Master of Science in Aeronautics Degree

Broad-based, Flexible degree

Lumes Master of Science in Aeronautics (MSA) is a broad-based, flexible degree that gives you, the aviation professional, a rigorous individualized curriculum based upon the "man-machine-system-solution" concept. This background will endow you with the requisite knowledge and skills necessary to advance in the aviation/aerospace industry. In-career professionals like flight crew members, air traffic control personnel, flight operations specialists, industry technical representatives, aviation educators, and other aviation/aerospace professionals can enhance their knowledge and careers with our MSA degree.

As an MSA program entrant you should have an undergraduate foundation in mathematics, introduction to computers, economics, behavioral science, and aviation rules and regulations. Although aviation experience is desired, pilot qualifications are not required.

First, you'll complete an Advanced Aviation/Aerospace Science core consisting of twelve credits. Next, you'll complete twelve to fifteen credits which make up a selected area of specialization, choosing from among five

The remaining credits consist of electives, and either a thesis or graduate research project.
MSA students can also complete courses leading to dual specialization. The dual specialization is declared prior to the completion of the degree program.

MSA core courses are designed to emphasize the importance of the air transportation system as an integral part of the global, multi-modal transportation system and compares the different methods of intermodal transportation from historical, technological, social, environmental, and political perspectives. The interrelationships of multi-purpose aviation/aerospace organizations in the development of an aircraft or spacecraft are contrasted, and the concepts of planning and control of materials and components are compared. Students analyze the importance of human factors in all aspects of the aviation/aerospace industry and identify basic human engineering factors. The development, using the acceptable methods of research, of a proposal related to an aviation problem is required in the form of a thesis or graduate research project.

Education Technology Specialization
You will study the role of simulation in flight operations, as well as recent innovations in simulation. You will study aviation education problems and issues, assess the need for continuing education in aviation, and evaluate existing adult education programs and computer-based instruction.

Air Traffic Management Specialization Tracks I and II
This specialization is designed for students whose goal is to become an air traffic controller. We offer two tracks: Track I is for students who have no previous air traffic control experience, and Track II for those who have air traffic control training. The academic courses provide exposure to the procedures and operations consistent with those found in ENAC air traffic facilities. The ATM curriculum provides the knowledge and foundation designated for  entry into theCivial Aviation Academy where they will be integrated with graduates of other Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) schools for additional air traffic control training. The upper ATM courses are very technical and provide the foundation for the capstone air traffic courses that are designed to be consistent with current Civil Aviation and industry requirements.

Management Specialization
You will gain a mastery of the technical management area by conducting a detailed analysis of commercial air carrier and general aviation maintenance, planning and using decision-making techniques, developing long-range strategies, studying supply and distribution systems, and recognizing the types and sources of aviation/aerospace research and development. An optional focus on personnel includes courses in labor relations, airport management, information systems, and human resource management.

Aviation/Aerospace Operations Specialization
You will conduct a detailed analysis of the trends in air traffic safety and control and analyze the causal factors of selected aircraft accidents with emphasis on human factors connected with flight and support crew activities. You'll examine the air carrier operations systems from the standpoint of ground based dispatchers, operations specialists, managers, and cockpit flight crews. The procedures and techniques used in corporate flight operations are evaluated as aircraft and crew requirements for a corporate flight department are developed.

Safety Systems Specialization
You will compare the complex safety systems and the rules, requirements, and operational techniques used in aviation/aerospace industrial complexes. You will study airport safety, human factors involving flight and support personnel, the aviator's adaptation to a safe flight environment, and efforts to design occupant-friendly aircraft.