Transportation Degree Programs Can Get Your Career Moving

Transportation careers just got a little more fame-filled. Chesley Sullenberger III's amazing crash landing into the Hudson River has led to instant stardom for the airline pilot and even earned him on-field recognition at a Super Bowl. Aside from airline careers, prospective students interested in transportation careers can also look into sailing, bus driving, trucking, and railroad conducting. The type of transportation degree program will vary widely depending on which sector you choose.

Choosing the Right Transportation Degree Program

Taking a snapshot look at the aviation sector, airline pilots are expected to have at least a two-year if not a four-year college degree, so a bachelor's degree in aviation technology could give you an edge. You also must attend a flight school to get a pilot's license, but generally, the key for advancement in this career is to get enough flight-hours to qualify for licensure from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)--250 hours--and earn a license as an airline transport pilot--1500 hours.
You can also make a career in other facets of the airline transportation industry. Ground crews and maintenance teams help keep the planes in top shape. You can earn an associate's degree in advanced electronics technology (avionics) or an associate's degree in airframe and powerplant to pursue these careers. A high school diploma may be all that's required to be a customer service representative or a ticketing agent. Other administrative positions in the aviation industry may require a college degree.

Other Transportation Career Paths and Degree Programs to Consider

Truck drivers can get a certificate in truck driving and earn a commercial driver's license (CDL). Railroad conductors require quite a bit of licensure, but they often get a lot of training through the company for which they work. Subway and bus drivers are also often taught by their companies.

Transportation Career Salary Expectations

Compensation also varies widely depending on your career choice. Railroad conductors and yardmasters earned a mean salary of $61,620 in 2007, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Truck drivers pulled in $39,000. Airline pilots, obviously, earn good annual incomes while ticketing agents' receive much more modest earnings.
Decide which transportation sector is most interesting and then look into online transportation degree programs to find the right fit for you.
Sources:
Daily News, US Airways airplane crashes in Hudson River - Hero pilot Chesley Sullenberger III saves all aboard, by Kerry Burke, Pete Donohue, and Corky Siemaszko, January 16, 2009
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Air Transportation
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Rail Transportation Occupations
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Trade, Transportation, and Utilities

James Tolles is a freelance writer with Bachelor of Arts degrees in Creative Writing and History.