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What is Aviation Management?

Get a Master's in Aviation Management

Earn an Ed.S. in Aviation Management

The Aviation Management MSA

Take your aviation career to the next level with this 100% online program, ideal for working professionals.

In the Master of Science in Aviation (MSA) – Aviation Management online degree program, you’ll gain the skills to take on leadership roles in public, private or military aviation. You’ll learn to manage airlines, airports, corporate flight operations and aviation safety programs while applying real-world strategies and best practices.

You’ll work with faculty who are seasoned aviation professionals—including commercial, private and military pilots—learning directly from their experience in airport consulting, airline management, human factors, air traffic control and aviation safety.

With its focus on applied practice and professional skill-building, this online MSA prepares you for positions such as airport manager, airline operations officer, corporate aviation executive or aviation safety and regulatory specialist.

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No. 20
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Why Choose Florida Tech for Aviation Management?

Florida Tech’s excellent reputation in aviation education means your MSA is backed by proven expertise, with faculty who bring real-world aviation experience to help you move forward in your career. The flexible online format makes it easy to connect with faculty and fellow students no matter where you are.

This MSA program is fully online, but it’s far from impersonal.

Aviation is a small world, and Florida Tech makes it easy to connect with faculty and fellow students no matter where you are.

Engaging discussion boards, live sessions and collaboration create a supportive, interactive environment that mirrors the teamwork and communication critical in aviation.

This flexible format lets you advance your career while earning your master’s degree on a schedule that fits your professional and personal life.

Students in the aviation management master's degree program learn from faculty with extensive professional and academic expertise.

Their backgrounds include airport consulting and design, airline and general aviation management, aviation law and safety, avionics, meteorology, air traffic control and human factors. Many are experienced commercial, private or military pilots.

You’ll benefit from faculty who not only teach but also bring real-world aviation experience to the classroom.

Faculty members have authored textbooks and journal articles on aviation management and safety, and their research is widely cited in areas such as:

  • Airport development and design
  • Airport noise modeling
  • Aviation safety management systems (SMS) and security
  • Aviation computer applications
  • Airline equipment financing and fleet management
  • Environmental impacts of airport operations
  • Situation awareness and aeronautical decision-making
  • Operational challenges in the U.S. National Airspace System and NEXTGEN

Their work ensures that what you learn reflects the latest thinking and innovations in aviation management.

This program is designed for professionals with bachelor’s degrees in aviation-related fields or those with non-aviation degrees who have gained aviation foundational knowledge through experience and now require more specialized aviation management knowledge.

Even if your background is outside aviation, you may still be admitted—a prerequisite course in airspace safety can help you get started with confidence if you are making the transition into the field.

For more information, please see our graduate admission requirements, or start your application now!

Careers in Aviation Management

Graduates of the MSA in aviation management are prepared for leadership roles across the global aviation industry. The program equips professionals with advanced knowledge in operations, safety, finance and strategy, helping them expand their career options or move into higher-level positions.

Career paths include positions such as:

  • Airline manager
  • Airport manager
  • Airport security manager
  • Airport operations specialist
  • Aviation consultant
  • Systems manager
  • Business manager
  • Freight and cargo manager
  • Airfield operator

Alumni may also find opportunities with government agencies, regulatory bodies and international organizations that shape aviation policy and practice.

Florida Tech Career Services assists students, alumni and employers in their search for careers and employee candidates. We help students develop career plans and job-search skills. Explore our Career Toolbox to learn more about our services and access additional resources.

The Occupational Outlook Handbook, published by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), provides information about specific jobs including median annual pay, working conditions and job outlook. Check the handbook for information on the outlook for aviation management careers.

Advanced Degree Options

Explore Doctoral Research

Florida Tech offers two doctoral paths in aviation:

Doctor of Aviation, Av.D. (Online)
Designed for full-time industry professionals, this research-driven, applied program enhances practice and leadership through dissertation research.

Aviation Sciences, Ph.D. (On-campus)
Oriented toward advancing theory and solving complex aviation challenges, this program prepares graduates to lead and innovate across industry, government and academia.

Explore the Aviation Management, MSA, Curriculum

The Aviation Management, MSA, Curriculum

This 30-credit, 100% online aviation management master's degree develops expertise in the leadership, financial, operational and safety aspects of today’s aviation industry.

You will gain an applied understanding of how airlines, airports and corporate flight operations are structured and managed, with emphasis on regulatory compliance, fiscal decision-making and global standards.

Coursework highlights priorities such as aviation security, safety management systems and risk-based safety culture and builds your skills in strategic planning, operations and organizational leadership.

The program culminates in an advanced research project that lets you investigate an issue or innovation in aviation and present your findings in a professional report.

Courses include:

  • Corporate Aviation Operations and Management
  • Aviation Economics and Fiscal Management
  • Airport Operations

Check the catalog for a description of all courses. Check the catalog for detailed degree requirements.

Download the Aviation Management, MSA, Curriculum now!

Two people walking near the control tower at Melbourne Orlando International Airport.

Research That Strengthens Management Practice

A Florida Tech plane at Melbourne Orlando International Airport.

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.

Through this role, Florida Tech helps to address critical aviation safety issues such as airport technology, propulsion and structures, airworthiness, flight safety, fire safety and safety management systems (SMS).

Students benefit from this expertise, engaging with faculty who apply their research to real-world challenges in both safety and management.

This ensures your aviation management training prepares you to address operational and leadership decisions with a strong foundation in safety, compliance and efficiency.

Learn more about Aviation Management at Florida Tech on the website.

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