M.S. in Aviation (MSAV)

Introduction

The Master of Science in Aviation (MSAV) degree program is a broad-based, flexible degree program designed to provide both the aviation/aerospace professional and students who are interested in a career in aviation with a rigorous academic approach to an aviation/aerospace oriented multidisciplinary degree. It provides an unequaled opportunity for pilot flight crew members, air traffic control personnel, flight operations specialists, meteorologists, industry technical representatives, uncrewed aircraft systems operators, and aviation educators to enhance their knowledge and pursue additional career opportunities. The MSAV degree is designed to provide the student with a broad research background and technical knowledge in the core curriculum and the opportunity to select from six different specializations to pursue their chosen career path in the aviation field.

The MSAV program consists of 33 credits. Students must complete the MSAV core requirements consisting of 12 credits and then complete the 9 credits that make up the selected specialization in one of the following: Air Traffic Management, Aviation/Aerospace Management and Sustainability, Aviation/Aerospace Operations, Aviation/Aerospace Safety Systems, Space Operations, or Uncrewed Systems.

Students must also complete 12 credits of coursework that include either a Thesis (6 credits) or a Graduate Capstone Project (GCP) (3 credits). The remaining credits are made up of graduate-level aeronautical science electives. MSAV students can also complete courses leading to multiple specializations. Additional specializations must be declared prior to the completion of the degree program.

Students wishing to complete a dual specialization must have nine (9) unduplicated credits in each of the specializations and will complete a total of 33 (GCP) or 36 (Thesis) credit hours in order to graduate. Additional specializations may also be taken.

Admissions Criteria

Students will:

• Apply mathematics, science, and applied sciences at a level appropriate to aviation-related disciplines at the master’s level, including an adequate foundation in statistics.
• Analyze and interpret data at the master’s level.
• Work effectively on multi-disciplinary and diverse teams.
• Make professional and ethical decisions.
• Communicate effectively, using both written and oral communication skills.
• Engage in and recognize the need for life-long learning.
• Assess contemporary issues.
• Use the techniques, skills, and modern technology necessary for professional practice.
• Assess the national and international aviation environment.
• Apply pertinent knowledge in identifying and solving problems.
• Apply knowledge of business sustainability to aviation issues.
• Apply advanced qualitative and quantitative problem-solving skills.

Degree Requirements

Air Traffic Management Specialization

(For students with NO ATC experience)

Aviation/Aerospace Management and Sustainability Specialization

Aviation/Aerospace Operations Specialization

Aviation/Aerospace Safety Systems Specialization

Space Operations Specialization

Uncrewed Systems Specialization