Doctoral in Aviation

Aviation can be described as the design, production, development, operation, and management of aircrafts. This field has expanded in recent years as the need for travelling has increased. From fighters to passenger planes, the types of aircrafts can be divided into numerous categories. These aircrafts are designed by individuals who have acquired an expertise and knowledge in aviation technology and management. Aviation careers can be very rewarding and exciting. According to surveys, the growth for jobs in aviation is at an all-time high and is ranked as one of the hottest sectors for job creation.

Featured Programs

Whether one wants to become a pilot, an aviation technician, or wishes to attain an administrative position in the aviation industry, having the right set of skills and a degree is necessary. Many aviation institutes are working towards training and qualifying individuals through comprehensive degree programs. Some of the most popular aviation degree programs include an associate in aviation, bachelor in aviation, and a master’s degree in aviation. These programs can also be pursued online.
 
A PhD in aviation is the highest level of qualification in the field. This program falls in the category of post-graduate degrees and takes around 5 to 7 years to complete. The nature of the program is advanced and requires individuals to have a thorough understanding of the relevant academic principles. A doctoral degree in aviation is geared towards providing students with in-depth understanding of industry demands, aviation technology, and theoretical elements. Much of the coursework is practice-based, allowing students to gain a hands-on experience and develop skills necessary for the field.
 
Coursework
 
A doctoral in aviation program offers a wide range of specialization areas. Students must pick an area of their interest, depending upon the career they wish to pursue in the aviation industry. Those who want to become pilots will opt for aviation, focusing on study areas that will train them to operate and handle complex aircrafts. On the other hand, those who want to work as maintenance officers or technicians will opt for aviation maintenance science as their main specialization area. Other popular areas have been listed below:

• Aviation administration
• Aviation environmental science
• Aviation astronomy and applied meteorology
• Air traffic management
• Safety science
• Aerospace engineering
• Aeronautics
• Aeronautical science

 
Career prospects
 
A PhD in aviation will lead to high paying careers in the field. This degree qualifies an individual for executive and managerial job positions in the aviation industry. The type of job position one can pursue will depend upon various factors such as licensing and area of specialization. The work environment will also depend upon the type of jobs and degree one holds. For example, those skilled in administration will work in aviation offices and manage administrative tasks for airlines. On the other hand, those who are licensed pilots will spend most of their time travelling and operating passenger jets. Mentioned below are a few top job positions and their median annual salary:
 

• Aerospace project engineer: $82,000
• Airplane pilot $117,000:
• Director of aviation projects: $151,000
• Aircraft maintenance manager: $74,000
• Air traffic controller: $62,000

How long does it take to complete a Doctoral in Aviation?

There are a number of schools that are offering a Doctoral in Aviation. Some of these schools include the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Florida Tech and the Capitol Technology University. The PhD program typically takes around 4-5 years to complete. This program is designed to produce outstanding scholars who are trained to excel in teaching and research positions in the aviation field.

What are the requirements to complete a Doctoral in Aviation?

Students enrolled in the PhD in Aviation program are expected to complete around 60 credit hours. They are required to study various modules like Aviation Safety Management Systems, Instructional Design in Aviation, Aviation Organizational Dynamics, Management of Systems Engineering and Aviation Research Methodologies. This program also requires students to complete a residency requirement, pass a qualifying exam and complete a dissertation.

How much can I make after completing a Doctoral in Aviation?

After completing a Doctoral in Aviation, individuals can find employment as university professors, consultants, researchers and aviation managers. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual median pay of post secondary teachers was $78,470 in 2018. Also, the employment in this field is projected to grow by 15% from 2016-2026, which is faster than the average for all other professions. Thus, the job prospects in this field are very bright.