An online aviation management degree combines the study of aviation and business management.
This bachelor’s-level program can help you develop the necessary skills for aviation business administration, aviation management, and additional careers in the industry. You can expand your knowledge of aviation and aircraft management while being immersed in business skills development and aviation coursework.
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If you are interested in entering the aviation industry, you might want to consider pursuing an aviation management degree online.
Online Aviation Management Degrees
An online degree in aviation management is a dynamic program. It can also be very flexible since online programming often enables you to complete courses according to your own schedule.
If you’re working, online learning options offer the opportunity to pursue educational growth while simultaneously focusing on your professional obligations.
An online aviation management degree from any of the best aviation colleges enables you to learn practical industry knowledge that doesn’t limit you to a single career path. This degree program can open the door to a variety of career opportunities in this growing industry.
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You can gain real-world, essential skills that can help prepare you for senior or leadership positions that do not require flight credentials. Your coursework will likely cover topics like principles of aviation administration, business aviation, foundations of aviation leadership, and industry-specific human resource management.
Some aviation career paths include:
- Airport management
- Airline management
- Air traffic controller
- Airport security management
- Safety inspections management
This degree combines necessary business skills with aviation industry knowledge, helping you develop a skill set that’s applicable to numerous careers in the industry.
Aviation Management Careers & Salaries
An aviation management degree can lead to a multitude of careers. It can be a beneficial degree if you’re looking to work in a leadership position within the aviation industry and do not have flight credentials. It can also be helpful if you previously hold a flight license and wish to extend your opportunities in the field.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the training you receive in an aviation management program can be applicable to various entry-level and management opportunities in the field.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Chief Executives | $185,950 |
| Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers | $160,970 |
| Air Traffic Controllers | $130,420 |
| General and Operations Managers | $103,650 |
| Administrative Services and Facilities Managers | $98,890 |
| Commercial Pilots | $93,300 |
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $66,440 |
| Flight Attendants | $59,050 |
| Airfield Operations Specialists | $51,330 |
| Transportation Security Screeners | $44,300 |
Growth within the aviation industry continues to see a steady rise, but competition for employment also continues to increase. Pursuing an aviation management degree may assist you in standing out among the competition.
Should you wish to pursue your flight license during or after your aviation management degree, even more job opportunities within the industry may become available to you. Some schools also offer you the opportunity to pursue your flight license through their aviation management program.
If you have military experience that ties into aviation, this degree can help you advance your skill set as you move forward to search for new career opportunities.
Aviation Management Curriculum & Courses
An aviation management degree combines business knowledge with industry-specific skill-building, so the courses you take may be quite diverse. Here are samples of courses you may come across:
- Foundations to Aviation Leadership: Focusing on safety, threat, error, and human resource management, this course prepares students for the foundations for management in the aviation industry.
- Advanced Law and Regulations: There are very specific regulations that need to be adhered to in the aviation field, and this course covers this theory and what you must adhere to while working in the industry.
- Principles of Aviation Administration: This is a management-focused course that looks at marketing, business services, and cash flow in the aviation industry. It can help you develop your organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills.
- Business Aviation: You’ll learn business theory and how it’s applicable to the aviation field. This course also covers corporate aviation and how aircraft are selected and acquired.
- Microeconomics: This course looks at how individual decisions can affect the economics of an industry. In particular, you’ll look at case studies related to aviation and how to allocate resources efficiently.
- Airline Marketing Strategies: If you are looking to become an airline manager, knowing marketing strategies to best promote and support your airline are necessary. This course prepares you with a look at marketing from an aviation industry perspective.
- Aviation Human Resource Management: Learning how to manage people is essential in the aviation industry. This course covers recruitment, employee management, assessment, compensation, and professional development as well as the legal regulations applicable to the industry.
- Airline Management: This course can teach you the foundations of airline management.
- Workplace Safety: Workplace injuries and hazards are amplified in the aviation industry. The lessons learned in this course could lead to additional certification opportunities following your degree.
- Simulator Applications and Air Traffic Management: You can get hands-on learning in simulation experiences that teach you to use analytical thinking skills to make quick decisions in air traffic control.
Courses for this program are diverse and touch upon safety, management, mathematics, and business for the aviation industry.
Admissions Requirements
While admission requirements can vary from school to school, here are some general requirements that you may encounter for an aviation management program:
- SAT or ACT scores (only some schools require them)
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or essay
If you have previous licensing or experience in aviation, it’s vital to include that in your application. Some schools also require previous aviation experience or certification from a pilot training program.
Accreditation
Regional accreditation is an important factor to consider when choosing a degree program, especially if you want to work in the aviation industry.
It’s beneficial to ensure that the school you wish to attend is accredited. Regional accreditation signifies that an academic institution meets high-quality standards of education. Accreditation also gives your degree credibility, so it can be recognized nationwide by future employers.
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The US Department of Education allows you to look up information on accredited schools.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Many schools offer financial assistance to qualifying students who enter their aviation management program. Your grades may also qualify you for scholarship opportunities within your school.
If you are an individual who has been involved in the military, you may also qualify for additional financial aid or credit. If you have experience working professionally in the aviation industry, your employer may sponsor your educational growth as well.
In order to see if you qualify for federal aid or state aid, you can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It’s beneficial to be aware of any application deadlines when you’re applying for federal student aid.
What Is Aviation Management?
Aviation management is a degree that combines business management with aviation technical training, providing an advanced foundation for leadership roles in the aviation industry.
Through this type of program, you may come to better understand the logistics of airport and airline operations. You can also receive training and hands-on experience in the analytics involved in aviation administration.
Aviation management deals with operating, planning, and maintaining aircraft, airlines, and airports. Professionals in this field can manage employees in the aviation industry. Others may run aviation companies or work to develop and influence aviation policies.
What Can I Do with a Bachelors Degree in Aviation Management?
An online aviation management degree combines business theory with hands-on problem-solving skills. As a result, your learned skilled may be applicable to many dynamic and exciting career opportunities.
Common careers in this field include airline manager, airport security manager, airfield operations specialist, air traffic controller, and logistics planner.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that management occupations will grow 5% over the next ten years. Administrative services and facilities managers in particular are expected to experience 6% job growth.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Bachelor of Aviation Management Online?
With a traditional 16 week semester, a bachelor degree in aviation management generally takes 4 years to complete of full-time study.
How long it takes you, though, can depend on whether it’s an accelerated program and whether you enroll as a full-time or part-time student. Programs that have shorter 8 week terms may allow you to complete your degree sooner with year-round enrollment.
Some schools offer internship opportunities and aircraft licensing certification, which may increase the length of time it takes to finish your degree program.
Is a Degree in Aviation Management Worth It?
Yes, a degree in aviation management is worth it for many students. This degree emphasizes leadership skills and professional business knowledge along with industry-specific training.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the aviation industry is quite competitive, so pursuing a degree in aviation management may help you gain a competitive edge. Aviation professionals in administrative roles may influence aviation policies, manage employees, and help organizations reach strategic aviation objectives.
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 5% job growth for management occupations over the next ten years. A number of aviation professions are expected to have positive job outlooks as well.
Universities Offering Online Bachelor’s in Aviation Management Degree Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Auburn University offers an online program for a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management.
Students in the program are expected to complete a minor in business and 14 elective hours. The program can typically be completed in 4 years and requires 123 credits to graduate. Applicants may apply online through the university or through Common App.
Auburn University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Central Washington University offers a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management. The online degree program has 44 core credits and 48 specialization credits that must be completed to graduate. Applicants must have been accepted to CWU before applying for the program. An official transcript must be sent to the school.
Central Washington University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
The Florida Institute of Technology offers an online program for a Bachelor of Arts in Aviation Management. Each course is 8 weeks long. Students who already have experience with aviation may complete a test to prove their knowledge and gain extra credits. Applicants must apply online with their high school transcripts.
Florida Institute of Technology is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Hampton University offers a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management. To graduate, students must complete 122 online credit hours. Those interested in the program may apply online through the school’s website. A minimum GPA of 2.0 and official transcripts from any previously attended institutions are required.
Hampton University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Indiana Wesleyan University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management program. The program typically takes 4 years to complete and requires 120 credit hours with a GPA of 2.25 or higher to graduate. Those interested in the program must submit official transcripts and complete an interview with the program director.
Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
LeTourneau University offers a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management. Students may choose to add one of four concentrations: Aircraft Dispatch, Homeland Security, Maintenance, or Professional Pilot. Students must complete 122 credit hours to graduate. Those interested in the program may apply online through the school’s website.
LeTourneau University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Liberty University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management program. Each course is 8 weeks long. To graduate, students must obtain 124 credit hours. Those interested in the program must submit an online application and official transcripts from any schools attended and have a minimum GPA of 2.0.
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Middle Georgia State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Science and Management. Students may choose to take the Management track or the Flight track. Both programs require students to complete 120 credit hours. Applicants must submit an online application with official SAT or ACT scores.
Middle Georgia State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
National American University offers an online Bachelor’s in Aviation Management degree program.
Students must complete 180 credit hours to graduate, including 45 major credits and 57 general education credits. Those interested in the program must complete an online application, have a high school diploma, and submit official transcripts from any schools attended.
National American University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
The University of Wisconsin—Oshkosh offers an online program for a Bachelor of Applied Studies in Aviation Management.
The program typically takes 2 years to complete and requires students to complete 39 core courses. Applicants must either have an associate degree in aviation, an associate degree in a non-aviation field with a GPA of 2.0 or higher, or 3 years of experience in aviation management.
The University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Getting Your Aviation Management Degree Online
Pursuing a bachelors degree in aviation management online can be a flexible learning option for students who are wishing to pursue leadership positions in the aviation industry.
Online programming is generally known for its convenience. You can often enroll in programs offering online aviation degrees according to your professional and personal obligations, adapting your academic schedule to your own needs.
The aviation field consists of diverse career pathways. If you’re wanting to develop your expertise in this dynamic industry, you can start by exploring online aviation management degree programs from accredited institutions.
