Ground Transportation

Overview of Ground Transportation as a College Program

Ground transportation programs are administered as trade or technical programs, and are therefore coordinated by these departments at colleges and universities. The hands-on nature of the ground transportation degree means students undergo a training program that combines classroom instruction with practical experience in the field.

Ground Transportation Curriculum

Different schools may have different curriculums for their ground transportation degrees, but many courses and topics remain the same regardless of the institution teaching the program. Some of the classes that are taught in a ground transportation degree program include:

• Safety procedures
• Driving regulations
• Logistics
• Mechanical systems
• Tools and maintenance
• Computer technology
• Communications
• Route planning
• Cargo management

Education Levels Available for a Ground Transportation Degree

Ground transportation degrees are usually available at the lower levels of higher education. This is because the field of ground transportation is considered a trade rather than an academic discipline and most colleges and universities do not offer higher-level degrees for trades. Advanced degrees in the field of ground transportation are available as logistics or transportation management degrees.

In the areas of higher education, the ground transportation degree is either awarded as a Certificate or Associate's degree in ground transportation. The Certificate program requires a one-year commitment or less while the Associate's degree usually takes approximately two years to complete.

Skills Developed through a Ground transportation Degree Program

A ground transportation degree teaches students many concepts that are useful to their career and life. Some of the skills that a ground transportation degree teaches students include:

• Understanding of the mechanical processes that allow a vehicle to travel
• Understanding of dispatch communications and traffic management systems
• Ability to use computers for ground transportation
• Organizational management skills
• Knowledge of international transportation regulations
• Communication techniques
• Exposure to different cases and the ability to interpret case studies
• Knowledge of different freight transportation methods

Where to Obtain a Ground Transportation Degree

Ground transportation degrees are offered through a number of different sources and institutions. They can be earned at community colleges as Associate's degrees. Most ground transportation degrees, however, are obtained through vocational schools and technical colleges as certificates or Associate's degrees. Ground transportation degrees can be obtained online as well. Online degrees are great options for people that are determined to stay employed during their studies or keep a higher degree of flexibility in their life than a traditional college experience can provide.

Career Opportunities for Ground Transportation Majors

Students who complete a ground transportation degree program have a number of career options available. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of ground transportation positions is expected to increase by 11 percent in the 2008-2018 period. Ground transportation degree graduates can find employment as logistics managers, freight truck drivers, warehouse workers, or transportation supervisors depending on their education levels. Truck drivers are generally compensated at a per-mile rate and can earn greatly varied amounts depending on their level of work and compensation.

We're sorry, we currently do not have any Online schools offering Trades & Vocations programs in Ground Transportation. We are working diligently to add more schools to our database. In the meantime, please click here to see if there are any Campus Schools in your area.

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