Why is it necessary to have a college degree in order to be a helicopter or fixed wing pilot in the Navy?

If the justification was that the Navy wants to eventually groom these pilots for command, personally I believe they make good pilots but lousy ship skippers. Further, why does it take to be an aviator to command an aircraft carrier? After all, an aircraft carrier is just another ship but can launch planes. The Air Boss and the Air Department Head can take care of air operations and any good "black shoe" skipper do seamanship.