Aviation Management Associate Degree

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.

                     Aviation Management Job Duties:
                     
                  

                     Manage the day-to-day activities of an airport or airline, including scheduling flights
                           and coordinating ground services
Implement airfield safety procedures, maintain flight records, and apply knowledge
                           of weather information
Plan and coordinate airfield construction
Hiring, train, and develop staff, including pilots, ground crew, and administrative
                           personnel
Implement strategies to improve passenger services, from check-in to boarding and
                           in-flight services

                  

What can I do with a degree in aviation management?

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:

Airport Operations Manager
Cargo Supervisor
In-flight Services Supervisor

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.

Make aviation industry connections

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.

Degree curriculum

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.

Program Requirements

Program Requirements (Hours required: 60)
Number	Course Title	Credits
First Semester
AVM 100	Introduction to Aviation Management	3
AVM 107	History of Aviation	3
AVM 112	Aviation Security Management	3
ENG 101	Composition I	3
MTH 100	Applied Math for Technical Careers ¹	3
	Hours	15
Second Semester
AVM 211	Aviation Management II	3
AVM 214	Aviation Safety Management and Regulations	3
AVM 222	Airport Planning and Management	3
GIS 100	Introduction to Geospatial Technologies	3
SCM 101	Supply Chain Management	3
	Hours	15
Third Semester
AVM 221	Air Traffic Control Systems	3
AVM 226	Aircraft Maintenance Management	3
SCM 123	Transportation	3
SOC 101	Introduction to Sociology ⁺	3
AAS General Education elective(s) ²		3
	Hours	15
Fourth Semester
AVM 203	Aviation Career Preparation	3
AVM 232	Civil Aviation	3
AVM 234	Aviation Human Factors and Safety	3
AVM 239	Transportation Labor Relations	3
MGT 205	Leadership	3
	Hours	15
	Total Hours	60

¹: 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.
²: See full list of AAS General Education Electives.

Enroll in the Aviation Management AAS program today!

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.

Additional aviation training and educational opportunities

Interested in Aviation Ground School? Courses are offered periodically through Harper College Community Education. Learn more.