M.S. in Aviation

student piloting an aircraft with a flight instructor

The Master of Science in Aviation, housed in the College of Aviation, includes coursework in behavioral sciences, data analysis, modeling and simulation, project management, systems integration, applied research, statistics, technology and a selected area of specialization.

At the Daytona Beach Campus, the Master of Science in Aviation includes coursework related to aviation operations, airport management, and aviation safety. The program includes access to laboratory and facility-based instruction. Students may complete either a thesis or a capstone research project. Specializations include Aviation/Aerospace Management and Sustainability, Aviation/Aerospace Operations, Aviation/Aerospace Safety Systems, Space Operations and Uncrewed  Systems.

Program-Level Student Learning Outcomes

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

Daytona Beach Program Requirements

Core Requirements12
Specialization9
Option12
Total Credits33

Core Requirements

ASCI 602The Air Transportation System3
ASCI 604Human Factors in the Aviation/Aerospace Industry3
or MSAV 554 Project Management in Aviation/Aerospace
MSAV 662Statistical Analysis for Aviation/Aerospace3
MSAV 670Research Methods in Aviation/Aerospace3
Total Credits12

Specializations

Aviation/Aerospace Management and Sustainability

Choose Three of the Following:9
Sustainable Aviation and Aerospace Perspectives
Aircraft Maintenance Management
Advanced Airport Modeling
Leadership and Critical Decision Making in the Aviation Industry
Agent-based Modeling (ABM) for Aerospace and Aviation Systems
Advanced Aviation/Aerospace Planning Systems
Production and Procurement Management in the Aviation/Aerospace Industry
International Aviation Policy
Integrated Logistics Support in Aviation/Aerospace
One AVMG, MGMT, or SCLM course may be selected with permission of the Program Coordinator
Total Credits9

Aviation/Aerospace Operations

Choose Three of the Following:9
Applications in Crew Resource Management
Advanced Airport Modeling
Aviation/Aerospace Simulation Systems
Leadership and Critical Decision Making in the Aviation Industry
Situation Awareness and Performance in Aviation/Aerospace
Agent-based Modeling (ABM) for Aerospace and Aviation Systems
Airport Certification and Operations Safety
Air Carrier Operations
Corporate Aviation Operations
One AVMG, MGMT, or SCLM course may be seleted with permission of the Program Coordinator
Total Credits9

Aviation/Aerospace Safety Systems

Choose Three of the Following:9
Applications in Crew Resource Management
Aviation/Aerospace System Safety
Situation Awareness and Performance in Aviation/Aerospace
Aviation/Aerospace Accident Investigation and Analysis
Airport Certification and Operations Safety
Aviation/Aerospace Safety Program Management
Total Credits9

Space Operations

Choose Three of the Following:9
Space Habitation and Life Support Systems
Applications in Space: Commerce, Defense, and Exploration
The Launch Industry
The Satellite Communications Industry
Geospatial Analytics
Human Spaceflight Industry
Cybersecurity Applications in Space
Principles of Space Systems
Total Credits9

Uncrewed Systems

Choose Three of the Following:9
Current Issues in Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems
Legal and Regulatory Issues in Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems
Application of Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems
Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems Operational Configuration
Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems Interoperability and Control
sUAS Operational Planning and Safety Management
Total Credits9

Options

Capstone Option

MSAV 691Capstone Research Project3
Open Electives *9
Total Credits12
*

Open Electives: 500-600 level course (AASI, AMNT, ASCI, AVSF, MSAV, SPAC, UNSY)

Thesis Option

MSAV 700Graduate Thesis6
Open Electives *6
Total Credits12
*

Open Electives: 500-600 level course (AASI, AMNT, ASCI, AVSF, MSAV, SPAC, UNSY)

Suggested Plans of Study

Note: If MSAV 552 prerequisite is required, can substitute for Open Elective; with dual specialization MSAV 552 will become excess credits.

Capstone Option (Single Specialization)

Year One

Fall
RequirementsCredits
ASCI 602 - The Air Transportation System3
ASCI 604 - Human Factors in the Aviation/Aerospace Industry3
MSAV 662 - Statistical Analysis for Aviation/Aerospace3
Semester Hours9
Spring
RequirementsCredits
MSAV 670 - Research Methods in Aviation/Aerospace3
Specialization Course 13
Specialization Course 23
Semester Hours9

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 18

Year Two

Fall
RequirementsCredits
Specialization Course 33
Open Elective 13
Open Elective 23
Semester Hours9
Spring
RequirementsCredits
Open Elective 33
MSAV 691 - Capstone Research Project3
Semester Hours6

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 15

Capstone Option (Dual Specialization)

Year One

Fall
RequirementsCredits
ASCI 602 - The Air Transportation System3
ASCI 604 - Human Factors in the Aviation/Aerospace Industry3
MSAV 662 - Statistical Analysis for Aviation/Aerospace3
Semester Hours9
Spring
RequirementsCredits
MSAV 670 - Research Methods in Aviation/Aerospace3
Specialization 1 Course 13
Specialization 1 Course 23
Semester Hours9

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 18

Year Two

Fall
RequirementsCredits
Specialization 1 Course 33
Specialization 2 Course 13
Specialization 2 Course 23
Semester Hours9
Spring
RequirementsCredits
Specialization 2 Course 33
MSAV 691 - Capstone Research Project3
Semester Hours6

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 15

Thesis Option (Single Specialization)

Year One

Fall
RequirementsCredits
ASCI 602 - The Air Transportation System3
ASCI 604 - Human Factors in the Aviation/Aerospace Industry3
MSAV 662 - Statistical Analysis for Aviation/Aerospace3
Semester Hours9
Spring
RequirementsCredits
MSAV 670 - Research Methods in Aviation/Aerospace3
Specialization Course 13
Specialization Course 23
Semester Hours9

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 18

Year Two

Fall
RequirementsCredits
Specialization Course 33
Open Elective 13
MSAV 700 - Graduate Thesis3
Semester Hours9
Spring
RequirementsCredits
Open Elective 23
MSAV 700 - Graduate Thesis3
Semester Hours6

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 15

Thesis Option (Dual Specialization)

Year One

Fall
RequirementsCredits
ASCI 602 - The Air Transportation System3
ASCI 604 - Human Factors in the Aviation/Aerospace Industry3
MSAV 662 - Statistical Analysis for Aviation/Aerospace3
Semester Hours9
Spring
RequirementsCredits
MSAV 670 - Research Methods in Aviation/Aerospace3
Specialization 1 Course 13
Specialization 1 Course 23
Semester Hours9

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 18

Year Two

Fall
RequirementsCredits
Specialization 1 Course 33
Specialization 2 Course 13
MSAV 700 - Graduate Thesis3
Semester Hours9
Spring
RequirementsCredits
Specialization 2 Course 23
Specialization 2 Course 33
MSAV 700 - Graduate Thesis3
Semester Hours9

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 18