Aviation Management

BACHELOR OF Science

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. 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.

Minors and Concentrations

Aviation Dispatch Minor
Aviation Management Minor
Aviation Unmanned Aerial Systems Minor
Missionary Aviation Minor

Aerospace Technology Concentration
Airport Management and Operations Concentration
Dispatch Concentration
Flight Operations Concentration
Logistics and Operations Concentration

About the Program
Interesting Courses
Student Learning
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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.

Airport Management II

AMG 332

An in-depth study of airport finance and administration, planning, construction, environmental, operations, security, maintenance, communications and community relations.

Airport Planning and Design

AMG 423

An in-depth study of planning, including data collection, forecasting, master planning, and environmental issues.

Business Aviation Management

AMG 424

An in-depth study of business aviation, including transportation needs analysis, aircraft acquisition methods, aviation department management, operations, maintenance, and safety.

Student Learning

Evidence of Student Learning

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.

Take the next step toward living your purpose

As you make decisions about college, keep in mind the full social, spiritual and educational experience awaiting you at CBU. Here, you will be supported by professors, staff and fellow students who will help you discover your strengths and challenge you to do more than you ever thought you could. Let us equip you with the education, training and opportunities you'll need to start making a unique difference doing what you love.

Apply today! When you complete and submit your application to CBU, a friendly and knowledgeable admissions counselor will guide you through the admissions process and all the necessary steps to become a Lancer.

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Career Opportunities

Airport Manager
Airport Executive Director
Safety Management System Manager
Aviation Industry Researcher
Noise Compliance Officer
Airport Consultant
Association Executive
Airport Operations Specialist
Airport Operations Supervisor

*Some career opportunities may require further education

57–67

Units

5

Concentrations

2013

Student Testimonials

"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, 2019

"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, 2018

"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, 2018

Alumni Spotlight

"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."
Braedan Pilcher, 2016

"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, 2017

Meet Some of Our Faculty

Daniel Prather

Professor of Aviation Science

I began in the aviation industry in 1996 as an airport operations specialist at Tampa International Airport. Two years later, I was promoted to assistant director of operations, a position I held for more than eight years. I have been teaching at CBU now for five years. I have also authored two aviation textbooks. I find great joy in conveying real-world knowledge to my students and seeing it click!

See Profile >

Daniel Prather

Professor of Aviation Science

I began in the aviation industry in 1996 as an airport operations specialist at Tampa International Airport. Two years later, I was promoted to assistant director of operations, a position I held for more than eight years. I have been teaching at CBU now for five years. I have also authored two aviation textbooks. I find great joy in conveying real-world knowledge to my students and seeing it click!

See Profile >