Expert: David A. NewMyer - 3/23/2011

Question
QUESTION: Hi sir,
Im doing by B.E. aeronautical engineering at the Madras Institute of Technology , Anna University , Chennai. How is my bachelors degree at this unoversity recognized in the aviation circle..?
Im planning of pursuing a masters in aviation management. Is it a good idea to do that after my B.E? Im looking at a many colleges like Purdue , Florida Institute of Technology , Olklahoma State University , ERAU , and also Southern Illinois Carbondale.
Which stream has the best starting salary and what would be the starting salary be?
Would finding a job be problem for Indians in the US?
Kindly shed light on the various streams like Aviation safety, Aviation Human factors, Aviation systems management and all..
I have no idea what to select.. Personally i'd go for the one that has the most attractive salary package and job security.. So if u can give the top 5 degree programs that fits into my preferance that would be of immense help cuz am only in my second year and i can develop inerest and build my profile to meet their criteria.
And whats the safest gre score that will satisfy most universities' criteria..? would 1300 be good?
I knoow ive asked a lotta questions.. i apologise.. But this is just a confused youngster asking for help..
Thanking you,
Aditya.

ANSWER: Hi, Aditya:

Nice to hear from you, I will try to assist.

First of all, with regard to the acceptance of your B. E. in aeronautical engineering degree at U. S. universities, the best way to find out is to apply to those schools that you are interested in.  They will evaluate your degree and let you know of its acceptability.  

Second, a degree entitled "masters in aviation management"  (or an MBA in Aviation) is available at the following universities in the USA (contact each of them indvidually):

Auburn University, Alabama (MBA in aviation)

Daniel Webster College, New Hampshire (MBA in Aviation)

Dowling College, New York (MBA in aviation)

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Florida  (MBA in Aviation)

Middle Tennessee State University, Tennessee (M. S. in Aviation Administration)

Southeastern Oklahoma State University (M. S. in Aeronautical Administration)

Your best bet on checking on starting salaries is to ask each of the universities listed above what sorts of jobs their graduates get upon graduating and what their starting salaries are.  Also, ask each of them about international student placement.  The larger aviation schools such as Embry Riddle have "career centers" that help with aviation placement.  Ask each school about what services they provide for placement.  Also, check with each program regarding their specific GRE or other requirements.

As far as a track in the aviation safety or aviation human factors area, it is normally an expectation for someone in that sort of field to have "extra" operational qualifications beyond just a degree--meaning, pilot and/or aviation mechanic certification and some work experience to go with it.  In other words, it is important to have an aviation operational perspective in order to work in aviation safety or aviation human factors.

I hope that these answers are of help to you.

With very best wishes,

David A. NewMyer

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thank you sir.. that was very helpful.. the universoities that you have listed, are they the first garde top schools in the US?
and am also looking at ms aviation management at purdue and florida institute of technology.. how are they? are they top aviation colleges?
and alo what exactly is a mpa in aviation mean?what are the jobs offered after that.. the placement/ am asking this cuz i understand u work in southern illinois..
awaiting your respone..
thanking you,
aditya.

ANSWER: Hi,

Thanks for the follow up questions.

As for the universities listed, yes, they are all well-respected, aviation-oriented universities in the USA.

In terms of the degree program at Purdue University, that degree is a Masters in Technology with a concentration in aviation or aerospace management (one of five concentrations).  The masters at Florida Institute of Technology is focused on airport planning and management.  Both are excellent schools.

The MPA is a "Master in Public Administration" therefore, someone with an MPA in Aviation Administration is someone who has a career goal to work in federal, state/provincial or local government aviation agencies.  So, the placement would be, for example, with the Federal Aviation Administration or the Illinois (state) Department of Transportation/Division of Aeronautics or with the City of Chicago Department of Aviation.  (to name only three examples).  Some possible job titles would be Air Traffic Controller or Aviation Safety Inspector (at the FAA), or Airport Grant Coordinator (Illinois DOT) or airport operations coordinator (City of Chicago).

I hope that this  helps.

Best wishes,

David A. NewMyer

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thank you sir.. that was very helpful.. and one last question sir.. i wish to get a private pilots license too while doing my masters in aviation management.. if that school where am going to do my masters has a flight school too , can i get a p.p.l side by side too? is there a possibility?

Answer
Hi,

All of the schools mentioned except Daniel Webster have an active flight school.  So, obtaining your Private Pilot Certificate while working on a masters is a good possibility.  The issues that you will have to contend with will be the cost of the flight training and also the time devoted to taking the PPL course, as it is mixed into your work on your masters.  It might be a lot to balance depending on the circumstances.  Perhaps the PPL can be taken in the summer time, since that is frequently a less busy time for a masters program.

Best wishes,

David A. NewMyer