Associate Degree in Transportation

Previously transportation only meant travelling from one point to another but today it has evolved into a complex network of vehicles, regulations and roads. Many schools and colleges have realized the importance of this skill and are offering degree courses for individuals interested in the field of transportation. These programs train individuals in planning, coordinating and monitoring transportation operations and networks. Among the courses are also components detailing transportation systems and technologies, logistics and engineering, various types of transportation systems, facilities design and construction, regional integration, transportation planning and finance, demand analysis and forecasting, carrier management, behavioral issues, transportation policy and law, intelligent systems, and applications to aviation, maritime, rail, and highway facilities and systems.
Academic Requirements:

Most colleges and universities are offering an Associate in Transportation degree to professional drivers and students. It takes about two years to complete this degree program and is specifically designed for individuals who want to advance their careers. The degree program also teaches basic business skills like accounting, business communications, business writing, small business management, business law, computer applications, sales and marketing. This is very helpful for individuals looking to start their own transportation business. Taking this course will also earn students college credit, particularly for enrollment in some courses like heavy equipment operator’s training. In some schools, topics like supply chain management, business law, marketing and small business management are also included in the curriculum.
Skill Requirements:
Graduates with this degree usually find employment as Transportation Assistants, unless they go into their own business. Whatever they choose to do after graduation, there are a few basic skills necessary for every successful transportation assistant. Most importantly, they should have an acute eye for detail. This quality helps in ensuring that the assistant will carefully plan, execute and monitor the movements of vehicles and other logistics within his network and properly document payments and changes in schedules.
Having good communication skills are an added benefit, since answering queries, updating policies and explaining procedures to new hires is also part of a transportation assistant’s job. Knowledge of accounting comes in handy when these professionals are involved in the allocation of funds for maintenance and upkeep of the network. A transportation assistant is also capable of and responsible for updating records, preparation of budgets and presenting statistical reports.