PhD in Aviation Management: Online and Campus-Based Programs
Though not offered entirely online, aviation PhD programs can include partial online options. Read on to learn about types of doctoral degrees in aviation, admission requirements, coursework, online resources and what you can do with this degree.
What Types of Doctoral Degrees In Aviation Can I Earn?
If your interest is in doctoral aviation-related study, the most common program you will find is a Ph.D. in Aviation. These programs, though not common, are offered at select colleges and universities, particularly those with aeronautics departments. You can also pursue a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree that has an emphasis on aviation, though these are rare. The latter option will primarily train you for a role in teaching and training.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Programs</b></td><td>Ph.D. programs and Ed.D. programs are available at select institutions; Ed.D. programs prepare you for a teaching/training role</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Prerequisites</b></td><td>Typical requirements include a bachelor's or master's degree along with work experience and scores from the GRE or MAT</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Coursework</b></td><td>Aircraft systems, airport procedures, leadership, and the global economic state of the aviation industry; a dissertation may be required</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Online Options</b></td><td>Fully online programs are not available, but some coursework may be completed online</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Career Options</b></td><td>Senior researcher or analyst, senior administrator in aviation field, educator in aviation</td></tr>
<tr><td><b> Median Salary (2020)</b> </td><td> $130,420 (<i>for all air traffic controllers</i>)</td></tr>
<tr><td><b> Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 1% growth (<i>for all air traffic controllers</i>)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreTheAdmissionsRequirements">What Are the Admissions Requirements?</h3><p>You'll need at least a bachelor's degree, if not a master's degree, prior to entering a Ph.D. program in aviation. If you don't have a prior degree in aviation, you may need to complete prerequisite coursework in such areas as <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Bachelor_of_Science_in_Aviation_Management_Program_FAQs.html">aviation management</a>, aviation law and aviation finance. You may also need to have professional experience in the aviation industry. This can include work as a pilot, air traffic controller or aviation instructor. Most programs will also require you to submit scores from a graduate admissions test, such as the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
</p><h3 id="section---WhatWillIStudy">What Will I Study?</h3><p>Your required courses for a Ph.D. will include basic training in many essentials of the aviation industry, including aircraft systems, safety regulations and airport procedures. You'll also study topics that will prepare you for a senior role in the industry. These may include courses in the effective leadership of aviation organizations and the global economic state of the aviation industry. In most programs, your study will culminate in the writing and defense of a dissertation.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatOnlinePossibilitiesAreThere">What Online Possibilities Are There?</h3><p>You won't be able to complete an aviation-related Ph.D. entirely through online study. This is due to a variety of factors, including teaching and dissertation defense requirements. However, some programs offer online options for certain required courses.
</p><p>Even though you may only be completing a handful of courses online, this option allows you to study wherever you have high-speed Internet access. You can also typically complete these courses on your own, freeing up your schedule for other obligations.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCanIDoWithThisDegree">What Can I Do With This Degree?</h3><p>A doctorate in aviation will prepare you for many careers in the world of air travel. While not required for most positions within the industry, a Ph.D. can help you advance into a senior research or analyst role. You may also work as a senior administrator in the public or private sector. Among the fields in which you can work are aviation safety, airline management, air traffic control and accident investigations. You may also go into education with this degree, teaching at a college or university.</p>