NE_Pilot

Unless you plan on working in those industries part-time while working full-time as a pilot, those degrees will be just as "useless" as one in aviation. Most industries that require a technical degree change rapidly, and unless you just graduated with a fresh degree or have been consistently working in the industry you will not be competitive, and will become less and less competitve every year you are out of that industry.

I would suggest getting a degree in whatever interests you and that you will do well in. The vast majority of jobs out there require a four-year degree, those jobs that do require a specific major hire those fresh from school or who have actively worked in the sector. Focus on what you like so that you do well (i.e. good GPA). That is more important than what your major is. Look around at job postings, most that require 4-year degree do not specify a major.

Here is an interesting take from Standford University's Career Development Office: Career Development Center - Facts About Majors & Careers | Student Affairs

In point 2 you can simply remove "Stanford University" and insert any accredited college/university.

jsfBoat

Get into aviation because you want to and you love it. When I have bad days, I go home and ask myself, "Do I really want to be doing this?" I always answer without hesitation, YES! I know the pay sucks, but but it will get better as you go along in your career. If you're getting into aviation just to wear a Rolex and get women (or men) then consider something else. Do what it takes to get through the training as quick as possible (work 3 or 4 jobs at once. This is what I did, I virtually went off 3 hours of sleep a night for about 2 years. You will have to do things that are unpleasent, but if you are persistent, you will accomplish your goals. One last piece of advice, STAY SINGLE! I've seen too many people with a significant other and all it does is slow them down on their progress, or stop it all together. Once you get on with a regional or something, then start looking to get attached, but you have to ask yourself, is it more important to go for your dream career, or being in a relationship. I'm flight instructing full time, and really got serious with a girl once I got my CFI and started working. I would've been nuts trying to have a relationship on the side with full time school, work and flight training. Good luck and do what it takes to keep yourself motivated!

USMCFLYR

I said this too back when I was in flight school and wouldn't let ANYTHING keep me from my goal.
Then I saw all types in flight school and some without attachments had trouble and others with attachments (and multiple little attachments ) burn through the program like a shooting star.

I came to the realization that it wasn't IF you were attached or not - it was the support and understanding of WHO you were attached too.

USMCFLYR