PhD in Aviation


PhD in AviationTechnological and flight operations innovation are taking aviation further, creating demand for a new kind of highly trained professionals. A PhD in aviation science or a related field offers a direct path to leadership positions in the aviation industry.

The PhD in aviation is sponsoring applied research in fields, which range from natural resources aviation to pilot training. Nowadays the top aviation professionals serve the industry as business leaders, flight educators, applied researchers, and expert aviation consultants.

The PhD in aviation is requiring an unwavering commitment to the professional goals and careful planning.

Getting acquintanted with the overview of the aviation discipline can help a potential student to find their place in this evolving and exciting field. Because the PhD is a recent development in aviation, a tusent is very likely to take an active role in defining their own academic trajectory.

PhD Options in Aviation Science

The PhD in aviation is a recent development, since the first doctoral program in this discipline opening its doors  for the students in January 2010. To widen the educational options of students, it’s considered good to approachthe discipline from a related field. Aviation leaders start with this field with doctoral degrees in business management or education; or with a technical doctorate in materials science, mechanical engineering, or aerospace engineering.

Some programs are offering an option to choose a secondary discipline such as business or education. A usual Ph.D. curriculum is facilitating the mastery of aviation concepts and theories with the following courses:

  • Aviation law and regulations
  • Safety management
  • Aviation trends
  • Aviation economics
  • Global aviation
  • Operational decisions
  • Research methods
  • Foundations of aviation

Education Prerequisites for PhD in Aviation

Majority of the programs are requiring a bachelor’s degree in aeronautics, aviation, or a related field and a FAA Private Pilot certificate (or, for foreign students, their country’s equivalent). Some courses require the GMAT or GRE exam to be passed, and students from not English speaking countries may be asked to take the TOEFL. Additionally to that, some schools require a two- to three-page curriculum to be filled out.

A personal statement of goals, , in some cases, several letters of recommendation, and undergraduate transcripts are also required. Students who are already working in the aeronautics or aviation field should additionally submit a copy of their resume.

The aviation research interests of a student will later determine whether an alternate doctorate is the right choice for them.

  • Education. The EdD (Doctor of Education), a professional doctorate, is offering a context for tackling the issues of safety training and pilot education. The PhD in higher education is designed to prepare students for an academic career in aviation.
  • Science. The PhD in applied sciences such as materials science, mechanical engineering, or aerospace engineering is leading its students into aviation technology research. Completing a master’s degree in aviation science alongside the PhD can assist them to develop a research project which answers a need in the aviation industry. The graduate student, for example, combined a PhD in technology management with an MS in aeronautical science, researching fuel consumption modeling of transport aircraft.
  • Business. The DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) is also an applied research doctorate, which is designed to prepare students to take on aviation operations issues, strategy, and business management. A PhD in business or economics is offering a more theoretical approach to the discipline.

A PhD in aviation is only one of a large amount of foundations for pursuing doctoral-level aviation research.

Aviation Specializations

Whether a student is pursuing a joint master’s-PhD in aviation and a related field or a PhD in aviation, they will have the opportunity to define their own specialized area of research. Aviation specialties usually focus on aviation education, aviation business administration and applications of aviation, or regulatory policy.

Business specializations are listed below:

  • Aviation Economics
  • Aviation Operations
  • Business Aviation Management

Regulatory and training specializations include:

  • Safety Management
  • Aviation Education
  • Aviation Security
  • Air Traffic Management and the National Air Traffic System
  • Safety and Regulatory Policies

Applied aviation fields:

  • Law Enforcement Aviation
  • Agricultural Aviation
  • Natural Resources Aviation

Universities Offering PhD in Aviation

University Of Arizona

Graduate: Doctorate First Professional Degree Master

Post Degree Certificate: Post Master’s Certificate

Accredited Online Colleges & Universities

PhD in Aviation Science

The Ph.D. in Aviation Science is designed to prepare students to conduct original, experimental research, demonstrating and understanding expertise in topics like international and domestic aviation issues and law, and also the aviation safety program development.


Featured Online Aviation Degree Programs

Everglades University

  • Bachelor's Degree in Aviation Management
  • Bachelor's Degree in Aviation Technology
  • Master's Degree in Aviation Science

Liberty University Online

  • Bachelor of Science in Aviation

Lewis University

  • MS in Aviation and Transportation


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