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Aviation Sciences, Ph.D.

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The Ph.D. in Aviation Sciences

Florida Tech’s College of Aeronautics is consistently recognized as offering one of the best university-based aviation programs in the country. In keeping with this notable distinction, Florida Tech’s PhD aviation sciences degree is one of the first doctoral aviation programs in the nation, and is accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International.

Designed to prepare students with an understanding of the critical issues facing the industry, the aviation sciences PhD program incorporates a combination of theory and practice related to aviation human factors, aviation safety, and airport management and development. As interactions between humans and aircraft technology become more complex, students working for an aviation sciences degree research, analyze, and explore solutions in this important relationship.

Dynamic Learning Environment

With more than 45 years of experience, the doctoral program curriculum combines theory and practice, giving students a chance to delve into the subject and apply their findings to aviation industry problems. Florida Tech offers all the benefits of a larger school (such as a world-class faculty and high-quality course curriculum) in a close-knit academic community offering small class sizes and one-on-one time with professors.

Classes for students earning an aviation sciences degree from Florida Tech are part of a dynamic and flexible learning environment, with classes conveniently held in the evening hours so that working professionals can balance workplace and academic obligations. Students often travel to national conferences, publish research in respected aviation journals, and find graduate student assistantships or adjunct teaching opportunities.

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Studying for a PhD in aviation sciences at Florida Tech positions students as part of an elite class in the first doctoral aviation sciences degree program in the country. With more than 45 years of experience as one of the leading university-based aviation safety programs in the nation, the doctoral program curriculum combines theory and practice, giving students a chance to delve into the subject and apply their findings to aviation industry problems.

Experienced Professors Who Are Pilots, Researchers, and Industry Professionals

The College of Aeronautics’ faculty is comprised of aviation industry experts including technical and administrative professionals, pilots, and published researchers. Many professors are also respected thought-leaders in a variety of aviation and aeronautics-related disciplines.

Aviation sciences degree professors at Florida Tech have written and co-authored textbooks, journal articles, and hundreds of citations on aviation safety and related topics. Not only do some professors have many hours of experience as commercial, private, and military pilots, they are also industry experts in other facets of aviation such as aviation law, human factors, or airport development. This is just one way in which Florida Tech’s aviation sciences degree is unlike any other program in the country.

Cutting-Edge Research Programs and Facilities

As a national research university, Florida Tech’s commitment to making tangible advances in aeronautics ensures students earning an aviation sciences degree have state-of-the-art tools and facilities.

The university’s location is in the heart of Florida’s Space Coast, central Florida’s high-tech corridor, and in close proximity to aviation facilities including the Kennedy Space Center, Melbourne Orlando International Airport, Orlando International Airport, and several other important research centers.

The Emil Buehler Center for Aviation Training and Research is located a few minutes’ drive from Florida Tech at the Melbourne Orlando International Airport. There students studying for an aviation sciences degree find more than 50 aircraft, including a brand new fleet of Piper Archer TX aircraft equipped with the Garmin G1000 glass panel navigation system and facilities such as wind tunnels, air quality monitoring systems, high-tech modeling software programs and advanced flight simulators, as well as Cessna, Cirrus, Citabria, and Liberty XL2 aircraft. These aircraft and the research center give students a chance to conduct research beyond simulations and labs.

The Center for Human Aviation Factors facilitates aviation research and graduate-level thesis work using high-tech tools including flight simulators and advanced statistics software. The center has an emphasis on applied research that enhances aeronautical systems to improve human performance, safety, and pilot training.

Florida Tech is a member of an elite team of universities chosen by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to join a new Center of Excellence for General Aviation , alongside the existing Center of Excellence for Commercial Space Transportation . These centers enable Florida Tech to receive research funding to explore various aviation-related topics.

The FAA Center of Excellence Partnership to Enhance General Aviation Safety, Accessibility and Sustainability (PEGASAS) is a research partnership between academia, industry, and the federal government and covers a broad spectrum of aviation sciences degree topics.

“ Doctoral Research in Aviation Sciences ”

Research helps experts in many areas of aviation make aviation less complex and safer. It also helps consultants and experts address issues in the industry to learn how to predict and prevent scenarios that cause airline accidents, interruptions in service, technical challenges, and even such things as pilot shortages and fuel prices.

The doctoral level aviation sciences degree is designed to meet the inherent challenges of aviation and to advance the frontiers of aviation knowledge, this unique program provides for areas of specialization that include:

• Airport development and management
• Airport technology
• Airworthiness
• Aviation human factors
• Aviation safety
• Education and training
• Environment/sustainability
• Fire safety
• Green airport design
• Meteorology
• Operations research
• Organizational development
• Propulsion and structures
• Safety management systems (SMS)

Through research the aviation sciences degree experience for students at Florida Tech goes beyond classroom learning to real-world application.

“ Careers for the Aviation Sciences, Ph.D. Graduate ”

Expert career preparation.

Merging airlines and expanding airports need aviation-savvy executives and consultants to lead them through industry challenges and aviation sciences degree doctoral graduates from Florida Tech are uniquely equipped to fill these positions. Students can become a senior researcher at government agencies in the US including the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Other options include executive level positions in the fields of aviation safety, airport technology, system safety management, or a career in academia to advance research in aviation science while teaching the next generation of students. No matter what career path a graduate pursues, Florida Tech’s reputation as a world-class aviation sciences degree program gives students a competitive edge with employers.

Graduates with a PhD aviation sciences degree work as consultants and industry experts. Airline mergers and airport expansions need aviation-savvy executives and consultants to lead them through the industry challenges, and PhD graduates from Florida Tech are uniquely equipped to fill these positions. Graduates can also continue into academia as a professor to advance research in aviation sciences while teaching the next generation of students about aviation and its complexities.

Careers in Aviation Sciences

Aviation sciences careers are among the most challenging and exciting careers available. As more people and cargo take to the skies every year, the aviation industry must expand, increase efficiencies, and solve challenges.

Doctoral student graduates with an aviation sciences degree work as consultants and industry experts researching and analyzing issues that affect the performance and safety of aviation. As graduates of the only doctoral level aviation sciences degree program in the country, Florida Tech students are in a class by themselves, ready to work alongside seasoned professionals tackling new and emerging issues in the private sector, commercial airlines, or the military.

Career Options

Jobs for graduates with an aviation sciences degree might include:

• Aviation management
• Airline and airport executive
• University professor
• Senior researcher for government agencies

PhD Aviation graduates have also found careers at:

• The Federal Department of Transportation
• Flight Safety International
• The Department of Homeland Security

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• PhD in Aviation Management

Doctor of Philosophy in Aviation Management

• Course Outline
• Learning Outcomes
• Entry Requirements

The PhD programme in Aviation Management is designed to develop professionals with a deep understanding of aviation management. The programme equips students with advanced knowledge through rigorous research, enabling them to contribute to industry innovation and provide leadership in the field. The PhD programme offers students a solid foundation in subject-specific knowledge and provides training for doctoral researchers through a variety of modules and research workshops. A supervisory team comprising experienced researchers offers diverse perspectives and expertise to support students, complemented by a community of peers and learning hub facilities provided at Emirates Aviation University (EAU).

Programme key features:

• Comprehensive researcher development training.
• Robust support system provided by trained PhD supervisors.
• Cumulative submission of thesis components over time.
• Opportunity to publish research.

Why enrol on this programme?

EAU is the Middle East’s leading educational institution for aeronautical engineering, aviation management, business management, and aviation safety and security studies. The university offers an experienced faculty, a multinational student body, and a purpose-built campus in the heart of Dubai, ensuring a vibrant learning environment.

PhD students in Aviation Management will collaborate with distinguished faculty proficient in business and aviation management, bringing expertise from top academic institutions and industries worldwide. EAU's faculty commitment to research, in collaboration with academic institutions, government organizations, and industry, provides an ideal environment for candidates to acquire cutting-edge knowledge and develop their research interests.

Candidates will receive excellent supervision and access to a full range of research workshops and resources, supporting their development as postgraduate researchers.

Accreditation

The PhD in Aviation Management is accredited by the  Ministry of Education – Higher Education Affairs, UAE.

Career Prospects

Completion of the PhD in Aviation Management programme presents valuable career opportunities for individuals at different stages of their professional journey. For those seeking to enter the aviation industry or advance their careers, the programme equips them with advanced skills and qualifications. Employers highly value the comprehensive understanding and skills gained from this programme, making graduates valuable contributors across academia, research, regulation, and management.

Duration and Delivery:

The PhD consists of 540 credits, distributed as below:

On successful completion of the programme, a Postgraduate Researcher should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding, cognitive, practical and transferable skills, as outlined below:

Knowledge and Understanding

• KU1 -Make a significant and original contribution to a specialised field of enquiry worthy of publication.
• KU2 -Command highly specialised and advanced technical, professional and/or research skills including recognised theories, processes, analytical methods and uses of empirical evidence related to research.
• KU3 -Propose, discuss, critically evaluate and defend such knowledge and scholarship with peers and explain the function and contexts in which specialist and advanced level research occurs.
• KU4 -Debate the philosophy and research methodology, including design and management of projects and ethics, of research.

Cognitive (thinking) Skills

• CS1 - Create and interpret new knowledge which is at the forefront of an academic discipline or an area of professional practice.
• CS2 - Identify relevant research theories, methods or techniques, to undertake a large independent research project and critically evaluate the outcome
• CS3 - Analyse and draw reasoned conclusions concerning structured and unstructured problems from documentation, practical activity, case studies, observations and sets of data.
• CS4 - Synthesise ideas, theories or arguments and formulate research questions and research design.

Practical Skills

• PS1 - Reflect, investigate, and apply knowledge which supports the research and programme of study.
• PS2 - Apply and develop appropriate techniques and methodologies applicable to research and advanced scholarship.
• PS3 - Communicate and work effectively to persuade and influence others.

Transferable Skills

• TS1 -Written and oral communication and defence of ideas and arguments.
• TS2 -Interpersonal skills including teamwork and problem-solving.
• TS3 -Management and leadership skills including time management and project management conflict resolution.
• TS4 -The ability to work independently dealing with complex and unpredictable situations in professional or equivalent environments.
• TS5 -Research and analytical skills, including numerical and statistical skills where appropriate to manipulate and present data.
• TS6 – The ability to select, justify and apply appropriate research and decision-making techniques relevant to the research and programme of study.

You will need to submit the following documents to  [email protected]

• Research proposal (maximum of 3,000 words or 6 pages). The research area must be suitable for supervision by EAU faculty.
• A letter of interest.
• Master's qualifications and transcripts in English.
• Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable).
• A curriculum vitae (cv)
• Two supporting references are to be submitted by the referees, with at least one being academic.

Admission Interview

• After the initial application review, candidates will be interviewed to assess their suitability and academic potential.

*Non-refundable

**Tuition Fees inclusive of VAT 5%

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Ph.D. in Aviation Technology and Management

Our PhD in Aviation Technology and Management program prepares graduates to serve important education, research and policy-making roles in the aviation industry.

This on-campus doctoral program requires at least 90 credit hours of coursework and research at the graduate level. Students who enter the program with a master’s degree may apply up to a maximum of 30 course credit hours toward the minimum of 90 credit hours required for the PhD degree, subject to faculty advisor approval.

Applicants should expect to:

• Request a research advisor.*
• Establish a graduate advisory committee.
• Submit a plan of study.
• Pass written and oral candidacy examinations.
• Submit a dissertation proposal.
• Conduct dissertation research.
• Defend a dissertation.

*A research advisor is a faculty member that advises and mentors a doctoral student with mutual research interests. Learn more about our faculty research interests .

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from an accredited college or university. Exceptionally well-prepared bachelor’s students may seek admission directly into the PhD program. Academic preparation and performance in focus areas related to aviation (e.g. aviation safety, aviation sustainability, aviation management, workforce development, operational research methods and aviation human factors) will be given high priority when considering candidates for admission. Critical emphasis will be placed on evidence of research experience and aptitude.

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Related Degrees

Aerospace Sciences Ph.D.

Become part of the next generation of aerospace leaders to oversee cutting-edge advancements in aviation and space.

Successful aerospace professionals possess broad backgrounds linking science, engineering, policy, business and law. Get your doctoral education from a world-renowned center for aerospace learning, the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences at UND.

Why earn a Ph.D. in aerospace science?

Application opens on August 1. Completed applications and all required materials must be received by February 1.

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

UND's Aerospace Sciences Ph.D. program provides interdisciplinary teaching and research at the highest academic level. Our goal is to graduate highly educated aerospace scholars and leaders. You'll learn skills to mix technology and science with an understanding of the politics and economics of the aerospace fields. You'll enhance your analytical, technical, research and communication skills through classroom and research activities. The result will be capabilities to carry out independent, original and applied aerospace research at a high level.

You'll experience outstanding faculty focus while in the program. Leverage faculty expertise drawn from disciplines such as:

• Aerodynamics
• Aerospace engineering
• Aviation management
• Computer science
• Machine learning and artificial intelligence
• Orbital mechanics
• Planetary science
• Public policy and law
• Remote sensing
• Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)

Aerospace Science Ph.D. at UND

Gain the extensive technical knowledge needed to be a successful leader in the industry by applying solutions gained through theory and applied research.

Be part of a program nationally acclaimed for achievements in aviation education, atmospheric research, space studies, and earth system science and policy research.

Get a unique perspective and training that integrates and combines traditional disciplines related to space.

Access an extensive and involved alumni network that provides real-time industry feedback to research and development work by dissertation candidates.

Pursue the doctorate from anywhere in the world with our online synchronous curriculum, while still receiving real time faculty and student interaction.

Conduct research in the Space Studies department's Human Spaceflight Lab or Observatory .

Careers with a Ph.D. in Aerospace Science

Median salary for an aerospace program manager

Payscale.com

Median salary for aerospace engineers, 2023

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

A doctoral degree in Aerospace Sciences from UND lets you further develop the critical skills needed to fill leadership roles. These opportunities span government and research agencies, educational institutions and private aerospace and aviation companies.

UND bearers of doctoral degrees have gone onto careers in top space exploration enterprises and aerospace technology companies. Some opportunities graduates can expect include:

• Aerospace Defense Managers develop and implement strategies to ensure national security through the application of cutting-edge aerospace technologies. They oversee and coordinate defense-related aerospace projects.
• Aerospace Laboratory Directors lead research and development initiatives in specialized laboratories. They design and execute experiments, manage research teams, and collaborate with industry partners to drive innovation in aerospace technology.
• Aerospace Program Directors play a crucial role in overseeing the planning, execution, and success of aerospace programs within private companies or government agencies. They are responsible for managing resources and ensuring the timely delivery of aerospace products and services.
• Aerospace Science Researchers conduct in-depth research, publish scholarly articles, and explore emerging trends to contribute to the theoretical foundations and practical applications of aerospace sciences.
• Federal Agency Policymakers influence and shape policies related to aerospace and aviation at the national level. They work with government agencies to develop regulations, standards, and guidelines that govern the aerospace industry.
• Higher Education Professors teach courses, mentor students, and engage in research to advance the aerospace industry.
• Senior Aerospace Engineers are integral members of aerospace technology companies. They lead engineering teams, contribute to the design and development of aerospace systems, and execute complex projects.
• Senior Aircraft Engineers lead initiatives related to aircraft design, maintenance, and improvement, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and the incorporation of cutting-edge technologies.

Aerospace Sciences Ph.D. Courses

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.

SPST 565. Space Law. 3 Credits.

This course serves as a graduate-level introduction to the field of Law as applied to Space Law. The course examines the origins and evolution of the laws of outer space from the beginnings of the space age to the present. International laws governing access and use of space, and national laws regulating governmental and commercial activities in space are reviewed and analyzed. On demand.

SPST 410. Life Support Systems. 3 Credits.

A review of the physiological effects of living in space including a discussion of current and near-term life support systems equipment for the provision of oxygen, water, food, and radiation protection. In addition, a review will be made of the issues associated with the development of fully closed ecological life-support systems that will be essential to the long-term development of space. On demand.

SPST 512. Human Performance in Extreme Environments. 3 Credits.

This course identifies the impact that the stressors of extreme environments have on human performance. The course objectives are to highlight the differences and similarities among extreme environments and to demonstrate that, despite the differences lessons learned from operations in a given extreme environment can be effectively applied to other environments. Although settings such as space, mountains, or deep sea exhibit unique characteristics, the human physiological and psychological reactions and adaptations to these extreme settings stay similar. On demand.

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 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.

Online Aerospace Sciences Ph.D. Degree

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Live Online Aerospace Ph.D. Courses

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.

Campus Visits

Ph.D. students may be expected to come to campus for research as the discretion of their Committee. Traditionally, this results in minimally one-week on campus per year, but individual students will need to consult with their Committee to determine how much on campus, if any, is needed. Additionally, a Ph.D. candidate should be present for the Ph.D. dissertation defense.

Leading Online Aerospace Sciences Ph.D.

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)

First in Space

Sara Sabryy, the first Egyptian to reach space, is pursuing a doctorate in Aerospace Sciences at UND.

Read Sara's Story

Connect with the space studies and aviation faculty you'll work with at UND's world-renowned center for aerospace learning.

• Department of Space Studies
• Department of Aviation
• John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences

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PhD in Aviation Online Flight Path to Success

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100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Take Your Aviation Career to New Heights with Liberty’s PhD in Aviation Online

Are you an experienced pilot or aviation professional? Perhaps you’ve started a career in the aviation industry, and you’re looking for an advanced degree program that can help set you apart from your peers. If so, conferring Liberty University’s 100% online Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Aviation may be right for you!

This doctoral aeronautical science degree is designed to help shape you into an aviation leader who is committed to investigating and solving aviation issues through research, educational leadership, and Christian ethical standards. This degree covers a wide range of current and historical issues affecting the aeronautic industry. Additionally, you can add to the existing knowledge base in this field through your dissertation.

Offered in mostly 8-week courses with no required flight or intensive courses, this program allows you to remain committed to your job, family, and community as you pursue your degree. Don’t put your full potential on hold any longer. Partner with us, gain valuable skills, and take your career in aviation to new heights!

Ranked in the Top 10% of Niche.com’s Best Online Schools in America

• What Sets Us Apart?
• Private Nonprofit University
• 600+ Online Degrees
• No Standardized Testing for Admission
• Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
• Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Why Choose Liberty’s PhD in Aviation Degree?

As a pioneer in distance education since 1985, we understand what it takes to develop a rigorous, respected online degree program that challenges you to grow while respecting your personal commitments. This doctoral aeronautics degree offers access to an abundance of expert professors, a vast collection of research resources, and ample networking opportunities with like-minded peers.

In addition, Liberty University holds regional institutional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges ( SACSCOC ) – meaning our degree programs have met rigorous academic requirements. Earning your PhD in Aviation from a university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from your peers.

Our PhD in Aviation online can also help prepare you to pursue exciting new career options. You could go on to become an aviation researcher, regulations consultant, airport manager, FAA safety inspector, or even a professor! No matter what your career goals in aviation are, this degree program can help provide the skills and tools needed for a variety of aviation-related careers.

What Will You Study in Our Doctoral Degree in Aviation?

In this online PhD in Aviation, you will study various handpicked topics to help you become the aviation professional you aspire to be. Our doctoral aviation science program consists of core aviation courses, advanced focus classes, electives, research courses, and a dissertation sequence.

In the core section of your aviation PhD, you will begin by completing orientations to doctoral study and advanced aviation research. From there, you can choose between studying advanced aviation investigation or current practices and future trends in aviation. In the advanced focus section, you will study global aviation law, human factors and aviation automation, and the economic environment of aviation. You will also explore contemporary issues in aviation policy. The elective section of our program allows you to take 2 classes from our available doctoral aviation courses, so you can tailor your education to your interests.

Additionally, you’ll complete a section focused on research – where you’ll study advanced aviation statistics, quantitative methods of research, and qualitative research. You will also dive into a literature review for advanced research, study research concepts and methodology, and choose between courses in advanced quantitative or qualitative research.

From there, you will transition into your dissertation sequence. Your dissertation will allow you to research, write, and present your findings. You will then defend your dissertation and have the opportunity for it to be archived and published upon a successful defense. The dissertation gives you the chance to develop scholarly findings and contribute to the base of knowledge in your field. This dissertation process stands apart from applied doctorate degrees, as its principal aim is to foster your proficiency in theory rather than the practical aspects of the field.

Potential Career Opportunities

• Aircraft manufacturer manager
• Aircraft manufacturer safety program manager
• Airline safety program manager
• Airport manager
• Aviation researcher
• Aviation trainer
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) safety inspector
• Military senior leader

Featured Courses

• AVIA 710 – Global Aviation Law
• AVIA 735 – Human Factors and Aviation Automation
• AVIA 745 – The Economic Environment of Aviation
• AVIA 755 – Contemporary Issues in Aviation Policy

Degree Information

• This program falls under the School of Aeronautics .
• View the Graduate Aeronautics Course Guides (login required) .
• This dissertation process stands apart from applied doctorate degrees, as its principal aim is to foster your proficiency in theory rather than the practical aspects of the field.

Degree Completion Plan

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Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

Eligible current and former military service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $300/credit hour ( learn more ) .

Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.

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Admission Information for Liberty’s PhD in Aviation

Admission requirements.

• A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
• Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system). A regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing.
• Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

Preliminary Acceptance

If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:

• Be in your final term and planning to start your doctoral degree after the last day of class for your master’s degree.
• Complete a Master’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
• Submit an official transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show that you are within 6 credit hours of completion for a 30-48 credit hour master’s degree or within 9 credit hours of completion for a 49+ credit hour master’s degree.
• Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new doctoral degree.

Transcript Policies

Official college transcript policy.

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .

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Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

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• Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees

Military Tuition Discount

We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want – at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only $300/credit hour . Find out how you can take advantage of this unique opportunity as you work toward your goal of reaching the pinnacle of your profession – for less.

Frequently Asked Questions

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This degree offers you access to vast research resources, expert professors, and like-minded peers.

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