Expert: David A. NewMyer - 12/8/2007

Question
Hi,
i am ashish, currently studying in my final year Engineering(electronics&communication).
I wish to pursue my Masters in Aviation Management.
I have given my GRE, but the score is really bad (1100).I could give it again, but honestly i dont have enough time as i am bang in the middle of exams,and i also want to start off my grad school to the earliest.

Im really having problems selecting a good grad school for this course (Aviation management).

I would really appreciate if you could help me on the same,and also guide me as to which country is the best for this course??

are Australia, France and UK as good as USA..??

also,what are the things that i should keep in mind while selecting a grad school for Aviation management,besides the internships..??

and,what is the difference between a MS in Aviation management and an MBA in Aviation...??

looking forward towards your reply,
thank you,
ashish,


Answer
Hi,

I am not sure that I will be of much help to you with my answer, but, I will try.  I am not specifically aware of the MBA or MS in aviation programs available in the UK, Australia or France.....I have heard that there are some, but, I do not know anything about those programs.  In the USA, there are good MBA in Aviation programs at several schools including Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Daniel Webster College and the University of Tennessee.  When comparing programs, you will need to find out as much as possible about:

1.  Program pre-requisites and requirements:  What does each program require you to have before you can enroll in and begin the program?  Some MBA programs will require quite a bit of pre-requisite coursework, which might be a major difference betweeen MBA and MS programs.

2. Curriculum structure and requirements:  I believe that the more hands-on aviation coursework, the better.  The aviation industry will, in hiring you, want to know what you know about aviation.....

3.  Placement:  What will each school do to assist you in getting a job after graduation?

4.  Cost?

5.  Length of program?

6.  Whether or not there is a thesis/writing requirement and/or an internship requirement....the writing requirement might be a good thing in that it might help youi get a job, but, at some schools, it might be a bit longer to get the degree with this requirement.

7.  Faculty/student ratio, faculty quality and faculty willingness to work closely with students....some schools are more student-friendly than others, and, you want to go to a school where the faculty are willing to help!

I hope that this helps!

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