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Program Information | Degree Requirements | Career Outlook

Master of Science in Aeronautics

 

Aviation Professionals: Enhance Your Career
With Embry-Riddle's Master of Science in Aeronautics Degree

Broad-based, Flexible degree

Embry-Riddle's Master of Science in Aeronautics (MSA) is a broad-based, flexible degree that gives you, the aviation professional, a rigorous individualized curriculum based upon the "man-machine-system-solution" concept. This background will endow you with the requisite knowledge and skills necessary to advance in the aviation/aerospace industry. In-career professionals like flight crew members, air traffic control personnel, flight operations specialists, industry technical representatives, aviation educators, and other aviation/aerospace professionals can enhance their knowledge and careers with our MSA degree.

As an MSA program entrant you should have an undergraduate foundation in mathematics, introduction to computers, economics, behavioral science, and aviation rules and regulations. Although aviation experience is desired, pilot qualifications are not required.

First, you'll complete an Advanced Aviation/Aerospace Science core consisting of twelve credits. Next, you'll complete twelve to fifteen credits which make up a selected area of specialization, choosing from among five

Aviation/Aerospace Education Technology
Aviation/Aerospace Management
Aviation/Aerospace Operations
Aviation/Aerospace Safety Systems
Air Traffic Management Tracks I & II

The remaining credits consist of electives, and either a thesis or graduate research project.
MSA students can also complete courses leading to dual specialization. The dual specialization is declared prior to the completion of the degree program.

 

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PROGRAM INFORMATION

Our Program Prepares You
For Advancement in Your Aviation Career

Core Courses Examine Role of Air Transport

The MSA core courses are designed to emphasize the importance of the air transportation system as an integral part of the global, multi-modal transportation system and compares the different methods of intermodal transportation from historical, technological, social, environmental, and political perspectives. The interrelationships of multi-purpose aviation/aerospace organizations in the development of an aircraft or spacecraft are contrasted, and the concepts of planning and control of materials and components are compared. Students analyze the importance of human factors in all aspects of the aviation/aerospace industry and identify basic human engineering factors. The development, using the acceptable methods of research, of a proposal related to an aviation problem is required in the form of a thesis or graduate research project.

Choose Your Area of Specialization

Education Technology Specialization
You will study the role of simulation in flight operations, as well as recent innovations in simulation. You will study aviation education problems and issues, assess the need for continuing education in aviation, and evaluate existing adult education programs and computer-based instruction.

 

Air Traffic Management Specialization Tracks I and II
This specialization is designed for students whose goal is to become an air traffic controller. We offer two tracks: Track I is for students who have no previous air traffic control experience, and Track II for those who have Embry-Riddle air traffic control training. The academic courses provide exposure to the procedures and operations consistent with those found in Federal Aviation Administration air traffic facilities. The ATM curriculum provides the knowledge and foundation designated by the FAA for eventual student entry into the FAA Academy where they will be integrated with graduates of other Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) schools for additional air traffic control training. The upper ATM courses are very technical and provide the foundation for the capstone air traffic courses that are designed to be consistent with current FAA and industry requirements.


Management Specialization
You will gain a mastery of the technical management area by conducting a detailed analysis of commercial air carrier and general aviation maintenance, planning and using decision-making techniques, developing long-range strategies, studying supply and distribution systems, and recognizing the types and sources of aviation/aerospace research and development. An optional focus on personnel includes courses in labor relations, airport management, information systems, and human resource management.

Aviation/Aerospace Operations Specialization
You will conduct a detailed analysis of the trends in air traffic safety and control and analyze the causal factors of selected aircraft accidents with emphasis on human factors connected with flight and support crew activities. You'll examine the air carrier operations systems from the standpoint of ground based dispatchers, operations specialists, managers, and cockpit flight crews. The procedures and techniques used in corporate flight operations are evaluated as aircraft and crew requirements for a corporate flight department are developed.

Safety Systems Specialization
You will compare the complex safety systems and the rules, requirements, and operational techniques used in aviation/aerospace industrial complexes. You will study airport safety, human factors involving flight and support personnel, the aviator's adaptation to a safe flight environment, and efforts to design occupant-friendly aircraft.

 

 

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DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Master of Science in Aeronautics

The Master of Science in Aeronautics (MSA) degree program is designed to provide the aviation/aerospace professional with a rigorous academic approach to a generalist education oriented degree. It provides an unequaled opportunity for flight crew members, air traffic control personnel, flight operations specialists, industry technical representatives, and aviation educators to enhance their knowledge and pursue additional career opportunities.

Entry into the MSA program requires possession of an undergraduate foundation in the areas of college-level mathematics, introduction to computers, economics, and behavioral science. The student may choose from five specializations :
Air Traffic Management,
Aviation/Aerospace Education Technology,
Aviation/Aerospace Management,
Aviation/ Aerospace Operations,
Aviation/Aerospace Safety Systems.

Students must complete the Advanced Aviation/Aerospace Science core consisting of 12 credits.

Students then complete the 12 credits that make up the selected specialization.

he remaining credits consist of electives, and either a thesis or a graduate research project. M

SA students can also complete courses leading to multiple specializations. The multiple specialization is declared prior to the completion of the degree program. Students wishing to complete multiple specializations must have 12 unduplicated credits in each of the specializations and a minimum of 39 credit hours.

Research

The MSA program presents a curriculum in which the aviation professional exhibits a mastery of aviation-related research and writing skills by initiating, writing, and defending a publishable quality research paper. The document includes a literature review appropriate for demonstrating a thorough knowledge of previous works and the current status of the selected aviation/aerospace topic.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Science in Aeronautics (MSA) degree program is designed to provide the aviation/aerospace professional with a rigorous academic approach to a general- ist education oriented degree. It provides an unequaled opportunity for flight crew members, air traffic control personnel, flight operations specialists, industry technical representatives, and aviation educators to enhance their knowledge and pursue addi- tional career opportunities.

Entry into the MSA program requires pos- session of an undergraduate foundation, with a minimum GPA of 3.0, in the areas of college- level mathematics, introduction to computers, economics, and behavioral science.

REQUIREMENTS

Download complete requirements for this program in pdf format.

The program consists of a total of 36 cred- its. Students must complete the Advanced Aviation/Aerospace Science Core consisting of 12 credits and then complete the 12 credits that make up the selected specialization in one of five areas: Air Traffic Management, Aviation/Aerospace Education Technology, Aviation/Aerospace Management, Aviation/ Aerospace Operations, or Aviation/Aerospace Safety Systems. Students must then complete 12 credits of coursework and a comprehen- sive examination or six hours of coursework and a thesis. MSA students can also complete courses leading to a multiple specializa- tion. The multiple specialization must be declared prior to the completion of the degree program. Students wishing to complete multiple specializations must have 12 undu- plicated credits in each of the specializations and a minimum of 39 credit hours.

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OTHER LINKS

Aeronautical Science Department - Daytona Beach
http://www.erau.edu/omni/db/academicorgs/dbasd/index.html

Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate - National Aeronautics and Space Adm.
http://www.aero-space.nasa.gov/

American Institute of Aeronautics and Astonautics
http://www.aiaa.org/

 

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CAREER OUTLOOK

The Embry-Riddle Connection Helps You Advance
Your Career in Aerospace, Aviation, and Technology

Great Co-op and Internship Prospects; Often Lead to Jobs


Graduates are employed as human factors specialists, pricing analysts, and systems engineers and in flight operations, flight management, and research. Recent graduates have been hired by companies such as the following:

Advanced Aviation Associates
Allied Signal Aerospace
Beech Aerospace
Dufresne-Henry
Emory Worldwide
Euronet LTD
FAA
General Dynamics
Harris Corp.
Honeywell
Lockheed
NASA
Sikorsky Aircraft
Texas Department of Transportation
Texas Instruments


 

The Embry-Riddle Advantage: The Career Services Office

One of the most valuable benefits of being a student or alumnus of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is access to the resources of the Career Services Office.

The Career Services Office provides career development assistance to all students and alumni of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, regardless of campus affiliation. The Daytona Beach office serves Daytona Beach, Worldwide Campus, and Worldwide Online students. Prescott campus students are served by the Prescott office.

The Career Services Web site offers students and alumni:

  • A virtual library of job search aids including interview tips
  • An alumni network which enables students to contact alumni throughout the United States and abroad to learn more about their careers and employers.
  • Sample résumés and cover letters
  • Company profiles and employment hotlines
  • Cooperative education opportunities
  • Current job listings; and
  • A Web-based résumé referral service

A career fair is hosted at the Daytona Beach and Prescott campuses each fall. Throughout each year, dozens of companies visit the campuses to recruit students and to provide information about their industry. On-campus interviews are also scheduled year-round.

The Career Services Office employs a staff of program managers to provide one-on-one career advisement, mock interviews, and résumé critique services. The Career Services Office encourages students to make contact early in their Embry-Riddle educations to explore career options and develop a successful job search strategy.

More From the Career Services Office

Career Advisement
Several degree-specific program managers are available for assistance with career choice/change, exploration of career opportunities, and development of job search techniques.

Career Resource Center
The Career Resource Center is a library of information that includes addresses and information on potential employers, as well as information on hiring trends, salaries, and other career references. The Career Resource Center is continuously updated and expanded to meet student needs. The Career Services Web site also serves as a virtual resource center with links to job listings, salary information, sample résumés, interview preparation, and company Web sites.

EagleHire Network
The EagleHire Network allows students and alumni to submit résumés directly to employers seeking full-time and co-op/internship candidates. EagleHire is a free service and is available to all students and alumni of the University.

Cooperative Education/Internship Program
Cooperative education positions provide an opportunity for students to gain valuable work experience while earning college credit, learn about their chosen field, and establish contacts in the industry. Co-ops and internships are opportunities to earn college credit while gaining career-related work experience for undergraduate and graduate students.