Aeronautical Science
An operations-focused program about airport activities and contracts. Accredited M.S. in Aeronautical Science.
Aeronautical Science, Aviation Management Concentration, M.S.
The Aviation Management concentration in MTSU's Department of Aerospace is a management and operations-oriented degree program designed in cooperation with industry representatives.
The study focuses on airport activities and organizational structures, aviation contracts and leases, and aviation systems management. MTSU's Master of Science in Aeronautical Science degree is one of the few aviation graduate programs in the nation which has been accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International. The Aviation Management concentration requires completion of a minimum of 36 semester hours (12 classes). Candidates can select between the thesis or non-thesis (Capstone Project) option.
If you live in one of these states: KY LA MS SC TX; you may be able to attend MTSU at in-state rates under the Academic Common Market program.
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."
The graduate curriculum at Middle Tennessee State University offers an individually tailored program to meet specific student career goals. Master’s level candidates are prepared for direct entry into the air transportation industry in a variety of specialties. Depending on the coursework chosen and the research thesis topic, graduating candidates may become involved with airport planning and design, environmental policy, safety and security, general aviation, domestic or international scheduled air transportation, or aviation training and education. Some management opportunities with this degree are
- Aerospace manufacturing manager
- Air traffic control manager
- Air carrier manager
- Airport manager
- Airport planner/designer
- Airport/air carrier security director
- Aviation regulations consultant
- Aviation trainer/educator
- Federal Aviation Administration safety inspector
- Fixed Base Operations (FBO) manager
- Logistics manager
- Transportation Security Administration manager
Employers of MTSU alumni include
- AB Aviation
- Allegiant Air
- American Airlines
- Corporate Flight Management
- Delta Airlines
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- Federal Aviation Administration
- Federal Express
- Lexington Blue Grass Airport
- National Business Aircraft Association (NBAA)
- Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority
- Murfreesboro Municipal Airport
- Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport Authority
- Southwest Airlines
- United Airlines
- United Parcel Service
- U.S. Armed Forces (Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy)
For additional information specific to the Aerospace Department, including information on scholarships specific to Aerospace students, please visit the Aerospace Department page.
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