BS Aviation Management in Airport Management

At Jacksonville University, the Airport Management track is designed to give you direct, practical experience managing airport operations and infrastructure. You’ll learn from industry-experienced faculty and work closely with airport professionals, gaining skills that translate immediately to the field.

Here’s how you’ll build your expertise through experiential learning:

• Craig Municipal Airport Proximity: The campus is just minutes from Jacksonville Executive at Craig Airport, where you’ll observe and participate in live airport operations, gaining exposure to airfield management, ground operations, and airport safety procedures.

• Airport Planning & Management Courses: Required courses, such as Airport Planning and Strategic Airport Planning & Management, use real-world case studies and simulation-based projects to teach you how to design, operate, and manage airport facilities.

• Industry Internships & Shadowing: Signature internships and job-shadowing opportunities with airports and aviation companies are integrated into the curriculum, giving you hands-on experience and valuable professional connections.

• Aviation Business Law & Regulation: Coursework covers regulatory compliance, airport security, and legal issues, using real FAA and TSA scenarios to prepare you for the complexities of airport management.

• Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Experience: The program includes access to quadcopters and fixed-wing drones for mapping and operations projects, providing you with firsthand experience in emerging airport technologies.

• Faculty with Industry Experience: Learn directly from faculty who have managed airport operations and bring current industry practices into the classroom.

• Small Class Sizes & Networking: Benefit from small classes and a close-knit aviation community, with regular industry events and networking opportunities hosted by the School of Aviation.

Graduates of Jacksonville University’s BS in Aviation Management with a focus on Airport Management are prepared for careers as airport operations managers, airport planners, safety coordinators, and facility managers. You’ll develop the skills to manage daily airport operations, plan infrastructure, and ensure regulatory compliance in a fast-paced, complex environment.

Here’s how Jacksonville University supports your future:

• University Services for Career Success: You’ll benefit from personalised academic advising within the Davis College of Business & Technology, aviation-specific career fairs, and internship opportunities with leading airports and aviation companies. The Davis Aviation Centre and Aerosim Flight Academy provide access to state-of-the-art flight simulators and a modern aircraft fleet for practical learning. Student organisations and networking events connect you with industry professionals and alumni, enhancing your professional development.

• Employment Stats & Salary Figures: Jacksonville University reports nearly a 100% employment rate for aviation graduates. Airport management roles nationally offer median salaries ranging from $60,000 to $100,000+, depending on experience and position.

• University–Industry Partnerships: JU maintains strong partnerships with regional and international airports, including internship and shadowing opportunities that provide real-world experience. The program also collaborates with industry leaders such as Delta Propel and JetBlue Gateway, enhancing career pathways.

• Long-Term Accreditation Value: The Aviation Management program is accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI), ensuring your degree meets rigorous industry standards and is recognised worldwide. Jacksonville University is also accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

• Graduation Outcomes: You’ll complete courses such as Airport Planning, Strategic Airport Planning & Management, Aviation Transport System Environment, and Unmanned Aircraft Systems. The Airport Management track prepares you for entry-level to mid-level management positions in airport operations, focusing on infrastructure, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Further Academic Progression: After earning your BS in Aviation Management with an Airport Management focus at Jacksonville University, you’ll be well-prepared to pursue graduate studies such as an MBA or a master’s in aviation leadership. You can also advance into leadership roles within airports, aviation regulatory agencies, or consulting firms, leveraging JU’s strong industry connections and comprehensive business-based aviation education.