phd degree in aviation

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Ph.D. in Aviation Technology and Management

Our PhD in Aviation Technology and Management program prepares graduates to serve important education, research and policy-making roles in the aviation industry.

This on-campus doctoral program requires at least 90 credit hours of coursework and research at the graduate level. Students who enter the program with a master’s degree may apply up to a maximum of 30 course credit hours toward the minimum of 90 credit hours required for the PhD degree, subject to faculty advisor approval.

Applicants should expect to:

• Request a research advisor.*
• Establish a graduate advisory committee.
• Submit a plan of study.
• Pass written and oral candidacy examinations.
• Submit a dissertation proposal.
• Conduct dissertation research.
• Defend a dissertation.

*A research advisor is a faculty member that advises and mentors a doctoral student with mutual research interests. Learn more about our faculty research interests .

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from an accredited college or university. Exceptionally well-prepared bachelor’s students may seek admission directly into the PhD program. Academic preparation and performance in focus areas related to aviation (e.g. aviation safety, aviation sustainability, aviation management, workforce development, operational research methods and aviation human factors) will be given high priority when considering candidates for admission. Critical emphasis will be placed on evidence of research experience and aptitude.

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Aviation, Ph.D.

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Saint Louis University's Ph.D. in aviation science is offered in an entirely online format, making it ideal for working professionals.

Program Highlights

• Ph.D. students in aviation science at Saint Louis University complete coursework before scheduling a qualifying exam that focuses on topics related to the coursework and assesses general preparation for graduate research.
• Upon successfully passing the qualifying exam, students develop a dissertation proposal under the supervision of a research mentor. Students then present and defend the dissertation proposal.
• After conducting research and writing a dissertation, students defend the dissertation in a public forum and then privately to the committee.

Curriculum Overview

Students will work with their advisor and Ph.D. committee to determine the specific coursework to complete the program. Those students holding an appropriate Master of Science degree may include a maximum of 27 credits of the associated M.S. degree course credits, but not the thesis or project credits, in the 63 credits required for the Ph.D. degree. 

Graduates with a Ph.D. in aviation science are uniquely qualified to conduct aviation-related research in academia, government and industry.

Admission Requirements

Begin your application for this program at  www.slu.edu/apply .

Most admitted students meet the following criteria:

• Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0
• A four-year undergraduate degree in aviation or a field related to the desired graduate program

Application Requirements

• Online application form 
• Official transcript(s) of all previous degrees
• Three letters of recommendation (preferably from recent instructors)
• A writing sample solely authored by the applicant that has been preferably composed within the last two to three years. The sample should relate to a contemporary issue in aviation or describe the student’s proposed research agenda and how that contemporary issue or proposed research agenda matches the research currently being conducted by faculty in the Department of Aviation Science . Submissions should be formatted in APA style, be between 3,500-4,500 words, and include an abstract of fewer than 300 words.
• Curriculum vitae/résumé
• Professional goal statement

Requirements for International Students

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:

• Demonstration of  English Language Proficiency
• A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the time at Saint Louis University
• A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of study at the University
• Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

Application and Assistantship Deadlines

The department only reviews applications for the fall semester. To be considered for enrollment in the fall semester, submit application materials by March 31.

Admitted students who want to be considered for an assistantship must submit a separate application for assistantship consideration by March 1.

Review Process

Once the online application is complete, and all the materials are received, the application is reviewed by the Parks College Office of Graduate Education and Research before being sent to the  Department of Aviation Science  for a recommendation. The final decision is made by Parks’ associate dean of graduate education and research.

Admissions decisions are made based on the background and educational experience of students. Applications are reviewed when completed, and decisions are generally made within a few weeks.

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

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Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships and Financial Aid

The School of Science and Engineering offers graduate fellowship awards and assistantships each year. Assistantships provide tuition, stipend and health insurance. There are also many opportunities for students to receive funding through external research grants that are managed by individual faculty.

For more information, visit the student financial services office online at www.slu.edu/financial-aid .

• Graduates will be able to assess relevant literature or scholarly contributions in the field(s) of study.
• Graduates will be able to apply the major practices, theories or research methodologies in the field(s) of study.
• Graduates will be able to apply knowledge from the field(s) of study to address problems in broader contexts.
• Graduates will be able to articulate arguments or explanations to both a disciplinary or professional audience and to a general audience, in both oral and written forms.
• Graduates will be able to evidence of scholarly and/or professional integrity in the field of study.

The courses in SLU'S Doctor of Philosophy in Aviation curriculum are taught in an entirely online format. The aviation Ph.D. program requires a total of 63 credits beyond a bachelor's degree, including:

• 12 credits of dissertation research
• At least 12 credits in aviation research
• At least 12 credits in aviation foundation 
• 3 credits in ASCI 5980 Graduate Reading Course (1-3 cr)
• At least 12 credits in a second discipline complementary to the knowledge of aviation, with department approval
• Up to 12 credits in aviation electives

Students will work with an adviser and Ph.D. committee to determine the specific coursework to complete the Ph.D. in aviation. If students have an applicable master’s degree, 27 credits of that program may count towards the 63 credits necessary, with department approval. No research or project credits will be counted towards the advanced standing for the Ph.D.

Please note: the courses in the Ph.D. in Aviation curriculum are taught in an entirely online format.

Non-Course Requirement 

All students must complete an exit survey with their department/program during their final semester.

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.

Aviation Research attributed courses

Aviation foundation attributed courses, aviation elective attributed courses.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Roadmap for Students with Advanced Standing

ASCI 5980 Graduate Reading must be taken in the last semester of coursework prior to taking the Ph.D. qualifying examination, which is a requirement of the program.

Roadmap for Students without Advanced Standing

For more information about any School of Science and Engineering graduate program, please email [email protected] .

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Doctor of Aviation, Av.D. (Online)

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The Doctor of Aviation Degree (AvD)

Florida Tech's College of Aeronautics is consistently recognized as offering one of the best and most comprehensive university-based aviation programs in the country. In keeping with this notable distinction, Florida Tech was the first to establish the AvD degree and, to our knowledge, it is still the only doctor of aviation program in the country.

Students in the AvD program are generally full-time professionals in the aviation/aerospace industry. They enter this doctoral program for many reasons: some are seeking the AvD because their job requires a terminal degree, while others hope to advance their career in their current occupation. The program is not classroom-based, but is 100% online.

Who May Apply for This Program?

Candidates must already have a master's degree to apply for this program, and the AvD takes a minimum of three years to complete. Along the way, however, you will acquire excellent research skills–how to plan, conduct, and report research on a variety of important aviation topics–to help you address the critical issues facing the aviation industry today. You'll also be exposed to coursework that is directly and immediately applicable to your profession.

Interactive, Personal Online Program

Earning a doctorate online is the perfect solution for working professionals with busy schedules. Florida Tech's AvD program is highly interactive and brings students and faculty together–even from thousands of miles away–through engaging discussion boards and energetic live chat sessions with professors and peers for a sense of academic closeness that is often missing in other online programs. By combining traditional aviation expertise with a high-tech learning environment, Florida Tech gives students the best of both academic worlds: the benefits of the university's history of excellence in aviation education, training, and research, in the convenience of an online environment.

Learn from Internationally Recognized Aviation Experts

Students seeking an AvD learn from professors who are not only highly experienced as commercial, private, and military pilots, but are also experts in at least one other area such as aviation law, safety, avionics, or environmental science, making this different from other online aviation programs in the country. Our faculty know the industry backwards and forwards–airport consulting, design, and management; airline management; aviation human factors; meteorology; and air traffic control.

Florida Tech professors have written and co-authored textbooks on aviation management and aviation safety, as well as journal articles and hundreds of citations on topics such as aeronautical decision-making, operational requirements for traffic awareness and avoidance, G-force-induced loss of consciousness, aviation accident investigation, aviation computer applications, and haptic feedback in aviation systems.

A History of Excellence

Florida Tech was among several universities selected to be part of the FAA Center of Excellence P artnership to E nhance G eneral A viation S afety, A ccessibility, and S ustainability. PEGASAS , as it is known, is a research partnership between academia, industry, and the federal government, and covers a broad spectrum of aviation degree topics.

Florida Tech's AvD program gives graduates access to cutting-edge industry research and knowledge, as well as an opportunity to build a network of professionals in aviation and business–an important benefit in a competitive industry and in any online aviation degree.

Accreditation

Florida Tech has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), a regional accrediting agency recognized by the US Department of Education. Accreditation by SACSCOC is a statement of Florida Tech's continuing commitment to integrity and its capacity to provide effective programs and services based on agreed-upon accreditation standards.

Stimulating Coursework

Most doctoral programs involve two components: coursework and research. For coursework, while the curriculum may change slightly from year to year, AvD students will learn the fundamentals of research in aviation; gain a background in statistics, quantitative reasoning, and modeling; do strategic analysis in aviation using game theory; and perform qualitative research.

After successfully completing all the required coursework, students must then successfully pass both written and oral comprehensive examinations. These exams represent a synthesis of the overall program's coursework and are designed to assess whether students are academically prepared to begin the research component of the program. The research/dissertation phase includes creating a proposal, implementing a study, analyzing the data, writing the dissertation, and defending it.

What is the Difference Between the AvD and Florida Tech's PhD in Aviation Sciences?

All doctorates are called terminal degrees, because they are the highest degrees awarded. Academic degrees such as the PhD, or doctor of philosophy, is strongly research-based and grounded in theory. Professional doctorates, such as the JD for attorneys and the MD for medical doctors, do not necessarily have a research component, and for those that do, the research is generally more applied than theoretical, and is intended for the practitioner.

Although there is some overlap in the content of some of the courses (after all, they are both research-oriented doctoral programs), the PhD in Aviation Sciences and the AvD program are completely independent of one another. In addition to the coursework, the dissertation research for each program has a completely different focus: the PhD research is theory-oriented, while the AvD research is practitioner-oriented. AvD students' dissertation research is oriented toward business/industry practitioners, and typically involves a practical field problem.

Doctoral Research in Aviation

Research helps experts in many areas of aviation make the industry less complex and safer. It also helps consultants and experts predict and prevent scenarios that cause airline accidents, interruptions in service, technical challenges, and even such things as pilot shortages and fuel prices.

The AvD is designed to meet the inherent challenges of aviation and to advance the frontiers of aviation knowledge, going from research to real-world application in:

• Airport design, development, and management
• Airport technology
• Airworthiness
• Aviation security
• Aviation safety management systems (SMS)
• Education and training
• Environment/sustainability
• Fire safety
• Green airport design
• Human factors in aeronautics
• Meteorology
• Operations research
• Organizational development
• Propulsion and structures

Expert Career Enhancement

Merging airlines and expanding airports need aviation-savvy executives and consultants to lead them through industry challenges, and Florida Tech AvD candidates are uniquely equipped to fill these positions. From senior researchers at government agencies to executive-level positions, AvD graduates work as consultants and industry experts, researching and analyzing issues that affect the performance and safety of aviation. As graduates of the only AvD program in the country, Florida Tech students are in a class by themselves, ready to work alongside seasoned professionals tackling new and emerging issues in the private sector, commercial airlines, or the military.

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PhD Admissions

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The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree is intended primarily for students who desire a career in research, advanced development, or teaching. Students in the PhD program obtain a broad education in the core areas of Aeronautics and Astronautics through coursework, while also engaging in intensive research in a specialized area, culminating in a doctoral thesis.

As of the 2021-2022 application term, an MS degree will no longer be required to apply to the PhD program in Aeronautics and Astronautics. Students with a Bachelor’s degree who ultimately intend to complete a PhD degree are strongly encouraged to apply directly to the PhD program, rather than the MS program.

Current Stanford MS students interested in adding a PhD program to their academic career should speak with the staff at the Aero/Astro Student Services Office about the necessary paperwork and relevant policies. If you are a current master's student in the Stanford Aeronautics and Astronautics Department, to apply for the PhD, you must complete paperwork prior to conferring the MS degree.

Application Deadlines

We have one PhD admission cycle. Application deadlines are final. A completed application (including letters of recommendation, transcripts and TOEFL scores) must be uploaded by the deadline. Applications will NOT be accepted after the deadline. A completed application (including letters of recommendation, transcripts and TOEFL scores) must be received by the following date:

Autumn 2024-25: December 5, 2023

Application Requirements

To be eligible for admission to the PhD program, applicants must either:

• hold, or expect to hold before enrollment at Stanford, a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. college or university.
• Applicants from institutions outside the U.S. must hold the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree from a college or university of recognized standing. See minimum level of study required of international applicants .

Students who meet the above degree requirement with a strong technical background in engineering, physics, or a comparable science program are welcome to apply; a bachelor's degree in aeronautics and astronautics or mechanical engineering is not strictly required.

All students interested in pursuing a PhD in Aeronautics and Astronautics should use the Stanford Graduate Admissions Application . Your application must include all of the materials listed below and be received by Stanford by the application deadline. The fee for online graduate applications is $125.

Required Application Documents

• Online Application
• Application Fee

Statement of Purpose

• 3 Letters of Recommendation
• Official TOEFL* Scores, if applicable

Application Fee Waiver

If you are considering Stanford graduate programs and need assistance with the application fees, consider applying for a fee waiver .

Your statement of purpose should identify personal and professional goals. It should also discuss your development to date and your intentions relative to graduate study and life beyond Stanford. The Aero/Astro Graduate Admissions Committee reads your statement of purpose with interest because, along with the letters of recommendation, it offers insight into who you are as an individual. Your statement of purpose should not exceed two pages (single-spaced).

Transcripts

Submitting transcripts when you are applying, and after you have been offered admission are two separate steps. When applying: You must upload one scanned version of your transcript(s) in the online application. Please read the Applying section of this website for important information about submitting transcripts. If offered admission: Please see this page for information on submitting final official transcripts.

Letters of Recommendation

Three letters of recommendation are required; one letter must come from an academic source, although at least two are preferred. Recommendations must be submitted online. Please see the "Recommendations" section of the online application for information. Please  do not  submit letters of recommendation through Interfolio.

TOEFL Scores

Adequate command of spoken and written English is required for admission. Applicants whose first language is not English must submit an official test score from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) . Stanford accepts only ETS (Educational Testing Service) scores. TOEFL results must be from an examination taken within the past two years. The Stanford institution code for ETS reporting is 4704. You do not need a department code. For more information on TOEFL requirements, please see the Required Exams and Frequently Asked Questions sections on the Graduate Admissions website .

*Stanford will temporarily accept the TOEFL ITP Plus test with the Vericant interview for applicants from Mainland China who are unable to sit for the TOEFL iBT. This exception is requested only for the 2020-2021 application cycle. Applicants may be asked to re-test at a later time once the Stanford TOEFL iBT becomes available, or applicants may be asked to re-test through the Stanford Language Center. Per current University policy, all international students including those from Mainland China must receive English language clearance from the English for Foreign Students program prior to becoming a teaching assistant.

Exemptions are granted to applicants who have earned (or will earn, before enrolling at Stanford) a U.S. bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree from a college or university accredited by a regional accrediting association in the United States, or the international equivalent degree from a university of recognized standing in a country in which all instruction is provided in English. U.S. citizenship does not automatically exempt an applicant from taking the TOEFL if the applicant’s first language is not English.

Reapplicants must submit new supporting documents and complete the online application as outlined above, in the graduate application checklist. Only prior official test scores can be reactivated.

Application Status

You may view your application status and decision by logging into your status page . Due to the volume of applications we receive, we are not able to confirm with individual applicants when documents have been received. All applicants should monitor the online checklist to track individual documents. It is the applicant's responsibility to monitor the checklist and ensure that all documents are received by the deadline.

Admission Decisions

Completed applications are reviewed by the faculty Admissions Committee throughout the winter. A select group of applicants will be interviewed during the evaluation process. Letters are sent as decisions are made, beginning in March. The selection of graduate students admitted to the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics is based on an individualized, holistic review of each application, including (but not limited to) the applicant’s academic record, the letters of recommendation, the statement of purpose, personal qualities and characteristics, and past accomplishments.

PhD Funding

All SoE PhD students who are in good standing relative to their PhD program requirements will be funded to the department’s PhD standard. In all departments, this is at least equivalent to Stanford’s 20-hour-RA salary plus tuition to cover the department’s required enrollment (summer enrollment requirements vary by department).  Funding can include fellowships, research assistantships, training grants and teaching assistantships. PhD students are encouraged to pursue outside fellowships. Besides the prestige, fellowships give the recipient greater flexibility in determining their own research direction.

Knight-Hennessy Scholars

Join dozens of Stanford Engineering students who gain valuable leadership skills in a multidisciplinary, multicultural community as Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS).

KHS admits up to 100 select applicants each year from across Stanford’s seven graduate schools, and delivers engaging experiences that prepare them to be visionary, courageous, and collaborative leaders ready to address complex global challenges. As a scholar, you join a multidisciplinary and multicultural cohort, participate in up to three years of leadership programming, and receive full funding for up to three years of your graduate studies at Stanford.

Candidates from any country may apply. KHS applicants must have earned their first undergraduate degree within the last seven years (or nine years, if you have served in your country's military). Applicants must apply to both a Stanford graduate program and to KHS.

If you aspire to be a leader in your field, we invite you to apply. The KHS application deadline is October 11, 2023. Learn more about KHS admission .

Application Questions

email: [email protected]

Aerospace Sciences Ph.D.

Become part of the next generation of aerospace leaders to oversee cutting-edge advancements in aviation and space.

Successful aerospace professionals possess broad backgrounds linking science, engineering, policy, business and law. Get your doctoral education from a world-renowned center for aerospace learning, the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences at UND.

Why earn a Ph.D. in aerospace science?

Application opens on August 1. Completed applications and all required materials must be received by February 1.

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

UND's Aerospace Sciences Ph.D. program provides interdisciplinary teaching and research at the highest academic level. Our goal is to graduate highly educated aerospace scholars and leaders. You'll learn skills to mix technology and science with an understanding of the politics and economics of the aerospace fields. You'll enhance your analytical, technical, research and communication skills through classroom and research activities. The result will be capabilities to carry out independent, original and applied aerospace research at a high level.

You'll experience outstanding faculty focus while in the program. Leverage faculty expertise drawn from disciplines such as:

• Aerodynamics
• Aerospace engineering
• Aviation management
• Computer science
• Machine learning and artificial intelligence
• Orbital mechanics
• Planetary science
• Public policy and law
• Remote sensing
• Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)

Aerospace Science Ph.D. at UND

Gain the extensive technical knowledge needed to be a successful leader in the industry by applying solutions gained through theory and applied research.

Be part of a program nationally acclaimed for achievements in aviation education, atmospheric research, space studies, and earth system science and policy research.

Get a unique perspective and training that integrates and combines traditional disciplines related to space.

Access an extensive and involved alumni network that provides real-time industry feedback to research and development work by dissertation candidates.

Pursue the doctorate from anywhere in the world with our online synchronous curriculum, while still receiving real time faculty and student interaction.

Conduct research in the Space Studies department's Human Spaceflight Lab or Observatory .

Careers with a Ph.D. in Aerospace Science

Median salary for an aerospace program manager

Payscale.com

Median salary for an aerospace engineer

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

A doctoral degree in Aerospace Sciences from UND lets you further develop the critical skills needed to fill leadership roles. These opportunities span government and research agencies, educational institutions and private aerospace and aviation companies.

UND bearers of doctoral degrees have gone onto careers in top space exploration enterprises and aerospace technology companies. Some opportunities graduates can expect include:

• Aerospace Defense Managers develop and implement strategies to ensure national security through the application of cutting-edge aerospace technologies. They oversee and coordinate defense-related aerospace projects.
• Aerospace Laboratory Directors lead research and development initiatives in specialized laboratories. They design and execute experiments, manage research teams, and collaborate with industry partners to drive innovation in aerospace technology.
• Aerospace Program Directors play a crucial role in overseeing the planning, execution, and success of aerospace programs within private companies or government agencies. They are responsible for managing resources and ensuring the timely delivery of aerospace products and services.
• Aerospace Science Researchers conduct in-depth research, publish scholarly articles, and explore emerging trends to contribute to the theoretical foundations and practical applications of aerospace sciences.
• Federal Agency Policymakers influence and shape policies related to aerospace and aviation at the national level. They work with government agencies to develop regulations, standards, and guidelines that govern the aerospace industry.
• Higher Education Professors teach courses, mentor students, and engage in research to advance the aerospace industry.
• Senior Aerospace Engineers are integral members of aerospace technology companies. They lead engineering teams, contribute to the design and development of aerospace systems, and execute complex projects.
• Senior Aircraft Engineers lead initiatives related to aircraft design, maintenance, and improvement, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and the incorporation of cutting-edge technologies.

Aerospace Sciences Ph.D. Courses

AVIT 521. Ethics in Aerospace. 3 Credits.

The course will introduce ethical concepts and frameworks used in professional decision-making. Students will engage with faculty and outside speakers to weigh decisions in the applicable ethical frameworks. Students participation will include graded elements of formal case presentations, class discussion sessions, essay examinations and review of scholarly and trade journal articles. The course will have a strong emphasis on research project design to assess dynamics of ethical decision-making in different populations, as well as exploring educational opportunities in the aerospace industry.

SPST 565. Space Law. 3 Credits.

This course serves as a graduate-level introduction to the field of Law as applied to Space Law. The course examines the origins and evolution of the laws of outer space from the beginnings of the space age to the present. International laws governing access and use of space, and national laws regulating governmental and commercial activities in space are reviewed and analyzed. On demand.

SPST 410. Life Support Systems. 3 Credits.

A review of the physiological effects of living in space including a discussion of current and near-term life support systems equipment for the provision of oxygen, water, food, and radiation protection. In addition, a review will be made of the issues associated with the development of fully closed ecological life-support systems that will be essential to the long-term development of space. On demand.

SPST 512. Human Performance in Extreme Environments. 3 Credits.

This course identifies the impact that the stressors of extreme environments have on human performance. The course objectives are to highlight the differences and similarities among extreme environments and to demonstrate that, despite the differences lessons learned from operations in a given extreme environment can be effectively applied to other environments. Although settings such as space, mountains, or deep sea exhibit unique characteristics, the human physiological and psychological reactions and adaptations to these extreme settings stay similar. On demand.

AVIT 520. Strategic Airport Planning. 3 Credits.

This course will explore the elements of airport planning within the public administration domain. Emphasis will be placed on individual airport's strategic plans, how airports operate efficiently and effectively with changing regulations and economic fluctuations in the global marketplace.

AVIT 513. Aviation Safety Management Systems. 3 Credits.

An in-depth study of aviation safety management concepts and principles as they relate to effective safety programs within the airlines, corporate aviation, general aviation and airports.

Online Aerospace Sciences Ph.D. Degree

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Live Online Aerospace Ph.D. Courses

Synchronous classes are held in real-time. If you’re the kind of learner who likes active discussion and immediate feedback through live interaction, you’ll enjoy this online course format.

Every class is different, but generally, you’ll log into a virtual classroom at scheduled times to:

• Listen to a lecture.
• Ask questions.
• Participate in class discussions.
• Conduct group activities.
• Participate in video-sharing.
• Have chat conversations.
• Use interactive whiteboards.
• Take live polls.

You should prepare for your classes by finishing any assigned readings, compiling questions for your instructor, and thinking about how to contribute to the next live class.

Campus Visits

Ph.D. students may be expected to come to campus for research as the discretion of their Committee. Traditionally, this results in minimally one-week on campus per year, but individual students will need to consult with their Committee to determine how much on campus, if any, is needed. Additionally, a Ph.D. candidate should be present for the Ph.D. dissertation defense.

Leading Online Aerospace Sciences Ph.D.

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs. No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

• Same degree:  All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) . Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
• Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
• Real interaction:  You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
• Your own academic advisor:  As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
• Free online tutoring:  We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
• Unlimited academic coaching:  Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
• Full online access:  Dig into virtual research from the Chester Fritz Library. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
• 24/7 technical support:  UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
• Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

• Affordability
• Student satisfaction (retention rate)
• Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
• Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)

First in Space

Sara Sabryy, the first Egyptian to reach space, is pursuing a doctorate in Aerospace Sciences at UND.

Read Sara's Story

Connect with the space studies and aviation faculty you'll work with at UND's world-renowned center for aerospace learning.

• Department of Space Studies
• Department of Aviation
• John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences

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SLU’s Parks College hosts a versatile aircraft fleet, including these cutting-edge airplane options: Diamond DA-20, Seminole PA44, Piper Archer PA28-181 with Garmin G1000nxi, Canadair Regional Jet Simulator.

Aviation, Ph.D.

Saint Louis University's Ph.D. in aviation science is offered in an entirely online format, making it ideal for working professionals.

Program Highlights

• Ph.D. students in aviation science at Saint Louis University complete coursework before scheduling a qualifying exam that focuses on topics related to the coursework and assesses general preparation for graduate research.
• Upon successfully passing the qualifying exam, students develop a dissertation proposal under the supervision of a research mentor. Students then present and defend the dissertation proposal.
• After conducting research and writing a dissertation, students defend the dissertation in a public forum and then privately to the committee.

Curriculum Overview

Students will work with their advisor and Ph.D. committee to determine the specific coursework to complete the program. Those students holding an appropriate Master of Science degree may include a maximum of 27 credits of the associated M.S. degree course credits, but not the thesis or project credits, in the 63 credits required for the Ph.D. degree. 

Graduates with a Ph.D. in aviation science are uniquely qualified to conduct aviation-related research in academia, government and industry.

Admission Requirements

Begin your application for this program at  www.slu.edu/apply .

Most admitted students meet the following criteria:

• Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0
• A four-year undergraduate degree in aviation or a field related to the desired graduate program

Application Requirements

• Online application form 
• Official transcript(s) of all previous degrees
• Three letters of recommendation (preferably from recent instructors)
• A writing sample solely authored by the applicant that has been preferably composed within the last two to three years. The sample should relate to a contemporary issue in aviation or describe the student’s proposed research agenda and how that contemporary issue or proposed research agenda matches the research currently being conducted by faculty in the Department of Aviation Science . Submissions should be formatted in APA style, be between 3,500-4,500 words, and include an abstract of fewer than 300 words.
• Curriculum vitae/résumé
• Professional goal statement

Requirements for International Students

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:

• Demonstration of  English Language Proficiency
• A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the time at Saint Louis University
• A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of study at the University
• Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

Application and Assistantship Deadlines

The department only reviews applications for the fall semester. To be considered for enrollment in the fall semester, submit application materials by March 31.

Admitted students who want to be considered for an assistantship must submit a separate application for assistantship consideration by March 1.

Review Process

Once the online application is complete, and all the materials are received, the application is reviewed by the Parks College Office of Graduate Education and Research before being sent to the  Department of Aviation Science  for a recommendation. The final decision is made by Parks’ associate dean of graduate education and research.

Admissions decisions are made based on the background and educational experience of students. Applications are reviewed when completed, and decisions are generally made within a few weeks.

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

Net Price Calculator

Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships and Financial Aid

The School of Science and Engineering offers graduate fellowship awards and assistantships each year. Assistantships provide tuition, stipend and health insurance. There are also many opportunities for students to receive funding through external research grants that are managed by individual faculty.

For more information, visit the student financial services office online at www.slu.edu/financial-aid .

• Graduates will be able to assess relevant literature or scholarly contributions in the field(s) of study.
• Graduates will be able to apply the major practices, theories or research methodologies in the field(s) of study.
• Graduates will be able to apply knowledge from the field(s) of study to address problems in broader contexts.
• Graduates will be able to articulate arguments or explanations to both a disciplinary or professional audience and to a general audience, in both oral and written forms.
• Graduates will be able to evidence of scholarly and/or professional integrity in the field of study.

The courses in SLU'S Doctor of Philosophy in Aviation curriculum are taught in an entirely online format. The aviation Ph.D. program requires a total of 63 credits beyond a bachelor's degree, including:

• 12 credits of dissertation research
• At least 12 credits in aviation research
• At least 12 credits in aviation foundation 
• 3 credits in ASCI 5980 Graduate Reading Course (1-3 cr)
• At least 12 credits in a second discipline complementary to the knowledge of aviation, with department approval
• Up to 12 credits in aviation electives

Students will work with an adviser and Ph.D. committee to determine the specific coursework to complete the Ph.D. in aviation. If students have an applicable master’s degree, 27 credits of that program may count towards the 63 credits necessary, with department approval. No research or project credits will be counted towards the advanced standing for the Ph.D.

Please note: the courses in the Ph.D. in Aviation curriculum are taught in an entirely online format.

Non-Course Requirement 

All students must complete an exit survey with their department/program during their final semester.

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.

Aviation Research attributed courses

Aviation foundation attributed courses, aviation elective attributed courses.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Roadmap for Students with Advanced Standing

ASCI 5980 Graduate Reading must be taken in the last semester of coursework prior to taking the Ph.D. qualifying examination, which is a requirement of the program.

Roadmap for Students without Advanced Standing

For more information about any School of Science and Engineering graduate program, please email [email protected] .

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• Degrees and Programs

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Aeronautical Science

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Earn a doctorate degree in Aeronautical Science, help lead innovation in a growing industry

Growth in the aviation industry continues at a rapid pace, fueled by the needs of a dynamic, global economy. Meanwhile, the industry is undergoing exciting transformations, including increased use of unmanned and automated systems in the production of today’s most advanced aircraft. The design, production, testing, and operation of aircraft is a highly complex set of endeavors, and specialized research is needed to support major technological innovation.

Capitol Technology University’s online PhD in Aeronautical Science is designed to provide industry professionals with an opportunity to conduct the in-depth research and investigation needed to develop high-tech solutions to a wide variety of industry needs.

While completing the program, students will already be helping to advance the aviation industry through the creation of new knowledge and ideas. Through this research-based, online doctorate, students engage quickly in research and publishing without the limitations inherent in traditional coursework models. Graduates will be prepared for a variety of leadership roles in aviation, or for teaching roles in higher education.

As a doctoral student in aeronautical science at Capitol Tech, you’ll enter the program with a research idea and at least a committee chair. After enrollment, you’ll work with your chair and research committee to further develop your research proposal. You’ll then work independently to produce a meaningful body of original research of publishable quality. In the process, you’ll also gain valuable insight into the legal, political, ethical, and social dimensions of your field of study.

This is a research based doctorate PhD degree where you will be assigned an academic supervisor almost immediately to guide you through your program and is based on mostly independent study through the entire program. It typically takes a minimum of two years but typically three years to complete if a student works closely with their assigned academic advisor. Under the guidance of your academic supervisor, you will conduct unique research in your chosen field before submitting a thesis or being published in three academic journals agreed to by the academic supervisor.  If by publication route it will require original contribution to knowledge or understanding in the field you are investigating.

As your PhD progresses, you move through a series of progression points and review stages by your academic supervisor. This ensures that you are engaged in a process of research that will lead to the production of a high-quality Thesis and/or publications and that you are on track to complete this in the time available. Following submission of your PhD Thesis or accepted three academic journal articles, you have an oral presentation assessed by an external expert in your field.

Capitol Technology University has assembled a network of our nation’s top experts to educate you—the new generation of aviation and unmanned systems planners, architects, designers, engineers, and operators. This network includes the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS), a British organization dedicated to the global aerospace community and the professional development of its members. As a corporate partner of RAeS, the university is able to provide the opportunity for international networking, debate, resources, and professional development. 

Why Capitol?

Learn around your busy schedule

Program is 100% online, with no on-campus classes or residencies required, allowing you the flexibility needed to balance your studies and career.

Proven academic excellence

Study at a university that specializes in industry-focused education in technology fields, with a faculty that includes many industrial and academic experts.

Expert guidance in doctoral research

Capitol’s doctoral programs are supervised by faculty with extensive experience in chairing doctoral dissertations and mentoring students as they launch their academic careers. You’ll receive the guidance you need to successfully complete your doctoral research project and build credentials in the field. 

Key Faculty

Dissertation Chair

Dissertation Chair/Adjunct Professor

Degree Details

This program may be completed with a minimum of 60 credit hours, but may require additional credit hours, depending on the time required to complete the dissertation/publication research. Students who are not prepared to defend after completion of the 60 credits will be required to enroll in RSC-899, a one-credit, eight-week continuation course. Students are required to be continuously enrolled/registered in the RSC-899 course until they successfully complete their dissertation defense/exegesis.

The PhD program offers two degree completion requirement options:

• Dissertation Option: the student will produce, present, and defend a doctoral dissertation after receiving the required approvals from the student’s Committee and the PhD Review Boards.
• Publication Option: the student will produce, present, and defend doctoral research that is published as articles (3 required) in peer reviewed journals identified by the university and the student’s Committee. Students must receive the required approvals from the student’s Committee and the PhD Review Board prior to publication.

Prior Achieved Credits May Be Accepted

PhD in Aeronautical Science - 60 credits

Educational Objectives:

• Students will integrate and synthesize alternate, divergent, or contradictory perspectives or ideas fully within the field of aviation.
• Students will present scholarly work on aviation via appropriate communication channels.
• Students will demonstrate advanced knowledge and competencies in aviation.
• Students will analyze existing theories to draw data-supported conclusions in aviation.
• Students will execute a plan to complete a significant piece of scholarly research in aviation.
• Students will evaluate the legal, social, economic, environmental, and ethical impact of actions within aviation and demonstrate advanced knowledge and competency to integrate the results in the leadership decision-making process.
• Students will evaluate how aviation affects the regions though pollution, noise, logistics, safety and environment levels for its community.
• Students will address the need for sustainability of both aircraft and operations to have limited impact of resources.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon graduation:

• Graduates will evaluate the legal, social, economic, environmental, and ethical impact of actions within aviation and demonstrate advanced knowledge and competency to integrate the results in the leadership decision-making process.
• Graduates will demonstrate the highest mastery of traditional and technological techniques of communicating ideas effectively and persuasively.
• Graduates will evaluate complex problems, synthesize divergent/alternative/contradictory perspectives and ideas fully, and develop advanced solutions to aviation challenges.
• Graduates will contribute to the body of knowledge in the study of aviation.
• Graduates will assess the impact aviation has nationally and globally.
• Graduates will analyze the effects of both expanding aviation and technological advantages of aircraft for jobs and careers.

Tuition & Fees

Tuition rates are subject to change.

The following rates are in effect for the 2024-2025 academic year, beginning in Fall 2024 and continuing through Summer 2025:

• The application fee is $100
• The per-credit charge for doctorate courses is $950. This is the same for in-state and out-of-state students.
• Retired military receive a $50 per credit hour tuition discount
• Active duty military receive a $100 per credit hour tuition discount for doctorate level coursework.
• Information technology fee $40 per credit hour.
• High School and Community College full-time faculty and full-time staff receive a 20% discount on tuition for doctoral programs.

Find additional information for 2024-2025 doctorate tuition and fees.

Need more info, or ready to apply?

The Doctor of Aviation is designed to prepare working professionals in aviation with the capacity and experience needed to make scholarly contributions that enhance and promote practice within the aviation profession and to assume leadership positions within their organization. Although the focus of the Av.D. is applied and intended for the practitioner, the program is research-oriented, similar to that of a Ph.D. program, and students are expected to prepare, conduct and report dissertation research. This emphasis on research is reflected in the curriculum as described below. The program is cohort-based, with new cohorts entering the program each fall term and is designed so cohorts can complete the program in as few as three years with the last year dedicated to the dissertation component. The structure of the program requires full-time enrollment (six hours per term) for the first two years.

Admission Requirements

An applicant to the program must have a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in an aviation-related field with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale. The applicant also must be a full-time working professional in the aviation/aerospace industry. International applicants must hold a master’s degree in an aviation-related field from an international institution that provides suitable preparation for doctoral­-level studies, and be a full-time working professional in the aviation/aerospace industry. In addition to the application, applicants must submit undergraduate and graduate transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a statement of objectives and a résumé/CV.

General admission requirements and the process for applying are presented under  Graduate Academic Information   .

Degree Requirements

The Doctor of Aviation is conferred on students who successfully complete a minimum of 42 semester credit hours beyond the master’s degree as described below.

General degree requirements are presented under  Graduate Academic Information   .

• AVS 5000 Quantitative Reasoning and Modeling
• AVS 5430 Strategic Analysis in Aviation Using Game Theory
• AVS 6301 Fundamentals of Research in Aviation
• AVS 6302 Research and Statistics 1
• AVS 6303 Research and Statistics 2
• AVS 6304 Survey and Qualitative Research Methodologies
• AVS 6305 Readings in Aviation Research
• AVS 6310 Special Topics Seminar
• The remainder of the requirements includes at least 18 semester credit hours of AVS 6999 Dissertation   , with at least 15 semester credit hours earned beginning in the semester when the student is accepted to candidacy.

Comprehensive Examination Requirement

• Written and oral comprehensive exams must be completed in the same semester. The doctoral comprehensive examinations are given once a year during the summer term.

Total Credits Required: 42

Course Catalog | Liberty University

Aviation (ph.d.).

Important: This degree plan is effective for those starting this degree program in fall 2023 through summer 2024. This degree plan will remain in effect for students who do not break enrollment or who do not change degree programs, concentrations, or cognates.

Choose a 500-900 level AVIA course not already applying to the degree. These requirements may be fulfilled by applicable transfer credit from an earned M.S. in Aeronautics degree.

Once the student enters the Dissertation phase they must maintain continuous enrollment (Fall, Spring and Summer semesters) until all degree requirements are completed

All applicable prerequisites must be met 

Once the student enters the Dissertation phase they must maintain continuous enrollment (Fall, Spring and Summer semesters) until all degree requirements are completed.

Ph.D. students are allowed to enroll in AVIA 987 , AVIA 988 , AVIA 989 a maximum of two times

Graduation Requirements

• Complete 60 hours
• A maximum of 50% of a post-graduate and doctoral degree may be transferred if approved and allowable, including credit from an earned degree from Liberty University on the same academic level.
• No grades lower than a B- may be applied to the degree.
• Degree must be completed within 7 years.
• Submission of Degree Completion Application must be completed within the last semester of a student’s anticipated graduation date.

Program Offered in Online Format

Once the student enters the Dissertation phase, they must maintain continuous enrollment (Fall, Spring and Summer semesters) until all degree requirements are completed.

Ph.D. students are allowed to enroll in AVIA 987 , AVIA 988 , and AVIA 989 a maximum of two times

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Liberty University 2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog

A PDF of the entire 2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog.

Liberty University 2023-2024 Graduate Catalog

A PDF of the entire 2023-2024 Graduate Catalog.

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Admission: PhD in Aviation

Phd in aviation admission requirements.

• Apply online or call an Admissions Counselor at (800) 424-9596 .
• A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
• Mail official college transcripts (sent as sealed, unopened copies or via a direct electronic transcript system). A regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing.
• Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

Preliminary Acceptance

If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:

• Be in your final term and planning to start your doctoral degree after the last day of class for your master’s degree.
• Complete a master’s self-certification form confirming your completion date. The form can be downloaded from our  Forms and Downloads page or you can contact an Admissions Counselor who can submit the form on your behalf.
• Submit a transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show that you are within 6 credit hours of completion for a 30-48 credit hour master’s degree or within 9 credit hours of completion for a 49+ credit hour master’s degree.
• Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date listed by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new doctoral degree.

Official College Transcript Policy

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope with a signature across the back. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .

Liberty University Admissions Office   Contact Information

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Course type

Qualification, university name, doctorate degrees in aviation.

10 degrees at 6 universities in the UK.

Customise your search

Select the start date, qualification, and how you want to study

Related subjects:

• Doctorate Aviation
• Doctorate Aeronautics
• Doctorate Marine Transport
• Doctorate Marine Transport Operations
• Doctorate Transport Management
• Doctorate Transport Services
• Doctorate Transport Services and Aviation

• Course title (A-Z)
• Course title (Z-A)
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• Price: low - high

PhD/MPhil Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics

City, university of london.

Conduct research under the supervision of experts in our mechanical engineering research centres. Access leading facilities including Read more...

• 2 years Full time degree: £6,360 per year (UK)
• 3 years Part time degree: £3,180 per year (UK)

PhD (Civil / Mechanical / Aeronautical Engineering)

University of south wales.

A PhD is a doctoral degree based on a significant and original individual research project which culminates in an in-depth thesis (or Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,716 per year (UK)
• 5 years Part time degree: £2,358 per year (UK)

Aviation and Air Transport Management PhD

University of west london.

Research in the London Geller College of Hospitality and Tourism (LGCHT) focuses on exploring risk and resilience within the aviation and Read more...

• 4 years Full time degree: £3,995 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £2,000 per year (UK)

MPhil/PhD (Civil / Mechanical / Aeronautical Engineering)

Aeronautical and automotive engineering phd, loughborough university.

Our reputation for pioneering and topical research is built on a long and successful history with aeronautical and automotive engineering. Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

Hospitality, Events, Aviation and Tourism Higher Doctorate

University of sunderland.

A Higher Doctorate is awarded for published work of the highest quality. We ask candidates to submit a collection of their published work Read more...

• 1 year Distance without attendance degree: £3,980 per year (UK)
• 1 year Part time degree: £3,980 per year (UK)

Aeronautics PhD

Imperial college london.

Our international reputation for research makes this an ideal place to pursue a research degree, whether as preparation for a research Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £7,340 per year (UK)

Hospitality, Events, Aviation and Tourism PhD

A PhD is “probably the most internationally transferable qualification” according to the Higher Education Policy Institute. You will Read more...

• 6 years Distance without attendance degree: £3,681 per year (UK)
• 4 years Distance without attendance degree: £3,681 per year (UK)
• 4 years Full time degree: £4,500 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £3,681 per year (UK)

Hospitality, Events, Aviation and Tourism Professional Doctorate DProf

Equal but fundamentally different to a traditional Doctorate of Philosophy degree pathway, our Professional Doctorate pathways, Read more...

• 3 years Part time degree: £5,000 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £5,000 per year (UK)

Hospitality, Events, Aviation and Tourism Existing Published or Creative Work PhD

A PhD by Published or Creative Work is designed for individuals with an existing portfolio of published work addressing a central Read more...

• 6 months Part time degree: £6,000 per year (UK)

Course type:

• Distance learning Doctorate
• Full time Doctorate
• Part time Doctorate

Qualification:

Related subjects:.

Graduate College

Aviation administration, aviation administration (graduate certificate),   application deadlines.

Students can apply any semester up until two weeks before census. See Registrar's academic calendar for census dates.

  Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV)

A resume or curriculum vitae (CV) is required; please submit within the online application system.

  Graduate test

This program does not require a graduate test.

Note: International applicants may have to provide evidence of English language proficiency. More information can be found within the online application.

  Recommendations

This program does not require any supplemental recommendations.

  Written statement

A written statement is not required

  Previous written work

This program does not require any previous written work be submitted.

  Other program materials

This program does not require any other program materials to be submitted.

  Transcript requirement

An official transcript from the institution from which you received your bachelor degree is required, as well as a transcript from the institution(s) where any additional graduate level courses or degrees have been taken/completed. Applicants are not required to submit an official transcript of courses taken/completed at WMU.

  Additional information

Please select degree seeking in the academic intent section of the application so that it can be routed to the correct department.

If you have any questions, please review the website below for program and contact information.

College of Aviation

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Doctor of Aviation Business Administration

In this one-of-a-kind program, candidates use a hybrid learning experience that includes a residency to help boost their business management skills to a new level.

Are you looking to take your professional journey to the next level? Embry-Riddle is the only institution to offer a program in aviation business at the doctoral level. Our Doctor of Aviation Business Administration program is ideal for working professionals, as it provides a hybrid learning experience with online courses and five-day seminar at the Daytona Beach Campus.

The 60-credit hour program (plus two residencies) can be completed in as few as three and a half years and is designed to challenge your knowledge and provide you with valuable insight into a variety of aviation business industries.

Our one-of-a-kind program combines the core strength of academic business administration with applied aviation knowledge. It offers a balanced curriculum that emphasizes high-quality research with an applied aviation focus.

The culture of collaboration among our students equips doctoral candidates with a network of peers who can offer the support and encouragement needed to overcome common hurdles that often prevent working professionals from completing their degrees.

About Aviation Business Administration at the Daytona Beach, FL Campus

The doctor of Aviation Business Administration in the  David B. O'Maley College of Business can be completed in as few as three and a half years. This degree is designed to challenge students’ knowledge as they gain valuable insight into a variety of applied research methods. The program breakdown includes:

• Foundations of Business Administration – 12 credit hours
• Research Skills in Aviation & Aerospace – 12 credit hours
• Doctoral Seminars and dissertation – 36 credit hours

Students who have completed their MBA at an Embry-Riddle campus or took qualified graduate courses in other institutions may be able to transfer some of their credits toward the program.

For additional program information, please contact the doctoral program office at [email protected] .

All students are required to complete two residencies at the Daytona Beach campus, each worth one credit hour. The residencies are scheduled for mid-August and are approximately one-week long.

Learn more about the Daytona Beach, FL Campus

The Doctor of Aviation Business Administration within the O’Maley College of Business is a unique program designed in response to demand from the aviation and aerospace industries for a specialized terminal degree. The mission of the program is to provide thought leadership in the Business of Flight by educating and launching the next generation of exceptional doctoral graduates who are empowered to provide impactful and innovative intellectual contributions to society. This multi-disciplinary program reaches across the various business administration disciplines to combine the expertise required in addressing the diverse needs of the aviation society for applied research intended to solve real-world issues.

Program Format and Duration

The program is designed to serve professionals in the aviation and aerospace industry who want to pursue their doctoral degrees online. The online modality of the program expands access to doctoral education and allows for a more diverse group of domestic and international students to cultivate specialized knowledge and research skills that increase their opportunities for career success. The program follows the academic calendar of the Daytona Beach campus with the fall, spring and summer C semesters. The students are expected to take six credit hours per semester.

The program curriculum is a balanced mixture of courses covering advanced research skills in aviation and aerospace, business administration, and academic and scholarly communication skills. To facilitate learner-to-learner and learner-to-faculty interaction, the program includes multiple residencies encompassing a series of sessions covering topics including aviation research methods, professional development, training workshops, business ethics, along networking opportunities.

The expected time for completing the program is between three to four years. 

The Doctoral program requires the completion of 62 credit hours of graduate study. 

Doctoral Residency (2 Credit Hours)

The doctoral students shall complete two residency programs. The residencies are approximately one week long and are offered at the Daytona Beach campus location.

Foundations of Business Administration (12 Credit Hours)

All doctoral students shall complete the following business foundation courses.

Research Skills in Aviation & Aerospace (12 Credit Hours)

All doctoral students must complete all of the following courses. These courses help the students with the analytical skills necessary for their research.

Doctoral Seminars (12 Credit Hours)

All doctoral students shall take four elective doctoral seminars.

Dissertation (24 credits)

All students need to conduct aviation business-related research, supervised by their dissertation advisors, leading to an original contribution to the knowledge in their field. The program’s primary focus is on applied research in the aviation and aerospace industries, resulting in meaningful contributions to practice.

Qualifying Examinations

Students are required to take and pass written qualifying examinations to demonstrate their ability to pursue the doctoral degree. Qualifying examinations are designed to evaluate students’ mastery of the fundamentals of aviation business administration that support their research endeavors. Participation in the qualifying examination requires a GPA of 3.0 or above in the course work. It is recommended that students take the qualifying exam within two semesters after completing their course work. Passing the qualifying examination will require that the student achieves a satisfactory score on each section. A student must pass the qualifying examination in not more than two attempts. A student who fails to achieve acceptable scores in all trials will be dismissed from the program at the end of that semester.

The qualifying examinations are developed and administered by the Daytona Beach David B. O’Maley College of Business faculty with subject matter expertise drawn from appropriate sources. A doctoral student who passes the qualifying examination is eligible to register for dissertation research credit and is classified as a doctoral candidate. The doctoral candidates are required to work with the Doctoral Program Coordinator to select a qualified dissertation advisor(s) and form their committee before taking any dissertation research credit.

Dissertation Advisor and Committee

Upon entry into the Doctor of Aviation Business Administration Program, the Doctoral Program Coordinator advises students on course selection and developing a plan of study.  Upon completion of the qualifying examination and elevation to candidacy status, candidates must select a qualified dissertation advisor(s) from the faculty of the David B. O’Maley College of Business in Daytona Beach.

Any appropriately qualified tenured or tenure-track faculty of the David B. O’Maley College of Business with a relevant terminal (doctoral) degree and expertise in a research area closely related to the candidate’s area of interest may serve as the dissertation advisor(s) for a doctoral candidate. The Doctoral Program Coordinator provides administration of the Advisor Process and grants final approval for those selected to be doctoral dissertation advisors. A student must work with their dissertation advisor(s) to form a proposed calendar of program events, milestones, and a dissertation committee, all of which receive final approval from the Doctoral Program Coordinator. The dissertation committee is composed of three appropriately qualified faculty members from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

If a student is involved in collaborative research with an outside institution or company, one qualified member from these entities may serve on the dissertation committee, in addition to the faculty members from the university. The student’s dissertation advisor(s) typically serves as the chair of the dissertation committee.

The doctoral candidates are expected to meet with their dissertation advisor(s) and committees once a semester at a time convenient to all parties.

Proposal Examinations

The purpose of the proposal examinations is to evaluate students’ readiness for conducting their proposed research. The proposal examinations assess the students’ ability to use their knowledge to perform high-quality, independent and creative research and assure their potentials for successful completion of their dissertation. The examining committee is composed of the student’s dissertation committee and the Doctoral Program Coordinator or a representative from the Dean of the David B. O’Maley College of Business at Daytona Beach. Doctoral candidates must take the proposal examination within one year after starting their dissertation.

The proposal examination consists of a written research proposal and an oral presentation made to the examining committee.  At least two weeks before the preliminary examination, the student must provide written copies of the research proposal to each of the members of the examining committee. The purpose of this proposal is for the student, with the guidance of the dissertation advisor(s), to define the focus of the research and to enable the examining committee to offer maximum assistance and advice to the student. The proposal should contain a clear statement of the proposed topic of aviation business research; a review of the literature relating to the problem; and an outline of the proposed methodology for a solution to the problem. The proposal also should include an estimated cost of needed resources; and a schedule that identifies key milestones and events for measuring the progress of the intended effort. The proposal examination evaluates the student’s readiness for completing the dissertation research. Students who fail to meet the expectation of the committee will be informed of the areas of weakness and given one additional opportunity to amend and correct their proposal. Candidates who fail to show improvements in the research proposal in their second trial will be dismissed from the program at the end of that semester.

Dissertation Defense

The purpose of the defense examination is to evaluate the student’s overall research effort and written dissertation to determine whether or not the candidate is qualified to receive a doctoral degree in Aviation Business Administration. At least one month before the defense, the student must provide written copies of the final draft of the dissertation to each member of the examining committee. The dissertation defense is the candidate’s oral presentation of the final work of the dissertation. There may be an additional representative from the Daytona Beach Campus Chief Academic Officer’s (CAO) office or an external subject matter expert present in the defense. During the defense presentation, the results presented in the dissertation may be formally challenged by the examining committee. The defense is administered by the student’s examining committee in accordance with the guidelines of the Daytona Beach David B. O’Maley College of Business and the University. The major areas of emphasis of this examination are the quality and originality of the candidate’s research and his/her knowledge and understanding of the general areas of study related to the field. The candidate’s dissertation advisor(s) or the Doctoral Program Coordinator may invite other members from inside or outside ERAU to attend the defense. It is expected that the students, at the minimum, cite one peer-reviewed journal and one conference presentation as the lead author in their defense disseminated from their research work.

Students who fail to pass their defense can be asked to re-work part of their dissertation and to re-defend the results or may be dismissed from the program. The candidate’s dissertation advisor(s) will coordinate any needed remediation resulting from a failed defense.

Annual Progress Review

The students should maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in all classwork and adhere to all the university’s academic policies. After passing the qualification exam, the candidates must provide an annual progress report to the Doctoral Program Coordinator. The progress report summarizes the main accomplishments and progress in the previous year and identifies the work plan for the future. The progress should be signed by the candidate and his/her dissertation advisor(s). The progress report should be submitted before the end of the second week in December each year. The Doctoral Program Coordinator will review the progress of the doctoral candidate once a year. The purpose of the review is to ensure that candidates continue to make satisfactory progress toward their degree objectives. All major recommendations from this annual review will be forwarded to the candidate with an assessment of achievements and of areas where improvements are expected.

Dismissal Policy

Based on the recommendation from the Doctoral Program Committee, a student will be dismissed from the program if the overall GPA is less than 3.0 for two successive semesters. Also, a student will be dismissed from the program if they twice fail the qualifying exam, fail the preliminary examinations, fails to pass the final dissertation defense (after remediation attempts), or if the seven-year program time limit is exceeded.

The application for the Doctor in Aviation Business Administration program is competitive. Students are admitted only during the fall term each year, with their first residency occurring in August. Domestic and international students with a prior Master’s degree are eligible for acceptance. For full consideration, please apply by May 1 .  Only completed applications are reviewed, so please make sure to study the requirements thoroughly.

Your Checklist

Applicants will be evaluated based on the following requirements:

• Master’s degree in Business Administration or closely related discipline.
• Superior academic records, as determined by the O'Maley College of Business Doctoral Program committee.

Have taken either the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) within the last five years and have acceptable scores on both quantitative and verbal sections as determined by the Doctoral Program Committee. Note:  Applicants with significant professional experience and strong academic background could request a waiver at the discretion of the Doctoral Program Coordinator.

• International applicants who have not graduated from an English educational system within the last two years or for whom English is not the primary language must submit official TOEFL, IELTS or Cambridge scores. The preferred scores for admissions are as follows: TOEFL - 213 (computer based), 550 (paper-based), or 79 (IBT Internet-based); IELTS - 6.0; and Cambridge – 170 (AF1) .
• Two Letters of Recommendation.
• Resume with detailed education and work experience.
• Statement of research interest in an aviation business discipline.
• Complete application package including a statement of purpose, official transcripts and Foreign Credential Evaluation for all schools outside of the U.S

Transcripts and test scores  must  be officially sent from the institution or testing service to: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, International and Graduate Admissions, 1 Aerospace Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32114-3900. Educational Testing Service (ETS) should send GMAT or GRE scores to Embry-Riddle at school code 5190. All other documents can be emailed to  [email protected] . Please send documents in PDF format (AF2) .

Once applications are evaluated, finalists will participate in an online interview with the Ph.D. program committee members. The committee will assess students’ motivations, research interests and academic desires.

As the world’s largest aviation-oriented university,  Embry-Riddle offers students access to an extraordinary team of industry leaders and experts. Our faculty members have extensive experience in graduate education and cutting-edge research, and our doctoral faculty are nationally and internationally recognized scholars in aviation and related disciplines as well as in research methods.

Faculty at the O'Maley College of Business have authored important aviation books in diverse disciplines such as operations, economics, finance, strategy and transportation. Many also serve as Editor-In-Chief and editors for major international journals.

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Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering

Ph.D. in Aviation

Ph.D. in Human Factors

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