The most affordable Aviation masters degree online programs offer a flexible path to earn an advanced degree in aerospace or aviation.
Many professionals are looking to earn an accelerated online aviation Master’s degree in Aerospace or Aviation. With the demand for qualified candidates, schools have branched out of traditional programs in to accommodate online students. As more students work, schools offer more degree programs that take two years or less to complete. There are pros and cons to getting an accelerated degree.
Contents:
- Featured Programs
- Methodology for Ranking Low-Cost Accelerated Master’s in Aerospace and Aviation
- 10. Lynn University
- 9. Purdue University
- 8. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- 7. Middle Tennessee State University
- 6. Florida Institute of Technology
- 5. Oklahoma State University
- 4. Delta State University
- 3. American Public University
- 2. The University of North Dakota
- 1. The University of Central Missouri
- What are Career Options with a Master’s in Aerospace or Aviation Degree?
- Where Can You Work With a Master’s in Aviation?
- What is the Job Outlook in Aviation?
- How Much Can You Earn with Online Master’s Degrees in Aviation?
- What are the Various Disciplines of Aerospace and Aviation?
Featured Programs
Methodology for Ranking Low-Cost Accelerated Master’s in Aerospace and Aviation
The programs in this ranking are academically and professionally challenging. They were built to ensure that every student who graduates is prepared to take on different roles in the aerospace and aviation industry. While these programs differ in terms of their focus and career paths, all provide students with the proper education and training to enter the field.
This ranking uses research conducted by the National Center for Education Statistic publicly available College Navigator database. An initial pool of schools was created by searching for accelerated online Master’s in Aerospace and Aviation degrees. From there, various factors were considered. Criteria include tuition rates, time to completion rates, and also online program features.
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Hours to Research and Write this Article.
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Universities and Colleges we compared.
10. Lynn University
- Degree: MBA in Aviation Management
- Boca Raton, FL – School Profile
- Tuition: $13,320
- More: visit the Program Website for more about this online master’s degree.
The MBA in Aviation Management at Lynn University is perfect for students who are interested in administrative aviation careers. This degree is fully accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education. Additionally, it prepares students to take on the American Association of Airport Executives Certified Member examination. This qualification that is necessary for students who are interested in pursuing further professional development.
This 100 percent online program offers students the chance to earn their pilot’s license, private or commercial, through the Flight Academy. Students will find that the MBA curriculum focuses on leadership and management with courses about daily operations, budgeting, and also human resources. This degree requires 37 credit hours of coursework, a Strategic Management seminar, and a comprehensive written and oral exam. Additionally, students can complete this degree in as little as two years when they choose to study full-time. Courses include Aviation Organization Operations, Airport Operations, Aviation Law, and also Special Topics in Aviation Management.
9. Purdue University
- Degree: Master of Aeronautics and Astronautics Aerospace Engineering Program (MSAA)
- West Lafayette, IN – School Profile
- Tuition: $9,208
- More: visit the Program Website for more about this online master’s degree.
Students at Purdue University have the option to complete a one-year master’s in Aerospace and Aviation online graduate program. Through Purdue online professionals can earn the degree 100 percent online with no residency requirements. Students work through the curriculum at a pace that is comfortable for them. Courses are both asynchronous and synchronous in a traditional 16-week format and develop essential management and leadership skills.
Aviation students who choose to study full-time and take advantage of the summer term can complete the entire degree in 12 months. While part-time students may take up to five years to meet the requirements for graduation. This online graduate program does not offer free electives but rather provides a rigorous curriculum that will enable students to seek employment in mid-to senior-level levels in the industry. Degree completion requires 30 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and also a comprehensive written and oral exam. Sample courses include Aviation Leadership, International Civil Aviation Regulatory Systems, and also Research Methods in Aviation.
8. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- Degree: Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering
- Daytona Beach FL – School Profile
- Tuition: $17,712
- More: visit the Program Website for more about this online master’s degree.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is the only institution on this list devoted to the field of aviation. This school offers an affordable accelerated online master’s in aerospace engineering that comes with 10 concentrations, including Aeronautics, Aviation and Aeronautics Operations, and Small Unmanned Aircraft System Operation. Students complete their requirements 100 percent online through the school’s learning management system. Course sessions are held asynchronously or synchronously delivered in the traditional 16-week format. Full-time students can complete this online graduate program in less than two years while part-time students can take up to five years to graduate.
Graduate must complete a minimum of 33 credit hours of coursework, a thesis or a capstone project, and also a comprehensive written exam. Courses include Statistical Analysis for Aviation/Aerospace, Human Factors in the Aviation/Aerospace Industry, Aviation and Aerospace Management, and also Production and Procurement Management in the Aviation/Aerospace Industry.
7. Middle Tennessee State University
- Degree: Master of Science in Aeronautical Science
- Murfreesboro, TN School Profile
- Tuition: $8,946
- More: Program Website
The accelerated online MS in Aeronautical Science program at Middle Tennessee State University is perfect for working professionals. This 100 percent online degree offers three concentrations in Aviation Education, Aviation Management, and also Aviation Safety and Security Management. Students take live and on-demand courses in the traditional 16-week format. Summer terms run between eight to 12 weeks in length and cater to students on an accelerated plan of study.
Full time students can complete this degree in less than two years. And part-time students can take up to five years to obtain the requirements for graduation. This degree requires 36 credit hours of coursework, including a thesis or graduate research capstone project, and a comprehensive written and oral exam. Courses include Introduction to Aerospace Research, Aviation and Aerospace Management, Air Traffic Management, Aviation Safety Management, and also Applied Statistics in Aerospace Research.
6. Florida Institute of Technology
- Degree: Master of Science in Aviation
- Melbourne, FL School Profile
- Tuition: $22,338
- School Accreditation: SACS COC
- More: Program Website
The Florida Institute of Technology offers students the chance to complete an affordable accelerated master’s in aviation online program. It takes just two years from orientation to graduation through the use of a part-time plan of study. This Florida Tech degree gives working professionals in the aerospace and aviation field specialized knowledge to move forward in their careers. It is a wholly online, non-thesis program that does not require any campus residencies.
Students will be able to develop their own plan of study during their first semester in the program with the help of a graduate advisor. Courses delivered asynchronously and synchronously are through the school’s virtual portal. And the sessions follow the traditional academic term format. However, summer terms range from four to 12 weeks in length. To graduate, students must complete 30 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and also comprehensive written and oral exams. Sample courses include Impact of Aviation on Human Physiology, Air Traffic Management, Aviation Law, Complex Aviation Systems, and also Aviation Safety Management Systems.
5. Oklahoma State University
- Degree: online Master of Science in Aviation and Space
- Tulsa, OK School Profile
- Tuition: $5,531
- More: visit the Program Website for more about this aviation program.
The one-year online master’s in Aviation degree from Oklahoma State University is a great choice for working professionals in the field. This program is available 100 percent online for those who wish to pursue a part-time plan of study. It focuses on small class sizes and instruction by current and former professionals in the industry. Students take both asynchronous and synchronous courses delivered in eight-week sessions.
If a student follows the proposed plan of study, they will be able to complete the degree in just 12 months. This degree requires 33 credit hours of coursework, an aerospace research capstone project, and a comprehensive exam. Courses include Advanced Aviation Security, air traffic management, Historical Significance of Aviation, and Ethics in Aviation.
4. Delta State University
- Degree: online Master of Commercial Aviation
- Cleveland, MS – School Profile
- Tuition: $7,501
- School Accreditation: SACS COC
- More: visit the Program Website for more about this master’s program
Delta State University confers a 12-month online Master’s in Aerospace/Aviation degree that is perfect for working professionals who have already established their careers in the aviation field. This degree was built to be conferred entirely online and at the discretion and convenience of the professionals who take on the requirements. This program is dedicated to the field of commercial aviation, making it a great choice for commercial pilots who are interested in moving into managerial positions.
This degree is offered through the school’s virtual portal and utilizes live and on-demand courses that are held in 16-week sessions. Students also have the option of attending the summer term; full-time students who complete the degree in one year generally take one or two courses during this term to graduate within their allotted time frame. This degree requires 30 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive written and oral exam. Core courses include Advanced Aviation Safety, Airline Management, Aviation’s Regulatory Environment, Air Cargo and Logistics Management, Advanced Human Factors in Aviation and the Aerospace Industry, and also Statistics for Aviation Research.
3. American Public University
- Degree: Online Master of Science in Space Studies (MS)
- School Profile
- Tuition: $6,615
- More: visit the Program Website for more about this master’s program,
Working professionals who attend American Public University can enroll in the online Master of Science in Space Studies. The curriculum, developed by former National Aeronautics and Space Administration astronaut Dr. James Riley, is research-based and focuses on aeronautics. This 100 percent online degree comes three concentrations in Aerospace Science, Astronomy, and Space Policy. Additionally, monthly start dates let students begin their plan of study when it is suitable for them.
Asynchronous and synchronous courses delivered in either eight-week or 16-week sessions are the core. Students will be able to register for intensive courses in advance to ensure they complete their degree in the time they have given themselves. This degree requires 36 credit hours of coursework, a research capstone project, and a comprehensive written exam. Online courses include The Psychology and Physiology of Space, Introduction to Space Studies, and also Introduction to Orbital Mechanics.
2. The University of North Dakota
- Degree: Master of Science in Space Studies
- Grand Forks ND School Profile
- Tuition: $10,534
- More: Program Website
The University of North Dakota confers a popular accelerated online Master’s in Space Studies with four specializations. Students can choose from Human Factors, Management, Safety, and also Unmanned Aircraft Systems. This degree is offered 100 percent online with no residency requirements and may be completed in less than two years. It is a program that has been designed for working professionals who are currently active in the field and will provide them with the advanced knowledge they will need in order to further their career goals.
Students attend live classes delivered through the school’s learning management system and can choose from three start dates. A full-time student who takes advantage of summer sessions will be able to complete this degree in less than two years. This is a thesis-optional degree that requires more coursework if a student opts out of researching a thesis. Other requirements include 36 credit hours of coursework, an Aviation capstone project, and a comprehensive written and oral exam. Sample courses include General Issues in Aviation/Aerospace, Aviation Safety Management Systems, and Legal Issues in Aviation.
1. The University of Central Missouri
- Degree: Master of Science in Aviation Safety
- Warrensburg, MO School Profile
- Tuition: $7,524
- School Accreditation: HLC
- More: visit the Program Website for more about this aviation program.
Students at the University of Central Missouri are offered a one-of-a-kind accelerated online master’s in aviation safety. The school also offers students the chance to learn to fly planes through the flight academy; the flight academy sessions must be completed on campus.
This degree can be earned entirely online or in a blended format. This is a two-year plan of study that does not require a thesis and will pave the way forward for students to become promoted in their current positions or move to a different specialization altogether. All courses are delivered asynchronously or synchronously online and there are no campus residency requirements. Students will find that their requirements include 32 credit hours of coursework, a research project, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Airmanship and Pilot Performance, Aviation Systems Safety and Risk Management, and also Principles of Aviation Accident Causation.
What are Career Options with a Master’s in Aerospace or Aviation Degree?
Earning a aviation master’s degree in aerospace/aviation provides professionals with the chance to work in a wide variety of settings. Some places include the private sector as well as for the government. The field is rapidly growing, requiring more professionals, so the need for qualified candidates continues to grow. Below is a short list of possible careers for graduates with online master’s degrees.
- Air Traffic Controller / Air Traffic Controllers
- Commercial Pilot / Commercial Pilots
- Military Pilot / Military Pilots
- Airport Manager / Airport Managers
- Aerospace Engineer
- Field Service Engineer
- Aviation Meteorologist
- C-Level Executive
- Manufacturing Engineer
- Aerospace Model Technician
- Avionic Technician
- Pilot Astronaut
Students will note that some of these career options, such as astronaut or pilot, do require professional training beyond the classroom. They will also need to be in top physical and psychological shape to take on these roles.
Where Can You Work With a Master’s in Aviation?
High-profile jobs, such as those offered by the military or government agencies, require a great deal of commitment on the part of the individual. For example, to become a military pilot, students will need to gain their education, enter the military, go through basic training, and then go through military pilot training programs. The same is true for NASA. In both cases, these professionals are government employees and will need to follow a specific set of rules and guidelines in order to maintain their career trajectory.
- Regulatory Agencies
- Military and Civil Aviation Safety Boards
However, there are other employers besides the government. Below are some of the other aviation safety employers.
- Private Airlines (ie Delta Airlines, American Airlines)
- Aerospace Equipment Manufacturers
- Aviation Consulting Firms
- Airport Management and Design Agencies
- Teaching and Flight Training Companies
What is the Job Outlook in Aviation?
Job growth and the career outlook in Aviation is positive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects the overall employment of airline and commercial pilots to grow by four percent (4%) over the next decade. Career opportunities will grow as the demand for air travel increases.
| Occupational Title | Growth % |
|---|---|
| Air Transportation Workers | 7% |
| Aircraft Pilots | 4% |
| Flight Engineers | 4% |
| Copilots | 4% |
| Commercial Pilots | 4% |
How Much Can You Earn with Online Master’s Degrees in Aviation?
The field of aerospace and aviation varies in salary. The current salary range is between $60,000 to $288,000. The lower portion of the range is for entry-level positions, such as technicians and consultants. While the higher range focuses on C-level executive positions within the private sector and entrepreneurs who have built their own businesses.
Students should note that higher-paying jobs come with the expectation that students have invested into their chosen career through membership in professional organizations, certification, or licensure, and, in some cases, have even completed outside professional training that is separate from what they would learn in the classroom.
What are the Various Disciplines of Aerospace and Aviation?
The aerospace and aviation field is one that includes every facet of the STEM general fields. Students learn everything from physics to engineering to computer programming and more.
- Math
- Computer Science
- Management
- Fluid Mechanics
- Transportation Theory
- Chemistry
- Mechanics
- Propulsion
Others Include:
- Electronics
- Guidance and Control
- Systems Design
- Thermodynamics
The amount and the variety of the disciplines that a professional will encounter during their career will depend on their specialization in aeronautics or aviation. Professionals who work as managers will deal more with the logistics and organization of a business or airport while pilots and astronauts focus on the mechanics and engineering that keep them in flight.
As America continues to expand its aerospace and aviation abilities, it has become more important than ever to provide training to professionals who do not have the time to attend a traditional program. From engineers and managers to pilots and astronauts, there are programs available throughout the country that will enable working professionals to further their education. The accelerated online master’s in Aerospace Aviation degrees in this ranking will provide every interested student with the knowledge and training they need to become qualified and ethical leaders in this industry.
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