Aeronautical Science, Aviation Management Concentration, M.S.

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Aeronautical Science with a concentration in Aviation Management from Middle Tennessee State University provides advanced knowledge and skills in aviation management and operations. The program prepares students for leadership positions in the aviation industry, focusing on airport activities, organizational structures, contracts, and systems management. Accredited by AABI, the program offers both thesis and non-thesis options and prepares graduates for careers in various aviation specialties.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Aeronautical Science with a concentration in Aviation Management is offered by the Department of Aerospace at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). The program is designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in aviation management and operations, focusing on airport activities and organizational structures, aviation contracts and leases, and aviation systems management. The program is accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) and prepares graduates for direct entry into the air transportation industry in various specialties.

Objectives:

• Provide students with a comprehensive understanding of aviation management and operations
• Prepare students for leadership positions in the aviation industry
• Develop students' analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Foster a collaborative learning environment that promotes teamwork and professional development

Program Description:

The Aviation Management concentration requires the completion of a minimum of 36 semester hours, including core courses, required courses, and electives. The core courses cover foundational concepts in aviation history, safety management, aviation industries, research methods, and applied statistics. Required courses focus on specific areas of aviation management, such as scheduled air carrier operations, airport organizational structures, airport policy and planning, and aviation contracts and leases. Students can choose electives from a variety of topics, including aerospace internships, environmental policy, airport design, international aviation systems, and general aviation. The program offers both thesis and non-thesis options. The thesis option requires students to complete a research project and write a thesis. The non-thesis option requires students to complete an applied research capstone project.

Outline:

Core Courses (21 hours)

• AERO 6120 - Aviation History
• AERO 6130 - Aviation Safety Management
• AERO 6150 - Aviation Industries
• AERO 6610 - Introduction to Aerospace Research
• AERO 6611 - Applied Statistics in Aerospace Research
• AERO 6640 - Thesis Research (thesis option) or AERO 6441 - Applied Research Capstone Project (non-thesis option)

Required Courses (12 hours)

• AERO 6170 - Scheduled Air Carrier Operations
• AERO 6190 - Airport Organizational Structures and Operational Activities
• AERO 6250 - Airport Policy and Planning
• AERO 6370 - Aviation Contracts and Leases

Electives (3-6 hours)

• AERO 6050 - Aerospace Internship I
• AERO 6220 - Environmental Policy
• AERO 6270 - Airport Design
• AERO 6330 - International Aviation Systems
• AERO 6350 - General Aviation
• Other advisor-approved elective courses

Assessment:

The program's assessment methods include:

• Written comprehensive examination
• Thesis or applied research capstone project
• Coursework grades
• Student portfolios
• Employer feedback

Teaching:

The program is taught by experienced faculty with expertise in aviation management and related fields. The faculty use a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, case studies, and simulations. The program also offers opportunities for students to participate in research and internships.

Careers:

Graduates of the program are prepared for a variety of careers in aviation management, including:

• Airport manager
• Airport planner/designer
• Airport/air carrier security director
• Aviation regulations consultant
• Aviation trainer/educator
• Federal Aviation Administration safety inspector
• Fixed Base Operations (FBO) manager
• Logistics manager
• Transportation Security Administration manager
• Aerospace manufacturing manager
• Air traffic control manager
• Air carrier manager
Graduates have been employed by organizations such as:
• AB Aviation
• Allegiant Air
• American Airlines
• Corporate Flight Management
• Delta Airlines
• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Federal Aviation Administration
• Federal Express
• Lexington Blue Grass Airport
• National Business Aircraft Association (NBAA)
• Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority
• Murfreesboro Municipal Airport
• Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport Authority
• Southwest Airlines
• United Airlines
• United Parcel Service
• U.S. Armed Forces (Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy)