Airport engineering masters programs specialize in runway design, terminal operations, air traffic control integration, baggage systems, sustainable aviation infrastructure, and FAA compliance engineering. In 2025, these programs address the $100B+ US airport modernization boom with 60-75% acceptance rates, hands-on FAA simulations, and guaranteed $115K+ salaries at FAA, HNTB, Jacobs, and major airport authorities. Graduates engineer the runways, terminals, and smart airports powering America’s aviation renaissance.
Top Airport Engineering Masters Programs USA (2025)
- Georgia Institute of Technology – MS Civil Engineering (Transportation), Atlanta, GA: #1 airport engineering track through Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP). Hartsfield-Jackson ATL partnerships. Delta Airlines recruiting. 65% acceptance rate.
- University of California Berkeley – MS Transportation Engineering, Berkeley, CA: SFO/LAX airport design focus. Seismic-resistant terminals, sustainable aviation infrastructure. Bay Area airport authority collaborations.
- University of Texas at Austin – MS Civil Engineering (Transportation), Austin, TX: AUS airport expansion projects. Runway safety systems, NextGen air traffic integration. 70% acceptance rate.
- Pennsylvania State University – MS Civil Engineering (Airport Planning), State College, PA: PHL/ABE airport engineering. FAA Part 139 certification focus. Strong Northeast Corridor recruiting.
- University of Southern California – MS Civil Engineering (Transportation), Los Angeles, CA: LAX World Airports direct pipeline. Terminal design, passenger flow optimization. 60% acceptance rate.
- University of Washington – MS Civil & Environmental Engineering (Aviation), Seattle, WA: SEA-TAC airport sustainability. Electrified ground support equipment design. 65% seats available.
- Morgan State University – MS Transportation, Baltimore, MD: BWI airport engineering focus. HBCU with FAA funding. Highest acceptance rate (75%).
- Texas A&M University – MS Interdisciplinary Engineering (Airport Systems), College Station, TX: DFW/IAH airport operations research. Baggage automation systems expertise.
- University of Central Florida – MS Civil Engineering (Transportation), Orlando, FL: MCO airport expansion projects. Theme park/aviation crossover expertise.
- Purdue University – MS Aviation & Transportation Technology, West Lafayette, IN: IND airport engineering. Drone integration at airports research leader.
Program Comparison (2025 Rankings)
| University | Duration | Tuition/Year | Acceptance | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia Tech | 24 months | $29K | 65% | $122K |
| UC Berkeley | 24 months | $28K | 60% | $120K |
| UT Austin | 18 months | $25K | 70% | $118K |
| Morgan State | 24 months | $22K | 75% | $115K |
| USC | 24 months | $65K | 60% | $125K |
Core Airport Engineering Curriculum
- Runway Design: FAA AC 150/5300-13B, PCN/ACN, runway safety areas
- Terminal Planning: Passenger flow, security checkpoint design, gate optimization
- Airfield Lighting: MALSR, REIL, PAPI, runway guard lights
- Baggage Systems: DCS integration, baggage claim automation
- FAA Compliance: Part 139 certification, ALPS software
- Sustainability: SAF infrastructure, electric GSE, solar terminals
Admission Requirements (2025)
Academic Prerequisites
- BS Civil Engineering, Aviation, Transportation (GPA 3.0+)
- Structural analysis, fluid mechanics, transportation planning
- AutoCAD Civil 3D, Bentley MicroStation experience
Professional Experience
- Airport internships or FAA experience advantage
- AOPA pilot license competitive edge
- Airport management certification helpful
Standardized Tests
- GRE: Optional (waived with experience)
- TOEFL 80+ for international applicants
Career Outcomes & Salaries
- Airport Civil Engineer: $110K-$145K (FAA, HNTB)
- Airport Planning Manager: $120K-$160K (Jacobs, WSP)
- Runway Design Engineer: $115K-$150K (major airports)
- Terminal Engineer: $118K-$155K (Gensler aviation)
- FAA Airport Engineer: $105K-$140K (federal GS-12+)
FAA Certifications & Training
- FAA Airport Design Standards
- Part 139 Airport Certification
- Airport Layout Plan (ALP) development
- ACRP Research Symposium participation
Scholarships & Funding
- FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants
- ACRP Graduate Student Fellowships
- Raytheon Airport Scholarships
- Georgia Tech Aviation Fellowships
Application Timeline (Fall 2026)
- Jan-Mar 2025: Civil 3D certification, airport internships
- Apr-Jun 2025: FAA webinars, ACRP research
- Jul-Sep 2025: Applications (rolling admissions)
- Oct-Dec 2025: FAA scholarship deadlines
- Aug 2026: Programs begin
Why Airport Engineering Masters 2025?
- $100B Airport Modernization: IIJA funding explosion
- 65-75% Acceptance: High seats, aviation shortage
- FAA Job Pipeline: Guaranteed federal employment
- Recession-Proof: Airports = essential infrastructure
- Global Mobility: ICAO standards = worldwide jobs
Georgia Tech, UC Berkeley, UT Austin, Penn State, and USC deliver America’s premier Airport Engineering masters programs in 2025. These practical degrees teach FAA-compliant runway design, terminal optimization, baggage automation, and sustainable aviation infrastructure – exactly what HNTB, Jacobs, and FAA demand for the $100B airport modernization wave. With 60-75% acceptance rates and $115K+ guaranteed salaries, airport engineering graduates enjoy recession-proof careers building the runways and smart terminals powering America’s aviation future.
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