Expert: David A. NewMyer - 3/30/2011

Question
hello sir!!.how are you?

I am an under graduate student of aeronautical engineering, presently in the final semester. i am planning to continue with my post-graduate studies in the USA.I am not good with the technical aspects(analysis of various design's using the various software tools) of this stream, and am looking for a career in aviation safety.can u please guide me about the future prospects about this course and if it will be better if i pursue master of science in aviation safety first and the MBA in aviation safety later on or should i only do one of these??

Regards,
Thank You!!

Answer
HI, Ayaz:

Thank you for your question, I will try to assist.

First of all, I am not aware of an MBA in Aviation Safety degree.  Usually, the MBA in aviation is totally focused on business-related classes with an emphasis on aviation examples (such as airlines, aviation manufacturers, etc).  These programs normally do not mix in the study of aviation safety subjects.  That would be too much to cover in one masters degree.

Therefore, your choices would be either a Masters in Aviation Safety (there is a good program at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University at Prescott, Arizona and another at Central Missouri State University, Missouri) or the MBA in Aviation (there are a few such programs offered at schools like Auburn University, Dowling College, the University of Tennesse at Knoxville and at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL).

My perspective on the choice between the two degrees is that the Masters in Aviation Safety will be a more technical degree with a focus on accident investigation, accident statistics and accident causation, along with aviation psychology, etc.  It would help to have a background in aviation to take the aviation safety program.  You will have to ask them if the undergraduate degree in aeronautical engineering is enough.  The MBA in aviation will require you to have some pre-requistes in the business field (undergraduate classes in economics, marketing, finance, accouting, etc).

As far as the future of these fields and obtaining employment, I would think that this question would be one of the things you would ask of each school to which you apply:  In other words, how well do graduates of these programs do from each school and what kinds of placement process does each school have to support its graduates?

I hope that this answer has been of assistance to you. Please ask a follow up question via AllExperts if you have any further questions.

Thank you,

David A. NewMyer