Expert: David A. NewMyer - 1/22/2008

Question
Hi David,

I am a commerce undergraduate doing a distance program for Management from Welingkar's Management institute (mumbai,India). I am working full time as a guest service representative(GSA) for Kingfisher Airlines (KFA)based at Jaipur airport in India.
I want to pursue aviation management in USA. Doubts that I have are:-
1) How helpful is aviation management for a career in aviations?
2) which universities provide this program in US and are good?
3) Is there a way of receiving some kind of aid or scholarship if I pursue a course there?

Any information regarding the same would be very helpful.Thanks a lot.
Regards,
Akshyat Mathur

Answer
Hi,

It is nice to hear from you.  I will try to assist with your questions.

1. and 2.  Aviation Management as a degree field is offered by over 60 universities and colleges in the USA.  It has been offered as a separate degree title since the 1930s.  As a major it is considered particularly helpful to those with a technical background in aviation (such as pilot or mechanic) or for those with a work background in aviation who wish to advance in aviation.  The purpose of an aviation management degree is to help the student understand the size and structure of the industry within which they are working and what the peculiar management traits that this industry has had and will have in the future.  From this perspective, it helps you as an entry level management candidate within the airlines know what is needed to move up in the organization and what sorts of challenges and issues an airline manager faces.

A listing of universities in the USA that offer aviation management is available from the University Aviation Association at www.uaa.aero  This listing is entitled THE COLLEGIATE AVIATION GUIDE.  Some of the schools that offer aviation management are:

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
University of North Dakota
Purdue University
Parks College of St. Louis University
Southern Illinois University Carbondale (where I work)
Arizona State University

3.  With regard to scholarships, there are two particular websites to consult:

www.uaa.aero has a COLLEGIATE AVIATION SCHOLARSHIP LISTING

www.avscholars.com has some good information on aviation-related financial aid and scholarships

Also, most individual schools and colleges will have scholarship information for you when you apply for admission.

Best wishes to you,

David A. NewMyer, Ph.D., Professor and Chair
Aviation Management and Flight
Southern Illinois University Carbondale