Aviation Management (MS)

Master's of Science in Aviation Management. Why earn a Master's of Science in Aviation Management at York College?

York College’s Master of Science in Aviation Management prepares students for leadership roles in the global aviation industry. The program offers flexible online and in-person learning options, allowing students to balance their education with professional and personal commitments.

Guided by standards from the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) and the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI), the curriculum covers key areas such as aviation finance, safety management, airport planning, airline operations, global logistics, and strategic marketing. Students also complete hands-on projects and a capstone experience that apply real-world aviation management strategies.

Located near JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark airports, York College connects students to one of the world’s most active aviation hubs. Graduates are prepared for careers in airport management, airline operations, aviation safety and security, logistics, and aviation consulting.

The coursework is informed by recommendations from the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) and the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI). These organizations seek to standardize the training of aviation professionals by recommending degree programs that meet the following competencies by incorporating these aims into the curriculum.

Application fee waived until April 14

Potential Career Paths

Graduates of the Master of Science in Aviation Management at York College are prepared for leadership roles across the aviation industry. Below are the specific potential career paths they commonly pursue:

Airport Management

Airline Operations Management

Aviation Safety and Security

Emergency and Crisis Management

Air Transport Planning

Aviation Logistics & Supply Chain Management

Strategic Aviation Consulting

Regulatory and Policy Roles

Airport Marketing and Business Development

Innovation and Technology Leadership

Graduates are prepared to lead teams, solve complex challenges, and make a lasting impact across the aviation industry combining technical knowledge with strategic leadership skills. Graduates of the M.S. in Aviation Management can pursue both entry‑level and mid‑career jobs, and compensation varies based on role, experience, employer, and location. Here are typical salary ranges in the United States for relevant positions to give you a realistic sense of what to expect:

Entry‑Level & Early Career Roles

Airport Operations Coordinator / Aviation Operations Coordinator $35,000 – $55,000 (entry to mid‑level)

Aviation Logistics / Supply Chain Roles
$46,000 – $70,000+ (entry to intermediate)

Aviation Security Management
(starting) $76,000 – $90,000+ range

Assistant or Support
Roles
(operational support, analyst)
$40,000 – $60,000+ common range

These positions are well‑suited to recent graduates or individuals transitioning into aviation management and often serve as stepping stones to supervisory jobs.

Mid‑Career & Leadership Roles

Airport Operations
Manager
approximately
$70,000 – $112,000+, depending on the size of the airport and responsibilities

Aviation Operations Manager
(broader operations oversight) average around $140,000 – $185,000, with top roles reaching $200,000+

Aviation Security
Manager
about $90,000 – $116,000+

Aviation Logistics
Manager
typically $68,500 – $122,500+ with average near $100,000

Leadership tracks like airport or airline management, strategic consulting, and senior logistics roles often come with broader responsibilities and corresponding growth in compensation.

Plan of Study

The Master of Science in Aviation Management consists of 10 advanced graduate courses in aviation finance and research, marketing, airport planning, management and operations, aviation safety and management and, aviation supply and logistics.

Description	Class Number	Credits
Organizational Behavior & Change in Business Aviation	AVIA 510C	3
Aviation Research Methods	AVI 540A	3
Advanced Aviation Finance	FINC 575	3
Aviation Safety Management	AVIA 620	3
Airline Airport Emergency Planning and Management	AVIA 630	3
Global Logistics and Supply Chain Management	AVIA 635	3
Contemporary Aviation Security	AVIA 625	3
Modern Airport Planning and Management	AVIA 645	3
Innovative Airline Management (Practicum)	AVIA 650	3
Aviation Marketing and Strategic Planning (Capstone)	AVIA 660	3

Eligible candidates must meet the following criteria for admission to the Master of Science in Aviation Management at York College:

Admissions Criteria

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, or the foreign equivalent; preference will be given to students with undergraduate coursework in aviation, business, marketing, finance, accounting, and/or statistics.
A minimum overall GPA of 3.0.
A completed application to the program, including a personal statement describing career objectives and preparation for the program.
Three letters of recommendation from instructors or employers that address the applicant’s suitability for work in aviation management and ability to succeed in a rigorous academic program at the graduate level.

Mission & Goals

Mission

Goals

Students can delineate and discuss the major changes affecting the aviation industry including such diverse items as automation, unmanned aerial vehicles, and artificial intelligence as it relates to changing demographics and geographic challenges
Students can explain and demonstrate the importance of a commitment to safety in the aviation industry through integrated Safety Management System’s (SMS) regarding today’s challenges.
Students can demonstrate an understanding of key theories of organizational behavior and change, and to apply these theories in an organizational setting.
Students can design and emphasize the application of modern business concepts, methods, and tools to the challenges of aviation and business practices both in simulation and in application.
Students can develop the ability to understand high-reliability organizations (HROs) to focus on risk, managing risk and resiliency within these organizations.
Students clearly and succinctly communicate through writing and presenting research results on a graduate level.