Expert: David A. NewMyer - 8/27/2007

Question
Dr. NewMyer,

I've begun my career as a flight instructor in the Saint Louis area, and though I have not taught long, I enjoy teaching.   The airlines hold no real appeal for me, and so I'm thinking that I would like to spend my career in aviation education, eventually teaching classes in a university setting.

I hold a B.S. in History and, once the paperwork goes through, two Associate degrees in aviation fields.   I know that to teach at a college or university level I need to pursue a graduate degree.   Do you have any suggestions for a degree track I can follow.   I have looked into the Masters in Aviation from UND and other similar programs, but have also considered a Masters in Education.

One more question for you as well, sir.   Do you have any advice for someone who is interested in a career in aviation education.

Thank you for your time and advice,
-Steve

Answer
Hi,

One thing is for sure:  If you have a baccalaureate degree and over 40 hours of dual given, you qualify for a job as an entry-level flight instruction faculty member here at Southern Illinois University Carbondale....so, that might give you a start on a career in a university setting.  Email the Chief Flight Instructor, John Voges, at jvoges@siu.edu if you are interested in more details.  We pay $2400 a month and we have state of Illinois benefits....

As for your direct questions:

Degree:  Some institutions will require specific degrees for specific programs.  As far as master's degrees are concerned that might be used to support a career in teaching in aviation, a masters in an education field would be just fine.  Most of our flight instruction faculty looking to advance here at SIUC have masters in Workforce Education or they have the Master in Public Administration in Aviation Administration.

As far as general advice for anyone considering a career in aviation education, I would consider joining the University Aviation Association.  Go to their website at www.uaa.aero and complete a Professional member application and send it in.....they have a newsletter that comes out approximately every two months that has job listings, interesting articles on aviation education, etc.  The cost to join is, I think, $60 a year.  Put me down as the one who recommended you....

And, if you wish to get further advice, please continue to ask me questions via this website or by emailing me at newmyer@siu.edu    If I can not answer your questions, I will find someone who can.

Best wishes to you,

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