certification, the student applicant must successfully pass the FAA written examination as well as demonstrate proficiency in flight training.
Actual flight training is beyond MSJC’s purview and will need to be accomplished separately from the Aviation Science program in order to earn pilot certificates. Students will need to source, fund, and attend a flight training course at any reputable Part 61 or Part 141 flight school. Once the commercial pilot certificate has been earned, the student is able to fly, for hire, with commuter or charter companies in order to build experience needed for airline opportunities. Commercial pilot certificate holders may also choose to undergo additional training to become a certified flight instructor.
Transfer Preparation
MSJC offers a wide range of course work that prepares students for the workforce or for transfer to four-year colleges and universities. All four-year institutions prescribe their own standards for course evaluation and admissions. Courses that fulfill major requirements for an associate degree in a program at MSJC might not be the same as those required for transfer into a similar major at a four-year university. Please meet with a Counselor to confirm transfer requirements.
Transfer students are advised to do research on prospective majors and careers. The MSJC Transfer Center and MSJC catalog can be helpful tools. Students interested in transferring to CSU’s or UC’s can access major preparation by visiting ASSIST. All students are advised to meet with a counselor at least once a semester to create or update their comprehensive education plan.
- Follow applicable Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs)
- Verify aeronautical knowledge by selecting the appropriate response to questions and scenarios.
- Operate aircraft safely and efficiently.
Discover in-demand careers and education options based on your interests! See the list of careers below or explore further by searching for Careers or Programs.
Note: There are no guaranteed positions for students completing these programs. Education and work experience required will vary by employer. The salary and benefits for specific occupations will be dependent on work experience, education, background, and employer. Labor market statistics are from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Census Bureau, O-NET, EMSI.
| Career/Industries | CA Annual Median Salary or Range | Employment Demand or Opening CA |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Pilot (SM, C, B) | $110,286 | 925 |
| Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers (C, A, B, M) | $221,036 | 1,916 |
(degree required: SM some college, C: Certificate, A: Associate degree, B: Bachelor’s degree, M: Master’s degree, D: Doctorate)