Aeronautical Science
Develop, manage safety programs. Study safety systems, security, investigation, human factors. Flexibility in thesis option.
Aeronautical Science, Aviation Safety and Security Management Concentration, M.S.
The Safety and Security Management concentration is designed to give students the knowledge and expertise needed to develop and manage aviation safety and security programs in the airlines, airports, government agencies, and throughout the aviation industry.
Students study safety management systems, aviation security, aviation safety investigation, and human factors in aviation. The Aviation Safety and Security Management concentration requires completion of a minimum of 36 semester hours (12 classes). Candidates may select 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
GI Bill helps former Marine mechanic earn aviation degrees, become pilot
When Travis Houser, a graduate of MTSU's Aeronautical Science master's program, finished his Marine service in 2014, he had no plans to become a pilot, but he had always dreamed of flying. Using his mechanic experience after leaving the military and certification to land jobs doing aircraft maintenance, Houser had an opportunity with aerospace manufacturer Embraer in Nashville, prompting his move to Murfreesboro. "Suddenly finding myself five minutes away from MTSU, I figured I might as well use my GI Bill to learn how to fly," Houser said. With his tuition and flight training covered along with a housing allowance, Houser pursued and graduated with his bachelor's in aerospace with a concentration in professional pilot in 2020 - completing the degree in only two and a half years. "I always wanted to be a pilot but couldn't afford it, and I couldn't afford college to be an officer in the Marines," Houser said. "Being an aircraft mechanic got me close enough to that dream." Graduating amid the height of coronavirus restrictions with financing from the GI Bill remaining and continued support at home from his wife and son, Houser earned a master's degree in aeronautical science with a concentration on safety and security management in fall 2021. He currently works as a pilot for Republic Airlines.
Airport director, M.S. alum also teaches graduate courses
John Black (M.S., 2000; B.S., 1990) earned his master's from the MTSU aerospace program after being promoted in 1999 to executive director of the Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport Authority - Tennessee's Third-largest airport. He also now teaches graduate courses at the university on such topics as aviation contracts, airport funding, aviation industries, airport planning and design, and environmental policy. The program has provided me the opportunity to connect with the future of the aviation industry while providing real-world applications in the classroom as well as through the internship programs that run parallel to my work as an adjunct faculty member. Black joined the S/RCAA in 1991 as deputy director of Smyrna Airport (formerly Sewart Air Force Base). He has collected several awards for airport development and management, was a National Security Forum graduate from the Air War College (2004), and completed Advanced Operations Specialist School (1995). Black has served as chairman of the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame and president of the Tennessee Aviation Association.
News Briefs
GI Bill helps former Marine mechanic earn aviation degrees, become pilot
When Travis Houser, a graduate of MTSU's Aeronautical Science master's program, finished his Marine service in 2014, he had no plans to become a pilot, but he had always dreamed of flying. Using his mechanic experience after leaving the military and certification to land jobs doing aircraft maintenance, Houser had an opportunity with aerospace manufacturer Embraer in Nashville, prompting his move to Murfreesboro. "Suddenly finding myself five minutes away from MTSU, I figured I might as well use my GI Bill to learn how to fly," Houser said. With his tuition and flight training covered along with a housing allowance, Houser pursued and graduated with his bachelor's in aerospace with a concentration in professional pilot in 2020 - completing the degree in only two and a half years. "I always wanted to be a pilot but couldn't afford it, and I couldn't afford college to be an officer in the Marines," Houser said. "Being an aircraft mechanic got me close enough to that dream." Graduating amid the height of coronavirus restrictions with financing from the GI Bill remaining and continued support at home from his wife and son, Houser earned a master's degree in aeronautical science with a concentration on safety and security management in fall 2021. He currently works as a pilot for Republic Airlines.
Airport director, M.S. alum also teaches graduate courses
John Black (M.S., 2000; B.S., 1990) earned his master's from the MTSU aerospace program after being promoted in 1999 to executive director of the Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport Authority - Tennessee's Third-largest airport. He also now teaches graduate courses at the university on such topics as aviation contracts, airport funding, aviation industries, airport planning and design, and environmental policy. The program has provided me the opportunity to connect with the future of the aviation industry while providing real-world applications in the classroom as well as through the internship programs that run parallel to my work as an adjunct faculty member. Black joined the S/RCAA in 1991 as deputy director of Smyrna Airport (formerly Sewart Air Force Base). He has collected several awards for airport development and management, was a National Security Forum graduate from the Air War College (2004), and completed Advanced Operations Specialist School (1995). Black has served as chairman of the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame and president of the Tennessee Aviation Association.
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)
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