Obtaining an advanced degree while flying

[bryantchan1]

Hi all--

I plan on graduating in not-too-long with my BS in Business Administration, then going for my first regional job (I've been instructing/building time in school). I'm wondering how realistic it would be to attempt to go for a masters degree or something of the sort during that job (after the initial hubbub of initial training and all the studying and memorization that goes with it).

Is it feasible to even consider Evening/Weekend MBA programs, or is the schedule so unpredictable (especially at the bottom of the seniority list) that it's impossible to attend "real classes"? Is online a better option? Are people so wiped out after long days that they really don't want to go online and study?

Thanks for your help!

[Maurus]

I believe online would be the best option as a regional pilot. There are others that would know better, but for a new regional pilot with little seniority, I don't see it possible to attend classes without going online.

[MISTER-T-TRAN]

if you don't have a busy schedule, working for a degree online is "do-able". If you are really busy, you can take 1-2 classes at a time.

[GalaxyIFE]

I am not a regional guy, but I travel quite a bit nonetheless (very similar to an airline schedule). I agree that the online deal is about the best thing going. I am doing an MBA/HRDV degree and find it quite manageable. I work full time, do GA flying about 2 or 3 times a week, am taking 2 classes (9 week terms) and still have plenty of time to myself. I tried 3 at once but found that a little harder to handle, but still doable if you are motivated enough. A weekend/evening program might be doable, but probably only with enough seniority that you KNOW you will get the schedule you bid.

As for being wiped out after flying...after 9/11 I was flying 21-30 days STRAIGHT away from home. I was home for 48 hours MAX before I did it all again. My flight duty periods were about 26 hours then 12-16 hours off. I was taking 4 classes at a time online (two of the classes: physics and accounting). It was VERY, VERY hard, but I did it and got 3 A's and a B that term. So, it's all about your personal motivation!!!

[Mr.Maximus]

Getting an advanced degree will never hurt, and only help your future. Doing it online would be the most painless way to do it. You can definately accomplish this while flying for a regional (or anyone for that matter). Remember if you do it online, make sure it is with a properly accredited school. And kudo's for getting your Bachelors in Bus. Admin. That is something you'll be able to use if/when the industry goes too far south or if/when you decide you want something else out of life.

[bdhill1979]

Originally Posted by GalaxyIFE

I am not a regional guy, but I travel quite a bit nonetheless (very similar to an airline schedule). I agree that the online deal is about the best thing going. I am doing an MBA/HRDV degree and find it quite manageable. I work full time, do GA flying about 2 or 3 times a week, am taking 2 classes (9 week terms) and still have plenty of time to myself. I tried 3 at once but found that a little harder to handle, but still doable if you are motivated enough. A weekend/evening program might be doable, but probably only with enough seniority that you KNOW you will get the schedule you bid.

As for being wiped out after flying...after 9/11 I was flying 21-30 days STRAIGHT away from home. I was home for 48 hours MAX before I did it all again. My flight duty periods were about 26 hours then 12-16 hours off. I was taking 4 classes at a time online (two of the classes: physics and accounting). It was VERY, VERY hard, but I did it and got 3 A's and a B that term. So, it's all about your personal motivation!!!

If you don't mind my asking; who are you taking the online MBA from?

I will be graduating in a few weeks and am looking to get after an advanced degree after a little down time.

[jtrain609]

I'm planning on starting a masters degree online within the next year or two if everything goes according to plan. I figure it's the only way I'll ever accomplish it, as I don't know if I'll ever have a schedule that will jive with a traditional school at this point.

[mhcasey]

Does an online masters mean anything to any potential employer? I can maybe see it being of personal value if you can't motivate yourself to study things on your own, but I have to think that only bottom-tier companies would care about your masters from Devry Online...