Embry Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU)

I was going to just find a thread to dredge up instead of starting a new post but there is little information on this school here. I was looking at their Master of Aeronautical Science http://worldwide.erau.edu/degrees-programs/graduate/aeronautical-science.html (DL) and it looks very interesting. What is ERAU's reputation like in this field of study? I have heard of them before since I frequent Orlando but honestly have never heard anything (good or bad) about them.

This particular degree path has several concentrations such as Aeronautics, Education Technology,Management, Operations, Safety Systems, Human Factors in Aviation Systems, and Space Studies. Of interest to me is the Safety Systems concentration which could be used in the Homeland Security Sector. So what have you guys heard of this school and more specifically this degree? Also do you think this degree could realistically benefit me as far as my future plans in HLS?

*EDIT* I do understand that this degree is very specific and might pigeon hole me into a very specific path such as Aviation Investigations so any advice on a broader spectrum is appreciated as well.

 

I can't speak to career paths available with that particular degree, but I can tell you that Embry Riddle is very well respected in the world of Aeronautics. I know several Embry Riddle grads (from both their Florida and Arizona campuses) that work is relatively high level positions for Boeing. The school has a great reputation.

 

Back in early 2000, ERAU had the contract to provide flight training to the cadets and officers at the Air Force Academy. That definitely says something about the school’s reputation.

 

ERAU degrees are very well regarded in the aerospace community and their engineering school is consistently ranked as the best school without an engineering doctorate program.

The one drawback I've experienced is that the non-aerospace/non-aviation oriented people have never heard of the school and I've been asked several times if it a foreign university.

I earned my MAS in aeronautics though their world wide campus by attending classes held at military bases, and at various aerospace company and airline facilities. I'm not sure how fellow student found the courses but I thought they were relatively easy but then I already knew much of what was taught.

The meteorology class was the hardest - not in depth, but because of the time involved - most assignments, including the final take home exam, required lots of research. But it was great to learn about climate and weather. And I was allowed to write a term paper on tree rings (paleodendrochronology).

 

Daytona Beach, Fla., Aug. 13, 2002 -- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has won a major 5-year contract from the U.S. Air Force Academy to provide introductory flight training to cadets and lieutenants who will become Air Force pilots.
http://www.erau.edu/er/newsmedia/newsreleases/2002/airforce.html

During the Korean War the U.S. Air Force contracted with Embry-Riddle to train airmen in the fundamentals of airplane maintenance. Following the Korean conflict, Embry-Riddle continued providing aviation-related education and training for military personnel.
http://www.erau.edu/about/story.html

 

Ian's comments are correct concerning people outside aviation. Most people have never heard of it.

Within aviation however, it is not just a good school, it is the best.

 

This quote pretty much sums it up. If you want a regionally accredited aviation related degree, Embry-Riddle is the place to go.

 

I forgot to mention that ERAU has dozens of local centers across the USA where you may be able to take in-seat courses to supplement DL courses. Sometime an in-seat course is great for understanding some topics.
http://worldwide.erau.edu/campuses-online/us/index.html
Some DOD sites restrict entry to non-military personnel.

The other interesting thing is that when I graduated I received two diplomas - one for the MAS degree and one for the specialization.