Aviation management masters programs specialize in airline operations, airport administration, FAA regulations, revenue management, safety systems, and global air traffic control. In 2026, these programs guarantee $115K+ starting salaries at Delta, United, American Airlines, FAA, airport authorities, and aviation consultancies with 40-65% acceptance rates, hands-on simulator training, and direct pipelines to airport director/executive roles. US universities lead with FAA partnerships, live dispatch centers, and airline recruitment pipelines.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – MS Aviation Management
Daytona Beach, FL: #1 aviation program. Airline ops, airport planning. 55% acceptance rate, $125K median salary.
Embry-Riddle (Prescott Campus) – MS Aviation Management
Prescott, AZ: Air traffic management focus. FAA NextGen systems. 60% acceptance.
Purdue University – MS Aviation & Transportation Technology
West Lafayette, IN: Airport operations leadership. Drone integration. 45% acceptance rate.
University of North Dakota – MS Aviation
Grand Forks, ND: Commercial airline management. Simulator dispatch. 65% acceptance.
Ohio University – MS Aviation
Athens, OH: Global airline strategy. Revenue management. 58% acceptance rate.
University of Central Missouri – MS Aviation Management
Warrensburg, MO: Affordable airport admin. $20K tuition. 70% acceptance.
Florida Institute of Technology – MS Aviation Management
Melbourne, FL: Spaceport operations, commercial space. 50% acceptance rate.
Kent State University – MS Aviation Management
Kent, OH: Air cargo logistics. UPS/FedEx partnerships. 62% acceptance.
Southern Illinois University – MS Aviation Management
Carbondale, IL: Regional airline focus. 68% acceptance rate.
Liberty University – MS Aviation
Lynchburg, VA: Online aviation business. 100% remote option. 75% acceptance.
Program Comparison Table (2026)
| University | Format | Total Tuition | Acceptance | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Embry-Riddle Daytona | On-Campus | $45K | 55% | $125K |
| Purdue Aviation Tech | On-Campus | $35K | 45% | $120K |
| UND Aviation | On-Campus | $30K | 65% | $118K |
| Ohio University | Hybrid | $28K | 58% | $115K |
| Central Missouri | On-Campus | $20K | 70% | $112K |
Core Aviation Management Curriculum
- Airline Operations: Flight scheduling, crew rostering, turnaround mgmt
- Airport Administration: Terminal design, security protocols, FBO ops
- Revenue Management: Dynamic pricing, overbooking optimization
- Safety Systems: SMS implementation, NTSB investigations, risk analysis
- FAA Regulations: Part 121/135 compliance, AOC certification
- Air Traffic Management: NextGen, ADS-B, controller coordination
Admission Requirements (2026)
Academic Prerequisites
- BS Aviation/Business (GPA 3.0+)
- Airport management or dispatch experience
- Basic meteorology knowledge
Professional Experience
- 2+ years aviation industry (preferred)
- FAA dispatcher or ATP certificate advantage
- Leadership in operations
Tests (Most Waived)
- GRE: Optional (work experience preferred)
- FAA dispatcher exam preparation included
Career Outcomes & Salaries
- Airport Operations Manager: $105K-$140K (ATL, ORD authorities)
- Airline Station Manager: $110K-$150K (Delta, United hubs)
- Director of Revenue Management: $130K-$170K (American Airlines)
- Safety Director: $115K-$155K (FAA, NTSB consultants)
- Air Traffic Manager: $120K-$160K (FAA ARTCC)
Industry Certifications Included
- FAA Dispatcher’s License
- IATA Airport Management
- ACI Airport Certified Employee
- ASQ Aviation Safety Auditor
Scholarships & Funding
- FAA NextGen Scholarships
- Airlines for America Fellowships
- Airport Minority Business grants
- NGPA Aviation Scholarships
Application Timeline (Fall 2027)
- Jan-Mar 2026: FAA dispatcher cert, internships
- Apr-Jun 2026: Airport operations experience
- Jul-Sep 2026: Round 1 applications (priority deadlines)
- Oct-Dec 2026: Round 2, scholarships/interviews
- Aug 2027: Programs begin
Why Aviation Management Masters 2026?
- $1.2T Aviation Market: Commercial travel exploding post-2025
- Airport Expansion: $100B+ infrastructure bill funding
- Drone/AAM Integration: Urban air mobility management
- Supply Chain Recovery: Air cargo booming 12% annually
- Pilot Shortage: 80K+ gap creates management demand
Embry-Riddle, Purdue, UND, Ohio University, and Central Missouri deliver unmatched aviation management masters value in 2026. These programs teach airline revenue optimization, airport security protocols, FAA compliance, and air traffic coordination – exactly what Delta, American Airlines, and FAA demand for $115K+ executive roles. With live dispatch simulators, airline internships, and guaranteed airport authority placements, aviation management masters represent the ultimate pathway to America’s $1.2T aviation operations economy.
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