Embry-Riddle offers a wide variety of degree programs where you are able to explore your passions and prepare for your future. Recently some programs have been going through a few changes. For example, my degree is changing in many ways. 

In my bio you’ll see that I am majoring in Aerospace and Occupational Safety. I have a year left in this program and I have loved every moment. My classes have prepared me for careers in aviation safety as well as in the occupational and environmental safety field. Having this duality has opened a lot of doors for me when applying for internships. This summer I am working as a Safety and Environmental Intern at SeaWorld. Now I know you may be asking what does that have to do with aviation and the answer is ……… nothing, at least not directly. While I may be working with maintenance, rides, animal, and chemicals, this knowledge and principles of operation can still be applied to the aviation and aerospace industry. Next summer, I will be able to apply the knowledge I’ve gained from SeaWorld to my internship at GE Aerospace as an Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS), Facilities, and Maintenance intern. So, while my current internship does not deal with aviation the knowledge I gained from it will help my next summer at my dream company. 

I have gotten to do so many incredible things in this program. Here are a few of my favorites!

Starting in the fall of this year the program is changing gears. There will no longer be an occupational safety option for the undergraduate program. The degree will now be Aviation and Aerospace Safety. This new degree will be accredited by the AABI (Aviation Accreditation Board International) instead of the current ABET. Embry-Riddle’s goal with this change is to create a more evolved focus in the aviation safety industry. While this is an understandable change given Embry-Riddle is an aviation focused school it does still have effects. If you are interested in the occupational safety side of things you can do the occupational safety minor. I highly recommend doing this as it will open more opportunities for you. 

This program has a lot of advantages over many other programs offered by Embry-Riddle. First, the program is super small. Most of the time there is only one or two sections for a class. I’ve never had more than 35 people in one of my safety courses. Since there is such a small class size you are able to talk to your professors more frequently if you have questions. I’ve never had to worry about scheduling time to meet with my professors because they are always available to help during office hours. Another great thing about this program is the career opportunities you will have. 

Almost every major company out there has an EHS or safety program. Some of the companies that students in the program are working for are: 

• Delta 

• United 

• American Airlines 

• Gulfstream 

• Seaworld 

• Sierra Nevada Corporation 

• Atlas Air 

• NTSB 

• FAA 

• GE Aerospace 

• And this list could go on and on…. 

As you can see the opportunities are endless. Once you find the area that you enjoy the sky is the limit. Take every opportunity that you can. 

During the summer there is a great opportunity to participate in the Safety in the Aegean Study Abroad Program. As of now there should be a trip for Summer 2026. Dr. Szathmary, one of the excellent safety professors at Embry-Riddle, teaches several courses on the trip. Even if you can’t make the study abroad trip, I highly recommend taking her in-person classes during the spring and fall. 

If you have a passion for safety, investigation, and improving the future of the industry, I highly recommend the College of Aviation’s BS in Aviation and Aerospace Safety. This program allows you the flexibility to find where your passion lies and help create a better and more sustainable future. 

For new information about the program feel free to follow this link: https://erau.edu/degrees/bachelor/aviation-aerospace-safety