I know the major airlines have eased up on the Bachelor degree requirements as of late due to the pilot shortage. My question is I have an 2 year associates degree. If/when I Graduate ATP and do my time as a regional will a major airlines be prejudice towards non 4 year degree holders?
Alex,
It is not a question of the airlines being prejudice or not, to be prejudice is to: “have a preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience.” The major airlines have determined through actual experience that people who hold four year degrees make better employees and represent their companies better. Based on that experience, they have decided to preference those with four year degrees. While the requirements may have been relaxed, the airlines will still continue to prefer those with four year degrees.
The good news is that you should have plenty of time while flying at the regionals to work on your degree.
Chris
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Alex,
While some have removed it as a requirement, they ALL still prefer it and those that can check the box will always be given priority.
Adam
1 Like
Alex,
It won’t be easy but it’s definitely doable to finish up that degree online while at the regionals. You will have to build at least 1000 hours of turbine time before hitting any current time requirements for the majors. That will take at least 2 years to build anyway. Perfect timing to get the degree done while building part 121 turbine time.
Without the degree, you will be the last picked and at the bottom of the seniority list when the hiring stops. That’s not a good place to be.
Hannah
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Hi everyone,
To ask a slightly different flavor of this question, does having a graduate degree help at all?
Thanks,
Jake
Jake,
When it comes to the application process an airline may ask for your highest level of education, but a graduate degree does not make an applicant a more qualified candidate.
Tory
Jake,
Unfortunately not as much as you’d hope for. Not having a degree is like -20 points. Having a degree, 20 points. Now having a graduate degree… (oh cool) 
.
So if you already have one, it will add to your general impression but it doesn’t hurt you not to have one.
Hannah
Jake,
Surprisingly, no, a graduate degree will not do much for you at the airlines. The majors want to see a four year degree, anything beyond that is just icing on the cake, but will not really help to advance your application. At that point flight time and experience becomes key.
Chris
Thanks for your responses! I kinda figured that was the case, but I thought I’d ask. I’m finishing my master’s degree in a couple months, and if nothing else it’ll be a good backup.
Thanks,
Jake
Does this apply if you graduated from a program like ATP fast track? I don’t have a degree but am looking take classes and get all my certificates through ATP. Do you think this will excuse the college degree requirement or should I still be trying to get a college degree after? Thanks!
Joshua,
Regardless of where you go to flight school your licenses and ratings are not a 4yr degree. In your application to a Major they will ask “do you have a 4yr degree?” with a Yes or a No check box. You either have one or you don’t and there is no substitute for it.
Adam
Thanks for the information. I’m hoping to then get hired by regionals, build hours, and study during that time.
Joshua,
That is a well worn path that many before you have done. Check out this link: