Online Aviation Management Degree Information
What is an online aviation management degree?
An online aviation management degree allows its holder to pursue a career in the fast growing field of aviation; job titles for those with aviation management degrees include pilots, aviation program managers, aircraft maintenance managers, aircraft cargo handling supervisors, airfield operations specialists, aviation operations managers, and flight dispatchers.
What types of online aviation management degrees are available?
Online aviation management degrees are available at the associate and bachelor levels and can prepare students for a wide range of careers in the aviation industry; be sure to check out programs carefully to make sure the one you eventually select will adequately train you in the specific aviation area you wish you to pursue.
What are online aviation management degree programs like?
Aviation management degree programs focus on those skills necessary to become a manager in the aviation field, and therefore often include courses such as:
- Airline/Airport Management
- Airline/Airport Marketing
- Airport Administration and Finance
- Aviation Insurance
- Aviation Labor Relations
- Aviation Law
- International Aviation Management
- Management of Air Cargo
- Marketing
- Transportation Principles
In addition to academic requirements, many aviation management degree programs also include internships, which allow students to learn on the job and open doors for potential employment upon graduation; some programs also require physical fitness tests in compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations.
What do those with aviation management degrees do?
As the careers open to graduates with aviation management degrees vary widely, so do job duties, but in general, aviation managers are responsible for the efficient, cost-effective, and safe running of airports and/or airlines. Many are in charge of hiring and firing employees, ensuring compliance with government regulations, and providing for the safe transport of passengers and baggage from one destination to another.
What qualities should aviation management degree seekers have?
Aviation managers should have a passion for the aviation industry as it will be the center of their careers; a strong interest in and an aptitude for business and marketing are also helpful.
Those pursuing careers in aviation management should be organized, dependable, have excellent written and oral communication skills, and also be comfortable working with computers and mathematics.
What is the salary and job outlook for those with aviation management degrees?
PayScale.com data from April 2009 estimates that those with bachelor degrees in aviation management make between $31,700 and $81,850 per year; salaries vary widely by specific career with corporate jet pilots at the high end of the pay scale and corporate non-jet pilots at the low end; those paid the highest, not surprisingly, are aviation management degree holders with 20 years or more experience.
Over the next several years, many fields related to aviation management are expected to grow as air travel becomes even more important and accessible. Job opportunities for aircraft cargo handling supervisors, for example, are expected to grow much faster than the average through 2016.
While some entry-level positions in the aviation industry require nothing more than a high school diploma, an online degree in aviation management, which often includes internship experience, can give you a great advantage over fellow job candidates and also help you move up the career ladder.
