Master of Science in
Aeronautics
The Master of Science in Aeronautics degree program allows students in the aerospace industry to advance their careers through specialization.
About the Master of Science in Aeronautics
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University offers a master’s degree in Aeronautics to help aerospace and aviation professionals pursue additional career opportunities. Whether you are currently in the aerospace industry as a pilot, air traffic controller, meteorologist, aviation educator, or safety officer — a graduate degree in Aeronautics could help take your career to new heights.
The Master of Science in Aeronautics (MSA) degree program requires a rigorous curriculum to ensure the highest standards of performance, quality and integrity are maintained.
Student Learning Outcomes
While earning an aviation master's degree online, you will have the opportunity to:
- Combine solid core classes with unique specializations targeting the aviation and aerospace industry
- Learn the tools needed to develop, manufacture and operate aircraft and spacecraft
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of the infrastructure that supports the industry
Aeronautics Career Opportunities
Careers and Employers
Embry-Riddle graduates are set to enter the aerospace industry; finding careers as pilots, captains, maintenance managers, air battle managers, UAS operators and evaluator pilots.
Students earning an aviation degree often accept employment offers from top companies such as Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Federal Aviation Administration, Air Transport International and the U.S. Military.
Aeronautics Salary Information
With demand in the aerospace industry rising, earning an aviation degree from Embry-Riddle provides the opportunity for competitive salaries averaging $130,000 annually as of 2023.
DETAILS
This offering is available at the following campuses. Select a campus to learn more.
About Aeronautics at the Worldwide & Online Campus
Embry-Riddle Worldwide gives you the freedom to take your Aeronautics graduate courses online at your convenience. Although our online Aeronautics program may not always physically be in a classroom, students still gain personal, hands-on experience using tools like our Virtual Hub to design and test fly an Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) or conduct an aviation accident investigation with the Virtual Crash and Virtual Aerial Robotics Lab.
As a member of the Embry-Riddle network, you’ll gain access to experienced faculty, industry professionals, fellow students, and professional organizations.
Tracks/Specialties and/or Certificates
Students earning their master's degree in Aeronautics can focus on specializations such as:
- Aviation and Aerospace Sustainability
- Small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Operations
- Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems
- Space Operations
- Aviation Safety
- Human Factors
- Aviation Maintenance
- Aviation Cybersecurity
- Research
Aeronautics Information
- Credits: 30
- Online or In-Person: Fully online, EagleVision Virtual Classroom, or see if a Worldwide location is close to you
Helpful Links
- Attend a Worldwide Virtual Info Session
- Discover the Department's Faculty
- Explore the Fields of Study: Aviation & Space
- Find Related Clubs & Organizations
Royal Aeronautical Society
The Master of Science in Aeronautics program is recognized by the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS).
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
Major/Core
MSA Core Requirements | ||
ASCI 602 | The Air Transportation System | 3 |
ASCI 604 | Human Factors in the Aviation/Aerospace Industry | 3 |
ASCI 674 | Project Management in Aviation/Aerospace | 3 |
ASCI 516 | Applications in Crew Resource Management | 3 |
ASCI 645 | Airport Operations and Management | 3 |
ASCI 693 | Current Research Problems in Aviation/Aerospace | 3 |
RSCH 665 | Statistical Analysis | 3 |
Total Credits | 21 |
Specialization
Specialization | 9 | |
Choose at least one of the Specializations listed. |
Total Degree Requirements | 30 |
Specializations:
Aviation and Aerospace Sustainability
AASI 600 | Sustainable Aviation and Aerospace Perspectives | 3 |
AASI 620 | Best Practices for Aviation and Aerospace Sustainability | 3 |
AASI 625 | Sustainability Policy in Aviation and Aerospace | 3 |
Small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Operations
Students declaring the sUAS Operations Specialization or registering for courses within it must be physically located within the U.S. when registering for and while participating in the UNSY 520 and UNSY 620 courses. Students must contact their Academic Advisor regarding additional cost, possible travel, and FAA Testing, prior to enrolling in the first course of this specialization, UNSY 515. | ||
UNSY 515 | sUAS Operation Fundamentals | 3 |
UNSY 520 | sUAS Practical Application and Assessment | 3 |
UNSY 620 | sUAS Operational Planning and Safety Management | 3 |
Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems
UNSY 501 | Application of Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems | 3 |
UNSY 603 | Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems Operational Configuration | 3 |
UNSY 503 | Legal and Regulatory Issues in Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems | 3 |
Space Operations
MSPO 511 | Earth Observation and Remote Sensing | 3 |
MSPO 512 | Space Mission and Launch Operations | 3 |
MSPO 513 | Space Habitation and Life Support Systems | 3 |
Aviation Safety
MSAS 611 | Aviation/Aerospace System Safety | 3 |
MSAS 615 | Aviation/Aerospace Accident Investigation and Analysis | 3 |
MSAS 621 | Aviation/Aerospace Safety Program Management | 3 |
Human Factors
MSHF 606 | Human Cognition | 3 |
MSHF 612 | Human Performance, Limitation, and Error | 3 |
MSHF 624 | Ergonomics and Biomechanics | 3 |
Aviation Maintenance
MAVM 601 | Leadership in Global Aviation Maintenance Organizations | 3 |
MAVM 605 | Global Maintenance Resource Management | 3 |
MAVM 615 | Strategic Management of Global Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Operations | 3 |
Aviation Cybersecurity
MACY 515 | Foundations of Aviation Cybersecurity | 3 |
MACY 520 | Aviation Cybersecurity Threats, Actors, Tools, and Techniques | 3 |
MACY 525 | Aviation Cybersecurity Risk Management and Resilience | 3 |
Research
RSCH 670 | Research Methods | 3 |
RSCH 700A | Thesis I | 3 |
RSCH 700B | Thesis II | 3 |
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Summary
30 Credits
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Find out about transferring credits to this degree
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Spotlight
About Aeronautics at the Asia Campus
Already Embry-Riddle’s largest graduate program in the United States, the program is offered jointly by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and the Singapore Aviation Academy (SAA).
The 30 credit-hour Aeronautics master's degree program is similar to the Master of Business Administration in Aviation degree but with less of a business and management focus, and more of a technical, operations and safety-oriented focus.
This program is offered in blended delivery modes so that you can continue working full-time through your enrollment, with the convenience of night and weekend courses.
Most terms begin with two five-day classroom sessions at SAA and continue with online interaction between students and the instructor. The program is designed to be completed in six terms spanning two years.
Aeronautics Information
- Credits: 30
- Online or In-Person: Blended (Classroom and Online)
Helpful Links
- Find Related Clubs & Organizations
Degree Requirements
Module Title | Credits | |
---|---|---|
ASCI 516 | Applications in Crew Resource Management | 3 |
ASCI 602 | The Air Transportation System | 3 |
ASCI 645 | Airport Operations and Management | 3 |
ASCI 665 | Statistical Analysis | 3 |
ASCI 674 | Project Management in Aviation/Aerospace | 3 |
ASCI 693 | Current Research Problems in Aviation/Aerospace | 3 |
ASCI 604 | Human Factors in the Aviation/Aerospace Industry | 3 |
Any Specialization Appearing Below | 9 | |
Total Degree Requirements | 30 | |
Aviation Safety Specialization | ||
MSAS 611 | Aviation/Aerospace System Safety | 3 |
MSAS 615 | Aviation/Aerospace Accident Investigation and Analysis | 3 |
MSAS 621 | Aviation/Aerospace Safety Program Management | 3 |
Aviation Maintenance Specialization | ||
MAVM 601 | Leadership in Global Aviation Maintenance Organizations | 3 |
MAVM 605 | Global Maintenance Resource Management | 3 |
MAVM 615 | Strategic Management of Global Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Operations | 3 |
No industrial attachment is required to fulfill the degree requirements of the Master of Science in Aeronautics.
Note: All requirements for an Embry‑Riddle master’s degree must be completed within seven years from the date of initial course enrollment following admission to the university regardless of degree change, catalog change or campus changes. If a student fails to complete their degree in the allotted time, no refund will be issued. There is a minimum of five students required for any course to commence. However, ERAU Asia Institute may decide to start a course with less than the minimum on a cohort-by-cohort basis. Should the minimum number of students not be met, students will have the option to either wait for the next intake or pursue their intended degree through Embry‑Riddle Worldwide Online. Students will be notified at least 30 days before the intended commencement of any course if the minimum number has not been reached. ERAU Asia Institute will refund any tuition/fees should a course not commence because the minimum number of students was not reached.
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Degree Resources
30 Credits
View Financial Aid and Tuition Information
Learn about our General Education