The field of aviation management can relate to a number of disciplines under the umbrella of aviation, including airport management, avionics and airway operations. Graduates of aviation management can find work with airlines, airports and other businesses with the aviation and aerospace industry.
Schools with Aviation Management Programs
Aviation management programs can be found at the following schools:
| College/University | Location | Institution Type | Degrees Offered | Undergraduate Tuition and Fees (2015-2016; In-State)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miami Dade College | Miami, FL | 4-year, Public | Certificate, Associate's | $2,834 |
| Purdue Global | West Lafayette, IN | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's, Master's | Undergraduate and Graduate: $10,002 |
| Broward College | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 4-year, Public | Certificate, Associate's | $2,753 |
| Long Beach City College | Long Beach, CA | 2-year, Public | Associate's | $1,182 |
| Palomar College | San Marcos, CA | 2-year, Public | Bachelor's | $1,338 |
| Florida State College at Jacksonville | Jacksonville, FL | 4-year, Public | Associate's | $2,830 |
| San Jacinto Community College | Pasadena, TX | 2-year, Public | Associate's | $2,416 |
| Western Michigan University | Kalamazoo, MI | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's | $11,029 |
Source: *National Center for Education Statistics
School Selection Criteria
Consider the following when looking for aviation management schools:
- Aspiring pilots may want to look for aviation management programs include an option for students to learn how to pilot planes and earn an FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate.
- Prospective students may want to look for programs that lead to the Aviation Management Professional (AvMP) designation from the International Air Transport Association.
- Prospective undergraduates may want to find out if the program enables students to choose a concentration in a particular area of interest, such as air traffic control.
- Experienced professionals who are considering graduate-level programs may want to look for schools that provide programs in online formats in order to accommodate the needs of students who work full-time.
Associate's Degree Programs
Associate's degree programs aviation management introduce students to basic business concepts and the fundamentals of the aviation industry. Students may have the opportunity to take flight courses and/or complete an internship in the field. Prior to graduation, they must also fulfill general education requirements. In total, these programs take two years of full-time study to complete.
Bachelor's Degree Programs
At the bachelor's degree level, students can choose a major in aviation management, or pursue the topic as a concentration within a broader aviation program. Like associate's degree programs, bachelor's degree programs require general studies in the liberal arts and sciences and include introductory aviation coursework, but because they last four years instead of two, they provide a more comprehensive overview of the industry. For instance, students may be able to take more advanced courses in topics such as corporate aviation operations, airport planning and flight school management, depending on their interests.
Master's Degree Programs
Master's degree programs in aviation management are intended for experienced aviation industry professionals who want to boost their careers by pursuing advanced studies in the field, such as crew members, air traffic controllers, maintenance technicians and airport managers. Topics of study include transportation systems analysis, personnel management and security protocols. Another option is a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a specialization in aviation, which provides a core of advanced business courses alongside high-level aviation electives.
Certificate Programs
For graduate students who want to advance to management positions but don't want to commit to a full master's degree programs, some schools offer professional certificate programs that provide a short series of courses in topics such as leadership, strategic management and aviation operations. Alternatively, students may choose a certificate in a particular area of aviation management, such as corporate aviation management, aviation safety or airline revenue management.
Aviation management programs offer certificates or degrees at the associate's, bachelor's and master's levels. These programs typically offer a blend of aviation and business courses, preparing students for management and operations roles.
