Expert: David A. NewMyer - 12/21/2004

Question
Dear Mr.David,

Am 22 year old and i have Finished my Bachelor of Engg in Mechanical in India and now am working in Hong kong and Managing a Company. Am having much interest in the Field of Airlines and Shipping. So i have decided to MBA-Aviation Managmen.
1.)What i want to know is is by Bachelor Degree is enough to do Aviation Managment. ?
2.) I have found various Universities in US and Australia, Embry Riddle,Concordia,Dowling and RMIT.I want to know which is the Best University according to studies and carrer ?
3.) If i cannot able to do Aviation Managment means what are all the courses available to do according to my Ineterst.

Awaiting for your reply.

Regards
Sam
Hong Kong.

Answer
Hi, Sam:

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

1)  To find out if the your Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering is enough for entry into the MPA in Aviation Management, you will have to contact the schools to which you are interested in applying and find out what their admission requirements are.  The main concern I would have about your background is whether or not you will have enough information about the aviation industry (which most of your fellow students will already have, either via work experience or via a BS in Aviation Management, or, both) to academically compete in classes.  However, it is up to the universities to decide whether to admit you or not, so, check their requirements.

2.  Of the schools you list, I would pick Concordia University in Montreal first, Embry Riddle second and Dowling a distant third.  I do not know about RMIT....  I have taught on a guest lecture basis at Concordia Univesity's Aviation MBA program and found the students to be well qualified and the program to be well organized and supported.  The key for you to select a good school for your studies is to review all program information including costs, degree structure, accreditation, job placement, faculty qualifications and the like and then make a sound judgment for yourself.  

3.  If you can not take an Aviation MBA program, I would recommend starting with a B. S. in Aviation Management first.  This degree will then give you the background to successfully reapply to an aviation MBA program, or, even get a job and bypass the MBA altogether.

I hope that this information is of assistance to you.

Sincerely,

David A. NewMyer, Ph.D., Professor and Chair
Aviation Management and Flight
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
http://www.aviation.siu.edu