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Aerospace, Aviation Management Concentration, B.S.

While most people never stop to consider it, a tremendous number of management personnel are required to keep the nation'€™s airports, airlines, and other aviation-related companies running effectively and efficiently. The Aviation Management concentration offers the preparation needed for graduates to move into these management positions in the aviation industry. Airport, airline, and fixed base operations (FBO) careers, as well as consulting and intermodal transportation positions, are all possible for graduates of the Aviation Management program. Students will gain important financial, marketing, technical, and business skills needed to successfully manage operations in the aviation industry. Students and will complete a Business Administration minor to complement their aviation coursework, and this unique background prepares students to move quickly into responsible positions within the industry. The mission of the Aviation Management Concentration is to prepare our students to become the leaders of the next generation of aerospace professionals by developing the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for successful careers in aerospace.

If you live in one of these states: GA KY MD SC VA WV OK MS; you may be able to attend MTSU at in-state rates under the Academic Common Market program.

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News Briefs

Studies combine her love of aviation and management

With several relatives involved in aviation, Alexandria Rae Bagwell was always somewhat interested in the field. She explains why that inclination grew: "My love and interest in aviation didn't really peak until my stepdad bought his first airplane, a Piper Tomahawk. I started taking lessons and fell in love with flying. I loved the freedom that came with it, the sights, the empowering feeling it felt to fly a plane." Bagwell, who lived much of her life in other states, moved to Fairview, Tennessee, while in high school and graduated there in 2012. After giving two other universities a try, she transferred to MTSU. When it was time to choose a major, Bagwell says, "While I loved flying, I knew management was my calling. I wanted to be the one behind the scenes making everything run smoothly. Whether that meant at an airline or an airport, I just knew I loved management and aviation; so, I had to tie those two interests together." She graduated with her bachelor's degree in 2017 and felt strongly that pursuing a master's degree was the right decision for her. "The one thing I would stress is the importance of getting involved with the department whether it be through organizations or developing good relationships with your professors. On the one hand, aviation is a very large community, but on the other, it's a very small one," says Bagwell, adding that future jobs frequently come because of the contacts one develops. She especially praises the guidance and interest MTSU professors, both undergraduate and graduate, show in their students' success in their studies and in finding the right path for their futures.

Quest for different life led from Wisconsin to MTSU

Chad Gehrke, who grew up in Algoma, a small Wisconsin fishing village, knew he wanted something different for his life. He took flying lessons in Green Bay, and his guidance counselor gave him a book about aviation education by Dr. Wally Maples, who chaired MTSU's Aerospace Department for many years. Gehrke says he wasn't sure if he wanted to become a pilot or an air traffic controller, but he picked four potential schools from the list in Maples' book: Purdue, Kent State, MTSU, and Southern Illinois. "I'd never been to Tennessee and had no expectations about MTSU, but I was so impressed with Nashville, Murfreesboro, and all that MTSU offered — internships, co-op programs, opportunities with the FAA — that I enrolled after graduating high school in 1990." At that time, the program was called aerospace administration. He recalls, "The student chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives led to speakers and tours and opened up contacts." Internships are an integral part of MTSU's aerospace programs, and Gehrke attests to their importance. He was the first intern at Smyrna Airport and then landed a coveted intern position at Nashville Metropolitan Airport. He graduated in 1994, just as the city of Murfreesboro was taking over management of the municipal airport, and he interviewed for the position. "I liked Murfreesboro and met my wife here, but I didn't know where I would end up." He believes that invaluable contacts made as a student resulted in his becoming the airport manager in a growing city, a position he still holds. He says he met his goal for a career that is not ordinary or mundane. Gehrke advises students to take advantage of all that MTSU offers, saying "you're making lifelong contacts and friends."

News Briefs

Studies combine her love of aviation and management

With several relatives involved in aviation, Alexandria Rae Bagwell was always somewhat interested in the field. She explains why that inclination grew: "My love and interest in aviation didn't really peak until my stepdad bought his first airplane, a Piper Tomahawk. I started taking lessons and fell in love with flying. I loved the freedom that came with it, the sights, the empowering feeling it felt to fly a plane." Bagwell, who lived much of her life in other states, moved to Fairview, Tennessee, while in high school and graduated there in 2012. After giving two other universities a try, she transferred to MTSU. When it was time to choose a major, Bagwell says, "While I loved flying, I knew management was my calling. I wanted to be the one behind the scenes making everything run smoothly. Whether that meant at an airline or an airport, I just knew I loved management and aviation; so, I had to tie those two interests together." She graduated with her bachelor's degree in 2017 and felt strongly that pursuing a master's degree was the right decision for her. "The one thing I would stress is the importance of getting involved with the department whether it be through organizations or developing good relationships with your professors. On the one hand, aviation is a very large community, but on the other, it's a very small one," says Bagwell, adding that future jobs frequently come because of the contacts one develops. She especially praises the guidance and interest MTSU professors, both undergraduate and graduate, show in their students' success in their studies and in finding the right path for their futures.

Quest for different life led from Wisconsin to MTSU

Chad Gehrke, who grew up in Algoma, a small Wisconsin fishing village, knew he wanted something different for his life. He took flying lessons in Green Bay, and his guidance counselor gave him a book about aviation education by Dr. Wally Maples, who chaired MTSU's Aerospace Department for many years. Gehrke says he wasn't sure if he wanted to become a pilot or an air traffic controller, but he picked four potential schools from the list in Maples' book: Purdue, Kent State, MTSU, and Southern Illinois. "I'd never been to Tennessee and had no expectations about MTSU, but I was so impressed with Nashville, Murfreesboro, and all that MTSU offered — internships, co-op programs, opportunities with the FAA — that I enrolled after graduating high school in 1990." At that time, the program was called aerospace administration. He recalls, "The student chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives led to speakers and tours and opened up contacts." Internships are an integral part of MTSU's aerospace programs, and Gehrke attests to their importance. He was the first intern at Smyrna Airport and then landed a coveted intern position at Nashville Metropolitan Airport. He graduated in 1994, just as the city of Murfreesboro was taking over management of the municipal airport, and he interviewed for the position. "I liked Murfreesboro and met my wife here, but I didn't know where I would end up." He believes that invaluable contacts made as a student resulted in his becoming the airport manager in a growing city, a position he still holds. He says he met his goal for a career that is not ordinary or mundane. Gehrke advises students to take advantage of all that MTSU offers, saying "you're making lifelong contacts and friends."

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CAREERS

Careers for Aviation Management graduates include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Airport Management
  • Air Carrier Management
  • Corporate Flight Department Management
  • Fixed Base Operator (FBO) Management
  • Aviation Consulting

Employers of Aviation Management concentration alumni include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • AB Jets
  • Aeronautics Division, TN Department of Transportation
  • American Airlines
  • Clarksville Airport
  • Corporate Flight Management
  • Delta Airlines
  • Federal Aviation Administration
  • FedEx Express
  • Lebanon Airport
  • Lexington Airport
  • Metro Nashville Airport
  • Murfreesboro Airport
  • Murfreesboro Aviation
  • Republic Airlines
  • Saudia Airlines
  • Signature Flight Support
  • Smyrna Airport
  • Southwest Airlines
  • United Airlines
  • UPS
  • US Armed Forces (all branches)

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