I know recently major airlines don’t require a 4 year college degree but it’s preferred. I’m almost done with my associate’s degree, should i get a bachelor’s degree to have a better chance at the airlines in the future?
Seif,
Glad to hear you’re working on the degree. Unfortunately you don’t get credit for anything less than a bachelors so it’s absolutely in your best interest to continue towards completing it.
Have you don’t any flight training yet? Depending on your age and your discipline it could be a good option to start flight training when you complete associates. Then once you’re settled at a regional or LCC, you return to finish the last two years towards a bachelors online.
Hannah
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Seif,
Yes you should. You’re going to need it and it’s far easier to keep going now than returning later.
Adam
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Although the airlines don’t require a bachelors degree I did read through United’s Aviate program where it states that United requires an applicant w/o a bachelors degree to have 1000 hrs as Captain at a part 121 before they can be eligible as a United FO candidate.
A bachelor’s degree continues to be preferred across all United pilot hiring. You must either have a bachelor’s degree, serve a minimum of 1,000 flight hours as a Captain at an Aviate-participating UAX carrier or graduate from United Aviate Academy
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Hey Hanna,
I haven’t start flight training yet, my plan was to start after i get my associate’s
Seif,
Do you have any flight experience? If not AND you’re seriously thinking about a career in aviation you really should take an intro or discovery flight sooner than later.
While many believe flying is for them, until you actually sit at the controls of a small training airplane you really won’t know for sure. It’s kind of like watching football on Sunday and thinking “I’d like to do that”. Looks like fun until you get hit by a 300lbs linebacker again you don’t really know 
Adam
Hello Adam!
I have done a discover flight last month and I absolutely loved it! I was on the fence about it until i did my discovery flight and while I’m in college I’m taking an online ground school, but now I’mon the fence again because if I can’t afford flight training and getting a 4 year college degree since I’ll be taking out a loan to go through flight training.
Thank you
Seif,
Don’t despair or be on the fence. While I stand by my opinion getting a 4yr degree first is best. There are of course alternatives.
Here’s the quick and dirty. Finish you Associates degree. Take a loan for your flight training and complete your training. After building time as an instructor get hired by a Regional. While flying at a Regional complete your 4yr Aviation degree online. With credit for your AA degree AND credits for your licenses and ratings you can earn you BS in min time at min expense using the signing bonuses from the Regional to almost totally remove your debt.
The caveat is you will need the motivation and ability to complete your degree online which some find very challenging.
Adam
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I’m getting my associate online right now. Thank you so much Adam!
Seif,
Absolutely, yes, I would plan on completing your full degree. It just makes you such a better candidate for the airlines.
Chris
Seif,
I am also on the side of complete your Associate’s and then attend flight school. You will have time to partake in part time classes during your time building both instructing and regional time to complete your Bachelor’s.
Chris shared a link that you can earn credits for the training you’ve received.
Brady