Instructors in aviation talking

Online Aviation Master's Degree

Master of Science (M.S.)

Elevate your career opportunities with one of the strongest graduate aviation advanced degree programs in the country.

This UND graduate program offers you the choice of specializing in four key areas: safety, unmanned aircraft systems, management and human factors. Best of all, this online program allows you maximum flexibility in achieving your M.S. in Aviation.

Program type:
Master's Degree
Format:
Online
Est. time to complete:
2-3 years
Credit hours:
30

Why earn an online master's in Aviation?

Graduate Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 1
Spring:
Dec. 1
Summer:
May 1

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

Gain the research skills and foundational knowledge you need to be able to solve today's most pressing problems in aviation. With our online Aviation graduate program, you'll have opportunities to:

  • Focus on key areas such as airlines, corporate aviation, general aviation and airport management.
  • Gain an understanding of the various complexities facing the industry through a breadth of aviation-related courses.
  • Develop a clear understanding of statistics and research methods, and how they can help solve problems.
  • Prepare you for a profession in the aviation industry, government or research and development.

Aviation Master's Specializations

Choose from one of the following four areas to specialize your Aviation master's degree. Your specialization will be indicated on your transcript upon successful completion of the M.S. in Aviation degree and successful completion of 9 credits of coursework in the applicable specialization area.

Aviation Safety

This specialization will enable aviation professionals to build data-driven solutions to mitigate safety risks.

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)

Learn to address major UAS challenges related to public policy, regulations and the law.

Aviation Management

Get prepared for leadership roles in the aviation industry with this specialization.

Human Factors

Study ergonomics, training system design and human error.

UND's Online Aviation Master's Degree

  • UND's John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences is a world-renowned center for aerospace learning. We are nationally acclaimed for our achievements in collegiate aviation education.

  • Earn your degree from anywhere in the world on your terms with synchronous online live classes and face-to-face interaction with faculty.

  • Courses provide a solid theoretical framework, along with an understanding of measurements, data analysis techniques and numerical modeling.

  • The Aviation master's degree is built on one of the strongest collegiate aviation programs in the country. It was developed with help from industry leaders who helped shape the curriculum.

  • We offer specialized academic and career advisement to aviation students. Our graduates are highly recruited by major airlines.

  • Enhance your professional skills at 60+ free workshops offered through the UND School of Graduate Studies. Our goal is to provide you with the workforce skills and job search strategies to succeed.

What can you do with an Aviation master's degree?

206K

Median annual salary for flight operations senior managers, 2024

Salary.com

As a graduate of one of the strongest aviation programs in the country, you'll have plenty of specialized career opportunities and be prepared to be a future industry leader.

Master's in Aviation Jobs

Our graduates find themselves in pivotal positions, driving efficiency, safety, and innovation across various domains including:

  • Airline Management: Spearhead operations, strategy, and policy in commercial airlines, focusing on profitability, sustainability, and customer satisfaction.
  • Airport Management: Oversee airport operations, including safety protocols, passenger services, and compliance with regulatory bodies, ensuring smooth day-to-day airport functionality.
  • Defense Contractors: Work with organizations that supply the military with products and services, including the development and supply of advanced aviation technologies.
  • Leadership Positions in Private and Corporate Aviation: Lead teams in the private and corporate sectors, focusing on operational excellence, client satisfaction, and strategic growth.

UND aviation alumni have gone on to a variety of successful careers with many companies, some of which include:

  • Delta Airlines
  • United States Coast Guard
  • Alante Air Charter, LLC
  • Allied Pilots Association

Online Aviation Master's Courses

AVIT 522. UAS Management. 3 Credits.

This course provides a series of lectures or presentations by visiting lecturers or faculty on various themes related to Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). Prerequisite: Graduate Student Status. F, odd years.

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.

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 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.

AVIT 512. Aviation Environmental Issues. 3 Credits.

This course examines current environmental issues within the aviation industry in the context of historical environmentalism, current laws and regulations, and emerging research findings. A broad survey of earth systems precedes a focused examination of contemporary aviation environmental issues.

AVIT 510. Aviation Public Policy and Regulations. 3 Credits.

This course will examine and discuss the initiation, formulation and implementation of public policies that affect the various segments of the aviation industry. Various regulatory areas within the aviation industry, such as scheduled air carriers, general aviation, airport operations, air traffic management, and international agreements, will be analyzed. On demand.

Why consider UND's online Aviation master's degree?

#2

best online graduate programs

EDsmart

#1

best online college in North Dakota

Forbes

Our master's in Aviation program is 100% online. You never have to come to campus. Plus, you'll pay the same affordable online tuition rate regardless of your legal residency.

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 at UND's libraries. 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)

How are the online Aviation master's degree courses offered?

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.

Best Online Aviation Master's Programs

#2 Best Value Schools
#3 GradSchoolHub
#8 OnlineU
#11 Nonproftit Colleges Online

UND is ranked by many as a Top 10 best online Aviation master's program in the nation. We are well regarded for our educational quality, affordability, flexibility, and career outcomes.

Ranking sites vary in their methodology, but are generally based on the following criterion:

  • Financial data such as net cost, loan default rate, and return on investment
  • Academic rigor including curriculum standards, accreditation status, and faculty reputation
  • Student gratification, retention rate, and support services
  • Employment rate and graduate salary

Military Friendly® School

Top Military Friendly School Badge Silver

UND is a top college for military affiliates. In fact, 1 in 7 students are veterans, active duty, spouses, or military dependents. 

  • Dedicated Support Services: You’ll have access to the Veteran & Military Services office, where you can get personalized help with VA benefits, advising, scholarships, and counseling resources.
  • Military Affiliated Peer Support (MAPS): At UND, you’ll find peer student support staff ready to guide you, offer encouragement, and connect you with the resources you need to achieve your academic and personal goals.
  • ROTC Programs: If you’re looking to grow as a leader, UND’s Army and Air Force ROTC programs provide you with hands-on leadership training and the opportunity to build lasting camaraderie.
  • Priority Registration: Individuals using VA funding benefit from priority course registration, ensuring you can build a schedule that fits your other commitments.

FAQs

The duration of an M.S. online program in Aviation varies based on several factors, primarily the students professional and personal commitments. Our online Aviation master’s program is designed for completion within 2-3 years, encompassing the acquisition of 30 credits.

Yes, all online programs provided by us, including the M.S. online in Aviation, are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The transcript and diploma granted to online graduates are identical to those received by on campus students.

Absolutely. Industry leaders collaborated in developing the curriculum of our online Aviation program, ensuring its recognition and relevance within the aviation sector, and establishing it as one of the most robust collegiate aviation programs in the USA.

Yes, the majority of UND's aviation online courses are offered live over the Internet. Classes are scheduled in the evenings Monday through Thursday from 6:30 p.m. CT - 9:30 p.m. CT.

Leaders in Aerospace

Develop leadership skills to make an impact and leave your legacy at UND.

Explore More Options

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