Aviation Technology, MSAAM

About the Program

The Master of Science in Aviation and Aerospace Management prepares professionals to lead and analyze complex aviation and aerospace enterprises operating in safety-critical and highly regulated environments. This 30-credit program integrates advanced analytics, financial strategy, safety management, sustainability, and organizational leadership.

Students develop quantitative research and statistical skills to evaluate operational performance, revenue systems, asset strategies, and organizational risk. Coursework emphasizes data-driven decision-making, aviation finance, safety management systems (SMS), regulatory frameworks, and process improvement. Graduates are prepared for analytical and leadership roles across airlines, airports, aerospace manufacturers, regulatory agencies, and consulting organizations.

The program offers thesis or coursework only options. See below for each set of Program Requirements.

MS Thesis: The Master of Science (M.S.) Thesis Option provides students with the opportunity to conduct independent, faculty-supervised research that contributes to scholarship, applied knowledge, or innovation within the discipline. This option is intended for students who seek advanced preparation in research methodology, critical analysis, and scholarly communication.

Under the direction of a major professor and advisory committee, students identify a focused research problem, complete a comprehensive review of relevant literature, design and implement an appropriate research methodology, and analyze and interpret findings. The resulting thesis must demonstrate originality, intellectual rigor, and mastery of the field.

The thesis process includes formal approval of a research proposal, completion of required thesis research credits, preparation of a written thesis that conforms to Graduate School standards, and successful defense of the thesis before the advisory committee.

The thesis option is particularly appropriate for students planning to pursue doctoral study, research-oriented careers, or advanced technical and analytical roles.

MS Coursework Only: The Master of Science (M.S.) Coursework-Only Option provides students with the opportunity to complete an advanced, structured program of graduate study without a thesis or formal project requirement. This option emphasizes mastery of disciplinary knowledge, advanced technical competencies, and integration of theory and practice through rigorous graduate coursework.

Students complete an approved plan of study consisting of graduate-level courses designed to develop analytical thinking, specialized expertise, and professional skills aligned with program learning outcomes. Coursework may include advanced technical electives, leadership or systems-level perspectives, and research-informed content appropriate to the discipline.

Although a formal thesis or directed project is not required, students must demonstrate graduate-level synthesis and application of knowledge through comprehensive examinations, capstone coursework, integrative assignments, or other culminating assessments as defined by the program.

The coursework-only option is appropriate for professionals seeking advanced knowledge, technical depth, or credential advancement within their field.

Program Website

Program Requirements - Thesis

30 Credits Required

Program Requirements - Coursework Only

30 Credits Required

Concentrations

Departmental concentrations:

• Computational Data Science Concentration (GR) 
• Sustainable Aviation Operations (pending suspension)

Interdisciplinary concentrations:

• Computational Science and Engineering Concentration (GR)  

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will:

• Apply quantitative and research methods to aviation operational and financial challenges.
• Integrate data to evaluate revenue, asset, and risk management strategies.
• Assess and improve safety management systems using human factors and risk frameworks.
• Evaluate regulatory and sustainability impacts on aviation enterprise strategy.
• Communicate data-driven analyses and strategic recommendations effectively.

GPA Requirements

Students cannot take undergraduate courses (300/400-level) in their primary area without permission from their major advisor. These may only be used with such permission and only when followed by appropriate 500/600-level courses. Such permissions should be indicated in a Special Note on the Plan of Study. No more than 6 credits of 300/400-level level courses may be approved and a grade of “B” or better is required. On combined degree programs, only 500/600-level courses are allowed.

Maximum of 12 total credits earned as undergraduate credit excess, post-baccalaureate, and combined degree graduate courses taken as an undergraduate.

Maximum of 6 semester hours of independent study (AT 590/690).

Graduate Programs Disclaimer

• The student is ultimately responsible for knowing and completing all degree requirements. Students should consult with their advisor/department for more information.
• Not all graduate programs may be actively recruiting students and course modality availability may vary. 
• Please refer to the Explore Graduate Programs website for a list of currently available graduate programs.
• Transfer credit policy: Credits earned for graduate study at other universities (both domestic and international) may be applied toward an advanced degree. Only credit hours associated with graduate courses for which grades of B- or better were obtained will be eligible for transfer. Any additional conditions under which credit transfers may be made are determined by the various departments.
• Comparative information about Purdue University and other U.S. educational institutions is also available through the College Navigator tool, provided by the National Center for Education Statistics, and through the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.