Aviation Science, MAS

Aviation Science, MAS

Level:

Master's Degree

Credits required:

33 credits

Cost per credit:

$488

Next start date:

May 6, 2024

Study the Science of Flying Aircraft

Aviation is a major driving force connecting the world. To keep up with the field’s innovation, more and more jobs are being created and a new workforce is needed. Whether you want to be a professional pilot, do aircraft maintenance, teach, or take on an airport management role, aviation careers are in high demand.

Some of the major topics and courses covered in this program include aviation technology and automation, flight safety program management, aircraft accident investigation and analysis, and more. Whatever you decide on for a career, you will have a solid base when you graduate to land the job you want.

You can start the program any semester. Classes vary by semester.

Cater to Your Interests in Aviation

Within the program, you may specialize in aviation safety, which allows you to tailor your courses on advanced concepts in aviation safety management and prepares you for leadership roles in aviation safety. Classes include coursework on safety regulations, safety culture, and safety management systems.

If you are interested in other specialties, such as education, human factors, or airport management, you have the flexibility to explore them with independent study course options.

The First Step is a Conversation. Talk to Amy.

Amy Monson

Amy Monson

Assistant Professor, Professional Practice
(435) 797-3508
amy.monson@usu.edu

Find Your Fit

Take a few minutes to determine how a USU Online program can help you meet your education and career goals.

Learn from Experts with Diverse Aviation Backgrounds

The Master of Aviation Safety (MAS) program boasts a distinguished faculty with diverse and extensive expertise in the aviation industry. The faculty is comprised of seasoned professionals, including airport managers, former air traffic controllers, retired career military officers, experienced instructor pilots, and seasoned airline and maintenance professionals. This diverse blend of backgrounds ensures that students benefit from a comprehensive and well-rounded education, gaining insights from individuals with firsthand experience in various facets of aviation.

Amy Monson

Amy Monson

MAS Alumna and Faculty

"As both a former student and current faculty member of Utah State University's Master of Aviation program, I've witnessed the program's transformative impact. USU's MAS program, with its diverse faculty of industry professionals, provided me with a comprehensive education and shaped me into a leader in aviation. It's an honor to contribute to a program that empowers future leaders for impactful careers in the aviation industry."

Andreas Wesemann

Andreas "Baron" Wesemann

Graduate Program Director

"Graduates of the USU MAS degree describe the flexible nature of the program, with options for industry internships, creative projects, independent study courses and a Capstone Project that has enabled career progression, new jobs as safety managers, airport security mangers, and educators in aviation. Each student works with a faculty mentor to complete their project. My favorite part of the job as director is placing their white USU Aviation Scarf around their neck as they get hooded as an Aggie in May!"

Student Feedback

We strive to create a community where co-curricular experiences strengthen and broaden student learning inside and outside of the classroom.

The Utah State MAS program has opened up a side of my aviation career that would not have been available to me without it. It solidified me as an expert in my field and opened doors to teaching others. The MAS program was fair, flexible, and affordable. It also connected me with other great aviation experts that I hope to stay in touch with for my entire career.

Josh Krason

The MAS staff were extremely knowledgeable, helpful and challenged me as a student. My fellow students in the program were extremely motivated and help me grow as a professional within the aviation community. Classmates in the MAS program have moved on to become, professors, project managers, own aviation related businesses and excel as military aviators. Even as an out of state, online student, I always felt a part of and will always be with the Aggie Family. Go Aggies!

Matthew James Martinez, MAS

Career Outlook

A Master of Aviation Science degree opens the door to numerous job opportunities in the field of aviation. You can become a professional or remote pilot, an aircraft technician or mechanic, an airport manager, maintenance supervisor, and more. And, the field is only going to continue to grow with job growth for many of these careers projected to grow by 5% over the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Aviation Science Skills You'll Develop

The aviation industry provides a variety of career paths. Our master’s program will enable you to develop the skills needed for the career you are pursuing.

  • Accident investigation*
  • Business and corporate aviation
  • Commercial aviation management
  • Hazardous material management*
  • Marketing
  • Pricing, scheduling, and fleet management
  • Threat analysis*

*Part of the Aviation Safety Specialization.

Employers of Our MAS Graduates

Delta Airlines logo
Southwest Airlines logo
Federal Aviation Administration Logo
Saudia Airlines Logo
Everts Air Logo
Fedex logo

MAS Sample Curriculum

Our program offers a diverse range of courses tailored to provide you with specialized knowledge essential for thriving in the aviation industry. The comprehensive curriculum equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to be an impactful leader across diverse aviation disciplines.

Understand the broad perspective of the Air Transportation system. Students will gain an understanding of the marketing, pricing, scheduling, fleet planning and a historical perspective of commercial aviation including current trends. Maintenance managers, technicians, operations managers, dispatchers, and pilots will understand and appreciate the scope and complexity of managing an airline. Management and operational principles specific to the airline industry will be introduced as they interrelate to the peculiarities of this unique business environment.

Introduces the student to business and corporate aviation management. Students will discover the many aspects of running a business in aviation, from determining the needs of the industry, getting started in determining business strategy, hiring personnel and purchasing aircraft. Topics will include operations, maintenance, safety, and how to put it all together in a company students will create as a class, by taking on the various required roles. 

Discover and research emerging technologies in aviation. Topics may include: unmanned aircraft systems, advanced air mobility, unmanned traffic management, eVTOL, and commercial space which have the potential to provide enormous impact to the future of aviation. 

Elective. Introduces the student to the post 9-11 environment in aviation security. Students need to understand the importance of threat analysis, from the perimeter fence, to screening passengers and baggage, and to the overall infrastructure of airports. Students will gain an appreciation of the behind-the-scenes efforts that go unnoticed by the many passengers flying every day.