Degree Overview: Bachelor’s Degrees in Avionics
Majors Overview August 17, 2014Receive information about bachelor’s degree programs in avionics and their education requirements, coursework, job and wage outlook, career choice, and certification choices.
Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Avionics
Students enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program in avionics complete coursework based on a foundation of science and math, in addition to the practical application of engineering and electronics principles. Coursework combines classroom instruction with analysis of aviation equipment, hands-on testing and functional design. Graduates can expect to gain proficiency in the sophisticated avionics systems that are a component part of contemporary aircraft and can seek jobs with commercial agencies and the government.
Education Requirements
Given the substantial orientation of the program toward math and science, a solid background in these areas is expected of incoming students to the program, with calculus the preferred entry-level math background needed. The department chair of incoming students’ chosen program can provide them with guidance on selecting a course according to their strength selection.
Coursework
Coursework exposes students in this degree program to technical and engineering skill sets needed in the industry. Core coursework may include topic areas such as:
•Aircraft pulse and radar systems
•Aircraft navigation and communication systems
•Analog and digital components
•Aircraft power and distribution systems
•Linear electronic circuits
•Computer aided design (CAD)
•Avionics systems design
•Traffic alert and avoidance systems
•Flight instrument systems
Job and Wage Outlook
An avionics technician’s job consists of installing, inspecting, testing, adjusting, or repairing equipment such as radar, radio, navigation and missile and navigation control systems in space vehicles or aircraft (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Over the 2010 – 2020 decade, job growth rates of 7% have been predicted for avionics technicians (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In 2012, these professionals brought home an average annual wage of $56,940 (BLS).
Career Choices
Those who complete a bachelor’s degree program may seek a wide range of other entry-level careers in the aeronautics industry. They can choose from popular career options such as:
•Accident investigator
•Aircraft maintenance supervisor
•Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) technician
•Aviation technician
•Certified airline mechanic
•Safety inspector
Certification Choices
While certification is not mandatory, the majority of airlines expect candidates to hold certification issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Completion of a training program and passage of practical, written and oral exams awards certification.
