Expert: David A. NewMyer - 4/17/2008

Question
Hello Sir,
Myself Divyang.I am doing my MS(1st Sem.) from NYIT,USA.But my basic interest is to make my career in aviation field.So I am planning to change my field.But I am confused about that.I having following quetions.So please help me.
1)Is it advisable to do Bachelors again as a starting point to get into the field or any good masters course(which is having good industrial value) are available?
2)Which college should I select?Is it good to join any school like Vaughn College?
3)My basic intereset is in somewhat like Airport Management or Aerospace engineering?So advise me some good college for that also.
4)Is there any government accreditation that I need to check with college?
5)What about A&P Mechanic?

Sir,this is very critical decision for me as if lots of money and time being invested.So may be I will not get the second chance to do my MS.This decision must be wise for me.So please sugget me some good college and good course (preferably Masters but no matter if I have to start from grassfoot level).So please assist me as soon as possible.I will be highly thankfull to you.

Reagards
Divyang

Answer
Hi, Divyang:

Nice to haar from you....I will try to assist!

1.  I think it would be advisable in most areas to pursue a bachelor's degree in your aviation field of choice (especially if you decide to choose the A and P mechanic alternative).  Most masters degrees in aviation build upon background that a student would have had in their undergraduate course of study.

2.  As far as locations to study aviation in the USA, there is an excellent directory entitled THE COLLEGIATE AVIATION GUIDE that is published by the University Aviation Association.  It is available by emailing them at www.uaa.aero or by calling them at 334-844-2434.
Vaughn College is a school I have heard of, but, there are other options out there.

3.  Aerospace Engineering is not a field of study that I know well.  There are a number of schools that offer this program including Georga Tech, the University of Illinois and Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.  As far as airport management is concerned, there are several schools to consider including the University of North Dakota, Middle Tennessee State University, Florida Tech, Southern Illinois University Carbondale and Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.

4.  If you pursue either flight or A and P, there is Federal Aviation Administration certification of schools that offer these programs.  Ask each school to make sure that they are properly certified.

5.  There are excellent A and P mechanic schools at Western Michigan University, Kansas State University Salina, Southern Illinois University Carondale and Purdue University.

I hope that this message is helpful to you.

Best wishes,

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