2023 Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Aviation

Oklahoma State University - Main Campus (OSU) is a public institution offering an online Master of Science in Aviation and Space that totals 33 credit hours. It generally takes full-time students one year to complete the program online, and the classes are delivered in an eight-week format.

At OSU, remote students complete coursework asynchronously through the platform Canvas. The master’s degree in aviation explores various topics of aviation science. Some of the program’s courses include Space Science, Aviation Economics, and The Historical Significance of Aviation. Graduates may go on to pursue careers like airport managers, aircraft and avionics mechanics, and air traffic controllers.

At the University of Central Missouri (UCM), a public institution, prospective students can pursue an online Master of Science in Aviation Safety, which requires 33 credit hours. Students can complete the degree online within 18 months. They may choose to take classes from UCM’s University of Management Technology alongside their aviation program coursework.

UCM facilitates asynchronous online learning on the learning management system (LMS) Blackboard. This program helps students become experts in managing various aviation systems. Sample courses include Professional Ethics in Aviation, Aviation Law, and Psychological Human Factors. A comprehensive exam is also required for graduation. Some potential job opportunities for graduates include vendor relationship managers, airport planners, and airport security managers.

Southern Illinois University - Carbondale (SIU) is a public institution that offers an online Master of Science in Aviation Management totaling 30 credit hours. Full-time students can finish the program online within one year. Overall, the coursework is designed to help working professionals obtain an education while managing their current jobs.

SIU online students complete coursework in asynchronous formats on D2L Brightspace. This master's program in aviation management helps students gain an understanding of aviation business. Some of the courses include Legal Aspects of Aviation, Organizational Theory and Leadership, and International Aviation. Students can expect to complete an independent research capstone to graduate. Potential career opportunities include meteorologists, directors of aerospace program management, and commercial pilots.

Delta State University (Delta State) is a public institution offering an online Master of Commercial Aviation that requires 30 credit hours. Full-time students can expect to complete this master's program online within one year. They can complete coursework on their own schedule while managing other obligations.

At Delta State, remote students can work asynchronously or synchronously on Canvas, depending on their chosen classes. The program provides an overview of aviation concepts, operations, and management. Some of the courses are Advanced Aviation Safety, Airline Management, and Air Cargo and Logistics Management. Graduates may pursue jobs in settings like aircraft manufacturing engineers, aircraft electrical installers, and facilities managers.

Florida Tech - Online (FIT) is a private nonprofit institution offering an online Master of Science in Aviation, with two concentration options: (1) Aviation Management (30 credit hours) and (2) Aviation Safety (30 credit hours). It can take one year to complete these programs at a full-time pace. Both master’s programs are non-thesis options.

FIT facilitates asynchronous online learning through the LMS Canvas. Both program options are designed for working adults with established careers in aviation science or related professions. Sample program courses include Aviation Security, Corporate Aviation Operations and Management, and Complex Aviation Systems. A capstone course is also required for both programs. Some potential career options for graduates include airport operations coordinators, airline managers, and airport executives.