10 Best Aviation Management Degrees in 2026

If you're interested in pursuing an aviation management degree, you may want to learn more about the options available. Particularly, you're wondering which schools offer the best online bachelor's degrees in aviation management.

Keep reading as we explore this question in detail. We'll provide a list of top schools and degree programs and answer related questions you may be asking.

What Is Aviation Management?

Aviation management refers to various leadership roles at airports, within airlines, and in other businesses related to aviation. Those in this field typically hold leadership positions in flight logistics, marketing, aircraft maintenance, customer service, and other specific departments.

Those interested in aviation management careers typically need a bachelor's degree in aviation management or a related field. Some positions may call for a master's degree.

Skills You'll Learn in an Aviation Management Program

An aviation management program teaches many important skills you'll need for the job. Some of these skills include:

• airport operations
• aviation safety and security
• airline finance and economics
• leadership and business strategy

10 Best Aviation Management Degrees in 2026

If you're ready to start pursuing your aviation management career, keep reading. Below, we'll explore 10 of the best schools offering an aviation management degree online, in-person, or in a hybrid format.

1. Southern Utah University

Southern Utah University is a public school located in Cedar City, UT. It offers a Bachelor of Aviation Management degree that students can complete either online or in person.

Students in this program gain a strong understanding of aviation operations, safety, and other principles to help them succeed in their careers. Courses cover aviation law, strategic thinking, lean management, and aeronautical decision making.

• Estimated tuition cost: $307 to $546.40 per credit hour
• Delivery format: Online and on-campus
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

2. Delta State University

Delta State University is a public school in Cleveland, MS. Students at this school can pursue a Bachelor of Commercial Aviation in aviation management.

Students can complete courses either online, in-person, or a combination of both, and new applicants are accepted year-round. Courses cover a wide range of subjects such as airport management, transportation operations management, and financial accounting.

• Estimated tuition cost: $351 per credit hour
• Delivery format: Online, hybrid, and on-campus
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

3. Lynn University

Lynn University is a private school located in Boca Raton, FL. Learners attending this school can enroll in a flexible, 100% online bachelor's degree in aviation management.

To be considered for admission, students must provide official transcripts, a completed application, and a personal statement. The program features three yearly start dates, asynchronous classes, and affordable tuition rates.

• Estimated tuition cost: $375 per credit hour
• Delivery format: Online
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. Liberty University

Liberty University is a private Christian school in Lynchburg, VA. It offers a range of online degree programs, including Bachelor of Science degrees in aviation management and aviation maintenance management.

Both programs provide students with a solid blend of real-world learning and online flexibility. Courses are available in eight-week sessions, and a generous transfer policy can help students graduate more quickly.

• Estimated tuition cost: $390 per credit hour
• Delivery format: Online
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Indiana Wesleyan University

Indiana Wesleyan University is a private school in Marion, IN. It provides a Bachelor of Science in aviation management that allows students to earn a pilot's license while working toward their degree.

All degree courses are offered online in flexible six-week sessions and cover topics like global aviation operations, safety, and laws and regulations. Students complete 12-week flight courses in-person in the local area to earn their pilot's license.

• Estimated tuition cost: $405 per credit hour
• Delivery format: Hybrid
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

6. Kansas State University

Kansas State University is a public university located in Manhattan, KS. Learners at this school can pursue many degrees in a flexible online format, including a bachelor's degree in aviation management.

Students must meet university requirements for admission, which include having either a 3.25 GPA or a score of 21 on the ACT. The curriculum includes courses on human factors in aviation, aviation ethics and leadership, and aviation meteorology.

• Estimated tuition cost: $418.95 per credit hour
• Delivery format: Online
• Accreditation: HLC

7. Florida Institute of Technology

The Florida Institute of Technology is a private school located in Melbourne, FL. It offers both Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees in aviation management.

The BS degree is available in person, while learners can earn the BA degree online. The school is highly transfer-friendly, making it a great option for students with previous college credits.

• Estimated tuition cost: $552.50 per credit hour
• Delivery format: Online and in-person
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota is located in Grand Forks, ND. This public university features a top-notch Bachelor of Business Administration degree in aviation management.

Students complete this degree on campus and can earn their pilot's license as part of the program. In addition to the flight track, three other specializations are available: dispatch, airport management, and air transportation.

• Estimated tuition cost: $561.58 per credit hour
• Delivery format: On-campus
• Accreditation: HLC

9. Kent State University

Kent State University is a public school based in Kent, OH. Students attending school on campus can earn a Bachelor of Science in aviation management.

This highly selective program chooses students based on the strength of their GPA and grade trends, as well as their college prep curriculum. Courses include introduction to aeronautics, fundamentals of air traffic control, and labor relations in aviation.

• Estimated tuition cost: $610.75 per credit hour (in-state)
• Delivery format: On-campus
• Accreditation: HLC

10. Point Park University

Point Park University is a private school in Pittsburgh, PA. It offers a Bachelor of Science in aviation management that students can complete online or in a hybrid format.

This top program features Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) partnerships and flexible coursework. Topics include corporate and business aviation, unmanned aircraft systems, and aviation research.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,088 per credit hour
• Delivery format: Online and hybrid
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

How We Rank Schools

We strive to select the best programs for our school rank lists. We used the following criteria when choosing the aviation management degrees featured above:

• Accreditation: Each school is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting body such as the Higher Learning Commission.
• Program reputation: Each program has a reputation for providing strong academics and high-quality online or in-person learning opportunities.
• Affordability: All of the schools offer affordable tuition rates and/or generous financial aid options for students on a budget.

Career Paths With an Aviation Management Degree

With an aviation management degree, you can pursue a wide range of leadership positions within the aviation industry. Common career paths include:

• operation management
• general management
• customer service management
• transportation management
• flight engineering management

FAQs About Aviation Management Degrees

If you still have questions about pursuing a top aviation management degree, you're not alone. Read on to find answers to some commonly asked questions.

What Jobs Can I Get With an Aviation Management Degree?

There are many specific job titles you can pursue with a degree in aviation management. Some top options include:

• airline manager
• marketing manager
• airport executive
• airline consultant
• airport operations coordinator

How Long Does an Aviation Management Program Take?

A bachelor's degree in aviation management typically takes about four years of full-time study to complete. A master's degree may take an additional one to two years. Keep in mind that these are only average timeframes; it is possible to accelerate your studies to finish sooner, and many schools allow part-time study options to provide students with a slower, more relaxed pace.

Do I Need a Pilot's License for Aviation Management?

Each individual degree will have different admission requirements, but generally speaking, a pilot's license isn't necessary for acceptance into an aviation management program. This is because many leadership roles in aviation don't require knowledge of how to fly a plane. That said, some programs enable students to earn their pilot's license as part of their degree.

What Salary Can Aviation Management Graduates Expect?

Salary expectations for aviation management graduates can vary widely depending on their specific role, level of education, and geographic region. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), roles and average annual salaries may include:

• aircraft cargo handling supervisors: $53,540
• first-line supervisors, transportation, and material moving workers: $78,250
• general and operations managers: $147,210

Explore Flight Schools

If you're ready to begin your aviation management journey, explore the programs on Learn.org. Contact any of the featured colleges to find out more about their aviation management degrees and choose the right one for you.