Master of Aviation Management

Program Overview

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Overview

The Master of Science in International Business Administration (MIBA) program at the American Institute of Applied Sciences in Switzerland (AUS) ensures that our students are fully prepared to lead and manage in today’s competitive and changing global marketplace. We focus on integrating traditional business knowledge with practical decision-making, problem-solving, creativity, and strategic thinking while engaging in real-world projects. We create a practical learning and research environment that emphasizes collaboration and active engagement with industry leaders.

Why AUS?

• Campus: The inspiring, modern campus of the American Institute of Applied Sciences in Switzerland features all you could need, from state-of-the-art learning spaces to cozy corners, an on-site Starbucks coffee machine, and dedicated sports facilities.
• Multiple Specializations Options: You can study an undergraduate or graduate degree in business, and also choose to engage in the Dual Degree Program in conjunction with Tiffin University in the United States.
• Multiple Intakes per Year: We have three admission intakes per year: fall, winter, and spring.
• International Recognition: AUS is chartered under Swiss law and recognized by the Department of Education in the Canton of Vaud as an Institute of Higher Education.
• Soft Skill Development: As an accredited institution with the IBM SkillsBuild Initiative, AUS has a first-hand view of the latest technologies and business trends across several industries. As an Apple Authorized Training Center for Education, students learn how to code, create and build apps.
• Personalized Learning: With a class size of 15 to 20 students and a faculty-student ratio of about 1:7, facilitating a deeper working relationship between students and professors coupled with feedback and coaching.
• Support Services: AUS provides various support services to students such as: Career Support, Dedicated support, Learning Support. All students will meet with the Academic Coordinator each academic term.
• Great Student Life: With our campus located amongst the Swiss Riviera's beautiful scenery, we organize trips to explore the rich cultural heritage and beautiful architecture. Offering plenty of nearby attractions, destinations, and ski resorts or visit local festivals.
• Cultural Diversity: At AUS students from over 50 nationalities from 6 continents come together to learn and share experiences, cultural perspectives, and varied work experiences with students from all over the world.
• Student Housing: AUS has several fully furnished single and shared rooms within a five-kilometer radius of the School campus.

Program Structure

The Master of Science in International Business Administration (MIBA) with a specialization in Aviation Management is a two-year program during which the student must obtain 90 credit hours | 120 European Credit Transfer System. The two-year program structure comprises six academic terms, with three terms per year (Fall, Winter, and Spring).

• Duration: 2 years
• Entry Dates: September / January / April
• Study Mode: Full-time
• Credits: 90 CH | 120 ECTS

Courses

Courses	#	CH	ECTS
AUS Core	15	45	60
AUS Elective	6	18	24
Aviation Specialization	6	18	24
Capstone: Thesis or Business Plan		9	12

Course Examples

• Airline Business Foundations
• Airline Marketing
• Airport Business Management
• Aviation Safety Management
• Aviation Sustainability Path and Challenges
• Aviation Regulation Compliance

Requirements

Master’s Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree: Applicants must hold a recognized bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from an accredited institution. Some programs may require your undergraduate degree to be in a related field.
• Official Transcripts: Provide certified copies of transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
• English Proficiency: Demonstrate proficiency in English through tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, or an equivalent, unless you graduated from an English-medium institution.
• Additional Materials: Depending on the program, you may need to submit: CV/résumé, Letters of recommendation, Statement of purpose, References or other documentation.

Elective Module Examples

• Airport Emergency Response
• Basic Airside Safety
• Dangerous Goods Regulations for Flight Operations

Program Learning Outcomes

The following are the stated Intended Student Learning Outcomes (ISLO) of the MIBA program:

• Analyze and evaluate concepts, theories, and techniques across business functional areas.
• Formulate and evaluate solutions to business problems using analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Create and present coherent written forms of communication to diverse professional audiences.
• Compose and deliver effective oral presentations to diverse professional audiences.
• Collaborate effectively in diverse teams.
• Evaluate ethical obligations.

Industry Visits and Guest Lecturers

The program offers interesting tours, for example, at airports, hangers, cargo centers, IATA headquarters, air traffic control centers, and many others.

Aviation courses at AUS are taught by professionals with up-to-date knowledge and extensive networks in the field. This enables them to enrich the classes by inviting industry experts to campus as "Guest Lecturers" to share their first-hand insights and experiences.

Student Testimonials

Aviation Industry Overview

According to a report by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the global aviation industry is expected to double in size by 2037, with the Asia-Pacific region leading the way.

Career Opportunities

A specialization in Aviation Management allows you to progress into the following careers:

• Freight and Cargo Management
• Airline Management
• Passenger Services
• Private Aviation
• Aviation Support Services
• Immigration and Customs

Tuition & Fees

• Application Fee: CHF 250.-
• Admission Fee: CHF 1'500.-
• MIBA in Aviation Management: CHF 8’350.- per term (3 Terms per year, 2-Year Master’s Degree Program)
• Fees per year: CHF 25’000.- per year

Earn Professional Certificates Alongside Your Degree

The IBM Academic Initiative program allows AUS students to receive IBM credentials as digital ‘badges’ marking their learning achievements using Credly. The students can easily share and promote their achievements on social media sites like LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, as well as your own personal webpages and blogs.

AUS Students have access to supplement their AUS courses with online courses offered by Sofema Online, a virtual aviation academy that specializes in technical skills. These courses are not for credit, but allow students to get diversified experience and exposure to additional elements of the aviation sector.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

The Master of Science in International Business Administration (MIBA) with a specialization in Aviation Management at the American Institute of Applied Sciences in Switzerland (AUS) is a two-year, full-time program designed to prepare future managers for the aviation industry. The program aims to integrate traditional business knowledge with practical decision-making, problem-solving, creativity, and strategic thinking through real-world projects. It emphasizes a practical learning and research environment that fosters collaboration and active engagement with industry leaders, linking cutting-edge business theory to practical research and applications. The program focuses on solving real-world challenges, encouraging collaboration and team building within a diverse student body. The curriculum includes experiential learning activities such as simulations, individual and group presentations, case studies, and individual and/or group projects in each course. AUS supports internship placement, on-site company visits, and executive mentoring to facilitate career development. Graduates are expected to produce quality and practical business research culminating in a Master’s Capstone submission (thesis or business plan), with prizes awarded for the best theses. The program is ranked Top 2 in Switzerland and Top 200 globally within the Business Masters category (2025 QS World University Rankings).

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Outline:

The MIBA in Aviation Management is a two-year program (90 credit hours | 120 ECTS) structured across six academic terms (three per year: Fall, Winter, and Spring). The curriculum comprises:

• 15 AUS Core Courses: (45 CH | 60 ECTS) These cover foundational business principles.
• 6 AUS Elective Courses: (18 CH | 24 ECTS) Students choose from a range of electives.
Examples include Airport Emergency Response, Basic Airside Safety, and Dangerous Goods Regulations for Flight Operations.
• 6 Aviation Specialization Courses: (18 CH | 24 ECTS) These courses focus on aviation-specific topics.
Examples include:
• Airline Business Foundations: Covers economic, political, revenue, and cost trends in the airline industry, including post-COVID opportunities and the impact of digital applications.
• Airline Marketing: Examines the evolution of airline marketing, the role of marketing in creating a customer-oriented culture, the impact of technology, and the development of marketing plans.
• Airport Business Management: Focuses on key principles of airport management, business planning, operational procedures, airport marketing, and stakeholder interaction.
• Aviation Safety Management: Explores safety management systems, their benefits, limitations, and success factors, and introduces concepts like Safety II.
• Aviation Sustainability Path and Challenges: Analyzes the environmental impact of air transportation, explores approaches to sustainability, and discusses social and ethical aspects.
• Aviation Regulation Compliance: Covers international air law, regulatory tensions, and the importance of regulatory compliance in aviation safety.
• Capstone: Thesis or Business Plan: (9 CH | 12 ECTS) This is a research proposal investigating one or more hypotheses or a business plan, completed during the final term and within six months of graduation.

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Assessment:

The MIBA degree is conferred upon completion of:

• Academic credit requirements: minimum of 90 CH | 120 ECTS.
• Academic performance requirements: minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
• Capstone: Thesis (research proposal) or Business Plan.
• Attendance and residency requirements.
Additional credit-earning opportunities may be available through internships and research initiatives.

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Teaching:

The program uses a combination of teaching methods, including experiential learning activities (simulations, presentations, case studies, projects). The faculty includes professionals with up-to-date knowledge and extensive networks in the aviation field. The small class size (15-20 students) and a faculty-student ratio of approximately 1:7 facilitate a close working relationship between students and professors, with ample feedback and coaching. Industry experts are invited as guest lecturers to share insights and experiences.

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Careers:

The Aviation Management specialization aims to fast-track aviation careers. The program provides pertinent knowledge and skills, grounded in business theory and experiential learning. AUS facilitates internships with various aviation organizations (airlines, airports, suppliers, regulatory/trade authorities), leading to job placement for many graduates. Potential career paths include:

• Freight and Cargo Management
• Airline Management
• Passenger Services
• Private Aviation
• Aviation Support Services
• Immigration and Customs
• Airport Security Management

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Other:

• The program offers industry visits to airports, hangars, cargo centers, IATA headquarters, and air traffic control centers to bridge the gap between coursework and real-world experience and facilitate networking.
• AUS is chartered under Swiss law and recognized by the Department of Education in the Canton of Vaud.
• AUS students have access to supplementary online courses offered by Sofema Online (not for credit).
• The global aviation industry is expected to double in size by 2037, with significant growth in the Asia-Pacific region, creating high demand for skilled professionals.
• AUS provides various support services to students, including career support, dedicated support, and learning support.
All students meet with the Academic Coordinator each term.
• The campus is located in the Swiss Riviera, with opportunities for exploring the region's cultural heritage and attractions.
• Students from over 50 nationalities attend AUS.
• AUS offers student housing within a five-kilometer radius of the campus.

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Tuition & Fees Admission Fee = CHF 1’500.-(due when you have been accepted to the program) Application Fee: CHF 250.-(due before we review the application documents) MIBA in Aviation Management CHF 8’350.- per term 3 Terms per year 2-Year Master’s Degree Program flexible payment options available Fees per year Aviation Master: CHF 25’000.- per year MIBA in Aviation Management CHF 8’350 3 Terms per year / 2-Year Program flexible payment options available