Aviation Technology, MSAAM (OL)

About the Program

The Master of Science in Aviation and Aerospace Management (Online) prepares professionals to lead and manage complex aviation and aerospace enterprises in safety-critical, highly regulated, and globally interconnected environments. Designed for working professionals, the fully online program develops advanced competencies in analytics, operational improvement, safety management, financial strategy, regulatory systems, and organizational leadership.

The curriculum integrates quantitative research methods, statistical analysis, and data-driven decision-making to strengthen students’ ability to evaluate operational performance, financial risk, safety outcomes, and organizational effectiveness. Students gain proficiency in research design, descriptive and inferential statistics, regression analysis, and the application of analytical software tools to real-world aviation and transportation challenges.

Operational excellence is emphasized through coursework in workflow analysis, value-added assessment, quality improvement, process measurement validation, and continuous improvement methodologies. Students apply these tools in industry-focused projects that mirror the operational realities of airlines, airports, aerospace organizations, and transportation systems.

The program also develops depth in aviation finance and asset strategy, including aircraft acquisition planning, leasing structures, capital markets evaluation, maintenance reserve analysis, revenue management, and risk mitigation through financial instruments. These courses prepare graduates to analyze complex financial and operational interdependencies within aviation enterprises.

Safety, human factors, and organizational risk management are central to the degree. Students examine human error taxonomies, high reliability organization principles, safety management systems, and models of organizational accidents. Through case studies and applied research, they develop strategies to mitigate risk and strengthen safety culture in high-consequence operational environments.

Leadership and organizational effectiveness are addressed through the study of aviation enterprise management, team development, global regulatory frameworks, transportation security systems, and training program design. Students learn to distinguish leadership and management functions, assess global regulatory structures, and design workforce development systems aligned with organizational objectives.

Graduates are prepared for advanced leadership and analytical roles in airlines, airports, aerospace manufacturers, regulatory agencies, consulting firms, and transportation enterprises. The program also provides a strong foundation for doctoral study and advanced research in aviation and aerospace management.

Program Website

Program Requirements

30 Credits Required

Concentrations

Departmental concentrations:

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

Program Learning Outcomes

GPA Requirements

Students must maintain a 3.00 GPA minimum to be granted the degree.

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.