Expert: David A. NewMyer - 6/28/2007

Question
I am in my 12th grade in the science stream and am planning on taking aeronautical engineering(BSc). I would want to know more about this degree. Also, I would like to work as an airport operations manager. Can I take a masters degree for that? I would appreciate information on the duration and subjects for the masters of the same.
Thank You

Answer
Hi,

I am not an expert on aeronautical engineering and I can not help you with that part of your question.

As for airport operations management, there are undergraduate and graduate degrees that prepare you for that field.  In the undergraduate market, you can take a major in AVIATION MANAGEMENT OR AVIATION ADMINISTRATION.  Over 60 US universities offer such a degree.  They are listed in something called THE COLLEGIATE AVIATION GUIDE that is available from the University Aviation Association at www.uaa.aero.

As far as master's degrees related to airport management, there are two in the USA that I am aware of and they are both MASTER OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION IN AVIATION ADMINISTRATION DEGREES.  They are offered by my university, Southern Illinois University Carbondale at www.aviation.siu.edu and the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Best wishes to you,

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