Program Overview

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Airport Development and Management, MSA

The Master of Science in Aviation (MSA) Airport Development and Management prepares students for leadership in a dynamic industry with a focus on applied practice and professional skill-building.

Program Overview

This 30-credit program offers both thesis and nonthesis options. The thesis option lets students explore an aviation issue in depth, while the nonthesis track allows them to choose an emphasis in either development or management.

Career Paths

Graduates are equipped to work with government aviation authorities, oversee 24-hour operations, and specialize in airport development or management. Career paths include:

• Airport manager
• Operations manager
• Human resources manager
• Security director
• Director of infrastructure management
• Business development officer
• Aviation program manager

Curriculum

The program gives students the skills to manage airports and contribute to the aviation industry worldwide. Students learn how to plan and oversee airport projects, apply international and U.S. standards in daily operations, and strengthen safety and emergency systems.

Emphasis Options

• Development Emphasis: Focuses on the planning, construction, and operations side of aviation.
• Management Emphasis: Concentrates on the business, security, and leadership aspects of aviation.

Research and Resources

Florida Tech is a core university in the Partnership to Enhance General Aviation Safety, Accessibility, and Sustainability (PEGASAS), an FAA Center of Excellence for General Aviation. Students have access to advanced tools, including wind tunnels, air quality monitoring systems, and high-end modeling software.

Faculty Expertise

Faculty members have deep professional and academic expertise in areas such as airport consulting and design, airline and general aviation management, aviation law and safety, avionics, meteorology, air traffic control, and human factors.

Location and Facilities

The Melbourne Orlando International Airport is home to the Emil Buehler Center for Aviation Training and Research, providing students with hands-on experience and access to airport facilities, aviation companies, and research resources.

Admission Requirements

This program is designed for professionals with bachelors degrees in aviation-related fields or those with non-aviation degrees who have gained aviation foundational knowledge through experience. Prerequisite coursework may be stipulated by the College of Aeronautics to help students get started with confidence if they are making the transition into the field.

Advanced Degree Options

Florida Tech offers two doctoral paths in aviation: the Doctor of Aviation (Av.D.) and the Aviation Sciences, Ph.D. These programs prepare graduates to lead and innovate across industry, government, and academia.