BS Aviation Management

At Southeast Missouri State University, you’ll gain practical, industry-specific skills in aviation management through direct collaboration with Cape Girardeau Regional Airport and hands-on coursework. The program is designed to immerse you in real-world airport and airline operations, using both classroom and field-based experiences to prepare you for a leadership role in aviation.

Here’s how SEMO prepares you through experiential learning:

• Cape Girardeau Regional Airport Partnership: Many aviation management courses are integrated with the operations at Cape Girardeau Regional Airport, giving you hands-on exposure to airport management, ground operations, and logistics.

• Aviation Capstone Course (AV450): In your senior year, you’ll complete a capstone project that synthesises your management, safety, and operational knowledge in a real-world aviation context, often in collaboration with airport professionals.

• Aviation Safety and Human Factors Labs: Courses like AV301 (Aviation Safety) and AV408 (Human Factors in Aviation) include practical assignments and case studies based on current industry standards and real incidents.

• Professional Flight Experience: AV430 (Professional Flight) provides non-pilot students with firsthand understanding of flight operations, bridging the gap between management and cockpit environments.

• Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration: Courses ET381 and ET384 introduce you to the regulatory, technical, and operational aspects of unmanned aircraft systems, with lab components for practical application.

• Microsoft Excel Certification (MI001): The curriculum includes certification in Microsoft Excel, ensuring you have the digital skills needed for data analysis and operational decision-making in aviation management.

• Technical Communication & Leadership: IM300 (Technical Communication) and BA400 (Applied Ethical Leadership) focus on real-world communication and leadership scenarios, including presentations, reports, and ethical decision-making exercises.

• No Minor Required: The 56-hour major is designed to be comprehensive, allowing you to focus on aviation-specific experiential learning without the need for a minor.

Graduates of Southeast Missouri State University’s BS in Aviation Management program are well-prepared for careers as airline operations managers, airport managers, aviation safety specialists, and airline marketing coordinators. You’ll gain a strong blend of aviation knowledge and business management skills that employers in the aviation industry highly value.

Here’s how SEMO supports your future:

• University Services for Career Success: You’ll receive personalised academic advising each semester and access to SEMO’s Career Services, which offers resume workshops, interview preparation, and aviation-specific job fairs. Hands-on learning is integrated through lab courses at Cape Girardeau Regional Airport, providing real-world experience. The program includes a senior capstone course (AV450 Aviation Capstone) where you apply your knowledge to industry-relevant projects.

• Employment Stats & Salary Figures: Students graduating from SEMO’s Department of Management report high employment or continued education rates within six months. Aviation management roles nationally offer median salaries ranging from $60,000 to over $100,000, depending on position and experience.

• University–Industry Partnerships: SEMO partners with regional airports, airlines, and aviation businesses, providing internship opportunities and industry networking. Students gain exposure to organisations such as Cape Girardeau Regional Airport and local airline operations.

• Long-Term Accreditation Value: The Aviation Management program is housed within SEMO’s Harrison College of Business and Computing, which is accredited by AACSB International, ensuring your degree meets rigorous business education standards.

• Graduation Outcomes: You’ll complete a minimum of 120 credit hours, including courses such as Aviation Safety (AV301), Aviation Management I & II (AV306, AV406), Human Factors in Aviation (AV408), Professional Flight (AV430), and Applied Ethical Leadership (BA400). The curriculum equips you with skills in management, marketing, safety, and unmanned aircraft systems.

Further Academic Progression: After earning your BS in Aviation Management at SEMO, you’ll be prepared to pursue a master’s degree in aviation management, business administration, or related fields. You can also seek professional certifications and leadership roles in airline operations, airport management, or aviation safety, leveraging SEMO’s strong industry connections and comprehensive curriculum.