Expert: David A. NewMyer - 9/14/2004

Question
Hi, I am an Electrical Engineer with a Private Pilot's Certification and a keen interest in the avaition industry. Although my initial goal was to become a pilot, it may not be a bad idea to have backup as the airlines do not seem to be hiring very many pilots at the moment. I was looking at getting an "MBA in Aviation Management" at Dowling College (in Long Island, NY). Is this considered a good college for this type of degree?

Also, what kind of jobs can one expect to get with this kind of a degree? Any idea on the salary ranges? Is it comparable to most private sector salaries for MBA's? Thank You!

Answer
Hi, Amit:

It is good to hear from you.  I will try to assist.

First of all, the MBA in general is a good degree for gaining entry level access to all parts of the business world.  It is a degree that is generally recognized.  As far as the MBA in aviation, there are three schools that I know of that offer this degree, and they are:

Concordia University, (their John Molson School of Business), Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL

and,

Dowling

Of the three above, Dowling is the least known.  The key, however, is to make sure that the degree is fully accredited by the AACSB-The International Association for Management Education.  The kinds of jobs that you can expect to do with an MBA would relate to finance, human resources and general management of any business....in this case, the application would be to airlines, aviation manufacturers and any large aviation or aerospace company.  There is less applicaiton in the government sectors, although it can still work there for entry level employment.  Depending on where you go to work, the salary ranges will be from $30,000 to $45,000 a year.

I believe that another key is that Dowling themselves should have some placement information or placement history for its graduates.  Check with them.  I know that Concordia University and Embry Riddle will have that information, too.

Best wishes to you,

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