Bachelor Of Science in Aviation Management
Manage the Operations that Keep Aviation Moving
The Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management at California Aeronautical University prepares you for leadership and operations roles across airports, airlines, and aviation organizations. This 100% online program combines aviation operations, safety, and business fundamentals—including finance, management, marketing, and human resources—to help you build a career in today’s aviation industry.
Lead the Business of Aviation
Aside from pilots, the aviation industry relies on properly trained aviation professionals to manage airports, airlines, fixed base operators (FBOs), flight schools, and aviation‑related businesses.
Designed for today’s aviation industry, CAU’s Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management prepares graduates to support and lead operations within complex, regulated aviation environments.
With support from CAU’s Graduate Services, alumni have secured roles with airports, aerospace companies, and aviation service providers, applying aviation management principles in real‑world operational and business environments.
Aviation Management Program Highlights
Convenient Online Schedule
Advance your education while balancing work and personal commitments. The Aviation Management program is offered 100% online with structured, flexible coursework.
Aviation-Focused Management Curriculum
Develop leadership and business skills through aviation‑specific coursework in airport management, airline operations, safety, and regulatory compliance.
Accelerated, Career-Focused Program
Year‑round instruction and a capstone project focused on real aviation management challenges allow students to graduate in just over three years.
Graduate Services
Students receive career support including resume review, interview preparation, and assistance identifying job opportunities after graduation.
What You'll Learn
Graduates of CAU’s Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management are prepared to step into aviation organizations with the knowledge and confidence needed to support daily operations and long‑term decision‑making.
Throughout the program, students develop the ability to:
- Apply core business principles—including accounting, finance, marketing, and management—within an aviation context
- Understand the structure of the aviation industry, its key stakeholders, and current trends and challenges shaping the global aviation environment
- Communicate effectively and work collaboratively using professional communication, negotiation, and teamwork skills
- Demonstrate ethical judgment and corporate responsibility, emphasizing responsible and sustainable practices in aviation organizations
- Recognize the global nature of aviation, including cultural awareness and international aviation considerations
- Function within an airport environment, including airport management, ground operations, and FAA guidelines and compliance
Career Outlook
For those with an online bachelor's in aviation management degree
Graduates of CAU’s Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management are prepared for a variety of entry‑level and early‑career roles that support the operational, safety, and business needs of aviation organizations.
Sample job titles available to those who graduate from this program include:
- Transportation Manager
- Logistics Operations Manager
- Distribution Center Manager
- Fleet Manager
- Airfield Operations Specialist
- Airport Operations Officer
- Inspector
- Aircraft Dispatcher
- City Dispatcher
- Charter Coordinator
Where Grads Work
Through CAU’s Graduate Services support, alumni have secured roles with a range of aviation, aerospace, and business organizations. Our bachelor's degree graduates have been successfully employed by:
- Mojave Air & Space Port
- Aspen Aero Group
- Northrop Grumman
- Bakersfield Jet Center by Loyd’s Aviation
- PS LAX
Career outcomes vary based on prior experience, employer needs, and geographic location.
These examples reflect the range of opportunities available to graduates who apply aviation management principles in both aviation‑specific and business environments.
Now Is The Perfect Time To Apply!
Online Aviation Management Course List
- Introduction to Aviation Management
- Airline Operations Management
- Airport Management
- Business and Corporate Aviation
- Safety Management Systems
- Aviation Communication Methods
- Aviation Ethical Issues
- Aviation Law
- Organizational Behavior
- Principles of Marketing
- Human Resources Management
Aviation Management
Additional Program Highlights
Without effective communication, the aviation industry would not function. This section of your program will convey the importance of understanding how the various organizations within the aviation field communicate.
This course is aimed at providing an overview of the national air traffic control system with emphasis on basic air traffic control procedures; the role of centers, approach control, towers, and flight service centers; communications; navigation procedures, radar operations, facilities for a non-flyer. The course will also explore the functions and applications of existing and future technologies: Global Positioning Satellite System (GPSS), Airport Surface Detection Equipment, Mode X (ASDE-X), Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B), Digital Data Links, Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) and Principles of Netcentric Communications.
This course examines the four major areas of air carrier operations, including ground, technical, flight and system operations, as well as airline economics, utilizing a management simulation tool. There is an intensive examination of regional, point-to-point and network carrier operations. Topics covered will be: Overall Strategy; Marketing; Operations Management; Human Resource Development; Finance; Asset Management; and Behavioral Elements.
This course will provide the student with an important understanding of all aspects of the operation and management of small, medium, and large airport operations. The course will include corporate flight departments, fixed-base operations, air cargo operations, and fractional ownership programs will be discussed. Pertinent regulations including FAR parts 65, 91, 135, 141, and 147 will be studied. Aircraft and equipment evaluations will be conducted.
This course provides students with a working knowledge of Safety Management Systems (SMS) and how SMS relates to Accident Prevention Program Management. Students receive the necessary instruction required to design, develop, implement, manage, and foster an effective organizational level SMS and accident prevention program. Students will have practical opportunities to demonstrate their understanding of risk assessment by utilizing the Hazard Analysis techniques consistent with promoting a safety culture through an active Accident Prevention Program.
This course introduces the various information and communication technologies and explains how information systems are used to enhance business and solve business problems. Students will develop a strong understanding of technical components and terminology.
Each potential graduate will have a culminating experience in which he/she will demonstrate the ability to apply the knowledge gained during the baccalaureate program by analyzing and recommending solutions to issues central to businesses. This will be a research project documented by a formal written report which entails utilizing information from prior coursework and research. Students will also be required to present their research project.