Did you know that you don’t need to live in the United States to take advantage of the excellent education Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University offers? The Embry-Riddle Worldwide Campus, with its satellite location in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, provides students from Europe, the Middle East and Africa the opportunity to pursue aviation-related bachelor’s and master’s degrees 100% online with the support and guidance from academic advisors in the Frankfurt Office.
Since its establishment, Embry-Riddle’s Europe Campus has supported military personnel from various European nations, as well as employees of airlines and aircraft manufacturing companies.
It may also surprise you that Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) and Multi-Crew Pilot License (MPL) holders are perfectly positioned to benefit from significant transfer credits toward a Bachelor of Science in either Aeronautics or Pilot Operations, which can cut time and tuition fees by up to a quarter.
Recognizing that the training to become a commercial pilot is comprehensive and thorough, Embry-Riddle is committed to granting university credits for the knowledge and experience gained while in flight school.
Subject to third-party evaluation, students with specialized high school diplomas, such as the International Baccalaureate and the Abitur, may be able to receive additional transfer credits toward their bachelor’s-level aviation degrees. With almost a century of history in aviation and a reputation for providing top-tier aviation and aerospace-related degree programs, Embry-Riddle has become synonymous with educating exceptional aviation talent. View our latest rankings in the U.S. News & World Report to learn more.
Soon-to-be graduates often get to sign employment contracts before they receive their diplomas. Embry-Riddle Europe alums are now working at companies that include European and Middle Eastern airlines, plus MROs, IT firms and more. To explore Embry-Riddle’s rich history and extensive experience in aviation-related programs, visit our detailed history page.
More about Embry-Riddle
With traditional teaching and research campuses in Daytona Beach, Florida, Prescott, Arizona, and Seletar, Singapore, along with a rapidly growing Worldwide Online Campus featuring over 110 locations around the world, Embry-Riddle enrolls more than 30,000 students annually and offers over 100 associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs.
In the U.S. News & World Report rankings for 2024-25, Embry-Riddle was ranked as the #1 Best Regional College (Regional West), #1 Best for Veterans (Regional West), #1 Most Innovative Schools (Regional Universities South and Regional Colleges West) and #5 for Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans.
ATPL/MPL qualifies for transfer credits toward bachelor’s degrees
Two Embry-Riddle bachelor’s degree programs provide flight students and ATPL/MPL holders the opportunity to maximize transfer credits for flight ratings. Both are 100% online and open to qualified applicants regardless of their location. A total of 120 credits are required for each degree. Depending on which program is most appropriate, Embry-Riddle will grant up to 35 credits for ATPL/MPL in the Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics and up to 45 credits for ATPL/MPL in the Bachelor of Science in Pilot Operations. Visit our website for more in-depth information.
Additional transfer credits may be granted with a special high school diploma such as the International Baccalaureate or the Abitur. Prior successful university coursework at another university may be recognized as well, offering substantial savings on tuition fees and study time. Classes can also be taken on either a full or part-time basis, with 10 terms per year replacing the conventional semester schedules offered at other universities.
With continuous year-round enrollment and extra opportunities to commence online courses annually, these two programs allow maximum flexibility for students to fit their studies around work and other personal commitments in addition to the benefit of an almost immediate start.
What each of the Embry-Riddle degree courses offer
The Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics (BSA) is designed specifically for students who work, have worked or want to work in aviation-related careers and awards credit for prior academic or pilot training experience. The BSA is a multidisciplinary online program that offers a broad selection of core courses in the fields of management, operations, law, uncrewed systems, security, aviation safety, maintenance and aeronautical science.
For students with existing aviation-related knowledge and skills, this degree builds on that acquired experience. In this program, students will:
Gain an understanding of airplanes, helicopters, air traffic control and other areas of aviation
Develop practical skills focused on safety, training operations, dispatch, flight training and transportation
Explore the design, manufacture, operation and maintenance of airplanes or other types of flying machines.
The Bachelor of Science in Pilot Operations (BSPO) is specifically designed for undergraduate students who have an interest in aeronautical science and are already licensed pilots. Taught by faculty with industry-leading experience, this online aviation degree can help students achieve roles in aviation leadership and compete for competitive pilot positions.
This specific degree is highly sought after for pilots who would like to pursue roles as chief pilots within their organization. In addition, former military aviators will gain an advantage in transitioning to their civilian flying career with this degree.
While earning a bachelor’s degree in Pilot Operations, students will learn to:
Apply mathematics and science to aviation-related disciplines
Develop management skills in aeronautical science
Use industry techniques, skills, and modern technology as necessary in their daily roles.
Opportunities for senior pilots to pursue a master’s degree
Senior pilots holding an ATPL/MPL who have 12 years of work experience may be encouraged to work with a third-party evaluation agency to determine if they hold the equivalent of a United States bachelor’s degree, which would allow them to go straight into a master’s degree program without having to undertake a bachelor’s degree.
This may entitle senior pilots to apply directly to most of our master’s programs or one of our four-course graduate certificate programs. We have an extensive list of fields of study to choose from, including:
Aeronautics
Aviation & Aerospace Sustainability
Aviation Cybersecurity
Aviation Safety
Human Factors
Project Management
Space Operations
Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems
and many others
Earning a degree from the world’s leading aviation and aerospace academic program provider allows Embry-Riddle graduates to enjoy an unparalleled position in pursuing careers and opportunities in associated fields.
See what our graduates are saying
“Reflecting on my journey through the Master of Science in Aeronautics program, I’m filled with gratitude and admiration. Over my 35 years in aviation, as a pilot and department manager, I’ve seen firsthand what the industry demands from its leaders and management teams.
Embry-Riddle’s Master of Science in Aeronautics stands out as one of the most practical, industry-aligned programs I’ve encountered. The curriculum was not only efficient but laser-focused on the skills we need to excel in today’s aviation landscape, preparing us to step seamlessly into management roles from day one.
Beyond the coursework, what made my experience exceptional was the chance to learn alongside a remarkable group of classmates. Many of them were dedicated service members, and it’s been an honor to share my academic journey with them. Their experiences, insights and dedication brought immense depth to our discussions and enriched the learning experience for all of us.”
Captain Stephan A. Sukumar, 2024 graduate of the Master of Science in Aeronautics program with a specialization in Aviation Safety (Embry-Riddle Worldwide – Europe Campus in Frankfurt am Main, Germany)
“Embry-Riddle Worldwide’s distance learning model is a perfect fit for my work schedule. I chose the Bachelor of Science in Pilot Operations because it builds on my current skill set as a pilot and provides an opportunity to become even more well-versed in the tasks surrounding flight operations.
One of the program highlights so far is being able to learn with people from a variety of different nations. The differences and similarities between people enable class discussions at a higher level. This is where you learn the most. There is significant potential to grow not only academically but also as a person.
Not only are the courses very well developed and led by dedicated instructors, but the large variety of courses available is astonishing. Because of this, I have taken courses in topic areas that I was just simply curious about. By now, I have come to realize that these courses satisfied my appetite for knowledge at the time and that they have provided me with much greater insights which I will be able to apply later on in my career.”
Astrid Johansen, a current student in the Bachelor of Science in Pilot Operations program (Embry-Riddle Worldwide – Europe Campus in Frankfurt am Main, Germany)
“The continuous evolution of the aviation industry motivated me to pursue academic studies for the Master of Science in Aviation Safety at Embry-Riddle Worldwide. As an airline pilot, I am experiencing ongoing changes regarding new technologies, training methodologies and safety approaches in aircraft design. The program gave me vital tools, references and excellent insights to analyze these changes with a structured and comprehensive approach.
I have also met extraordinary colleagues from around the world with different technical backgrounds, who have initiated insightful discussions and debates during the courses. The instructors’ high motivation, inclusivity and facilitation techniques create an excellent environment for completing the learning process.
The Experiential Learning Evaluation offers an array of recognition regarding past aviation experiences and studies in the industry that can be used as a fantastic credit towards achieving your educational goals at Embry-Riddle Worldwide. I strongly suggest that any pilot aspiring to academic formation take advantage of it; this will complete their professional preparation and allow them to pursue managerial positions within the industry.”
Captain Massimiliano Bolognini, current student in the Master of Science in Aviation Safety program (Embry-Riddle Worldwide – Europe Campus in Frankfurt am Main, Germany)
For more information on the courses listed above, including curriculum details and the application process, or to have any further questions answered, please complete the Request for Information form available on our website. To apply for a place in one of the above courses, please submit the Embry-Riddle application form found online.
You can also contact the Embry-Riddle Worldwide Europe Campus team by emailing worldwide@erau.edu or by calling +49-(0)69-27229676.
Don’t miss out on this unrivaled opportunity to gain degree-level academic qualifications across key areas of aviation, with the chance to broaden your career prospects beyond just flying.
