College of Aviation

Aviation Management and Operations

The mission of the Aviation Management and Operations Program (AMOJ) is to prepare students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to become professionals and leaders in a diverse, global aviation industry.

This curriculum is designed to prepare tomorrow's aviation business leaders, today. As a graduate of this program students will be poised to obtain a position in airline or airport management, operations management, safety management, aviation/aerospace administration, airport planning or many others. Coursework includes a focus of aviation-specific management courses and a foundation of business theory and practice. In addition, you will gain essential knowledge of aircraft systems, aerodynamics and performance, aviation law, and aviation safety. AMOJ students participate in a curriculum that blends aviation and business concepts and practices. Students obtain the knowledge and skills required for meaningful employment in the aviation industry.

The Aviation Management and Operations Program focuses on the business and managerial aspects of the aviation industry. Our students will complete coursework in general education, aviation topics, and business courses including economics, finance, accountancy, and marketing. Aviation courses include aerodynamics, aviation safety, aircraft systems, airline management, airport management and operations, aviation supply chain, and international aviation. A student’s experience will culminate in a senior capstone project that includes the development of a business plan and utilizing an airline simulation to put the plan in action. The program curriculum is closely aligned with a general business minor from the Haworth College of Business. Students need to take one additional course to complete a general business minor. Students that complete the Aviation Management and Operations program have completed the prerequisites for the Master of Business Administration—MBA—graduate degree at Western Michigan University and allows for a smooth transition for individuals wanting to pursue an advanced degree.

Aviation management courses prepare students for a variety of roles in the aviation industry. Management students have the opportunity to gain industry experience through internships. The College of Aviation has developed standing internship opportunities for students at airlines, airports, and corporate flight departments.

Graduates are hired to work in a variety of positions for airlines, airports, corporate flight departments and support areas. Some of the position’s graduates hold include airport operations, scheduling, dispatch, customer service representative, client services representative, account manager, air service development, and supply chain management. This list is not meant to be exhaustive; these are some of the common positions that alumni retain up graduation. The benefit of achieving the Aviation Management and Operations degree is the vast number of career opportunities and choices within the aviation industry.