Why You Should Get a Degree in Aviation Management

Whether you’ve spent a career in the cockpit or have always been passionate about aviation, your career on the ground could take flight in Aviation Management. Working in the field would allow you to be involved in the day-to-day operations of airlines, airports, or even aircraft manufacturers. But before you can land a management position, you’ll need to know about business management, aviation law, and marketing management for the industry. That’s why you’ll need a degree in Aviation Management.

Is an Aviation Management Degree Worth It?

The aviation industry supports more than 2.4 million jobs in the U.S. and that number is expected to grow significantly in the next two decades. This means that there is greater opportunity for you to find your place in the field. But others will compete for those jobs too. How will you stand out from the competition? The Bachelor of Science Degree in Aviation Management from National American University will train you in:

• Air Carrier Operations
• Aviation Safety
• Airport Security and Planning
• Financial Accounting
• Business Management
• A degree can also help you put your certifications to use in a new way. Before you enroll in the program, you must have completed a professional pilot training program or training in an aviation sub-specialty. This could include FAA certifications in power plant and airframe, avionics, or military aviation training. Once you earn your degree in Aviation Management, you’ll be able to pursue leadership positions. But you won’t be prepared for just one management position—you’ll actually have a variety of career paths in front of you.

What Can I Do with an Aviation Management Degree?

What you choose within the field of Aviation Management depends on what areas interest you and where you’d like to work. Here are a few options:

• Airport Operations Manager: In this role, you’ll help to ensure that all operations of the airport run smoothly. You’ll be involved with overseeing the maintenance of equipment and facilities, and making sure that everyone follows federal, state, and local regulations. You’ll also need to help manage safety and security procedures and implement necessary technological changes.
• Airport Security Manager: If you’re more interested in the security side of airport operations, you could become an airport security manager. You would manage security and help develop emergency and evacuation measures. You’d also be in charge of airport surveillance, maintenance of security equipment, the storage of security footage, and the oversight of other security officials.
• Airline Station Manager: Like an airport operations manager, as an airline station manager, you’ll need to help ensure that the daily operations run smoothly. But in this case, you’ll work for an airline instead of the airport. You’ll help manage the ground operations staff and the station budget. You’ll also oversee baggage and cargo operations, passenger boarding and ticketing, aircraft maintenance, and flight schedules.
• Airport Planner: If planning and design interests you, this may be the right job for you. Airport planners prepare master plans and collect passenger data that can influence those plans. As airport traffic increases, upgrades and changes to the airport’s layout may become necessary, and it would be your job to help figure out what those changes are, how they should be implemented and when.

If you’re ready to launch the next phase of your career, contact National American University today. We offer flexible scheduling to fit your active lifestyle, a generous transfer credit policy, and reduced tuition as you progress through your program. We are also Military friendly and a Yellow Ribbon participant. Call 800-209-0182 to speak a counselor or fill out the form to request more information.