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The Associate in Applied Science in Aviation Management program at Harper College provides you with the training and background knowledge you need to step into leadership roles in the aviation industry. Through this program, you'll develop the communication, math, planning, logistical skills needed to succeed in management roles, while learning about aviation-specific topics, such as security, air traffic control, industry regulations, and more. Coursework can be completed in five semesters for full-time students.
An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Aviation Management opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities within the aviation industry, in areas like airport management, airline operations, and aviation safety. Aviation managers may oversee day-to-day airport operations, manage airline logistics, ensuring regulatory compliance, or even working in customer service and ground support management. Job titles include:
The degree also provides a solid foundation for continuing your education and advancing to higher-level positions in aviation administration, air traffic control, or airport planning and development.
As part of the Aviation Management program at Harper, employers are provided with the opportunity to visit classes within the program to provide an overview of their organization and hiring needs. Employers are also able to have one-on-one meetings with students who they believe are the best fit for internships, full-time or other positions within their companies.
This 60 credit-hour program is designed to provide students with a sound understanding of the managerial requirements, qualifications, and procedures of the various available roles in aviation and will prepare students for management positions within the aviation industry. This program will provide support in the development and growth of students who are currently in and/or seeking to enter the aviation industry. Students will work with people, processes and information required to develop a broad set of skills to build a successful career in aviation management.
This 60 credit-hour program is designed to provide students with a sound understanding of the managerial requirements, qualifications, and procedures of the various available roles in aviation and will prepare students for management positions within the aviation industry. This program will provide support in the development and growth of students who are currently in and/or seeking to enter the aviation industry. Students will work with people, processes and information that is required to develop a broad set of skills needed to build a successful career in aviation management.
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
First Semester | Hours | |
| AVM 100 | Introduction to Aviation Management | 3 |
Description: Provides students with the academic knowledge necessary to oversee departments of airlines and airports, learn about aviation laws, regulations and various aspects of aviation management. This course requires independent research and also focuses on the application of business principles for airport and aviation management. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Fall 2025 | ||
| AVM 107 | History of Aviation | 3 |
Description: This course is designed to give the students a historical perspective of the major events leading up to the modern air transportation industry. It provides a chronological review of the history of aviation beginning with the first balloon flight in 1783 continuing through the development of the modern turbofan jet transport airplane. This course covers the advancement of aircraft through the technological research by the military and space flight developments. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Fall 2025 | ||
| AVM 112 | Aviation Security Management | 3 |
Description: Reviews aviation security personnel practices and processes to coordinate and implement the application of airport security preventive measures that align with FAA regulatory requirements. Provides a detailed analysis of effective procedures including situational awareness, teamwork, and effective communication and policies to prevent the intentional sabotage of aviation systems. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Fall 2025 | ||
| ENG 101 | Composition I | 3 |
Description: Emphasizes the writing of expository prose. Introduction to the critical reading of nonfiction prose. IAI C1 900 Prerequisite: ENG 096 with a grade of P or other placement options. https://www.harpercollege.edu/testing/english-placement-grid.php ESL students need one of the following options: ESL 073 and ESL 074 with grades of B or better; ESL 073 with a grade of B or better and required writing placement test score; or ESL 074 with a grade of B or better and required reading placement test score. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Fall 2025 | ||
| MTH 100 | Applied Math for Technical Careers 1 | 3 |
Description: Reviews arithmetic, introduces basic algebraic and right triangle trigonometric techniques. Includes arithmetic, elementary algebra, geometry, ratio and proportions, measurements, right triangle trigonometry and their application to solve a variety of career and technical problems. Draws practical problems from the student’s career area, including emergency services, graphic communications, building trades, culinary arts and information technology. Intended for students pursuing Harper degrees and certificates in career program fields. This mathematics course is intended for AAS degree students only. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Fall 2025 | ||
| Hours | 15 | |
Second Semester | ||
| AVM 211 | Aviation Management II | 3 |
Description: This course provides an in-depth analysis of the airline characteristics, scope and economics focusing on airline management technical tools and management functions. Provides an historical perspective of the US airlines, air transportation and regulators and associations. Familiarizes students with the US airline industry, management, organization and studies forecasting methods, marketing, scheduling, fleet planning, financing and labor relations. Further examines management functions of planning, organizing and directing with a focus on airline management. Prerequisite: AVM 100 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Fall 2025 | ||
| AVM 214 | Aviation Safety Management and Regulations | 3 |
Description: Reviews the principles and regulatory practices of commercial aviation safety in the United States and throughout the world. Addresses the regulatory information provided by the International Civil Aviation Organization and Safety Management Systems (SMS) that is critical to aviation safety. Prerequisite: AVM 112 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Fall 2025 | ||
| AVM 222 | Airport Planning and Management | 3 |
Description: Reviews varying aspects of airport infrastructure, from the airfield and runway to airspace, air traffic control, and terminal and security systems. Thoroughly addresses the FAA’s National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS), historical and current legislation and regulations, FAR Part 139. Students will explore cutting-edge concepts such as automation, smart baggage handling, enhanced security, and analytics. Prerequisite: AVM 100 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Fall 2025 | ||
| GIS 100 | Introduction to Geospatial Technologies | 3 |
Description: Provides an introduction to geospatial technologies, such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and Remote Sensing through hands-on computer based exercises. The essential principles of map use and design, and spatial analysis are also included in this course. Fundamental desktop computer skills assumed. IAI S4 905 Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Fall 2025 | ||
| SCM 101 | Supply Chain Management | 3 |
Description: Introduces Supply Chain Management (SCM) and the end-to-end (E2E) business processes necessary to achieve market and financial value, as well as competitive advantage. SCM is achieved by an organization proactively adopting initiatives to move suppliers and customers into collaborative relationships for mutual gain. Attention is focused on the fundamentals including customer service, fulfillment, demand planning and forecasting, inventory control, procurement, storeroom/warehousing, production control/operations, and physical distributuion/logistics. All topics focus on techonology, financial trends and career paths within the field. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Fall 2025 | ||
| Hours | 15 | |
Third Semester | ||
| AVM 221 | Air Traffic Control Systems | 3 |
Description: This course outlines the development of the Air Traffic Control (ATC) system along with many of the FAA rules and regulations governing visual and instrument flight. It includes a review of the intricate procedures, rules, systems and phraseology used today for controlling air traffic and provides a brief look at future requirements in the domestic and international arena. Prerequisite: AVM 222 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Fall 2025 | ||
| AVM 226 | Aircraft Maintenance Management | 3 |
Description: A comprehensive overview of the structured aircraft maintenance and engineering programs established by the aircraft manufacturer and certified by the Federal Aviation Administration for civil aviation. Areas of emphasis include maintenance program development, maintenance documentation, the role of engineering, maintenance, maintenance support, quality control, reliability and safety within the program. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Fall 2025 | ||
| SCM 123 | Transportation | 3 |
Description: Reviews the framework fo the transportation/distribution component of Logistics as part of the broader supply chain, and how it is a key component of the strategy and customer service for an organization. Provides an overview of various transportation systems and the impact on costs and services that each system provides. Examines the different types of modes and routings, and the impacts of regulatory and environmental decisions. Reviews the operational aspects of the transportation function, responsibilities for the key job functions associated with transportation, and overall trends within the industry. Prerequisite: SCM 101 or consent of coordinator. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Fall 2025 | ||
| SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology + | 3 |
Description: Analysis and description of the structure and dynamics of human society. Application of scientific methods to the observation and analysis of social norms, groups, intergroup relations, social change, social stratification and institutions. IAI S7 900 Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Fall 2025 | ||
| AAS General Education elective(s) 2 | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
Fourth Semester | ||
| AVM 203 | Aviation Career Preparation | 3 |
Description: Reviews the roles, requirements and responsibilities necessary for a career in the aviation industry. This includes aviation managers, freight managers, vendor leadership managers, safety managers, facilities managers, airline managers, maintenance technicians, and numerous other positions that are vital to effective and efficient daily operations of the aviation industry. This course will also cover the history of the Chicago Department of Aviation, aviation terminology, FAA regulations and current career opportunities and employment trends in the industry. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Fall 2025 | ||
| AVM 232 | Civil Aviation | 3 |
Description: Reviews the three major categories of aviation: Commercial air transport, focuses on scheduled and non-scheduled passenger and cargo flights. Aerial work focuses on aircraft that is used for specialized services such as photography, surveying, agriculture, and search and rescue. General aviation addresses all other civil, private and or commercial flights. This applies to both national and international aviation. Prerequisite: AVM 222 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Fall 2025 | ||
| AVM 234 | Aviation Human Factors and Safety | 3 |
Description: Focuses on human factors including all sensory, perceptive, cognitive and decision-making dynamics as they are expressed in aviation. Addresses aviation safety including incidents, accidents, crew resource management and performance. Prerequisite: AVM 112 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Fall 2025 | ||
| AVM 239 | Transportation Labor Relations | 3 |
Description: Reviews the labor-management relations in the aviation industry and evaluates contemporary labor issues. Topics and issues are addressed focusing on the larger scope of labor-management relations and with developments in labor as a consequence of deregulation. The institutional framework of collective bargaining and promoting industrial peace are also addressed. Prerequisite: AVM 211 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Fall 2025 | ||
| MGT 205 | Leadership | 3 |
Description: Investigates leadership styles and the influences of leadership styles within organizations from start-ups to global corporations. Explores the empirical science and evidence of leadership styles, motivation, communication, conflict resolution, negotiations, creativity and innovation. Examines leadership styles as they relate to culture, diversity and globalization. Evaluates the performance of successful leaders. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Fall 2025 | ||
| Hours | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 60 | |
The mathematics requirement for this degree can be met with Math Competency. See Math Competency options for information for information. Students who use Math Competency to meet the mathematics requirement must complete an additional three credit-hour AAS General Education Elective. See full list of AAS General Education Electives.
This course meets the World Culture and Diversity graduation requirement.
See full list of AAS General Education Electives.
To learn more about aviation management courses at Harper College, contact Admissions Outreach at 847.925.6700 or fill out our request information form or apply now.
Interested in Aviation Ground School? Courses are offered periodically through Harper College Community Education. Learn more.