Expert: David A. NewMyer - 8/22/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hello.  Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions.  I am 30 years old and has a BS in computer science.  I have realized that I do not have the passion for computer science.  I am becoming more and more interested in the field of aviation.  Here are my questions:

1. Since I have a bachelor in computer science, would it be wiser for me to pursue a masters degree in aviation or obtain another bachelor degree in aviation.

2. I am looking at an option to take online courses from Embry.  They offer Masters in Management and Masters in Project Management. As far as the job outlook, salary, and the demand, any suggestions as to which direction I should head based on just that?

3.  If you had to recommend one, which field/specialization would you bet on for job security/salary/growth?

ANSWER: Hi,

There are a lot of directions to go in aviation, but, I think that your best bet would be to combine your computer knowledge with some aviation knowledge via a master's program and not a second bachelors.....UNLESS you were thinking about getting into the aviation maintenance field (which requires some specific, certification-related training).  The value of knowing aviation maintenance would be that aviation manufacturers value that knowledge in its product support job placement area, which is lucrative and has good long-term job prospects.

As far as going the master's route, it would seem to me (without specifically knowing the content of the program) that a project management masters might be the best course.  The aviation manufacturers tend to pay their managers the best and they tend to need project management skills due their reliance on suppliers and the supply chain in order to build and maintain their aircraft.  I am also assuming that project management specialists use a lot of computer skills, some of which you might well have (other than knowledge of specific project management software).

The aviation industry, in general, is divided up into four main components:

Aviation Manufacturing:  525,000 jobs

Airlines:  576,000 jobs (mostly operations jobs such as pilots, mechanics, customer service agents, ramp service, etc)

General Aviation: 538,000 jobs

Government Jobs related to aviation:  180,000

In general, aviation manufacturers have the best entry level pay and have really good benefits.  The big ones are Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, etc.

Best wishes in your decision on a degree program,

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


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your response.  I am also interested in MBA in Aviaton.  I wanted to your take on that.  Thanks.

Answer
Hi,

The MBA in Aviation would also be a good degree to pursue.  There are three out there that have some good buzz:

Concordia University, John Molson School of Business, offers an Aviation MBA in Montreal, Quebec...either in Montreal or a hybrid on-line plus some class attendance (last time I checked)

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, FL also offers an Aviation MBA

Daniel Webster College in Nashua, New Hampshire offers an Aviation MBA all on line....

All three provide interesting options and this degree would build a good bridge for someone with no background in aviation.

Sincerely,

David A. NewMyer