Aviation Management, BS
Pilots are only one part of the aviation industry — leaders are also needed to manage airports, airlines and more. CBU’s aviation management program will prepare students to do just that.
Program Intro
Students will learn the business of aviation, completing courses in aviation safety, security, finance and consulting, airport management, airport planning and design, and more. Upon graduation, and depending on the concentration selected, graduates will be prepared to enter various segments of the aviation industry, including aerospace technology, airport management and operations, dispatch, flight operations or logistics and operations.
Facts & Stats
*19-22 required major courses, depending on concentration
Why Study Aviation Management at CBU?
Learn the business side of aviation
This program is designed for students who desire a non-flight career with flexible career options. It’s a business-based aviation degree, and includes courses in airport management, airline management, aviation consulting, airport planning and design, aviation finance and more. Students will learn from an accredited airport executive and certified aviation manager with airport industry experience. They’ll have the opportunity to tour various airports and attend the American Association of Airport Executives annual conference.
Study at an airport
We currently have a brand-new fleet of Piper aircraft, a 9,000 square-foot Flight Operations Center with classrooms, flight planning room, flight simulators, full kitchen and student lounge. Riverside Municipal Airport offers a safe flight training environment, with two paved runways, and is less than three miles from the CBU campus.
What You'll Learn
Students in CBU's aviation management bachelor's program will learn to:
- Apply mathematics, science, and applied sciences to aviation-related disciplines.
- Analyze and interpret data.
- Work effectively on multidisciplinary and diverse teams.
- Make professional and ethical decisions.
- Communicate effectively, using both written and oral communication skills.
- Engage in and recognize the need for lifelong learning.
- Assess contemporary issues.
- Use the techniques, skills, and modern technology necessary for professional practice.
- Assess the national and international aviation environment.
- Apply pertinent knowledge in identifying and solving problems.
- Apply knowledge of business sustainability to aviation issues.
- Describe the professional attributes, requirements or certifications, and planning applicable to aviation careers.
Program Details
AMG 332: Airport Management II
An in-depth study of airport finance and administration, planning, construction, environmental, operations, security, maintenance, communications and community relations.
AMG 423: Airport Planning and Design
An in-depth study of planning, including data collection, forecasting, master planning, and environmental issues.
AMG 424: Business Aviation Management
An in-depth study of business aviation, including transportation needs analysis, aircraft acquisition methods, aviation department management, operations, maintenance, and safety.
- Aerospace Technology Concentration
- Airport Management and Operations Concentration
- Dispatch Concentration
- Flight Operations Concentration
- Logistics and Operations Concentration
C. Daniel Prather, Ph.D.
Professor of Aviation Science
Office Phone: 951-343-4924
E-mail: dprather@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: Flight Operations Center, ARPT 127
C. Daniel Prather, Ph.D.
Professor of Aviation Science
Office Phone: 951-343-4924
E-mail: dprather@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: Flight Operations Center, ARPT 127
My classes with Dr. Prather helped me decide that airport operations was the career path that I wanted to take. Now that I have been working in the industry, I do not regret that decision one bit.
Dillon Chado '17
Airport Operations Supervisor, Louisville Regional Airport Authority
Since I graduated I obtained a position with the FAA as an air traffic control specialist. I use things I learned at CBU all the time. My experience there was unforgettable and helped shape who I am.
Braeden Pilcher '16
Air Traffic Control Specialist, FAA
The aviation industry has to work together like a well oiled machine, and management is just a part of that working body. What I like about this program is they really try to give students opportunities. They're constantly informing you of industry-related job openings or internships and they use their connections to help the students start their careers by bringing in possible future employers.
Shawnee Vang '19
I am going to be a pilot in the Marine Corps. My major has taught me leadership skills and valuable aviation knowledge. After my enlistment in the Marines, I can use my degree to get a job in airport management, run a flight department, offer consulting services, etc. Any job in aviation is directly involved with life or death situations. My beliefs guide me to do the best I can, whether it be in the classroom or the cockpit.
Blake Donley '18
CBU's aviation management program enabled me to leverage the skills I learned in the US Air Force and integrate them with a bachelor's program. I plan to enter the airport, airline or commercial defense industry upon graduation. My degree has given me the knowledge to adequately prepare me for a career in a wide variety of jobs in the aviation sector.
Michael Lloyd '18
Student Opportunities: Flight Operations Center
CBU's Flight Operations Center is a 9,000 square-foot facility located at the Riverside Municipal Airport, containing classrooms, a flight planning room, flight simulators, full kitchen, student lounge, and maintenance and dispatch offices. Additionally, CBU has a brand-new fleet of Piper aircraft, allowing us to provide high-quality training in the most advanced glass-cockpit general aviation aircraft.
Student Opportunities: Flight Simulator
Students in CBU's aviation programs will utilize two state-of-the-art FRASCA flight simulators in their training. CBU's simulators exactly emulate our Piper Archer aircraft and have a 6-foot-high, 210-degree screen to cover all peripheral vision. Use of simulation lowers overall flight training costs and provides many advantages, even allowing a certain number of flight hours to be logged.
Career Possibilities
Aviation management majors can apply their field of study to various careers in the aviation industry. Additionally, CBU has partnerships with regional airlines as part of an airline bridge program, which provides students with guaranteed interviews and potential conditional job offers prior to graduation. Some careers listed below may require further education.
- Airport Consultant
- Airport Operations Manager
- Airport Operations Specialist
- Airport Operations Supervisor
- Air Traffic Controller
- Aviation Industry Researcher
- Airport Manager
- Noise Compliance Officer
- Airport Executive Director
- Safety Manager
Next Steps
Join our community. At CBU, you’ll be challenged to become an individual whose skills, integrity, and sense of purpose glorify God and distinguish you in the world.