Major: Aviation Management
Airports are often compared to beehives because they’re so busy. Aviation management majors learn management principles that keep these active places, as well as airlines, running safely and smoothly. They study everything from hiring employees to meeting government security regulations to making sure passenger luggage gets to the right place.
Aviation management and operations majors learn the business and management skills they’ll need to run the complex activities of the aviation industry.
Did You Know?
- Many programs in aviation management partner with the local airline industry to offer internships, hands-on experience, and job opportunities after college.
Are You Ready To...?
- Learn how to manage people, including hiring -- and sometimes firing -- them
- Join a student association such as the international aviation fraternity Alpha Eta Rho
- Work as an intern at a major airline
It Helps to Be...
An organized people person who is interested in the big picture and is not afraid to work with numbers.
College Checklist
- Does the department have good computer equipment and multimedia labs?
- Does the college have special admission requirements?
- Is the college located close to a major transportation hub?
- Is there a strong internship program in which you’ll get hands-on experience?
- Will the college help you find work after graduation?
- Does the department sponsor student chapters of organizations like the American Association of Airport Executives?
Did You Know?
- Some programs require that you meet FAA medical standards, which means passing a physical.
Course Spotlight
As an aviation management major, you’ll take a course on aviation law. You’ll learn about the legal basics that come into play in the business, including contracts and labor law. You’ll also study federal and international laws as well as the agencies -- such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) -- that keep a close watch on the industry. Other topics include airspace; the buying, selling, and leasing of planes; and legal responsibilities in the event of an accident.
