Program Overview

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Aviation Management and Operations Program

The Aviation Management and Operations program at Western Michigan University is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in the aviation industry. This program combines aviation-specific management courses with essential knowledge of aircraft systems, aerodynamics, and performance, as well as aviation law and safety.

Program Description

As a graduate of this program, students will be poised to obtain positions in airport management, operations management, safety management, aviation insurance, aircraft sales, or aviation marketing. The curriculum includes a concentration of aviation-specific management courses, building on a solid foundation in business theory and practice. This prepares students for easy entrance into most accredited Masters of Business Administration programs.

Curriculum and Projects

Students will engage in meaningful curriculum projects, culminating in a senior year capstone. Using the skills and knowledge obtained throughout their tenure at WMU, students will create an airline business plan, actualized using state-of-the-art simulation software.

Internship Opportunities

Western Michigan University has partnered with aviation companies to provide internship opportunities for its aviation management and operations students. A standing internship exists with the Kalamazoo-Battle Creek International Airport, providing airport management and operation experience. Additionally, opportunities exist with Northern Jet Management, Southwest Airlines, Pinnacle Airlines, ExpressJet, and Aerospace Risk Management Group.

Student Organizations

Student organizations exist within both the College of Aviation and the Haworth College of Business, allowing students to customize their involvement. The College of Aviation houses organizations such as Aviation Student Council and Alpha Eta Rho, while the Haworth College of Business offers organizations such as the Financial Management Association and the Sales and Business Marketing Association. These organizations enable students to network with others in the field and participate in aviation-related events, seminars, and career explorations.

Career Outcomes

Recent WMU graduates with degrees in aviation management and operations are working as:

• Flight operators
• Crew schedulers
• Air traffic controllers
• Airline customer service
• Flight schedulers
• Airline marketing professionals
• Aerospace defense professionals
• Flight followers

Among the companies they work for are:

• Federal Aviation Administration
• AvFuel
• Universal Weather and Aviation
• Pentastar Aviation
• Northern Jet Management
• Air Services Inc.
• Kalitta Air
• Landmark Aviation
• Horizon Aviation
• Parker Hannifin Corporation

Program Location

The program is offered at the WMU College of Aviation, located at the W.K. Kellogg Airport in Battle Creek, Mich. Some classes will also be taken at WMU's main Kalamazoo location.

Other Programs of Interest

• Aviation Flight Science
• Aviation Technical Operations