Aviation and Aerospace Management

Economic forecasts suggest that a steady increase in traveling passenger and air cargo requirements will fuel a dramatic expansion of the aviation industry, and require a complete restructure of the existing air transportation system architecture. This industry growth is generating a wide range of leadership opportunities in the aviation industry for individuals who possess aviation and aerospace management skills such as operational analysis, safety systems development, project management, systems integration, environmental sustainability, and related interdisciplinary skills. Each MS degree is specific to the needs of the student based on his/her background, experience, and degree objectives.

You can choose to take courses in:

• economic decision making
• resource analysis
• systems thinking
• transportation safety and security
• quality and productivity
• aviation human factors
• aviation globalization.

Purdue’s School of Aviation and Transportation Technology also offers a combined BS-MS degree within this program. Those with a master’s degree can continue on to pursue a Ph.D. in Technology with a focus in aviation and aerospace management as well.

• AT 50500  Research Methods in Aviation - This course explores the practical approach to research as it applies to identifying and exploring pragmatic problems in aviation industry settings. Industry based problems and issues often require a diversity of research skills, both quantitative and qualitative, in order to effectively address dynamic problems in complex and often high-risk work environments. This course offers an overview of mixed research methods which lends itself well to practical problem solving in industry. This course may also be offered in an online format. Permission of instructor required. Typically offered Fall Spring Summer. 3.000 Credit hours, CRN 59238
• AT 50800  Quality & Productivity in Industry & Technology - (IT 50800) Examines the contemporary issues of continuous improvement in quality and productivity in manufacturing and service industries. Includes a close examination of the evolving philosophies bearing on the scope, improvement, and costs of quality assurance programs in industry and technology. Typically offered Summer Fall Spring. 3.000 Credit hours, CRN 51954     
• AT 52500  Process Improvement & Simulation - This course explores process modeling and simulation as applied to decision-making for process design and improvement. Emphasis is placed on understanding the application of process simulations to business problems including using fundamental statistical methods in the solution of an industry relevant problem. By planning and executing a computer-based simulation supporting an aviation or aerospace process design and improvement project, students improve analysis and project management skills. In addition to simulation, preparing visualizations of the process is also included for increased understanding of process interactions. Typically offered Fall Spring Summer. 3 Credit hours, CRN 14129
• AT 52600  Aviation Leadership - This course is intended for future aviation and aerospace managers. Using foundational readings, case studies, and critical analysis techniques, the contribution of past and contemporary aviation leaders will be reviewed. Permission of department required. Typically offered Fall Spring Summer. 3 Credit hours, CRN 14160 
• AT 53100  International Civil Aviation Regulatory Systems - This course provides extensive multi-modal transportation security experience. Students will receive detailed information on air, maritime, rail, mass transit, trucking and oil pipeline security programs, as well as applicable threat mitigation processes. Completion of an undergraduate course in either aviation law or aviation security is recommended. This course may be applicable to undergraduates with appropriate experience and background in aviation or other transportation systems. There are no citizenship or security clearance requirements for this course. Typically offered Fall. 3 Credit hours, CRN 13180
• AT 54200  Aviation Fuels and Emissions - This course focuses on aviation fuels, including engine operation with fuel, combustion principles, chemistry, exhaust emissions, and fuel testing procedures. Additionally, the topics of greenhouse gases, global warming, oil reserves, fuel costs, and other factors driving the development of alternative aviation fuels will be covered. Current research in these areas will be discussed and testing procedures will be studied. Students will research new fuels in development, and will analyze the sustainability and potential for success promised by the new technologies in comparison with existing fuels. Typically offered Fall Spring Summer. 3 Credit hours, CRN 69566

The School of Aviation and Transportation Technology expects that applicants for graduate study will exhibit competency in the following areas as a result of their undergraduate education and experiences:

• Written and spoken communication skills
• General knowledge of aviation industry operations and components
• Entry level analytical tools and processes
• Group activity and interpersonal skills

Admission Requirements

Each applicant for graduate study should submit:

• A Statement of Purpose that is to be included as part of the online Graduate School application.
• Official copies of transcripts for all college work (sent from the colleges attended)
• Official GRE or GMAT scores, which must be sent to Purdue by the ETS service
• Three or more letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to your ability to be successful in graduate studies.

International degree-seeking applicants whose native language is not English are also required to submit Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores. These scores must be sent to Purdue by the ETS service for the scores to be considered official.

When the AT Graduate Admissions Committee receives all of the required materials, the application will be considered complete and will be considered for admission.

Scholarships

A limited number of graduate research and teaching assistantships are competitively selected in the AT Department each year. Additional appointments are available within the Purdue Polytechnic Institute and other colleges at the University. Graduate appointments are for either one-quarter or one-half time, depending on available department funding and duty assignments.

• Graduate Teaching Assistant - Assist a professor in the planning and delivery of instruction in an undergraduate course. Teaching assistant positions are periodically available in Flight, Management, and Engineering Technology courses.
• Graduate Research Assistant - Assist a professor with a research project. Typically these projects are applied research projects related to industry, technical or human resource development environments.