8 answers
Heidy
Student
Gainesville, Florida
6
Questions
Asked
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Should I get a M.S in Airline Management?
Currently, I’m a senior in college, pursuing a B.A. in International Relations. I’m contemplating a career change and am interested in aviation. I’m exploring graduate programs and am particularly drawn to an M.S./M.B.A. in Aviation Management. However, I’m hesitant because my current B.A. doesn’t directly align with the M.S./M.B.A. in Aviation. I considered obtaining a B.S./B.A. in Aviation, but I’m concerned that it might be a waste of time. I’d greatly appreciate any opinions, recommendations, or advice you can provide. Thank you.
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8 answers
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Heidy. Since you're a senior in college with a B.A. in International Relations, you've already put in a lot of work toward your degree. Wanting to move into aviation is not a bad idea at all, many people change paths, and aviation is a growing, exciting field. Getting an MS or MBA in Aviation Management could be a good way to enter the industry without starting over completely.
Even though your current major doesn't directly relate to aviation, it can still be useful. International Relations can give you skills like communication, problem-solving, global awareness, and cultural understanding, which are valuable in airline management. Airlines operate worldwide, so having a global view can actually be a strength.
You don't necessarily need to go back and get a second bachelor's degree in aviation. That could take a lot of extra time and money. A better option might be to find graduate programs that accept students from different backgrounds and offer basic aviation courses as part of the program. Some schools design their aviation management programs for people who are new to the field but passionate about joining it.
Before applying, you can talk to admissions counselors from the programs you're interested in. Ask about their requirements and whether your International Relations degree is acceptable. Also, look for internships or entry-level jobs in the aviation field to gain some experience and make sure it's the right fit for you. All the best.
Even though your current major doesn't directly relate to aviation, it can still be useful. International Relations can give you skills like communication, problem-solving, global awareness, and cultural understanding, which are valuable in airline management. Airlines operate worldwide, so having a global view can actually be a strength.
You don't necessarily need to go back and get a second bachelor's degree in aviation. That could take a lot of extra time and money. A better option might be to find graduate programs that accept students from different backgrounds and offer basic aviation courses as part of the program. Some schools design their aviation management programs for people who are new to the field but passionate about joining it.
Before applying, you can talk to admissions counselors from the programs you're interested in. Ask about their requirements and whether your International Relations degree is acceptable. Also, look for internships or entry-level jobs in the aviation field to gain some experience and make sure it's the right fit for you. All the best.
Thanks for the advice.
Don Holland
Member Service Representative/Food Runner
244
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Don’s Answer
Hello Heidy,
If you want to get a MS in Airline Management then I would say go for if it is possible to attain. I would definitely speak with a career advisor about what an MS in Airline Management would look like and mean when it comes to your current BA degree. An MS in Airline Management can be beneficial because it teaches you important skills, multiple opportunities, potential for higher earning and can lead you into different opportunities within the industry. Hope this helps and good luck with your schooling!
If you want to get a MS in Airline Management then I would say go for if it is possible to attain. I would definitely speak with a career advisor about what an MS in Airline Management would look like and mean when it comes to your current BA degree. An MS in Airline Management can be beneficial because it teaches you important skills, multiple opportunities, potential for higher earning and can lead you into different opportunities within the industry. Hope this helps and good luck with your schooling!
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Heidy !
Good news ! Yes, you can go for your Masters in Aviation Management with a Bachelors in International Relations ! Managing at an airline, managing staff, I think that your knowledge and know how about international relations would be a good complimentary path.
If you know the college that you will go to for your Masters, go to their website and read about their Master Program for Aviation Management. See what they say about what courses that they require beforehand. The masters programs focus on leadership, operations, safety, finance, and logistics but if you have expertise already in various countries and populations, cultures from your undergraduate studies, I think that is a good support and skill set for Aviation Management. Check out the programs at various colleges to be sure.
You can start looking into Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, FL, because they offer the Masters in Aviation Management. The degree is called Master of Science in Aviation. They have it available online, however, since your Bachelors isn't already in aviation, I suggest that you do the Aviation Mgt. path in person to get the most out of it and to meet contacts, do projects and be around others that hold the same interest.
You should explore the Masters Program and the types of courses that it entails by reading their website, but for a general idea, the program teaches advanced coursework in airport and air transportation management, business development, and research, and students benefit from access to industry experts and cutting edge research centers like the PEGASAS Center of Excellence Partnership. Whatever college you choose, go for an orientation/tour to see if it is a program you'll like. It will take a lot of initial first hand reading in order to know what Masters Programs to apply to.
I am pretty sure that with your Bachelors Degree you can get acceptance into an Aviation Management Program. For on the job, your degree in foreign relations will be a bonus because you inevitably will interact with many, many people when you work in an airport or airline, so I think the outlook for your plan is good. Make direct contact with the universities to know exact details. Congratulations on finishing up with your Bachelors Degree in International Affairs !
Best wishes in all you do !
Good news ! Yes, you can go for your Masters in Aviation Management with a Bachelors in International Relations ! Managing at an airline, managing staff, I think that your knowledge and know how about international relations would be a good complimentary path.
If you know the college that you will go to for your Masters, go to their website and read about their Master Program for Aviation Management. See what they say about what courses that they require beforehand. The masters programs focus on leadership, operations, safety, finance, and logistics but if you have expertise already in various countries and populations, cultures from your undergraduate studies, I think that is a good support and skill set for Aviation Management. Check out the programs at various colleges to be sure.
You can start looking into Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, FL, because they offer the Masters in Aviation Management. The degree is called Master of Science in Aviation. They have it available online, however, since your Bachelors isn't already in aviation, I suggest that you do the Aviation Mgt. path in person to get the most out of it and to meet contacts, do projects and be around others that hold the same interest.
You should explore the Masters Program and the types of courses that it entails by reading their website, but for a general idea, the program teaches advanced coursework in airport and air transportation management, business development, and research, and students benefit from access to industry experts and cutting edge research centers like the PEGASAS Center of Excellence Partnership. Whatever college you choose, go for an orientation/tour to see if it is a program you'll like. It will take a lot of initial first hand reading in order to know what Masters Programs to apply to.
I am pretty sure that with your Bachelors Degree you can get acceptance into an Aviation Management Program. For on the job, your degree in foreign relations will be a bonus because you inevitably will interact with many, many people when you work in an airport or airline, so I think the outlook for your plan is good. Make direct contact with the universities to know exact details. Congratulations on finishing up with your Bachelors Degree in International Affairs !
Best wishes in all you do !
Dr Fisch
Flight Attendant
79
Answers
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Dr’s Answer
If you're finding yourself interested in new direction, go for it! The expereinces you've gain from previous paths will make your insight unique and therefore possibly more valuable than your future co-workers. It's also not unusual for people to end up doing something completely different than what they majored in during college. It's the overall college experience is what you'll take away most from your time there. No matter what your major is, there is an overlap of courses you have to take anyway to would round you out. The worse thing to do is to pick a major (or stick with one) you don't enjoy just because of the pressure from other people. That's a bad mistake and certainly one you'd live to regret. Creativity and real break-throughs in any discipline comes from combining your interests and experience from different areas. So, if you can combine separate fields into your personal interests and expereinces, that's much better than just taking a narrow path. Best of luck!
Grace Manuba
Project manager
1
Answer
Owings Mills, Maryland
Updated
Grace’s Answer
Aviation Management will restrict you to a particular field of aviation only. It is better to do an MBA (Business Management) which gives you a broad knowledge of how to manage multiple kinds of business instead of restricting yourself in one field only.
Prema Sequeira
Engineering Manager
28
Answers
Allentown, Pennsylvania
Updated
Prema’s Answer
You don’t need an aviation undergraduate degree to pursue an M.S. or M.B.A. in Aviation Management
Graduate programs in aviation management (especially M.S. or M.B.A.) usually accept students from diverse academic backgrounds — including international relations, business, economics, and even liberal arts. What they care most about is your interest in the aviation industry, quantitative and analytical ability, and professional motivation.
Your B.A. in International Relations can actually be a strength — global trade, regulatory affairs, and international logistics are major parts of aviation.
What an M.S./M.B.A. in Aviation Management prepares you for: These programs typically lead to management and strategic roles in:
Airlines (operations, route planning, customer experience, finance)
Airports (management, logistics, sustainability)
Aviation consulting or government agencies (FAA, ICAO, IATA)
Aerospace or aviation-related technology companies
If you’re drawn to business, operations, or policy in aviation — not piloting — this degree can make sense.
When it’s not worth it: If you don’t yet have any hands-on exposure to aviation, it may be better to:
Gain some experience first (e.g., internships with airports, logistics firms, or aviation-adjacent companies),
Or pursue a general MBA or M.S. in Management first, then specialize later via certificates (e.g., Embry-Riddle, Purdue, or industry programs).
That gives you flexibility if your interests evolve.
Since you’re already close to finishing your B.A.:
Finish your International Relations degree.
Explore aviation-related internships, or projects touching logistics, transportation, or policy.
If your interest deepens, apply to an M.S. or M.B.A. in Aviation Management — you’ll bring a unique global policy perspective that programs and employers value.
A second bachelor’s in aviation isn’t worth it for you — it would repeat foundational coursework you can gain on the job or in grad school. Instead, use your international background as a differentiator and build aviation experience or business skills on top of it.
Here are some schools that I got off the web
Program Key Features / Notes Why It Might Work for You
Embry-Riddle MBA in Aviation Management
A specialized MBA blending general business curriculum with aviation topics (airlines, airports, operations)
Good if you want a business degree with aviation flavor — bridges your non-aviation BA with aviation domain
MS in Aviation and Aerospace Management (Purdue Polytechnic / Purdue University) Focused on managing aerospace & aviation systems; intended for professionals looking to break into aviation leadership roles
Strong because it gives you both domain knowledge and management tools
Master of Science in Airline Management (MSALM) – Embry-Riddle Deep dive into airline operations, route planning, revenue management, etc.
Good for someone who wants to specialize specifically in airlines rather than airports or general aviation
M.S. Aviation Management – Southern Illinois University A standard MS in aviation management with core aviation leadership curriculum
More technical / domain-oriented, useful if you want to be very embedded in aviation operations
Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) – M.S. / MSA in Aviation Management Fully online, for working professionals, with emphasis on airline/airport operations, safety, etc.
Flexible structure is ideal, especially coming from a different undergraduate field
Henderson State University – MBA with Aviation Management Concentration Fully online MBA with aviation concentration, shorter time frame
Good if you want a business degree but with aviation exposure
CUNY York College – M.S. Aviation Management Covers aviation finance, marketing, airport planning, safety, operations, etc.
york-graduate.catalog.cuny.edu
Reliable baseline in aviation management; good program if you want core aviation domain exposure
University of Dubuque – MMAL (Master in Management – Aviation Leadership) A management degree focused on leadership in aviation (online) online.dbq.edu
Because it’s management-oriented, it may allow candidates from non-aviation to apply more easily
Graduate programs in aviation management (especially M.S. or M.B.A.) usually accept students from diverse academic backgrounds — including international relations, business, economics, and even liberal arts. What they care most about is your interest in the aviation industry, quantitative and analytical ability, and professional motivation.
Your B.A. in International Relations can actually be a strength — global trade, regulatory affairs, and international logistics are major parts of aviation.
What an M.S./M.B.A. in Aviation Management prepares you for: These programs typically lead to management and strategic roles in:
Airlines (operations, route planning, customer experience, finance)
Airports (management, logistics, sustainability)
Aviation consulting or government agencies (FAA, ICAO, IATA)
Aerospace or aviation-related technology companies
If you’re drawn to business, operations, or policy in aviation — not piloting — this degree can make sense.
When it’s not worth it: If you don’t yet have any hands-on exposure to aviation, it may be better to:
Gain some experience first (e.g., internships with airports, logistics firms, or aviation-adjacent companies),
Or pursue a general MBA or M.S. in Management first, then specialize later via certificates (e.g., Embry-Riddle, Purdue, or industry programs).
That gives you flexibility if your interests evolve.
Since you’re already close to finishing your B.A.:
Finish your International Relations degree.
Explore aviation-related internships, or projects touching logistics, transportation, or policy.
If your interest deepens, apply to an M.S. or M.B.A. in Aviation Management — you’ll bring a unique global policy perspective that programs and employers value.
A second bachelor’s in aviation isn’t worth it for you — it would repeat foundational coursework you can gain on the job or in grad school. Instead, use your international background as a differentiator and build aviation experience or business skills on top of it.
Here are some schools that I got off the web
Program Key Features / Notes Why It Might Work for You
Embry-Riddle MBA in Aviation Management
A specialized MBA blending general business curriculum with aviation topics (airlines, airports, operations)
Good if you want a business degree with aviation flavor — bridges your non-aviation BA with aviation domain
MS in Aviation and Aerospace Management (Purdue Polytechnic / Purdue University) Focused on managing aerospace & aviation systems; intended for professionals looking to break into aviation leadership roles
Strong because it gives you both domain knowledge and management tools
Master of Science in Airline Management (MSALM) – Embry-Riddle Deep dive into airline operations, route planning, revenue management, etc.
Good for someone who wants to specialize specifically in airlines rather than airports or general aviation
M.S. Aviation Management – Southern Illinois University A standard MS in aviation management with core aviation leadership curriculum
More technical / domain-oriented, useful if you want to be very embedded in aviation operations
Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) – M.S. / MSA in Aviation Management Fully online, for working professionals, with emphasis on airline/airport operations, safety, etc.
Flexible structure is ideal, especially coming from a different undergraduate field
Henderson State University – MBA with Aviation Management Concentration Fully online MBA with aviation concentration, shorter time frame
Good if you want a business degree but with aviation exposure
CUNY York College – M.S. Aviation Management Covers aviation finance, marketing, airport planning, safety, operations, etc.
york-graduate.catalog.cuny.edu
Reliable baseline in aviation management; good program if you want core aviation domain exposure
University of Dubuque – MMAL (Master in Management – Aviation Leadership) A management degree focused on leadership in aviation (online) online.dbq.edu
Because it’s management-oriented, it may allow candidates from non-aviation to apply more easily
Mary Ann Faue
Communications, Training, and People Development
59
Answers
Hayward, California
Updated
Mary Ann’s Answer
Hello Heidy,
You've gotten some great advice from folks. The only thing that I will add is that it is never a bad idea to pursue something that interests you. Yes, you need to weigh the cost and time investment and only you can decide whether or not that is worth it to you. If you choose to go forward, you will gain the knowledge and degree. You will also get to complete something that is of interest to you. You will get to meet new people and form new relationships. You will get to learn more about yourself. And with everything new you learn, you gain more options for the future.
So, take in what others have advised. And, remember, that with this situation and other similar situations in the future, the choice is always yours about what to pursue. I say, if it interests you (and Aviation Management clearly does), invest some time to learn more. Life offers a lot of choices. No need to limit yourself.
You've gotten some great advice from folks. The only thing that I will add is that it is never a bad idea to pursue something that interests you. Yes, you need to weigh the cost and time investment and only you can decide whether or not that is worth it to you. If you choose to go forward, you will gain the knowledge and degree. You will also get to complete something that is of interest to you. You will get to meet new people and form new relationships. You will get to learn more about yourself. And with everything new you learn, you gain more options for the future.
So, take in what others have advised. And, remember, that with this situation and other similar situations in the future, the choice is always yours about what to pursue. I say, if it interests you (and Aviation Management clearly does), invest some time to learn more. Life offers a lot of choices. No need to limit yourself.
Tim Downs
Sales Recruiter
4
Answers
Newnan, Georgia
Updated
Tim’s Answer
If you aren't going to pursue a career in the airlines, aviation or aerospace industries - then I would suggest not going after a MS Aviation Management. I got my BS in Aviation Management and worked in the airlines for 7 years before pivoting to the recruiting industry.