The National Academies Press: Enhancing Academic Programs To Prepare Future Airport Industry Professionals (2021)

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Enhancing Academic Programs to Prepare Future Airport

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Aviation Solutions Daniel Prather; Airport Cooperative Research Program;
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Enhancing Academic Programs to Prepare Future Airport Industry Professionals
AIRPORT COOPERATIVE RESEARCH PROGRAM
ACRP RESEARCH REPORT 230

Enhancing Academic Programs to Prepare
Future Airport Industry Professionals
Seth Young
The Ohio State University
Columbus, OH
with
David Byers
Quadrex Aviation
Melbourne, FL
Amy Bisker
Candace Cronin-Blair
ICF, Inc.
Fairfax, VA
Linda Pavlik
Kate Lattimore Norris
Pavlik & Associates
Fort Worth, TX
Jeff Borowiec
Texas A&M Transportation Institute
College Station, TX
Daniel Prather
DPrather Aviation Solutions
Riverside, CA
Subscriber Categories
Education and Training • Aviation
Research sponsored by the Federal Aviation Administration
2021
Copyright National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.

AIRPORT COOPERATIVE RESEARCH PROGRAM ACRP RESEARCH REPORT 230
Airports are vital national resources. They serve a key role in trans- Project 06-07
portation of people and goods and in regional, national, and interna- ISSN 2572-3731 (Print)
tional commerce. They are where the nation’s aviation system connects ISSN 2572-374X (Online)
with other modes of transportation and where federal responsibility for ISBN 978-0-309-67385-3
managing and regulating air traffic operations intersects with the role of Library of Congress Control Number 2021934135
state and local governments that own and operate most airports. Research
© 2021 National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.
is necessary to solve common operating problems, to adapt appropriate
new technologies from other industries, and to introduce innovations into
the airport industry. The Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP)
serves as one of the principal means by which the airport industry can COPYRIGHT INFORMATION
develop innovative near-term solutions to meet demands placed on it. Authors herein are responsible for the authenticity of their materials and for obtaining
The need for ACRP was identified in TRB Special Report 272: Airport written permissions from publishers or persons who own the copyright to any previously
Research Needs: Cooperative Solutions in 2003, based on a study spon- published or copyrighted material used herein.
sored by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). ACRP carries out Cooperative Research Programs (CRP) grants permission to reproduce material in this
applied research on problems that are shared by airport operating agen- publication for classroom and not-for-profit purposes. Permission is given with the
cies and not being adequately addressed by existing federal research understanding that none of the material will be used to imply TRB, AASHTO, FAA, FHWA,
programs. ACRP is modeled after the successful National Cooperative FTA, GHSA, NHTSA, or TDC endorsement of a particular product, method, or practice.
It is expected that those reproducing the material in this document for educational and
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Program (TCRP). ACRP undertakes research and other technical activi- reproduced material. For other uses of the material, request permission from CRP.
ties in various airport subject areas, including design, construction, legal,
maintenance, operations, safety, policy, planning, human resources, and Cover photo credit: Shutterstock, Inc.
administration. ACRP provides a forum where airport operators can
cooperatively address common operational problems.
ACRP was authorized in December 2003 as part of the Vision 100— NOTICE
Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act. The primary participants in
The research report was reviewed by the technical panel and accepted for publication
the ACRP are (1) an independent governing board, the ACRP Oversight
according to procedures established and overseen by the Transportation Research Board
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The opinions and conclusions expressed or implied in this report are those of the
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Council International-North America (ACI-NA), the American Associa- Research Board; the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; or the
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FAA as program sponsor. In October 2005, the FAA executed a contract they are considered essential to the object of the report.
with the National Academy of Sciences formally initiating the program.
ACRP benefits from the cooperation and participation of airport
professionals, air carriers, shippers, state and local government officials,
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and provide technical guidance and counsel throughout the life of the
project. The process for developing research problem statements and Published research reports of the
selecting research agencies has been used by TRB in managing coop-
AIRPORT COOPERATIVE RESEARCH PROGRAM
erative research programs since 1962. As in other TRB activities, ACRP
project panels serve voluntarily without compensation. are available from
Primary emphasis is placed on disseminating ACRP results to the Transportation Research Board
intended users of the research: airport operating agencies, service pro- Business Office
500 Fifth Street, NW
viders, and academic institutions. ACRP produces a series of research Washington, DC 20001
reports for use by airport operators, local agencies, the FAA, and other
interested parties; industry associations may arrange for workshops, and can be ordered through the Internet by going to
training aids, field visits, webinars, and other activities to ensure that https://www.mytrb.org/MyTRB/Store/default.aspx
results are implemented by airport industry practitioners. Printed in the United States of America

The National Academy of Sciences was established in 1863 by an Act of Congress, signed by President Lincoln, as a private, non-
governmental institution to advise the nation on issues related to science and technology. Members are elected by their peers for
outstanding contributions to research. Dr. Marcia McNutt is president.
The National Academy of Engineering was established in 1964 under the charter of the National Academy of Sciences to bring the
practices of engineering to advising the nation. Members are elected by their peers for extraordinary contributions to engineering.
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COOPERATIVE RESEARCH PROGRAMS
CRP STAFF FOR ACRP RESEARCH REPORT 230

Christopher J. Hedges, Director, Cooperative Research Programs
Lori L. Sundstrom, Deputy Director, Cooperative Research Programs
Marci A. Greenberger, Manager, Airport Cooperative Research Program
Theresia H. Schatz, Senior Program Officer
Tyler Smith, Senior Program Assistant
Eileen P. Delaney, Director of Publications
Natalie Barnes, Associate Director of Publications
Kami Cabral, Editor
ACRP PROJECT 06-07 PANEL

Field of Human Resources
Daniel P. Bartholomew, Troutdale, OR (Chair)
Meredith Alt, Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Madison, WI
Alice Bimrose, City of Phoenix Aviation Department, Phoenix, AZ
Kenneth H. Gwyn, Gwyn and Associates, Irving, TX
Enrique Sanabria, The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, New York, NY
Thomas Cuddy, FAA Liaison
Qinya Pang, Airports Council International–North America Liaison
Christine L. Gerencher, TRB Liaison
AUTHOR ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The ACRP Project 06-07 research team would like to acknowledge the more than 100 professionals at
airports, airport consulting firms, and academia for participating in surveys, interviews, and focus groups
associated with this work. Those listed herein granted permission to share their names. Thank you.
Pamela Belalcazar TY Lin and Associates, Inc.

Fin Bonset VHB, Inc.
Nick Brown Crawford, Murphy, and Tilly, Inc.
Charles Butcher Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport
Gene Conrad Lakeland Linder International Airport, Florida
Todd Cox, CM Avon, Inc.
Nathan Steven Cuvala T-O Engineers
Neil Gabrielson Garver, Inc.
Lorena de Rodriguez SSI, Inc.
Kate Henry Aulick Engineering
Bill Hutto Auburn University
Nicole Johnson Kansas State University—Polytechnic
Pamela Keidel-Adams Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.
Kim Kenville University of North Dakota

AUTHOR ACKNOWLEDGMENTS (Continued)

Kyle Knezevich Eastern Kentucky University
Lance Lamkin University of Oklahoma
Patrick Lammerding Burbank Airport, California
Darren Large Morristown Airport, New Jersey
Gel Le Bris WSP USA
Ryan Leick Utah Valley University
David Mathias Michael Baker International, Inc.
Mary Niemczyk Arizona State University
Aaron Organ Utah Valley University
Paul Priegel Stillwater Airport, Oklahoma
Carlos Ruiz-Coll Greenville Spartanburg International Airport
Joseph Von Bargen Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International Airport, Kentucky
Autumn Ward Environmental Science Associates
Adam Wolf The Ohio State University Airport, Ohio
K.L. (Dan) Wong Prince Sultan University, Saudi Arabia


FOREWORD
By Theresia H. Schatz
Staff Officer
Transportation Research Board
ACRP Research Report 230: Enhancing Academic Programs to Prepare Future Airport
Industry Professionals provides guidance to assist academia in preparing graduates for
careers as airport industry professionals. The guidance identifies and evaluates the current
and future skills needed for airport industry professionals and how educational programs
align with those skills. As a means to prepare students for career tracks in the airport industry,
this research provides a better understanding of the skills needed and develops model
academic curriculum templates to provide a foundation for career success, bridging the
gaps that may exist.
Airports and their support industries have changed significantly over the past several
decades. It is imperative that academic programs continue to evolve with these changes to
better prepare the next generation of airport industry professionals. Emphasis is placed on
an enhanced, comprehensive approach to careers in the airport industry to include topic
areas such as finance and administration, planning and engineering, operations and facili-
ties, technology, law, humanities, and social sciences.
ACRP Project 06-07 was led by The Ohio State University in association with Quadrex
Aviation, ICF, Inc., Pavlik & Associates, Texas A&M Transportation Institute, and DPrather
Aviation Solutions. They reviewed the current and future workforce needs of the airport
industry, provided many current academic curriculum outlines, and identified the gaps and
challenges that exist between what academic programs offer and what the airport industry
needs to keep up with the demands of an exceptional workforce. Their work was conducted
through surveys and focus groups from over 100 airport industry professionals, including
academic faculty, students, and alumni currently employed in the airport sector.


CONTENTS
S E C T I O N I Introduction and Motivation

3 Chapter 1 Introduction
3 A Guidebook for Academia and Industry
4 Guidebook Contents and Format
5 Topic Identifying Icons
7 Chapter 2 Motivation: Addressing the Needs of the Airport

Workforce
9 Creating More and Broader Opportunities for Recent Graduates
10 Strengthening Collaboration Between the Airport Industry and Academia
11 Ensuring Recent Graduates Have Appropriate Skills for the Workplace
12 Addressing Existing Challenges in Hiring Recent Graduates
14 Summary of Data and Findings
S E C T I O N I I Guidance to Academia
17 Chapter 3 The State of Airport Education in Academia
18 A Survey of Academic Programs with Airport-Related Content
20 Aviation Programs
24 Curriculum Structure of Representative Programs
26 A Deeper Look at Airport-Specific Courses
31 Program Effectiveness in Preparing Graduates for Airport Careers
34 Chapter 4 Enhancing Academic Programming

36 Curricula Structure and Course Offerings
45 Supporting the Curriculum with Culminating Experiences
47 Innovative Curriculum Delivery Methods
50 Extracurricular Opportunities
53 Finding the Faculty Champion
54 Developing Faculty
55 Partnering with Industry
55 Promoting the Expertise of an Academic Program
57 Summary

S E C T I O N I I I Guidance to Industry
61 Chapter 5 How Academia Works for Non-Academics
61 The Administration of Academia
62 Academia Is Management by Committee
62 Where Aviation/Airport Programs Fit Within the Academic Environment
63 Academic Calendar
63 Structure of Academic Curricula
65 Academia and the Online Learning Environment
65 How Curricula Are Created
66 Role of Faculty and Staff
68 Aviation Faculty
69 How Industry Can Work with Academia
70 Chapter 6 Opportunities to Participate in the Academic

Process
70 Academic Opportunities
70 Committing to Engage—Personal Steps
71 Engagement Options
72 Administrative and Philanthropic Opportunities
S E C T I O N I V Reference Materials
76 Internship Checklists
77 Sample Syllabi
84 Resources for Course Content
91 Other External Resources (Annotated Bibliography)
97 References
98 Appendix A Database of Programs
110 Appendix B Understanding Accreditation
Note: Photographs, figures, and tables in this report may have been converted from color to grayscale for printing.
The electronic version of the report (posted on the web at www.trb.org) retains the color versions.

SECTION I
Introduction and Motivation
The guidebook is based on a year’s worth of research into the current and future workforce
needs of the airport industry; present-day offerings of a spectrum of academic institutions;
gaps and challenges that exist between what academic programs offer and what the industry
needs to keep up with workforce demands; and best practices existing in academia today.
The study involved extensive review of current aviation and academic literature; examination
of academic program curricula at universities and colleges nationwide; and the conduct of
surveys and focus groups in which more than 100 airport industry professionals, academic
faculty, students, and alumni now in the airport sector participated.
Challenges that the airport industry faces in hiring entry-level and mid-career professionals
are addressed. The guidance provided in this guidebook includes detailed recommendations
for ensuring that industry needs are met now and in the future.


CHAPTER 1
Introduction
The challenge of airports in the United States to recruit professionals with the skills, edu-
cation, and experience necessary is significant. The current airport environment has evolved
rapidly since the beginning of the 21st century. Airport business models and practices continue
to move from traditional public agency operations to highly complex business administrations
much like the corporate world, often creating partnerships between the public and private
sectors. Airports have become savvy in evolving financial practices because they must be profit-
driven to operate without a significant tax base. The federal regulatory environment continues to
generate rules and practices governing the safety and security of airport operations. Information
technology has opened up the ability for airports to enhance the entirety of their operations,
from planning and engineering to social media and marketing.
An existing general perception is that the nation’s institutions of higher education are lagging
in the quantity and quality of aviation-related and airport-specific academic programming.
Of the more than 6,000 colleges and universities in the United States, approximately 160 offer
degree programs in aviation, and a small subset of those have courses that focus on airports.
Although several of these have been formally recognized for their quality through aviation
academic program accreditations, such programming is not accredited for curricula specifically
addressing airport needs. New courses relevant to today’s industry are needed. Experiential
learning—through project work, internships, and cooperatives (co-ops)—requires expansion,
and learning methods need to be adapted.
A disconnect between the needs of the industry and academic programs is possibly related
to a general lack of industry collaboration. Although the industry may often look to aviation
programs from which to recruit educated and trained professionals, many more non-aviation
programs are educating future professionals in key topics of relevance to airports. However, too
often their courses do not apply specifically to the airport environment. Thus, the industry is
required to further train these graduates once they enter the workforce.
A Guidebook for Academia and Industry

Two primary audiences will benefit from the guidebook: (1) academic
institutions wishing to enhance their airport-oriented academic pro-
gramming, and (2) airport industry professionals desiring to work with
academic institutions in pursuit of their own airport-oriented academic
programming goals. Both academia and industry must play significant
roles in this effort.
Academia Airport Industry
The guidance provided herein applies to academic institutions of any
type, from community colleges to research-focused universities, from
3

4 Enhancing Academic Programs to Prepare Future Airport Industry Professionals
programs that currently offer degree programs specifically in airports to others with no avia-
tion course content whatsoever. Any academic institution has the potential to contribute to the
airport industry through even minor enhancements to its curricula. The guidebook is also a
resource for any airport industry professional, from the airport manager/CEO to the entry-level
professional.
Guidebook Contents and Format

The guidebook is divided into four sections, within which are six chapters and a compila-
tion of reference materials. Icons for academia (a graduation cap) and for airport industry
(an airplane) appear throughout the guidebook to identify guidance relevant to these audi-
ences. Two chapters are written explicitly for academia in which case the academia icon is
emphasized, and two for industry in which case the airport industry icon is emphasized. Other
chapters are written for both audiences in which case both icons are emphasized. With that
in mind, familiarity with all sections on the part of both audiences is recommended. Of great
benefit, for example, would be if academic institutions better understood the needs of the
airport workforce, and how these institutions may ensure these needs are addressed. Con-
versely, it would be helpful for industry to better understand how academic programs are
developed and administered, so they are better prepared to contribute to the processes and are
aware of the unique policies and practices within the academic environment. The following
outlines the guidebook’s content.
Section I Introduction and Motivation

Section I applies to all audiences. It introduces the guidebook, provides
background on the guidebook’s development, and motivates the reader to
pursue opportunities and strategies to enhance academic programming.
Chapter 1: Introduction. This chapter provides introductory, welcoming, and motivating
commentary about how academia can meet the workforce needs of the airport industry.
Chapter 2: Motivation: Addressing the Needs of the Airport Workforce. This chapter describes
the needs of the airport industry workforce. These needs include not only the need for
future professionals to have a strong knowledge base of traditional airport-industry sub-
ject matter but also to have the ability to apply general academic topics to the industry.
This chapter also describes the need for students to gain practical experience within their
academic programs, and how professional and personal effectiveness skills are needed by
future airport professionals.
Section II Guidance to Academia

Section II provides a comprehensive understanding of the current state
of airport academic offerings and broad guidance on how to enhance
academic programming, ranging from institutions that offer no airport content to those that
have degree programs in airport management.
Chapter 3: The State of Airport Education in Academia. This chapter provides a comprehen-
sive understanding of the wide variety of airport-oriented educational programming that exists
within academia, ranging from traditional aviation programs to non-aviation programs, such as
business and engineering programs that offer some airport content. This chapter describes how
airport content fits into various degree programs, how extracurricular and experiential learning

Introduction 5
contributes to educational strategies, how these programs are meeting the needs of the industry,
and how these programs may be enhanced.
Chapter 4: Enhancing Academic Programming. This chapter provides guidance to academia
by introducing a set of strategic building blocks, curriculum structures, course offerings, and
experiential learning opportunities to position curricula to better meet the needs of the industry.
This includes the following:
• Expanding the depth of programming by adding courses in specialized topics and increasing
the depth of existing courses.
• Expanding the breadth of programming by adding airport content to non-airport and non-
aviation courses within a course of study.
• Developing and expanding experiential learning programs, such as internships and extra
curricular activities.
Section III Guidance to Industry

Given that industry involvement by collaborating and partnering with
academia is crucial to enhancing academic programs to meet industry
needs, this section describes opportunities for accomplishing this.
Chapter 5: How Academia Works for Non-Academics. This chapter concisely describes the
process for designing, creating, maintaining, delivering, and enhancing academic programming
so that the industry better understands and appreciates the process.
Chapter 6: Opportunities to Participate in the Academic Process. Industry representatives
can directly participate in academic programming by contributing content, participating as instruc-
tors, hosting site visits, supervising course projects, and participating in program advisory boards.
Section IV Reference Materials

This section contains a comprehensive set of materials that academia is
encouraged to apply to enhance their aviation-related programs.
• An annotated bibliography of existing literature, including research reports, academic
publications, and trade journals, covering the ongoing topics of importance to the airport
workforce.
• A portfolio of template course syllabi covering key airport topics. These templates include
topic descriptions, outlines of subtopics, descriptions of possible course assignments, and
available external materials, such as applicable research reports.
• Guides and templates for developing internships with various industry partners, including
a variety of departments within airports as well as with airport service industry profes-
sional firms.
• A collection of airport-specific topic summaries and activities that may be added to courses
that are not necessarily airport or aviation specific.
These materials are provided in a generic format, allowing modifications to meet the needs
of specific programs.
Topic Identifying Icons

The guidebook is designed for use within all types of academic programs to enhance airport-
related content, from those that already have airport major degree programs to programs that do not
cover any airport-related material. Subject matter icons within the guidebook identify relevant

guidance for each academic topic of interest, including business and

finance, engineering and planning, and operations.
ACADEMIC ENVIRONMENT ICONS
The guidebook identifies strategies applicable to participating in the
Business/Finance enhancement of academic programming for those in industry, ranging
from upper management at an airport looking to enhance its workforce
from a strategic perspective, to entry-level and junior management pro-
Engineering/Planning fessionals who wish to share their new industry experience with their
potential future colleagues, to those in airport professional service firms,
such as engineering, planning, or management consulting.
Operations
The application of all, some, or simply one of the elements included
herein is important for both academic institutions and airport industry
professionals to contribute to the educational development of the airport
Interacting with Industry
industry workforce.

CHAPTER 2
Motivation: Addressing the Needs

of the Airport Workforce
Key Takeaways
• A gap exists between what is taught in academic programs and the technical
skills and knowledge required for new airport professionals entering the
workforce. Academic programs provide students with a basic background
in a variety of essential topic areas but have limited coverage of specific
topic areas.
• There is a crucial need for students to be exposed to fields of study that fall
outside traditional aviation management programs, including finance, business
acumen, project management, property management, and engineering. Students
should also be provided opportunities to gain skills relevant to mission-critical
occupations (MCO) identified in ACRP Web-Only Document 28: Identifying and
Evaluating Airport Workforce Requirements (Cronin et al. 2016).
• Academic programs and airports should work with each other to strengthen
existing relationships and build new ones. Increased connectivity between
airports and academia helps increase the availability of internships and
encourages the involvement of airport managers in the classroom.
• Recent graduates often overestimate their ability to apply their education to
the world outside of the classroom. Furthermore, recent graduates may lack
personal effectiveness skills, such as communication and interpersonal skills,
business acumen, and public speaking.
• Airports have difficulty finding and hiring skilled applicants for their available
positions, in part due to a large demand for a limited number of aviation
degree program graduates. As a result, airports may hire graduates who lack
an aviation degree but have an interest in aviation.
• Many of the skills and topic areas that airports indicate are challenging to hire
for are frequently not covered in students’ programs, or at least not in a
standalone airport-related course (see Table 2.1).
The airport environment is constantly evolving in response to the global demands associated
with business and personal air travel. Given the ever-changing landscape, airports must react to
advancements in technology, evolving passenger-experience preferences, and changing business
models. At the same time, airport industry leaders are concerned about the lack of talent avail-
able in the labor market, at a time when more than half of airport executive staff are estimated
to be retirement eligible, and the labor pool of workers available to fill these roles is shrinking.
7

Other trends that have implications for the airport workforce include the rapid emergence of
new technologies, increased financial and commercial pressures, political sensitivities, new regu-
latory requirements, challenges recruiting in local job markets, and a growing shortage of skilled
trade workers (ICF 2018).
Now and into the future, airports must be leaner and more creative in terms of establishing
new revenue streams and managing their resources, while continuing timely and safe operations.
For example, as of the writing of this guidebook, the COVID-19 global pandemic was sending
shock waves throughout the air transportation industry, swinging the pendulum wildly from
an airport environment focused on infrastructure expansion due to record high demand to a
world with vastly reduced global travel, air carriers facing tens of thousands of job reductions,
and airports struggling to maintain revenues. To survive and be ready for the next economic
recovery, airports must remain in a proactive, adaptive mode that is best served by maintaining
talent pools that possess diversified skill sets.
Specifically, as airports consolidate resources, airport workers will need to perform a variety of
different and cross-functional roles within the airport’s operations structure. Similarly, students
coming from aviation programs will need a broader spectrum of airport-related expertise to “hit
the ground running” and function quickly within the varying job roles that employees will likely
occupy. This, in turn, suggests that academia should grow well-rounded
students with a broader understanding of the airport ecosystem.
In ACRP Web-Only Document 28, Cronin Given the limited size and number of academic programs offering
et al. identified eight MCOs for the next airport-oriented curricula, current training and education options for
5 to 10 years: any given airport-relevant subject tend to be limited. Content for stu-
dents may also be more focused on the past needs of the industry, rather
• Airport Development than what is needed to prepare the future workforce to succeed in the
• Airport Operations rapidly changing airport environment. Furthermore, existing training
• Airport Security and educational content lack sufficient coverage of many of the core
• Electrician competencies required for MCO jobs integral to the continued func-
• Engineering (Civil, Electrical, tioning and growth of airports.
Mechanical)
The first step to ensure airports are adequately prepared to face
• Financial Analysis and Planning
current and future challenges starts with understanding what is needed
• Information Technology (IT), and
of individuals entering the airport workforce, both now and into the
• Project Planning
future (Byers 2016). Academic programs can then be tailored, and new
For each MCO occupation, more than programs developed, to meet industry needs by providing a pipeline
60% of survey respondents (746 airport of graduates with the appropriate knowledge and skill sets to excel
leaders) reported that additional within the airport industry.
education and development opportu-
In preparation for the writing of this guidebook, the research team
nities are needed to adequately equip
thoroughly examined the existing literature on the workforce needs of
the workforce for these specific
the industry; parsed through a spectrum of airport position announce-
responsibilities.
ments and descriptions, and conducted focus groups and surveys in
which more than 200 airport industry professionals participated. From
this research, the team identified four key areas that encompass many
of the needs and challenges of entry-level airport workforce professionals. The four areas
describe the need to
1. Better prepare graduates for careers in the airport industry;
2. Strengthen collaboration between the airport industry and academia;
3. Ensure recent graduates have appropriate and readily applicable skills for the work-
place; and
4. Address existing challenges in hiring recent graduates.
A comprehensive overview of these topic areas is included in this guidebook.

Motivation: Addressing the Needs of the Airport Workforce 9
Creating More and Broader Opportunities

for Recent Graduates
Limited Entry-Level Opportunities for Recent Graduates
The airport industry provides promising career opportunities; however, there are currently
a limited number of avenues by which recent graduates can enter these fields. A review of job
postings from general Internet sources (such as indeed.com as well as the American Association of
Airport Executives Career Center website) found that the most frequently posted jobs targeted
at recent graduates are for entry-level airport operations positions (specialists and coor-
dinators). The majority of other available jobs required several years of experience in the field.
Depth of Program Subject Areas

The tendency for most entry-level airport jobs to be in airport
operations may be attributed to the typical skills and abilities of recent
graduates from aviation and airport management programs. Over Coursework that is currently developed
the years, these requirements have changed, becoming more diverse, at universities is not detailed enough in
challenging, and technical (Quilty 2005). This has resulted in a gap any area for a new employee to be able
between what is taught in academic programs and the unique technical to hit the ground running practically.
skills and knowledge required for new airport professionals entering
– Manager, Airport Operations
the workforce. Most academic programs provide students with a basic
and Facilities
background in a variety of different topic areas that are essential for a
career in aviation, such as airport management and airport operations, but
they are not specific to any particular topic areas nor do they focus on spe-
cific trades. Academic programs have many general education requirements that preclude students
from taking a significant number of courses tailored to specific content areas. Additionally, many
aviation management programs are small in size and, therefore, do not have enough students to
offer these types of courses. As a result, recent graduates often lack an understanding of many of
the finer details and technical skills required for a successful airport career. Research indicates that
new graduates are not learning or acquiring all of the unique skills required to thrive in the aviation
sector. For example, the entry-level airport workforce often lacks airport-specific knowledge or
experience, including knowledge of standard operating procedures and aviation regulations (Young
2010). Although students graduate with a general understanding of the industry, significant on-
the-job learning is often required post-graduation to gain proficiency in their work responsibilities.
Incorporation of Outside Fields of Study

In addition to the need for programs to dive deeper into airport-specific topic areas, such as
landside operations, safety, and trades (e.g., electrical skills); there is a critical need for students
to be exposed to fields of study that fall outside traditional aviation management programs.
These other fields, essential to planning and operating an airport, include the following:
• Finance (e.g., budgeting and accounting),
• Business acumen,
• Project management,
• Property management (e.g., real estate development, contracts), and
• Engineering [e.g., AutoCAD, Geographic Information System (GIS)].
Students’ depths of knowledge should also be expanded to equip them with the appropriate
skills to fill the eight MCO jobs/professions identified in ACRP Web-Only Document 28 (Cronin
et al. 2016). These occupations include the following:
• Airport Development: Involves the design and development of airport property and
facilities as well as real estate transactions. Example job titles include Air Terminal Devel-
opment Manager and Aviation Real Estate Manager.

• Airport Operations: Ensures everything is in place on airfield and airside environments for
safe and efficient flight operation. Example job titles include Airfield Operations Specialist
and Ground Services Manager.
• Airport Security: Ensures airport facilities, employees, and passengers are protected from
potential threats. Example job titles include Airport Security Inspector and Transportation
Inspector.
• Electrician: Is responsible for installation, maintenance, inspection, and repair of airport
electrical systems, including power distribution, security, and communication. Example job
titles include Electrical Technician and Airport Electrician.
• Engineering (Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical): Involves all aspects of airport planning,
including design, construction, and inspection. Example job titles include Senior Engineer
and Civil Engineer.
• Financial Analysis and Planning: Is responsible for financial and economic business
planning, development, and management. Example job titles include Assistant Finance
Manager and Airport Economic Planner.
• Information Technology (IT): Includes the design, installation, and management of security
mechanisms to protect airport security networks and systems from cybersecurity threats and
attacks. Example job titles include Network Administrator and IT Services Specialist.
• Project Planning: Involves all aspects of airport planning, including creating airport plans, devel-
oping master plans, and understanding future needs of the airport itself and its customers to
ensure these needs can be met. Example job titles include Project Planner and Airport Planner.
Optimally, academic courses can be airport-focused or, at least, airport-specific use cases can
be incorporated to help students gain the skills that are essential for conducting business in the
unique airport ecosystem.
Strengthening Collaboration Between

Engagement between airports and
the Airport Industry and Academia
academia is limited. Many airport professionals who participated in focus groups for
15.3% of airport respondents and this study expressed the need for increased outreach and collaboration
14.3% of professional firm respondents between the airport industry and academia. While some airports have
indicated that their airport/firm engages formal partnerships or informal connections with local colleges and
in guest speaker activities at academic universities, others are still working to increase engagement and foster
institutions. these connections. One key objective of this guidebook is to encourage
the development of new relationships between academic programs and
18.4% of airport respondents and airports and to strengthen existing relationships. These partnerships
7.7% of professional firm respondents not only benefit airports and academia but also students in aviation and
host site visits for student organizations airport management programs through the opportunity to increase
from academic programs. the availability of internships and to grow the involvement of airport
management in the classroom.
Importance of Internships
To succeed in the airport industry, new professionals not only need theoretical knowledge,
which they obtain through expanded academic curricula but also practical knowledge (i.e.,
how to apply what they have learned within the demands and constraints of the real world).
Internships and co-ops are essential ways for students to experience a bit of what they can
expect before they graduate. They allow students to apply what they are learning in class
and also help students learn new skills and identify potential career paths available to them.

Airport professionals perceive a lack of adequate internship opportu-

nities. A limited number of airports have established programs, while 21.6% of airport survey respondents and
others are in the process of developing them. For the most part, stu- 23.6% of professional firm respondents
dents graduate without having participated in any type of internship offer internships, co-ops, or seasonal
or co-op, placing them at a disadvantage when entering their first job. positions that they fill with college/
Although the need is clear, the future availability of internships and university students.
co-ops is dependent on local airports and academic institutions com-
ing together to develop opportunities that meet the needs of students, Over 71% of airport respondents and
while also taking into consideration the constraints faced by airports. 81% of professional firm respondents
did not participate in an internship or
co-op at an airport/airport-related
Airport On-Campus Involvement
professional service firm while enrolled
Outreach and collaboration between airports and academia can also in their own program of study.
go beyond internships to include airport involvement on campus, both
inside and outside the classroom. This includes opportunities such as
airport leaders serving as guest speakers in classes. Focus group participants
highlighted instances in which airport leaders bring some of the real-world problems they are
facing at their airport into the classroom for students to review. These challenges are then inte-
grated into the class curriculum as case studies, with student teams assigned to spend part of
the semester devising a solution to the problem at hand and then presenting this solution to
the airport. These case studies provide another avenue for students to gain insight into the real
world of airports, outside of participating in an internship. In addition to participating in the
classroom, airports should also aim to connect with students by attending university-sponsored
industry nights or other events held by student organizations, such as local American Association
of Airport Executives (AAAE) student chapters.
Ensuring Recent Graduates Have Appropriate Skills

for the Workplace
The skills of recent graduates reflect what they have learned in the classroom along with
their involvement in extracurricular activities, internships, or co-ops. The study identified three
important areas that are crucial for recent graduates:
• Knowledge of the airport industry
• Technological skills
• Personal effectiveness and professional skills The biggest detriment [is graduates]
coming out of college programs saying
Knowledge of the Airport Industry “we know this.” But do they know how
to apply this knowledge in the real
Airport professionals agree that recent graduates entering the world? Or what you need to do to
workforce generally have a sufficient knowledge base to begin their actually get things done?
career within an airport organization, along with a passion for aviation
and desire to continue learning. However, new employees within both – Airport Operations Agent
MCO and business-related occupations do not have exposure to the
airport-specific aspects of their roles (Cronin et al. 2016). Therefore, in
some instances, graduates may overestimate their ability to apply their
classroom knowledge within a real airport situation. For example, recent graduates learn about
important airport and aviation regulatory issues, but they lack knowledge of which regulations
apply to various situations, or how to apply the regulations to job tasks within an actual airport
environment. Ultimately, graduates typically work in the industry for several years before they
develop sufficient skills to be able to take on a specialized role.

Technological Skills
The airport industry is experiencing fundamental shifts due to advances in technology, result-
ing in the need for new skills that previously did not exist (Wensveen 2017). Rapid changes and
advancements require employees to be familiar with both current technology and to continually
learn the new technical skills required as new systems are implemented. Required technical capa-
bilities include general computer skills, knowledge of computer software programs, IT skills,
and experience with data analytics. A key strength of recent graduates entering the workforce is
their ability to efficiently and effectively use technology, including different systems and software
for finding and gathering information. However, some graduates lack the problem-solving and
analytical skills necessary to analyze the data they gather and use it as a basis for informed decision
making. This gap should be addressed, given the growing emphasis on using data to track passenger
experiences and leveraging big data to make key operational decisions.
Personal Effectiveness and Professional Skills

Technical skills alone do not lead to successful job performance. New professionals must
also have the personal characteristics and behaviors that support a productive and coop-
erative workplace (Phillips et al. 2006). This includes basic interper-
sonal, written, and verbal communication skills as well as the ability
to work in teams. Other non-technical skills include critical thinking,
People feel uneasy interacting and problem-solving, decisionmaking, rapport building, negotiation, and
communicating – we need people who a willingness to adapt. Although many of these skills are ultimately
can communicate with each other and required to lead and plan for an airport’s future, they are covered in
groups – those people end up being less than one-third of airport training and education programs (ICF
very successful. 2018). One of the weaknesses seen in recent graduates is their lack
of these skills. For example, many of the airport professionals inter-
– Airport Deputy Executive Director, viewed perceive that recent graduates do not feel comfortable com-
Development
municating with others or to groups and have difficulty conveying
technical information.
Addressing Existing Challenges in Hiring

Recent Graduates
Beyond ensuring that graduates are adequately prepared for gainful employment, air-
ports also face the challenge of finding and hiring skilled applicants. Airports prefer to hire
entry-level employees out of aviation degree programs that have a background in aviation
management or airport administration. However, airport representatives who participated in
this study have experienced difficulty over the past several years in finding and hiring recent
graduates out of these programs. This is due, in part, to the large demand for these types of
students but also to the limited number of aviation degree programs from which to pull new
talent. As a result, airports are now hiring recent graduates who do not have a degree from
an aviation program but still have a passion or interest in aviation. Generally, airports have
success with this approach and can teach the necessary aviation-specific skills in house.
Despite these efforts, a survey of 137 airport professionals and airport consultants points to
several skill areas from which it is “extremely challenging” or “very challenging” to hire, includ-
ing the following:
• Technical Communication (report writing, etc.)
• Environmental Issues

• Public Policy
• Airport Engineering
• Geographic Systems (GIS)
• Airport Finance
Survey respondents reported that many of these skill areas are not frequently covered in their
programs, or not covered in a standalone, airport-related course. Table 2.1 highlights the skills
and topics that were identified as either “extremely” or “very challenging” to find in job appli-
cants. Data is also provided regarding the type(s) of classes in which respondents indicated each
of these skills or topics was covered.
Table 2.1. Skills and topics highlighted in hiring challenges and academic coverage.
At least 25% of Coverage in Coursework
respondents % of Airport % of Airport % of Airport % of Airport
indicated as respondents respondents respondents respondents
“Extremely indicating this indicating this indicating this indicating this
Challenging” or topic was not topic was topic was topic was
“Very covered in covered in a covered in an covered in a
Challenging” to their standalone aviation course course not
hire program airport-related not specific to specific to
 = airports course airports aviation
*= professional
firms
Skill/Topic Area
Geographic * 80.8% 1.9% 3.9% 13.5%
Information System
(GIS)
Airport Engineering * 69.2% 19.2% 7.7% 3.9%
Public Policy  40.4% 7.7% 21.2% 30.8%
Emergency Mgmt 40.4% 17.3% 26.9% 15.4%
Airport Design * 38.5% 50.0% 5.8% 5.8%
Airport-Airspace * 38.5% 42.3% 17.3% 1.9%

Compatibility
Safety 38.5% 21.2% 25.0% 15.4%
Management
Airport Planning * 34.6% 51.9% 11.5% 1.9%
Environmental * 34.6% 23.1% 19.2% 23.1%

Issues
Airport Finance  34.0% 37.7% 13.2% 15.1%
Airport Operations: * 32.7% 46.2% 21.2% 0.0%

Airside
Airport Admin 32.7% 42.3% 17.3% 7.7%
Airport Operations: * 32.7% 44.2% 17.3% 0.0%

Terminal/Landside
Airport Security 30.8% 44.2% 17.3% 7.7%
Airport * 28.9% 50.0% 19.2% 1.9%

Regulations
Technical * 26.9% 7.7% 9.6% 55.8%
Communications
(report writing,
etc.)
Professionalism  15.1% 11.3% 18.9% 54.7%

Summary of Data and Findings

There are many instances in which coordination and communication between academic
institutions and the airport industry is limited or lacking. As a result, a disconnect exists
between the industry workforce needs and the education that academic programs currently
provide. Rather than academic institutions dictating the needs of the industry, academia
and the airport industry may enhance academic programming by working together to revise
curricula content that is more focused on learning outcomes that meet the needs of the industry.
Likewise, airports will benefit from partnerships with academic programs that prepare graduates
with the knowledge and skills required for all MCOs and relevant skilled-trade jobs.

SECTION II
Guidance to Academia
This section provides information to the academic community on the current state of
airport-oriented education in academia and opportunities to enhance academic program-
ming. As such, the primary audience for this section is the academic community itself,
particularly faculty, administrators, and even students who wish to enhance their airport
academic programming.
The information herein was derived from extensive study of domestic and international
academic degree programs. The research team conducted surveys with faculty, students, and
alumni of programs offering specific airport-oriented content within their curricula, and
industry professionals with the desire to see graduates of these programs enter the workforce
with greater depth and breadth of education as well as an enhanced level of real-world experience.
Chapter 3 discusses the current state of airport education in academia. The vast majority
of airport-oriented educational programming lies within what is commonly referred to as
“collegiate aviation” programs, while to a lesser extent, airport-oriented education is found
within programs of other core disciplines, mostly business, public policy, and engineering. Also
discussed is the current structure of airport-oriented academic programming, focusing on how
such curricula are designed. Several constraints and opportunities are pointed out, paving the
way for an informative discussion on how these programs can be enhanced.
Chapter 4 describes methods to enhance airport-oriented academic programming based on
the findings from Chapters 2 and 3. A curriculum structure is presented that increases both
breadth and depth of airport education, allows for real-world experience, and contributes to
professional development through curricular and extracurricular activities. The methods
described apply to programs of all types, from fully established airport management degree
programs to programs without any aviation or airport content. All institutions have the
potential to enhance their programming for the benefit of the airport industry.


CHAPTER 3
The State of Airport Education

in Academia
Key Takeaways
• Airport academic programming is found within a small subset of the nation’s
colleges and universities, mostly within traditional aviation, undergraduate
programs. They are typically 4-year undergraduate, baccalaureate programs
with roots in collegiate flight education. They tend to have a focus in airport
operations or airport management.
• A handful of programs offering airport content exists in engineering
programs. These programs tend to focus on airport planning and design.
Few programs offer more than two airport-specific courses. The most common
courses offered are introductory courses in airport operations, management,
and planning and design. Less frequently, additional courses are offered that go
deeper into these topics or focus on other topics relevant to the airport industry.
• Aviation programs generally include some airport content within other aviation
courses that focus on flight, aviation security, and aviation regulations and law.
• Airport offerings are limited due to the curricular constraints that require a certain
number of general education and core courses to be part of the curriculum.
• Most programs offer opportunities for additional learning through internships,
although few programs require them. There is a wide range of how internships
are structured among programs.
• Less than 30% of programs offering airport content report having formal
relationships with airport industry professional organizations, such as AAAE or
participate in regionally or nationally sponsored airport academic endeavors
such as the ACRP Airport Design Competition for Universities.
• Less than 30% of programs offering airport content are accredited by the
Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI), which focuses its accreditation
on flight and aviation management—not specifically on airport curricula.
• Less than 20% of the programs offering airport content have full-time faculty
who have any formal education in airports, are industry accredited, or have
significant practical airport industry experience.
• Ample opportunities exist to enhance airport-oriented, academic programming
by creating deeper and broader course curricula; increasing extracurricular and
experiential learning opportunities; adding airport content to programs at
colleges and universities that do not currently offer such content; enhancing
faculty supply; and creating deeper and broader interactions between
academia and airport industry professionals.
17

As described in Chapter 2, the technical needs of the current and future airport workforce are
both deep and wide-ranging, covering a full spectrum of topics, from business to technology.
Many of the skills required are rooted in fundamental academic topics, such as economics;
finance and accounting; law; physical sciences and engineering; and many other disciplines
offered at institutions of higher education. The majority of the academic programs, however,
do not include any airport- or aviation-related content, either in the form of aviation- or
airport-specific courses or simply using aviation case studies or applications within their
courses.
Relative to the totality of existing higher education programs, only a small group offers
programming in aviation, and only a small subset of those programs offer content specific to
airports. These programs vary widely in the depth of airport content, ranging from complete
airport major degree programs to offering only one introductory airport course. They do, how-
ever, offer a base for evaluating the state of academia on how well it, on the whole, is helping to
prepare the next generation of airport professionals.
This chapter describes an investigation of these programs, and based on the findings, offers
insight into the current state of airport academic programming.
Education that is relevant to the airport industry is wide-ranging because airports require a
vast array of skills and knowledge to operate. Engineering expertise is required to ensure that air-
ports are designed and maintained with the appropriate level of safety and infrastructure. Busi-
ness and administrative skills are required to successfully operate a complex organization serving
a wide range of customers and community constituents. Communication skills are required to
effectively share information with airport users and the wider community. Of course, front and
center are the particulars of how airports operate, from design and certification requirements
to unique strategies for managing complex operating budgets to the financing associated with
capital improvements.
Perhaps the greatest distinction between technical training and academic education, particularly
at degree-granting institutions of higher education, is that university and college academic pro-
grams have the mission of providing well-rounded education in a full spectrum of subject areas
(Prather and California Baptist University 2019). Although non-academic training programs focus
on specific technical material only, collegiate degree programs include a wider variety of course
requirements. Their mission statements often indicate that they intend to produce well-rounded
graduates who will be successful in their professions and contributors to the greater community.
The findings presented herein are based on a multifaceted investi-
gation of academic programs throughout the United States as well as
Less than 3% of the nation’s 6,000+ select international programs with airport-oriented content.
institutions of higher education offer
courses in aviation, and only a subset of
these institutions offers courses specific A Survey of Academic Programs
to airports. with Airport-Related Content
Most academic programs offer content relevant to the airport indus-
try, at least indirectly. For example, architecture programs educate stu-
dents in skills relevant to designing and constructing airport facilities. Public policy programs
educate students in how public agencies operate, which is relevant to all of the nation’s airports
operating under some type of public governance. Even programs in the arts are relevant to air-
ports because they continue to evolve their public image through public good programs, such
as public displays of art, history, and musical performances. For the most part, however, most
traditional degree programs do not offer any content specific to how their core disciplines
apply to the airport environment. Cases where this does exist are limited to a few engineering,

The State of Airport Education in Academia 19
technology, business, and policy programs, or to faculty with some knowledge or expertise from
previous involvement or relationship with airports.
The study conducted for this guidebook identified an exhaustive list of academic institu-
tions offering at minimum some sort of aviation (but not necessarily airport-specific) content,
including those with programs that focus nearly entirely on flight education. Of the nation’s
6,000+ institutions of higher education, 157 institutions (less than 3%) were found to offer pro-
gramming that ranges from a single aviation course offering up to a 2-year (associate) or 4-year
(baccalaureate) degree in aviation. The team examined the depth and breadth of these aviation
offerings, with a specific look at how they may or may not offer any airport-specific content. Also
highlighted were whether these institutions have industry accreditation for their aviation degree
programs or some sort of formal relationship with the airport industry.
Of the 157 institutions investigated, 65 programs were found to have at least one course
specific to airports. Of these 65 institutions, 42 (65%) were public institutions and 23 (35%)
were private institutions. Public institutions tend to draw students from their respective states,
whereas private institutions tend to have more of a national draw. Cost of tuition is one deter-
mining factor for students selecting a school. For public institutions, tuition rates significantly
favor in-state residents. The average in-state resident semester tuition (minimum 12 credit hours)
for the public institutions in the study was approximately $4,275. Out-of-state tuition averaged
$9,580 per academic term. Private institutions make no distinction regarding residency. The
average tuition for private schools is approximately $15,400 per term.
Of the 65 programs, 41 were found to have a readily available curriculum roadmap and catalog
of courses for which to further study the depth of airport-related programming. For these
41 “representative” programs, an in-depth investigation of their curriculum structures was
performed, and surveys, focus groups, and interviews of a sampling of the programs’ faculty,
students, and alumni were conducted. This thorough investigation provides a comprehensive
look at the current state of airport education in academia. A list of these programs is found
below. A summary of the curricula of the representative programs is provided in spreadsheet
form in Appendix A.
Universities with Representative Aviation Programs*

• Arizona State University, AZ • Indiana State University, IN
• Auburn University, AL • Jacksonville University, FL
• Bowling Green State University, OH • Kansas State University – Polytechnic, KS
• California Baptist University, CA • Kent State University, OH
• California State University, Los Angeles, CA • Lewis University, IL
• Central Washington University, WA • Louisiana Tech University, LA
• Delta State University, MS • Metropolitan State University of Denver, CO
• Eastern Kentucky University, KY • Middle Georgia State University, GA
• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona • Middle Tennessee State University, TN
Beach, FL • Minnesota State University, Mankato, MN
• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott, AZ • The Ohio State University, OH
• Farmingdale State College, NY • Oklahoma State University, OK
• Florida Institute of Technology, FL • Purdue University, IN
• Florida Memorial University, FL • Rocky Mountain College, MT
• Hampton University, VA • St. Louis University, MO
(continued on next page)

Universities with Representative Aviation Programs* (Continued)

• Southern Illinois University, IL • University of Nebraska, Omaha, NE
• Southern New Hampshire University, NH • University of North Dakota, ND
• Texas Southern University, TX • University of Oklahoma, OK
• University of Alaska, Anchorage, AK • Utah Valley University, UT
• University of Central Missouri, MO • Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology, NY
• University of Dubuque, IA • Western Michigan University, MI
* Aviation management-oriented curriculum that is AABI accredited and/or affiliated with the AAAE via a recognized student chapter, offers
at least one airport course, and has an accessible full curriculum map for study.
Aviation Programs
Most specific airport-oriented content is found within what are known as traditional aviation
academic programs within institutions organized as a college, school, or department with avia-
tion in their name, denoting the recognition of its mission to focus on aviation as a degree pro-
gram. Approximately 66% of the programs in the United States offering airport-specific content
are colleges, departments, or academic centers of aviation or aeronautics. Approximately 33%
of programs that provide some aviation education do so within wider
academic units ranging from Applied Arts & Sciences to Public Health.
Academic units (colleges, departments, The aviation-related degrees offered at these institutions include
schools) offering airport content include Air Traffic Management, Aviation/Aerospace Management, Aviation
the following: Business Administration, Aircraft Maintenance/Management, and
Aerospace Technology along with Professional Pilot, Flight Technology,
• Aviation and other degree names for collegiate flight education programs.
• Aeronautics Among the newest aviation-related degree programs are those that
• Applied Arts and Sciences involve unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
• Business
Aviation academic programs, regardless of the specific degree names,
• Engineering
are generally categorized as either flight education or aviation man-
• City and Regional Planning
agement. Within the representative programs studied, most airport-
• Education
oriented content is found within the aviation management degree
• Public Administration
programs. Flight education programs tend to have ancillary airport
• Public Health and Science
content relevant to pilots, and airport courses offered in the aviation
• Technology management programs are available for students in flight education
as well.
Flight Education Degree Programs

Discussions with current airport professionals who have aviation education backgrounds
reveal that a significant percentage began their aviation collegiate education by enrolling in
a flight education degree program, validating previous research that suggests young adults and
older teenagers, initially attracted to aviation as a career, focus on becoming a licensed pilot.
Along the way, however, many students find that flight training is not for them, and they seek
another path to a career in aviation. They often transfer from a flight education program to an
aviation management program, either within their current institution or elsewhere.
Reasons for this realization are numerous and understanding them may provide opportu-
nities and motivation for academic programs to further enhance their non-flight curricula,
including increasing offerings in airport-oriented content to retain these students.

Flight Student and Pilot Attrition

Student Aptitude and Attitude
A collegiate flight training program is demanding, with physical, mental, logistical, and finan-
cial pressures. Some may quickly determine that flight training is not what they expected, or
they may find they do not have the aptitude or motivation to operate in a cockpit environment.
They may consider changing majors to a non-flight aviation program or elect to drop out of the
program altogether.
Federal Policy
One factor adversely affecting student enrollment and retention is the result of federal
legislation passed in 2013 that requires all commercial airline pilots to hold an airline transport
pilot (ATP) certificate that includes a minimum of 1,500 hours of flight experience. Before
this, licensed commercial pilots with as little as 250 hours of flight time could serve as first offi-
cers with an airline. The legislation does allow provisions for collegiate flight students receiving
professional instruction. Baccalaureate graduates from an accredited university are eligible for
restricted ATP (R-ATP) license with a minimum of 1,000 hours of flight time, while associate
degree graduates can qualify with 1,250 hours.
Many students in a 4-year professional flight program recognize that they will have only
300 to 500 flight hours by graduation and thus, will need to find ways to build flight time, often
by serving as flight instructors or through other flying assignments (e.g., banner and glider
towing, skydiving, etc.). This gap in flight experience coupled with student loan repayments
often makes the difficulty of achieving an R-ATP license rating a driving force to reconsider
their career goals.
Another example of how federal policy changes can seriously affect aviation programs was
demonstrated by the FAA’s shift in the selection process for air traffic control specialists (ATCSs).
Beginning in 1991, the FAA partnered with five aviation colleges to form the Controller Training
Initiative (CTI) program designed to generate student interest in air traffic control (ATC) as a
career choice and to provide portions of the initial controller training before entering the FAA’s
Training Academy. Over the next 20 years, the CTI program grew to include 36 participating
colleges and universities. Graduates of an academic-degreed CTI program were considered
prime candidates for selection because they were motivated and possessed an ATC specialized
education. As a result, CTI graduates were allowed to skip the initial 5-week Stage I, En Route
Air Traffic Basics course.
However, in 2014, FAA changed the candidate screening and selection process, relying
primarily on a biographical assessment that includes personality attributes, attitudes, expe-
riences, interests, skills, and abilities. Under this new practice, CTI graduates who had
previously applied to the FAA were required to take the new assessment and as a result, some
were not accepted. Even though FAA retained the CTI program, enrollments declined, and
some institutions dropped out. Legislation attempted to reinstate CTI graduate preferences.
However, in 2020, the program had yet to regain the status it had before the hiring policy
changes.
Socioeconomic Conditions
The aviation industry is vulnerable to national and international economic and other con-
ditions that directly affect the career opportunities and interests for aviation students. Over
the past 20 years, macro-economic cycles have also impacted the number of students enroll-
ing in flight education programs compared with other aviation degree programs. The terrorist
attacks of September 11, 2001, the global economic recession of 2008, and the 2020 COVID-19

global pandemic have had negative effects on the industry, which have resulted in aviation
students needing to adjust their career goals and transferring to non-flight programs that are still
connected to the aviation world.
Career Compromise
Regardless of the specific influence, the concept of career compromise in career development
theory suggests that when faced with the denial of one’s dream job, the next step will be based
on the individual’s motivation for initially pursuing the career. For flight students, the driver
may be ego-driven by the perceived prestige of becoming an airline pilot. On the other hand,
career compromise also identifies “interest” as a strong driver for some. In this case, if flying
professionally is not looking like a realistic option, the person may take an alternate position that
allows for staying in the field of aviation.
Implications and Considerations for Collegiate Aviation Programs

Depending on how the curriculum is organized, some students who elect to discontinue
flight training may be able to change their major to non-flight aviation or other available
degree option. For some programs, the change may be easily accommodated by curriculum
design, or the student may be required to take several additional courses to meet the degree
requirements. In extreme cases, the inability of a professional flight student to change majors
without a significant increase in coursework, time, and associated costs may result in the
student dropping out.
Aviation academic programs that provide flight training may adjust or redesign their curricu-
lum to (1) provide flight students a better understanding of the policies and practices in busi-
ness and operational aspects of aviation; (2) provide flight students the ability to easily change
majors to a non-flight degree depending on circumstances; and (3) ensure that graduating flight
students are not so heavily invested in flight education that they are disadvantaged or unable to
compete for non-flight aviation positions if necessary as a result of the economy, layoffs, medical
issues, or other factors that prevent them from pursuing flight as a career. A course curriculum
in airports may be such an option.
Aviation Management Degree Programs

Among the 157 institutions investigated, 81 (52%) offer a 4-year degree program in aviation
management, administration, or other similar business-oriented offerings. There are another
31 institutions that offer a standalone, non-flight associate degree program.
Although no two programs are alike, the curriculum of most aviation management programs
is found to share common attributes with other degrees, aviation or otherwise. The distinctions
generally emphasize core courses that may or may not have an aviation theme. Most aviation
management programs are created as alternatives to flight education programs. As such, they
draw most aviation content from the professional flight perspective. Also, these programs are
found to have been developed by leveraging existing business administration or other general
curriculum courses, such as accounting, finance, computer applications, statistics, and business
law found within the institution. Others are developed with a more technical orientation empha-
sizing mathematics (calculus), physics, electrical/electronic systems, intermodal transportation/
logistics, and other fields.
Most aviation management programs are broadly aviation industry-focused, with course
material covering all aspects of management, such as general aviation operators, ATC, airlines,
and in most but not all cases, airports. On rare occasions, there is a specific emphasis, special-
ization, concentration, minor, or major degree program focusing specifically on airports. This

presents an opportunity for programs to enhance their curricula by providing more airport-
focused material that leads to an airport-specific degree or specialization (ACRP 2017).
Airport-Specific Degree Programs and Specializations

Among the institutions investigated, two were specifically noted to have airport manage-
ment degree programs. The University of North Dakota, through an intercollegiate part-
nership between its Nistler College of Business & Public Administration and the John D.
Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences, offers a bachelor of business
administration degree in airport management. The program requires
more than 30 credit hours of business courses ranging from account-
ing to information systems, along with 30 credit hours of aviation Institutions with Airport-Specific
required courses, including courses in airport operations, planning, Majors, Specializations, or
and safety management systems, and culminating experiences that Concentrations
include preparation for professional industry certification. Vaughn
• California Baptist University, CA
College of Aeronautics and Technology offers a bachelor of science
• Farmingdale State College, NY
degree in airport management. More than half of the curriculum
• Vaughn College of Aeronautics and
course requirements are aviation or management-focused with
Technology, NY
airport-specific courses in airport administration, development, and
• University of North Dakota, ND
management, in addition to college requirements in English, foreign
languages, and technical writing as well as math, statistics, and physics
requirements.
A few representative programs offer a concentration or specializa-
tion in airport management as part of the general aviation manage-
ment degree. For example, the Aviation Administration Bachelor of
Science degree program at Farmingdale State College offers a special-
ization in airport management. Through this specialization, students Engineering Programs with Airport
enroll in advanced courses in airport capacity; delay and airspace Course Offerings
modeling; airport management and finance; airport planning; and • University of California, Berkeley, CA
airport operations, in addition to a core curriculum with required courses • Georgia Institute of Technology, GA
in business and aviation. California Baptist University offers a concen- • Purdue University, IN
tration in Airport Management and Operations within its Aviation • North Carolina State University, NC
Management Bachelor of Science degree program. The concentration • Virginia Polytechnic Institute and
emphasizes airport management, planning and design, and finance and State University, VA
consulting, with a capstone course that prepares students for profes- • Massachusetts Institute of Technology,
sional industry certification. MA
Approximately 40% of the representative aviation management • The Ohio State University, OH
programs offer multiple airport-specific courses as part of an aviation • University of Maryland, MD
management degree but not as a concentration or specialization. The • University of South Florida, FL
remaining 60% offer one course specific to airports.
Non-Aviation Programs with Airport Courses

In addition to aviation programs, a handful of non-aviation programs offer airport courses.
Some non-aviation programs include aviation/airport content in their curriculum, many of
which are found at the graduate level, mostly in engineering programs offering one or more
courses in airport planning and design. Although these are not part of the representative pro-
grams, the specialized nature of these courses holds a unique place in the overall spectrum of
airport-oriented academic programming. Specifically, courses like these attract students to the
airport industry as engineers, planners, and other professionals.

Curriculum Structure of Representative Programs

The representative degree programs that were studied generally follow a curriculum structure
standard to baccalaureate programs throughout academia, with an average of 120 credit hours of
instruction organized along broad categories that include general education, core, and courses
on topics specific to the degree program. The typical breakdown of credit-hour requirements by
these categories is illustrated in Table 3.1.
Although aviation management programs usually follow this outline, core courses may be
subdivided into aviation and non-aviation topics. Airport-specific courses are most often within
the aviation core and technical elective offerings.
A description of these course categories provides insights into where airport-related content
is presented within these curriculum structures.
General Education. General education (Gen Ed) courses are found in most undergraduate
programs. They are intended to provide a broadened perspective of the relationships among
the various topics universal to higher learning and for building critical thinking skills. Although
these courses rarely contain much technical content directly associated with airports, some may
be included in these courses. For example, a course in global issues may briefly discuss matters
associated with airport-relevant content, such as global security.
Non-Aviation Core. A variety of core courses that are not aviation-related are often required
by all students pursuing degrees. For example, for the aviation management programs found
within a business administration department, core courses in business are included in the pro-
gram. Analysis of the representative programs shows the following most commonly offered non-
aviation core courses in their curricula:
• Principles of Management
• Organizational Administration
• Macroeconomics and Microeconomics
• Accounting and Finance
• Business Law
• Information Systems and Technology
• Business Statistics and Quantitative Analysis
• Human Relations
• Strategic Planning and Marketing
This suggests that most curricula contain core principles of importance to the airport indus-
try. However, since these sources are “non-aviation” in nature, direct examples and applications
of these principles to the airport environment may not necessarily be included in these courses.
This provides an opportunity to enhance programming through the addition of airport-
specific content into these core courses.
Table 3.1. Average breakdown of representative programs.

Course Category Avg. Credit Hours # Courses
General Education 24 6
College (Non-Aviation) Core 32 7
Major (Aviation) Core 32 8
Technical Elective 21 6
Open Elective 9 4
Extracurricular Activity 2 1
Total 120 32

Aviation Core. The representative aviation management programs studied tend to have
a significant number of courses that have a direct relationship with the aviation industry. The
average number of aviation core credit hours is 45 among the representative programs with
a high of 72 hours and a low of 15 hours. These courses include introductory overviews of
the aviation industry in topics ranging from aviation history, regulations, and aviation sectors
including ATC, airlines, general aviation, and airports. The most common aviation core courses
in the representative programs include the following:
• Historical Perspectives
• Federal Regulations
• Meteorology
• National Air Transportation System
• Aviation Safety
This cadre of courses indicates that the focus of these programs has traditionally been flight-
oriented. As such, the content is more focused on the impact of these topics on flight operations,
and tangentially, airport operations. It is from here that the focus on airport operations educa-
tion is derived. This speaks to the opportunity to broaden the aviation core to include more
aviation core topics outside of an operations focus.
Technical Electives. Other more advanced aviation courses may be part of an aviation core
requirement or may be offered as technical electives within the curriculum. The most common
advanced core and technical elective courses found within the representative programs include
the following:
• Airspace and Air Traffic Control
• Airline Operations & Management
• Fixed Base Operator (FBO) and Corporate Aviation Operations and Management
• Aviation Safety and Security
• Aviation Law and Regulations
• Air Cargo and Logistics
• Aviation Economics and Management
• Aviation Marketing and Communications
• Global Aviation Systems
In addition to this list, all the representative programs studied have at least one airport-
specific course in the curriculum, most often with the title “airport operations,” “airport admin-
istration,” or “airport management,” intended to cover an introductory overview of airports as
a component of the National Air Transportation System. Engineering programs offering one
course tend to offer a course in “airport planning” or “airport design”
rather than an operations- or business-focused course.
In nearly all representative programs, the number of credit hours Airport-specific courses constitute on
allocated to airport-specific content was small. There was an average of average 5% of the total credit hours
6.6 airport-specific credit hours among the total number of aviation offered within typical aviation
management programs. Nearly 40% of the programs have only one management degree programs.
3-credit-hour airport course, while one program has 27 credit hours.
Table 3.2 illustrates the range of total airport-specific credit hours
offered by aviation management programs.
A variety of other airport-specific courses offered by many representative programs provides
a more detailed exposure to the airport industry. Examples of the most common courses include
the following:
• Airport Planning
• Airport Design

Table 3.2. Aviation
management programs with
airport-specific credit hours.
Airport No. of Percentage

Credit Programs
Hours
3 26 40%
4 to 6 20 31%
7 to 9 8 12%
10 to 14 6 9%
15 + 5 8%
Total 65 100%
• Environmental Aspects of Airports

• Airport Economics and Finance
• Airport and Airspace Capacity
• Airport Management (including certification)
Programs that offer a concentration in airport management generally include a minimum of
3 to 4 airport-specific courses (9 or more credit hours). From this analysis, it is clear that oppor-
tunities exist for more programs to deepen their airport-specific content through additional
courses offered either as aviation core or technical electives.
Open Electives. Open electives are offered to allow the student to gain a broad education.
These electives may also allow for internships and work-study programs. Open electives may
present an opportunity for students to take additional airport-oriented courses, even if not
offered by the program if the course or courses offered by another institution can be approved
for credit.
Of the representative programs, open elective opportunities are limited, primarily due to the
limited number of credit hours allocated as such. Despite the limited number of allocated credit
hours, there are opportunities to further enhance airport-related content by taking advantage
of these elective hours, through additional coursework or experiential learning opportunities,
such as internships.
Internships. Internships and co-op employment serve as experiential learning opportuni-

ties. They can also be a component of the broader accreditation requirements. Of the representa-
tive programs, 79% do not require an internship. Relatively few programs accept an internship
as an elective (3 to 12 credit hours) for fulfilling the degree requirements.
A Deeper Look at Airport-Specific Courses

Most aviation management programs have at least one airport-specific course. Usually,
the course is titled airport operations, airport administration, or airport management and is
intended to cover only the basics of airports as a component of the National Air Transportation
System.
Airport-specific courses, defined as those courses with “airport” in the course title and
whose syllabi suggest that the majority of the course content is specific to airports, most
often cover an overview of the management and administration of airports, the planning and
design of airports, and airport operations. They may be part of an aviation core or offered as
a technical elective.

Fundamental/Introductory Airport Courses

Nearly all curricula among representative programs have at least one airport course that
is usually programmed to deliver an overview of airports as an air transportation facility.
Topics typically include a historical perspective as well as legislation that directly influence
airport operations and development. Characteristics of airports including activity metrics
(operations and enplanements); FAA classifications; governance; administration and organiza-
tional structures; fiscal activity; and various other topics are also included. Table 3.3 presents
a compilation of basic airport courses among the 65 aviation management programs.
Throughout academia, the most prolific airport course topic is one that provides an over-
view of airport management. Course titles that include topics related to airport operations
and administration may include elements of management, including introductions to airport
administration, operations, and planning. Most engineering programs that offer an airport
course focus on airport planning and design.
Airport Planning and Development Courses

The second most common airport course topic found in the curriculum of aviation manage-
ment programs involves the planning and development of airports. Usually, these topics are
especially relevant to airport consultancies, which provide entry-level employment, especially
for programs known for providing qualified and capable graduates with a certain level of knowledge
regarding the airport planning process, FAA airport design criteria, and other technical areas.
Table 3.4 presents a compilation of courses related to airport planning and development among
the 65 aviation management programs.
In addition to the number of programs found in Table 3.4, most non-aviation programs offer-
ing at least one airport course have a course in airport planning and design that aligns with their
planning and/or engineering degree programs.
The topics of some airport planning and development courses are combined, such as airport
planning and design, airport planning and management, and so forth. These courses may be
designed around a specific text, such as Young and Wells, Airport Planning and Management
(2019) or Horonjeff, McKelvey, Sproule, and Young, Planning and Design of Airports (2010),
or Prather, Airport Management (2015).
Other Airport-Specific Course Topics

Other airport-specific courses are aligned with common topics that can be viewed as a
specialty. Airport marketing is a business-oriented topic that usually includes airlines in the
coursework. Airport Security has been a prominent topic since 9/11. Airports share a responsibility
with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for passenger activity; however, security
Table 3.3. Basic airport topics (65 programs).
No. of No. of Programs Percentage of Total

Topic Courses* Offering Course Programs
Airport Management 50 46 71%
Airport Operations 26 34 52%
Airport Administration 14 12 18%
* There are several courses that include multiple topics, such as airport operations and
administration or airport operations and management, and they may be counted twice.

Table 3.4. Airport planning and development topics (all programs).
No. of No. of Programs Percentage of Total

Topic Courses* Offering Course Programs
Airport Planning 37 34 52%
Airport Design 16 15 23%
Airport Finance 9 9 14%
Airport Environmental 5 3 5%
* There are several courses that include multiple topics, such as airport planning and design
or airport planning and management, and they may be counted twice.
of the airfield and other areas of the airport is the primary concern of airport management.
Courses also include the study of international airports as a function of the global air trans-
portation network. Table 3.5 presents a summary of the most common of these courses among
the 65 aviation management programs.
Generally, airport-specific courses are offered in later stages of an overall curriculum. In
the case of programs where one airport course is offered, that course may be most commonly
taken during the student’s final year of study. As a result, by the time the students are exposed
to airports in this context, they are ready to graduate without having the opportunity to learn
more. This presents an opportunity for programs to offer airport content, particularly
fundamental/introductory airport courses, earlier in their curricula, as early as the first year
in some cases.
Aviation Courses with Airport-Specific Content

Aviation courses that are not specific to airports often cover material that is airport-specific,
within a wider syllabus of topics. For example, most aviation programs offer a course in aviation
regulations, which typically includes airport-related regulatory issues. The relationship between
airline operations and the airports is often discussed in airline management and airline opera-
tions courses. Airspace around the airport is addressed in the context of obstructions to runway
approaches in ATC courses. FBO, corporate, and general aviation operations often have material
covering airport activity as a topic.
Table 3.6 provides the percentage of the representative programs in which aviation courses
that are not airport-specific may contain airport-related topics and provide opportunities to
include airport content in the course.
Most aviation programs also offer courses focusing on career preparation and professional
development. Professional skills, such as communications, public speaking, and technical
writing, are also pertinent to the aviation workforce. The most commonly offered courses
include those in professional communications and career development.
Table 3.5. Other airport topics.
No. of No. of Programs Percentage of

Topic Courses* Offering Course Total Programs
Airport Security 10 9 14%
Airport Safety 3 3 5%
Airport Marketing 3 3 5%
Airport Law 2 2 3%
* There are several courses that include multiple topics, such as airport safety and
security or airport administration and finance, and they may be counted twice.

Table 3.6. Aviation courses with airport-specific content.
Topic Percentage of Total Programs
Aviation Regulations and Law 88%

Aviation Safety and Security 72%
Airspace and Air Traffic Control 36%
Aviation Economics and Finance 32%
Career Development, Capstone, and Culminating Experiences

General accreditation criteria for higher education are moving institutions to ensure that their
program curricula include a capstone course or culminating experience. Although a capstone
project is not quite at the level of a thesis, it is generally organized to provide an opportunity
for students to apply their collective knowledge, experience, and analytical and communication
skills gained during their matriculation to a real-world topic. A capstone project may require a
technical report about the identification, evaluation, and summation of the topic and delivery
of an oral presentation or participation in a poster session. The capstone project may be an
airport-specific issue.
Among the 41 representative programs, 24 have a specific course listed as a capstone project
or culminating experience. It should be noted that AABI accreditation requires evidence of
a culminating experience, either in the curriculum or in practice. Some programs hold out
internships as a culminating experience; however, they generally include a formal report and
presentation requirement. Other course topics may include career preparation activities. One
example includes preparing for the AAAE’s Certified Member (CM) examination. The CM
credential is widely recognized by the airport industry as evidence of a comprehensive level of
understanding of airports. The exam is based on a broad variety of topics including the following:
• Operations, Security, Maintenance
• Planning, Construction, and Environmental
• Finance and Administration
• Communications and Community Relations
There are four modules aligned with these topics that provide the body of knowledge for
preparation for the 180-question exam. At least three aviation programs have a course specifi-
cally for preparing for the exam in the curriculum. These are usually offered near the end of the
program and are sometimes included as a culminating experience.
Another program that is used by some aviation programs as a culminating experience is the
student’s participation in the ACRP’s University Design Competition. ACRP annually sponsors
a national competition among colleges and universities for innovative approaches that address
airport issues in categories including airport operations and maintenance; runway safety/
runway incursions and excursions; airport environmental interactions; and airport manage-
ment and planning.
The competition offers cash prizes for first, second, and third place winners. Some schools
have a course syllabus designed to allow aviation and non-aviation students to participate in the
competition for credit.
Other Activities Supporting Airport-Specific Education

Other sanctioned or ad hoc student activities relevant to airports are part of the collegiate
aviation education experience.

All the 65 aviation management programs studied have at least one aviation-related student
organization or club. The most common of these include the following:
• Alpha Eta Rho Aviation - Professional Fraternity (AHP)
• Women in Aviation International (WAI)
• Flight Safety Foundation (FSF)
• National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA)
• National Gay Pilots Association (NGPA)
• Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP)
• International Society of Air Safety Investigators (ISASI)
• American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE)
Through its academic relations committee, AAAE promotes the establishment of student
chapters for supporting student interest in the airport industry. AAAE’s mission for the
student chapters is centered on promoting the professional development of students engaged
in the study of airport operations, administration, management, and development. The
organization also seeks to instill the understanding that professional airport management
embodies both technical knowledge and professional skills and responsibilities among stu-
dent members.
Benefits for these academic chapters include member access to the organization’s web-
site and select material and resources. Complementary registration for the annual conference
for the faculty advisor and the chapter president, and reduced registration is also offered.
Currently, there are 25 AAAE student chapters among the 41 representative aviation
management programs.
Through these chapters, students have opportunities to learn more about the airport profes-
sion through guest speakers, site visits, and participation at industry conferences and meetings.
A number of the airport-specific courses use AAAE training materials as class resources, such as
the Airport Certified Employee (ACE) and the CM body of knowledge modules.
Other national associations, such as the Airports Council International–North America
(ACI−NA), National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), and University Aviation Asso-
ciation (UAA), have informal relationships with aviation management students and faculty
through participation in their annual conference events. NBAA hosts a career day at its annual
meetings that includes a substantially reduced registration rate and a career seminar with a
sponsored lunch.
Faculty
Faculty serve as the focal point of most academic programs, and aviation management is no
exception. All educational institutions require an adequate number of qualified and capable
faculty to teach the topics of each course, some requiring specific and detailed technical
knowledge and experience. For the institutions investigated for this research, supplying full-time
faculty with an airport focus to meet the educational needs of the industry was a challenge.
Less than 50% of the 41 representative programs investigated have airport courses taught by
full-time faculty that have both terminal degrees and professional experience in airports. Of the
programs that do have full-time experienced faculty teaching airport content, the quality of the
faculty is generally perceived to be excellent. These faculty are published authors of research
papers and textbooks, hold senior roles in industry professional organizations, and have strong
relationships with the airport industry. Their stories are unique; however, as colleagues, faculty
share a passion for the industry, their enthusiasm for teaching about its various aspects, and for
helping graduates achieve entry-level employment positions.

Most faculty teaching airport courses are adjunct (part-time) posi-

tions. These adjunct faculty generally have direct airport experience, Less than 50% of the 41 representative
some of whom are still employed full-time in the airport industry. programs investigated have airport
Although many are experienced in the field, they do not generally courses taught by full-time faculty
have terminal degrees, nor have they been formally trained in teaching that have both terminal degrees and
undergraduate courses. Because airport subject matter is highly special- professional experience in airports.
ized, aviation academic programs have traditionally relied on adjunct
faculty to teach airport-specific courses, usually the more common air-
port management, operations, and administration courses.
Adjuncts are generally accessible locally through senior leadership at the community’s airport.
In some cases, they may not have been formally trained in academic instruction, and thus, they
may have varying levels of experience with teaching skills involving multiple learning styles.
There is a need to expand the availability of faculty to teach airport-oriented courses that will
enable students to gain a well-balanced aviation education to prepare for entering the workforce
on an airport-related career path. Recruitment from the airports and other related industries
may be a start. Yet, some may need to enhance their teaching skills for an advancing techno-
logical environment and the evolving learning styles of new college students. Graduate students
in aviation programs may be another source for expanding the number of faculty. Mentoring
graduate students, engaging in research projects, and providing opportunities to gain practical
experience in the airport field can enhance their capabilities to teach airport-related content.
As opposed to most other academic disciplines that generate faculty through graduate pro-
grams, there are a limited number of such programs in aviation. Of the representative programs
studied, less than one-third offer master’s-level degree programs, and only Embry-Riddle Aero
nautical University and Florida Institute of Technology offer doctorate degrees in aviation.
There are no graduate programs that offer airport master’s or doctorate degrees. Generating
faculty relies on graduates from other disciplines, such as engineering or education, who also
have an interest and familiarization (through research or professional practice) in airports. This
is a rare combination. Thus, this presents opportunities to create pathways for current faculty
to become more experienced in airports and for existing airport professionals to be trained as
future instructors, and to create a pipeline of graduates with the education and experience to
become the next generation of airport-oriented faculty.
Program Effectiveness in Preparing Graduates

for Airport Careers
As validated in this research, current academic programs have various levels of coverage
pertinent to the eight identified MCO occupations of the airport industry. Table 3.7 provides
a summary of the percentage of programs that offer at least an introductory level of education
in these identified occupations.
Table 3.7 illustrates several aviation management programs covering two or more course
topics that address the wide range of skill sets that industry perceives are required for meeting
mission-critical needs (Cronin et al. 2016, p. 94-96). The table also shows that there is little cov-
erage for airport-specific civil engineering and airfield electrical systems among the eight critical
occupations. These may be out of the realm of aviation management curricula but should still
be encouraged for consideration at engineering schools.
Some programs are successful in providing at least introductory levels of education in what
was identified as MCO and other airport professional topics. However, many lack the depth and
breadth of topical areas needed by the industry.

Table 3.7. Academic programs addressing industry needs.
Occupational Category Programs Offering Some Level of Coverage

Airport Operations 71%
Airport Development 57%
Airport Planning 50%
Airport Finance 43%
Airport Security 29%
Information Technology 15%
Airport Engineering* < 1%
Airport Electrical Technology** < 1%
* Topic areas covered are limited to engineering-specific degree programs.
** Research did not discover any academic courses specific to airport electrical technology.
Informal Emphasis on Professional Development

and Communications
Investigation of the programs indicates that cursory attention is paid to educating students
on being a professional and effective communicator in the industry. Professional develop-
ment is said to include what are commonly known as soft skills or business acumen, including
such topics as adapting to corporate culture, following up on task assignments, being a pro-
active contributing member of an organization, and the like. Effective communication skills
range from the ability to give formal presentations and deliver clear and effective techni-
cal written reports, to informal communications skills, such as writing correspondence or
posting on social media. The academic programs investigated tend to concentrate on com-
munications skills learning in early non-aviation core and general education courses, such
as English Composition. Rarely are these courses designed to specifically address the culture
of the airport industry. Advanced courses in the curriculum attempt to address the need to
improve professional and communications skills, but often this becomes ancillary to the core
content of the course. This realization offers great opportunities to enhance professional
development and communications education through the addition
of course content in this area that leverages early-year courses and
applies directly to the airport industry (Young et al. 2013).
I think the best way to enhance curricula
is to engage industry so that they are
Limited Experiential Learning and Real-World
aware of what is being taught and why
Applications
so that they understand the context for
making recommendations for changes. Although nearly all the programs investigated offer what may be
considered experiential learning and real-world applications, the level
– Professor, Aviation Management
and depth to which these are offered vary significantly among the pro-
Program
grams. For example, many of the programs offer these opportunities as
extracurricular options for internships or co-op opportunities, without
earning credits toward graduation. Other programs focus experiential
learning opportunities on site visits, field trips, and visits to campus
by industry professionals. Yet, others have deep and broad experiential learning opportunities,
ranging from for-credit study toward industry certification exams to participation in national
research competitions to industry capstone projects. This speaks to the opportunity for aca-
demic programs to further engage with industry and create more formal experiential learning
opportunities for their students.

From this detailed examination of academic programs, it can be seen that there are opportu-
nities to enhance airport-oriented topic coverage at all levels of a curriculum. Airport-related
content may be included in general education and core courses, and a more robust study of
specialized airport topics may be added through higher-level technical and general elective
courses. All programs can benefit their students by providing more real-world experience that
may be gained through in-class project assignments, site visits, internships, and extracurricular
activities.

CHAPTER 4
Enhancing Academic Programming
Key Takeaways
Airport academic programming may be enhanced by the following:
• Increasing the depth and breadth of existing course curricula through offering
a set of broad fundamental and cross-cutting courses, and a set of advanced
courses in the areas of airport operations and maintenance; airport business
and administration; and airport planning, design, and engineering.
• Expanding airport education to colleges and universities that do not currently
offer airport content through the addition of fundamental airport courses and
adding airport content to existing course curricula in relevant programs, such
as business, engineering, and technology programs.
• Increasing experiential learning opportunities through culminating experiences,
such as capstone courses, internships, extracurricular activities, site visits to
industry, participation at industry conferences and meetings, research
opportunities, and program-sponsored symposia and guest lectures.
• Modernizing course delivery methods using online learning management
systems and associated digital platforms.
• Enhancing interaction with industry through guest lecture opportunities,
adjunct faculty appointments, capstone and research project mentorship,
and participation on academic program advisory boards.
Although most existing aviation-oriented academic programs give some cursory level of
airport-oriented education, opportunities exist to enhance these curricula to better meet the
needs of industry. Also, programs that do not traditionally offer course content in aviation- or
airport-related topics, such as traditional programs in business, public policy, and engineering,
open up great opportunities to introduce airport content into these programs. Finally, there are
ample opportunities to provide students in academic programs with more practical real-world
experience. This chapter provides illustrative examples of how academic programs of all types
can contribute to enhancing airport-oriented education.
Two of the most important insights for academia that surfaced from this study’s research on
the airport workforce are as follows:
• Many MCO jobs are not addressed by airport disciplines, but rather by fields of study that may
have little exposure to real-world airport settings; and
34

Enhancing Academic Programming 35
• Academia lacks an expansive or in-depth education in traditional airport topics that are
particularly relevant to the execution of occupations, such as airport management and airport
operations.
Furthermore, as airports increasingly operate under a business enterprise model rather than
the historical government agency model, airport academic programs may consider enhancing
their curricula by including more business and policy-oriented topics—not limiting
topics to traditional operations, planning, and development courses. Even courses in airport
administration need to evolve from the traditional paradigm of teaching about the airport
industry in the context of business; that to thrive, airports must be competitive, lean, efficient,
and customer-friendly. Airports are a dynamic environment, with constantly evolving imple-
mentations of technology, budget models, and customer solutions. Airports are also constantly
adapting to widely changing environments, from economic swings to socio-demographic and
political landscapes, to global pandemics, to changes in travel behavior. As such, academic pro-
grams should be both more flexible to the changing environments and more hands-on practice,
so that students matriculating through these programs can have real-world experience before
graduation.
Cronin et al. (2016) note that among the eight airport occupations identified as MCOs to
the industry by more than 700 industry stakeholders, half of those occupations are served by
courses and programs that are not within aviation and might have little to no intersection with
the aviation schools. For example, airport jobs related to IT, financial analysis, electrical, and
engineering are often filled by talent that has yet to be exposed to the airport environment
and the unique work demands of this ecosystem. Further, a fifth occupation among the eight
MCOs, project planning, often brings in graduates from business schools and other programs
outside of aviation.
Two reasonable conclusions from revisiting this body of research are as follows:
• Airport/aviation programs may create curricula within an existing course structure or as a
separate course to provide education in these technical disciplines that is specific to the work
requirements performed on the job; and/or
• Airport/aviation programs may work to cultivate strong partnerships with other disciplines to
encourage the use of airport-specific case studies within those disciplines that allow students
to apply their technical knowledge to airport scenarios.
Cronin et al. (2016) also conducted a detailed review of airport training and education pro-
grams to determine the extent to which essential competencies required to perform the eight
MCOs are addressed. For example, the report indicates only 50% of programs focus on the inter-
pretation of airport regulations and safety and security procedures that are fundamental to the
airport environment. Further, mission-critical topics, including IT security risk/cyber security,
are not covered by most airport-oriented academic programs. These findings are validated by
the current research effort.
To speak to the second observation, which reveals most aviation management and airport
operations courses are too narrow in scope, the current research suggests programs need to
feature coursework and supplemental projects as well as experiential learning opportunities that
expose students to the types of work activities in which they will be engaged in their future
job roles. This might include providing shadowing opportunities for students to learn what
landside operations entail or providing case study scenarios as part of coursework or capstone
projects that involve safety challenges that students have to work collaboratively to solve.
Course projects that require students to respond to airport challenges and apply current regu-
latory requirements can also serve as a means of developing the requisite knowledge and skills
required for the future workforce.

To this end, enhancing airport curricula requires a multifaceted approach to meet

these needs:
Enhancing Depth. Most airport topics, with the exception of airport operations, tend to
get cursory, if any, coverage in current curricula. There are opportunities to deliver advanced
courses in airport operations, business, policy, and planning.
Enhancing Breadth. Most airport curricula do not include the vast breadth of core edu-
cation in areas relevant to airports as business enterprises, important public transportation
centers, and complex engineered systems. There are opportunities to broaden curricula to
business, policy, and engineering topics.
Enhancing Practical Real-World Experiences. One of the most commonly heard themes
during this study’s surveys, interviews, and focus groups is that graduates of academic programs
need more real-world experiences within their programs. There are opportunities to enhance
curricula with internships and capstone projects that engage industry as well as other activities
that allow students to interact with the airport industry in learning about and addressing current
aviation issues.
This chapter provides ideas and concepts about how any academic program, whether it
is one with already established airport curricula or one shaping a new program, can become
stronger by increasing its depth, breadth, and experiential learning for the benefit of the
airport industry. This is presented through a series of building blocks for an enhanced
academic airport program, as illustrated in Figure 4.1.
This chapter discusses options for curriculum structure, course offerings, delivery methods,
and experiential learning options, such as internships and extracurricular opportunities. A
series of building blocks illustrates how programs may be enhanced at any level, from those
that have zero aviation content to those that already have a degree program or specialization in
airports. The building blocks are foundational and build by introducing airport content into
an existing curriculum, broadening a curriculum with fundamental foundational courses in
topics of importance to airport professionals, and deepening a curriculum in focus areas that
align with the mission-critical needs of the industry through advanced core and technical elec-
tive courses. The building blocks also include methods for programs at any level of enhance-
ment to support academic programming through innovating delivery methods and activities
that encourage experiential learning and ways to champion programs with faculty leadership
and industry-partnered activities.
Curricula Structure and Course Offerings

To meet industry needs, a wide spectrum of opportunities exists to improve educational
depth and breadth by introducing courses in curricula that address the operational, busi-
ness, and engineering/planning needs of airports. Furthermore, curricula structures can be
envisioned that allow students to focus on a given area of interest, while also providing a well-
rounded airport education. To achieve this, a curriculum structure of a series of fundamental
and cross-cutting courses; three curriculum tracks that provide depth in their respective
topics; and capstone, culminating experiences, internships, and extracurricular offerings is
presented.
This enhanced curriculum structure follows the set of building blocks with fundamental and
cross-cutting courses taken relatively early in the curriculum. A set of core and elective courses
following a particular track to provide depth to the program is offered in later years, and an

Championing the program with faculty leadership and industry partnerships

• Faculty champion
• Adjunct faculty appointments
• Industry bridge / pipeline programs
• Promoting the program to industry
Supporting curriculum with enhanced delivery methods and real-world

experiences
• Online and blended curriculum delivery
• Internships and co-ops
• Extracurricular offerings
Broadening curriculum with Deepening curriculum with airport

fundamentals courses focus tracks including core courses,
• Fundamentals of Business technical electives, and culminating
• Fundamentals of Public Policy experiences
• Fundamentals of Engineering • Airport Operations and
Technology Maintenance track
• Introduction to Data Analytics • Airport Business and
Administration track
• Professional Development and
Communications • Airport Planning, Design, and
Engineering track
• Technical electives
• Capstone courses
Introducing airport content into a curriculum with introductory subject matter

• Intro to Aviation course
• Airports 101 course
• Add airport examples into existing courses
Figure 4.1. Building blocks for an enhanced academic airport

program.
assortment of culminating experiences follows to add real-world applications to the program.

This is illustrated in Figure 4.2.
The keys to this structure include the following:
• Intro to Aviation and Airports 101 offered early in curriculum

• Fundamentals courses are prerequisites to track’s core
• Technical electives build on core (various prerequisite requirements)
• Multiple internship opportunities
• Multiple culminating experiences in 4th year
*Extracurricular activity is encouraged throughout the curriculum. Extracurricular activity

in later years may be more formalized (study for industry certification, participation in national
research competitions, or work-study).
This curriculum structure is detailed below. It is important to note that this proposed
structure is not intended to be a one-size-fits-all curriculum. Rather, the information
provided within this structure is intended to be offered as “items on the shelf” from which
any academic program can select to enhance its curriculum.

Year 1
Autumn Term Spring Term Summer Term
Gen Ed College (Aviation) Core
Gen Ed Gen Ed
College (Aviation) Core Fundamentals Course
Intro to Aviation Fundamentals Course
Year 2
College (Aviation) Core College (Aviation) Core
Gen Ed College (Aviation) Core AIRPORT
College (Aviation) Core Gen Ed ROTATIONAL
Fundamentals Course Fundamentals Course INTERNSHIP
Fundamentals Course Airports 101
Year 3
Gen Ed Gen Ed
College (Aviation) Core General Elective AIRPORT
Airport Track Core Course Airport Track Core Course SPECIALIZED
Airport Track Core Course Airport Technical Elective INTERNSHIP
Year 4
General Elective General Elective
Airport Technical Elective Airport Technical Elective
Airport Technical Elective Airport Capstone
Extracurricular Activity
Figure 4.2. Example enhanced program curriculum structure.
Introductory Aviation and Airport Content
Introducing airport content into a curriculum with introductory subject matter

• Intro to Aviation course
• Airports 101 course
• Add airport examples into existing courses
First and foremost, enhancing curricula with airport-oriented content starts with at least the
most introductory courses on the aviation industry and airports. These courses include the
following:
Intro to Aviation—An overview of the aviation industry, to include an understanding of
all sectors, including government structures (FAA, National Airspace System, ATC, etc.), civil
users (commercial airlines; cargo; charter and corporate aviation; general aviation; aeromedical;
agricultural aviation; future users of UAS), and airports.
Airports 101—An introduction to the airport industry, to include an understanding of the
types of airports that exist, their roles within the national airspace system, their roles within a com-
munity, the customers they serve, the organizational structures that they fit in, and operational
components. The course would also provide introductory material of the topics covered more
in-depth in advanced courses in a deeper curriculum, including airport operations; finance and
administration; marketing and air service development; maintenance; and planning and design.
Most aviation and airport programs already offer these courses; however, for those institu-
tions that do not have aviation content and are interested in enhancing their curricula in this
area, these two courses are the first to add.

Adding Airport Examples into Existing Courses

The airport environment has applications to nearly all areas of study in academia. Simply
adding airport examples into existing classes can provide both airport education and motivation
for further study.
Fundamental and Cross-Cutting Courses

Fundamental and cross-cutting courses applicable to all interests and elements of air-
Broadening curriculum with
ports include the following. Although these courses are intended to be fundamental,
fundamentals courses
and not necessarily specific to the airport environment, use of airport examples can
• Fundamentals of Business
be most beneficial in these courses. • Fundamentals of Public Policy
• Fundamentals of Engineering
• Fundamentals of Business—An introduction to the elements of a business
Technology
environment, to include intro to economics, finance, accounting, marketing, • Introduction to Data Analytics
communications, organizational structures, operations, customer service, human • Professional Development and
resources management, and the nature of professionalism in industry. Example Communications
airport exercise: Become familiar with an airport’s strategic plan and annual report.
• Fundamentals of Public Policy—An introduction to how public policy oper-
ates, to include high-level education on federal, state, and local government
levels, laws and regulations, and governmental procedures. Example airport exercise:
Attend a local airport town hall meeting or government meeting where the airport is on the
agenda.
• Fundamentals of Engineering Technology—An introduction to engineering principles
with a focus on properties of mechanics, aerodynamics, and electrical systems; IT; and
an overview of engineering specializations to include mechanical, civil, and electrical
engineering as well as IT. Example airport exercises: Study the operational performance of
an aircraft that commonly uses a nearby airport; take a site visit to an airport and tour
the airfield; study the runway configuration, pavement construction, and electrical lighting
systems.
• Introduction to Data Analytics—Introduction and application of data analytics tools,
methods, and purposes. Apply data analytics software tools (spreadsheets, visualization tools,
programming packages) to airport data to seek business and operational insights. Example
airport exercise: Review and analyze historical airport operations data, create charts, and illustrate
possible future demand levels.
• Professional Development and Communications—A course focusing on developing pro-
fessional skills needed for success in the airport industry, to include the development of oral,
written, and presentation communications skills, project planning, time management, and
an understanding of professional culture. Example airport exercise: Create a short professional
presentation about an airport, discussing one of its challenges.
These courses already exist in some form or fashion at most academic institutions, although
they may not contain any aviation or airport content. If this is the case, conversations
with faculty teaching these courses may yield the possibility of adding such content. Airport
content integrated into the courses would be of great benefit. In addition, these courses
introduce the topics described. Courses throughout any curriculum would then advance and
reinforce these topics. This is particularly important in the area of professional development
and communications.
These fundamental cross-cutting courses form the basis of a curriculum that would serve as a
foundation for an enhanced airport academic program.

Focus Tracks, Technical Electives, and Experiences

for Deeper Learning
In addition to gaining education in these fundamental core courses,
an enhanced curriculum might include tracks of deeper core and elec-
Deepening curriculum with airport focus tracks
with core courses and technical electives
tive courses focusing on the following areas:
• Airport Operations and Maintenance
• Airport Operations & Maintenance track
• Airport Airside Operations • Airport Business and Administration
• Airport Terminal and Landside • Airport Planning, Design, and Engineering
Operations
• Airport Safety and Security Each track consists of a set of core courses and a selection of pro-
• Airport Business & Administration track
• Airport Accounting and Finance
posed technical elective courses. Core courses provide a required
• Airport Policy and Administration depth in the track, while the technical electives are designed to build
• Airport Marketing and Communications on the core courses to provide the student with the opportunities to go
• Airport Planning, Design, and Engineering track
• Airport Design
even deeper into specialized topics.
• Airport Master Planning
• Airport Land Use Compatibility Planning
In most curricula, technical electives are available for any student,
• Technical electives regardless of the track they choose. However, it would be common for
• Capstone courses the core courses for each track to be prerequisites for technical elec-
tives relevant to that track because the topics presented in technical
electives are intended to be advanced study based on introductory
material found in the core courses.
Within each of the following courses are topics and activities that may not only be applied
in a standalone course but also included in other courses on relevant topics. For example, the
use of social media by airports can be relevant to any course in social media communications
or marketing.
Focus Track: Airport Operations and Maintenance

This track focuses on the daily management of the physical airport environment, to
include the airfield and nearby airspace; terminals and other buildings; and landside
(roadways, parking, transit systems, etc.) facilities and infrastructure. A working knowledge of
how these systems operate safely and should be maintained is stressed. This track is most similar
to existing airport curricula of programs that exist within aviation management programs.
These programs focus their curricula on aviation-related topics and specifically focus their
airport-related content on airport operations (see Figure 4.3).
Core courses for this track include the following:
• Airport Certification. This course would cover the requirements for an airport to achieve
FAA certification to accommodate commercial-service aircraft, covering more than 30 key
items in the Airport Certification Manual, per 14 CFR Part 139.
• Airport Terminal and Landside Operations. This course would cover the issues concerning
the effective management of airport terminals and landside facilities.
• Airport Safety and Security. This course would cover the essential elements of airport
operational safety and security.
Technical electives pertinent for this track may include but are not limited to the following:
• Obstruction Evaluation/Airport-Airspace Analysis. This course covers the procedures
for creating published arrival, approach, and departure procedures for airports, known as
United States Standard for Terminal Instrument Procedures (TERPS), and the airspace protec-
tion requirements to ensure these procedures operate in safe and navigable airspace, per
Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) Part 77 and TERPS airspace clearance requirements.

Year 1
Gen Ed Gen Ed
College (Aviation) Core Fundamentals of Business
Intro to Aviation Fundamentals of Engineering
Technology
Year 2
College (Aviation) Core Gen Ed AIRPORT
ROTATIONAL
Professional Development and Fundamentals of Public Policy INTERNSHIP
Communications
Data Analytics Airports 101
Year 3
Gen Ed Gen Ed
College (Aviation) Core General Elective
AIRPORT
Airport Safety and Security Airport Terminal and Landside
OPERATIONS
Operations
INTERNSHIP
Airport Certification Airport Electrical Systems
Year 4
Wildlife Hazard Management Airport Winter Operations
Irregular Operations Airport Capstone
Figure 4.3. Example enhanced curriculum: Airport Operations and

Maintenance track.
• Pavement and Infrastructure Maintenance. This course covers the practice of maintaining
airport pavements and other airfield infrastructure.
• Operational Safety and Safety Management System (SMS). This course covers the aspect
of maintaining the operational safety of airport operations, including the implementation of
airport safety management systems.
• Airfield lighting, signage, markings, and electrical systems. This course provides in-depth
coverage of the operation of airfield lighting, signage, markings, and electrical systems.
• Airport Security. This course covers the spectrum of issues, rules, regulations, and practices
associated with maintaining the security of airports.
• Airport Winter Operations. This course covers the elements of maintaining the safe opera-
tion of airports during winter conditions, to include snow and ice removal, aircraft deicing,
and other conditions associated with winter weather.
• Environmental and Wildlife Hazard Management. This course covers the requirements
to maintain safe and land use compatible airport operations in the face of environmental
challenges, including wildlife hazards, air quality, water quality, and noise impacts.

• Management of Operations During Airfield Construction. This course covers the strategies
used to manage safe airport operations during periods of construction and other unusual
conditions on an airfield.
• Commercial Terminal Airline Tenant Operations. This course covers the strategies asso-
ciated with managing a commercial airline terminal, to include gate operations manage-
ment, concession operations, passenger processing, and other operational components of the
terminal environment.
• Curbside and Parking Operations. This course covers the strategies for operating an airport’s
curbside and parking facilities.
• Terminal Facilities Maintenance. This course covers the strategies for maintaining airport
terminal facilities, such as gate areas, jet bridges, concessions, restrooms, IT infrastructure,
and other building infrastructure.
• Operation of Surface Roads and Transit Systems. This course covers the strategies for
managing airport surface roads and transit systems.
• Management of Irregular Operations. This course covers the strategies to manage an airport
under irregular operating conditions, such as severe weather, external events, diverted aircraft,
and the like.
• General Aviation Airport Operations. This course covers the particulars of managing a
general aviation airport, including understanding of small aircraft operations, operations at
non-towered airports, FBO operations, and hangar operations.
• Airport Information Technology. This course covers the management of IT systems at
airports, including flight information systems, security systems, internal administrative
systems, public Wi-Fi access, and the like.
Focus Track: Airport Business and Administration

This track focuses on managing the airport as a business enterprise, most often as
a public agency, to include applications of policy, finance, marketing, capital plan-
ning, revenue management, customer service, communications, and other business interests
(see Figure 4.4).
• Airport Accounting and Finance—An in-depth investigation of the accounting and finance
strategies used by airports for the day-to-day financial management and long-term capital
needs of the airport.
• Airport Policy and Administration—An in-depth investigation of the administrative prac-
tices and policy strategies of airports, to include airport governing structures, interaction with
local, state, and federal governmental agencies.
• Airport Marketing and Communications—An in-depth investigation of how airports
market and communicate with their customers and community partners. Topics include air
service development, social media communications, and so forth.
• Airport Properties Management—An in-depth look at managing airport properties. Topics
include management of FBOs, hangar management, and non-aeronautical properties.
• Airport Concessions Management—An in-depth look at how to manage an airport
concessions program, to include retail; food and beverage; entertainment; car rental; and
other passenger services. Topics include tenant management; contracts; rates and charges;
customer service; branding; quality control; and so forth.
• Airport Consulting—A study of the role of consultants and contractors in the airport industry.
Topics include requests for proposals, requests for qualifications, and requests for bids as well

Year 1
Gen Ed Gen Ed
Technology
Year 2
AIRPORT
College (Aviation) Core Gen Ed
ROTATIONAL
Communications
Year 3
Gen Ed Gen Ed
AIRPORT
Airport Accounting and Finance Airport Administration and Policy
MARKETING
Airport Marketing and Airport Properties Management INTERNSHIP
Communications
Year 4
Social Media Strategies Community Engagement
Air Service Development Airport Capstone
Figure 4.4. Example enhanced curriculum: Airport Business and

Administration track.
as FAA requirements for a competitive selection process and best practices for consultants
and contractors.
• Air Service Development—An investigation of strategies to acquire air service into an air-
port that meets the needs of the community. Topics include strategic demand analysis,
matching demand to proposed service, identifying providers, marketing, incentive pro-
grams, and so forth.
• Community Engagement—A study of how airport management may effectively engage with
its community of neighbors, tenants, and governing bodies, and other stakeholders.
• Social Media Strategies—Investigating how airports may leverage social media platforms to
assist in public communications, marketing, advertising, and handling unusual situations.
Example applications include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and interactive web-
site development.

• Airport Business Analytics—An advanced study in applying data analytics toward gaining
airport business insights, to include operational and revenue performance, customer service
quality measurement, and competitive performance.
• Airport Communications Under Irregular Operations—Advanced study in how to effec-
tively communicate the state of the airport and directions for airport users in the face of
unusual circumstances, such as extreme weather, infrastructure disrepair, external socio-
political events, and pandemics.
• Global Airport Systems—Focusing on the enterprise models of airports around the world.
Focus Track: Airport Planning, Design, and Engineering

This track focuses on the future of the physical airport. Working knowledge of the
engineering and planning of airport infrastructure is the desired goal (see Figure 4.5).
• Airport Design—A comprehensive overview of the elements of airport design. Elements
include geometric design of the runways, taxiways, and safety areas; placement of airfield
Year 1
Gen Ed Gen Ed
Technology
Year 2
College (Aviation) Core Gen Ed AIRPORT
ROTATIONAL
Communications
Year 3
Gen Ed Gen Ed
Airport Design Airport Land Use Compatibility AIRPORT PLANNING
Planning INTERNSHIP
Airport Master Planning Electrical Systems Design
Year 4
Airport Noise Modeling Terminal Design
Capacity and Delay Analysis Airport Capstone
Figure 4.5. Example enhanced curriculum: Airport Planning, Design, and

Engineering track.

signs, lights, and markings; runway orientation analysis; pavement design; airport capacity
analysis; and terminal and landside facilities design.
• Airport Master Planning—A comprehensive overview of the elements of airport master
planning. Elements include community participation, goal setting, facilities assessment, fore-
casting, and capital planning.
• Airport Land Use Compatibility Planning—An introduction to the physical elements of
consideration with respect to airports and surrounding land uses. Elements include obstruc-
tion evaluation/airport-airspace analysis; noise impact modeling; water and air quality assess-
ments; and traffic impacts on areas surrounding the airport.
• Engineering Design of Airports—Advanced study of geometric design of the airfield. This
covers enhanced topics, to include design of unusual airfield elements such as bridged run-
ways, end-around taxiways, heliports, and other interesting examples.
• Electrical Systems Design—Study of the design of airport electrical systems, including the
design of airfield electrical infrastructure and large building facilities.
• Pavement Design—Study of the design of airfield pavements, including soil and drainage
analysis; design of rigid and flexible pavements; pavement maintenance and repair; and pave-
ment friction and functional condition analysis. Use of FAARField FAA Pavement Design model.
• Airport System Planning—Study of the planning of a system of airports on the national,
state, regional, and local levels.
• Airport Construction and Project Planning—Study of the process of planning and
managing an airport construction project.
• Airport Noise Modeling—Advanced study of airport noise impact modeling using industry-
accepted models (AEDT).
• Land Use Planning—Advanced study of airports and their economic, environmental, and
transportation impact of surrounding land use.
• Capacity and Delay Analysis—Advanced study of airport capacity and delay analysis using
industry-accepted models (SIMMOD, TAAM, etc.).
• Terminal Design—An advanced course in the historical, current, and future elements of
designing a commercial airport terminal. Focus on terminal geometries; aircraft parking and
gates; passenger facilities; and ground access infrastructure.
• Design of Parking and Ground Access Systems—A specialized course in parking facilities
design and design of ground access systems, such as terminal curb fronts; intra-airport transit
systems; rental car facilities; and facilities to accommodate new and future modes of trans-
port, ranging from shared vehicle services to autonomous ground vehicles.
• Computer Automated Design (CAD)—Application of CAD to the design of airport airspace,
airfield, terminal, and ground access facilities.
• GIS—Application of GIS to the airport planning environment, to include geographic layer-
ing, mapping, and data integration.
• Designing for the User Experience—Consideration of design thinking; passenger-experience
preferences and the use of artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and other technologies in the
design process.
Supporting the Curriculum with Culminating Experiences

A complete curriculum will be supported with activities that allow students to apply what
they have learned in the classroom to practical real-world situations. Ways to achieve these
culminating experiences are through capstone courses, internships, and extracurricular
activities.

Supporting curriculum with

enhanced delivery methods, internships, and extracurricular offerings
• Internships and co-ops

• Extracurricular offerings
• Online and blended curriculum delivery
Capstone Courses
Some of the most productive components of enhanced curricula are courses that allow
students to apply what they have learned in their studies to a real-world issue over an entire
term. These courses are typically known as capstone or culminating experience courses. They
generally occur in the senior year of a program. Within these courses, students are grouped into
small teams (usually 3 to 5 students per team). The team is then assigned a real-world issue to
work on through the term.
These issues should come from the real world. Most often, an issue is brought to the class from
industry. For example, an airport involved in a master planning process may consider a capstone
course that provides students the opportunity to assist in the planning process in ways such as
developing activity forecasts through data collection and modeling. Or perhaps, if an airport
is interested in enhancing its social media strategy, students can perform an analysis of other
airport social media platforms. The instructor should consider how best to support students,
including making professional connections for student teams with airport industry personnel.
In these courses, students are responsible for both addressing the issue and presenting their
findings at the end of the class. It may be possible to present the findings at the airport to the
airport professionals with whom the students interacted. These presentations allow the students
to refine their formal communications skills.
An example capstone course syllabus is provided in the resources section of the guidebook.
As the syllabus illustrates, students are guided in the elements of completing term-long projects,
including problem statement development, literature reviews, data collection, analysis, deter-
mining findings, and presenting results.
Experiential Learning Opportunities

Educational activities that take place outside of the classroom, known commonly as experiential
learning, may be considered more enriching experiences than traditional classroom learning.
Each of the previously described courses may include some component of experiential learning.
Examples include real-world applications of the topics covered through course term projects,
site visits to facilities of relevance to the topic covered, or integrated partnerships with industry
professionals within courses. Experiential learning can also occur outside of courses themselves,
including internships and co-ops, and extracurricular opportunities, such as participation in
student organizations that focus on the airport industry; national research competitions; and
program-sponsored guest lectures, symposia, and conferences.
Experiential learning is the practice of facilitating the education process by incorporating
hands-on opportunities for students to apply what they have been taught in the classroom.
There are many forms and formats for experiential learning. Some may be short term, lasting
only a couple of hours or a day, while others may take weeks or longer.
The academic application of experiential learning can be incorporated into a course syllabus by
offering a specific individual or team assignment. It can also be integrated into a lab associated with

a course or as a standalone course. In most cases, experiential learning generally occurs outside
the classroom setting but requires deliberate control of the learning outcome that will result.
Some programs offer an experiential learning opportunity by participating in the ACRP’s
University Design Competition as a one- or two-semester course. Other extended forms of
experiential learning involve internships and co-ops.
Although creating an experiential learning opportunity for students requires unique consid-
erations specific to the course, the following are general guidelines:
• Develop goals.
• Consider various experiential learning opportunities that will allow students to achieve these
goals. Ideas include the following:
– Volunteer as an airport ambassador
– Assist with an airport master plan update
– Assist with a full-scale emergency exercise
– Ride along on airfield self-inspections
– Assist with planning for an airshow
– Support public hearings for a runway extension
– Conduct passenger satisfaction surveys
– Conduct research related to wildlife incidents, foreign object damage (FOD) incidents, or
medical calls
– Develop a training program that achieves regulatory compliance for all personnel
– Assist with aircraft operations traffic count
– Perform research of ACRP projects related to a specific topic
• Contact industry professionals to secure experiential learning opportunities for students.
• Assist with matching students (considering individual student interests) to specific experien-
tial learning opportunities.
Innovative Curriculum Delivery Methods

As stated in Chapter 3, the research conducted for this guidebook revealed that the majority
of aviation and airport-specific academic programs are delivered in the traditional manner of
academia; classroom, lecture, and textbook-based over a defined academic calendar. However,
this traditional template of teaching, both within and outside of aviation programming, is
changing rapidly. There is no doubt that the delivery of enhanced airport academic programming
will be very different in the near future.
Particularly, the new age of advanced communications and learning technologies, as well
as the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, are contributing to revolutionary changes in the delivery
of higher education. It would be remiss to not consider innovative delivery methods when
enhancing airport academic programming.
Traditional and New Technological Distance Learning Methods

Beyond the traditional college campus, some institutions with aviation programs have
expanded their brand by providing degrees and courses through extended or satellite campuses.
Many of these are associated with military bases and other remote locations. For example, while
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has campuses located in Daytona Beach, Florida, and
Prescott, Arizona, it also has an additional 130 campuses located globally and administered by a
separate Embry-Riddle Worldwide program. Many courses through Embry-Riddle Worldwide
are delivered in a traditional face-to-face setting and taught primarily by available adjunct faculty.
Historically, before the advent of modern communications technology, the only alternative
to face-to-face instruction was the correspondence course. This form of course delivery

involved a structured but self-paced sequence of readings from a course text and other materials
(including VHS lectures) followed by written homework assignments that were sent by mail
to the instructor. The instructor then graded the assignments, including corrections and other
constructive comments, and returned them by mail to the student. The final exam may have
been proctored through a prearranged monitor. Alternately, the course may have used other
means to assess the degree of learning.
Although there are still institutions that offer correspondence courses, today’s technology
provides a vastly superior alternative medium for education.
With the rapid adoption of Internet technology beginning in the early 1990s, educational
applications that took advantage of the capabilities exploded. Educational technology (also
known as EdTech or EduTech) adapted the use of terminals tethered to central mainframe
computers, and later, to personal computers to provide computer-based training (CBT) and
learning programs.
Public access to Internet technology through personal computers was facilitated by services
such as America OnlineTM (AOL), CompuserveTM, and other companies that introduced email,
bulletin boards, chat rooms, and newsfeeds. One of the first academic institutions to offer online
courses was the University of Phoenix in the late 1980s. In 2002, the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology was one of the first academic institutions to offer course material, including lecture
videos and notes, online as open-source material through its OpenCourseWare project.
Since that time, the quality, content, and number of academic courses delivered online have
evolved significantly.
Another phase in the evolution of online education was the emergence of massive open online
courses (MOOC). In 2001, Stanford University pioneered MOOCs by offering an advanced
computer applications course (artificial intelligence) online for free. Enrollment totaled over
160,000, with 20,000 completing the course. This experience inspired the creation of UdacityTM,
a commercial online education service. CourseraTM and EdXTM are similar platforms that offer
free or fee-based collegiate-level courses.
Students choosing to enhance their level of knowledge, or pursue academic degrees, via
online learning must possess additional skills to be successful. For example, students must
be self-motivated. This includes checking email, engaging in discussion boards, and meeting
assignment deadlines. Students must also exercise time management skills. Especially if enrolled
in multiple courses simultaneously, students must remain abreast of assignment deadlines and
stay on task to avoid getting behind. Students should also understand that the quality of online
learning may vary from course to course. At the same time, students have the opportunity to use
Internet tools to conduct research, for example, to enhance their learning experience.
Note: A brief search using the term “aviation” on each of these platforms resulted in only
one course—Cyber Security Policy for Aviation and Internet Infrastructure—offered in col-
laboration with the University of Colorado as part of its Homeland Security and Cyber Security
Specialization program.
Online Learning Through New Technologies

Historical distance learning platforms have evolved to a new level of maturity, particularly
with the proliferation of high-speed Internet, powerful personal computers and mobile devices,
and cloud computing platforms.
It is now relatively easy to establish a class; post syllabi and materials; present videos and other
media; hold discussions; distribute and grade assignments and exams; perform extensive course

projects; and otherwise completely manage an academic class through online technology. To
facilitate this, most universities have subscribed to formal online Learning Management Systems
(LMS), such as Blackboard, Google Classroom, or Canvas. Leveraging these LMS platforms
to deliver airport curricula would certainly enhance course depth and breadth, enable the
ability to at least provide “virtual” real-world applications, and increase accessibility, because
students may be able to access the course and interact with the instructor and fellow students
from anywhere in the world if they have sufficient Internet access.
Synchronous Versus Asynchronous Delivery

Online learning can be either synchronous or asynchronous. Synchronous learning takes place
in real time, with students and the instructor logging in at the same time to attend an instructor
lecture or have a class discussion through a video conferencing tool. Although students often
perceive synchronous learning as more engaged, this form of online learning removes some of
the flexibility inherent with online learning, that is, all students must plan to complete course-
work (i.e., log on) at the same time.
On the other hand, asynchronous learning allows students to log on at any time to access
course material. Typically, the instructor has recorded lectures or screencasts and uploaded these
to the LMS to be viewed by students at their convenience. There are generally course deadlines
to which students must adhere, but learning can take place at any time based on the student’s
preference.
The Internet technology has facilitated the ability for instructors and students to collabo-
rate remotely. The expanded bandwidth and the field of available applications have profoundly
enhanced this ability. SkypeTM, GoToMeetingTM, ZoomTM, Google MeetTM, and Microsoft
TeamsTM are among the more popular applications that provide audio, video, and screen
sharing capabilities for conducting synchronous teaching in class interactions.
Other technologies that have been used to enhance courses include the following:
MediaSite. MediaSite is a controlled video hosting service (much like YouTube but with addi-
tional protections for who can view or post videos). It also integrates directly with most LMS
platforms.
TopHat. TopHat is a platform that allows for digital interaction among class instructors and
participants through real-time surveys and discussion boards.
Voice Thread. This platform allows students the opportunity to upload a slide presentation
and make voice comments on each slide. This allows a group of students to give a presentation
remotely for viewing by an instructor and other students.
Note: The response by academia to the COVID-19 pandemic has served to accelerate the use
of these applications. Many faculty who have had little experience with online teaching have
been forced to adapt their material to prepare for and deliver their courses online, which has
certain challenges. Fortunately, this unexpected transition occurred at a time in which technol-
ogy was highly evolved, allowing faculty to transform a home office or bedroom into a classroom
with highly engaging content.
Hybrid (Blended) Courses

Hybrid courses are designed to blend face-to-face and online learning, making use of the
primary advantages of both delivery methods to enhance the student’s learning experience. The
pedagogy and methods are generally based on face-to-face course content delivered on campus

but rely on opportunities to use online resources to make more efficient use of time and to
improve the effectiveness of instruction, using additional opportunities for matching students’
preferred learning styles beyond PowerPoint lectures.
As with online course development and preparation, hybrid courses require significant effort
upfront by the instructor. During the course, the students are expected to invest in the same or
even more work to contribute to their learning.
Extracurricular Opportunities
The education and experience students receive from participating in academically oriented
extracurricular activities is as important as formal classroom study. These activities include
interactions with national and regional professional organizations; program-sponsored field
trips and site visits; attendance at program-hosted seminars, job fairs, symposia, and guest lec-
tures; and attendance and participation in industry conferences.
In most curricula, extracurricular activities do not typically grant course credit toward gradu-
ation; however, they are important components of an academic education, and students are
often strongly encouraged to participate.
Internship and Co-Op Opportunities

Perhaps one of the oldest and most common forms of experiential learning is through an
internship or co-op opportunity. The concept of an internship or co-op is to provide a connec-
tion between what is taught in the classroom and real-world practices. During the internship
experience, students learn through observation and application of their knowledge as it is prac-
ticed in the field, bringing that expanded perspective back to the classroom.
Although the terms co-op and internship are sometimes used interchangeably, there are some
characteristic differences. A co-op usually involves a formal paid full-time (40 hours per week)
employment position with assigned duties. An internship may be more informal, often less than
full-time, and may or may not involve compensation. Some internships are not structured with
assigned responsibilities, but rather the intern is rotated through departments acting more as
an observer as opposed to a member of the team. Other internships may involve work on a
specific project. In poorly structured experiences, interns may be given menial or make-work
assignments, such as making copies or filing papers.
Most employers value candidates who have some relevant work experience; however, in
the survey of aviation management programs, most do not require a co-op or internship. Most
programs do offer the opportunity for students to earn academic credit for internships as tech-
nical elective credit.
Airport-related internships are designed to provide opportunities for students or recent
graduates to gain valuable experience in airport management, before entering into full-time
entry-level employment. Airport management benefits because interns are short-term addi-
tions to the workforce, and they are educated, focused, and enthusiastic people. In some cases,
an internship acts as an intentional or de facto extended interview for potential candidates for
a full-time position.
The internship position may be dedicated to a given department (such as administration,
operations, or facilities) or it can be rotational and act more like a shadowing program for
observing the various facets of airport activities. Rotational internships allow the intern to gain
insights into all airport departments, providing the intern a more holistic view of the airport.
On the other hand, spending time in one department provides more in-depth knowledge of that
department.

Airports located in cities where an aviation program exists will likely have at least one intern-
ship that draws from upper-division students. These internship positions will likely be highly
coveted and competitive and will be exclusive to a select pool of outstanding students. Other
airports may offer internships on a regional or national basis with no set preferences over any
particular aviation program. These internships will also be highly competitive.
Programs that do not have established relationships with airports with internships will often
recommend that students seek out their own internships. This can be problematic, however,
especially if the academic program requires students to complete an internship before gradua-
tion. For this reason, it is most helpful to students if the academic program develops connections
with local airports and connects these students to internship opportunities.
Developing and managing internship programs are not trivial activities. Guidance in doing so
is provided in the form of an internship checklist and templates in Section IV.
Student Organizations with Affiliations with National

and Regional Organizations
Formally recognized student organizations and clubs are some of the
most common extracurricular offerings in academia. These clubs are
wide-ranging in their activities and may include professional groups, Academic-oriented programming at
social groups, and sports. Some student organizations aim to provide AAAE national meetings includes formal
more exposure to an industry or career path. There are several aviation sessions for students in topics ranging
student organizations recognized throughout the academic commu- from the latest needs of the airport
nity, including the student chapters of AAAE. industry to how to create a professional
Affiliations with national and regional professional organizations resume. Meetings also offer career fair
provide many opportunities for interaction between academia and information sessions with industry and
industry at many levels and offer support to the academic education research presentation opportunities.
process. Students and faculty who participate in these organizations are
given a much broader and balanced perspective of contemporary poli-
cies and issues, thereby enhancing their airport educational pursuits.
Aviation programs will often provide students with opportunities to participate in student
chapters of national and regional aviation associations and other events. Aviation-oriented
national organizations that support student chapters include the following:
• Alpha Eta Rho National Aviation Fraternity (AHP)
• American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE)
• The Flight Safety Foundation (FSF)
• The National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA)
• Women in Aviation International (WAI)
• International Society of Air Safety Investigators (ISASI)
Of these organizations, the AAAE is widely recognized as the professional organization most
directly partnered with academic institutions through their student chapter program. Becoming
a recognized student chapter of the AAAE provides the student chapter (and its members) access
to AAAE content, reduced registrations to AAAE meetings and conferences, assistance with
professional development, and access to career and internship opportunities.
Members of student chapters may receive some of the same benefits as regular members,
including the organization’s publications and access to their website, which may contain member
directories, resource documents, and other valuable information. Students attending national
or regional conferences may also be offered complimentary or reduced registration fees. The

students attending these events are often exposed to a rich array of educational and professional
activities, including renowned speakers; expert panel discussions; and exhibits and displays of
the industry’s applied technologies, products, and services.
In most cases, student chapters are required to be officially recognized by the institution to
receive financial support and other resources. The sponsoring organization may also require
registration and the meeting of minimum criteria (i.e., members, annual report, etc.) for the
student chapter to be recognized. Chapters will be organized with a charter, bylaws, and a slate
of officers responsible for the governance of the chapter. A faculty or staff advisor is usually
required as well to assist and guide students. Faculty advisors are encouraged to participate in
AAAE activities through the organization’s academic relations committee.
Regional chapters of AAAE are quasi-independent affiliates of the national organization, with
separate leadership and financial resources. In addition to their own annual conference, they each
host a specialty conference (e.g., Southeast Chapter—Finance and Administration; Northwest
Chapter—Facilities; and Southwest Chapter—Airport Management Short Course) open to the
national membership and others. Students are welcome to take advantage of these events, again
with complimentary or reduced registration, sometimes in exchange for assisting staff with the
preparation and support of the event activities.
The NBAA hosts their annual Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE)
every year, alternating between Las Vegas, Nevada, and Orlando, Florida. (Note: The annual
event has grown so large that these are the only two venues in the nation large enough to accom-
modate the exhibits and have sufficient lodging for attendees.) As part of the annual conference
agenda, NBAA offers a “Careers in Business Aviation Day” for students on the last day of the
event. Besides a steeply discounted registration, students and educators are given full member
access to the exhibition hall; the static displays of aircraft; and a special career development
seminar with panel discussions and lunch provided. Many exhibitors at these and other similar
events are FAA, state aviation organizations, and airports among other related product and
service providers.
Some state organizations may foster a close association with in-state programs and provide
similar benefits to students, particularly since many of the regular members may be alumni or
supporters. The Ohio Aviation Association and the Texas Department of Transportation, for
example, regularly support students through discounted access to conferences and routinely
allocate one session of their annual meetings to student presentations of airport-related research.
Field Trips and Site Visits

Participation in organized field trips and attendance at aviation events are among other
popular activities for students and faculty to develop closer working relationships with
industry. Field trips to major airports, as well as airline and aerospace headquarters and facilities,
provide an opportunity to observe and learn in the real-world aviation environment. Knowledge-
able tour guides can offer answers to many questions that arise from seeing things firsthand.
Arranging field trips and site visits begins with creating or leveraging relationships with
airport industry professionals. Visits to local facilities are more easily scheduled than longer
distance trips that may require air travel or overnight stays.
Guest Lectures and Symposia

Hosting a guest lecturer or a panel of invited speakers in a symposium format to discuss cur-
rent aviation issues is another common means to provide students and faculty with a direct con-
nection to industry professionals. Alumni and local industry leaders are a readily available and

accessible resource for guest speakers. Some organizations will have a speaker’s bureau or similar
list of people who have volunteered to be a speaker. A symposium, lecture series, or other special
event may also be a forum to provide the program with access to experts in the field. These events
may also be open to the public and provide opportunities to gain publicity about the program
as well as a potential revenue source.
Career Fairs
Institutions and academic programs will organize and invite industry to attend one or more
career fairs during the academic year. Many aviation programs will hold a career event that spe-
cifically targets aviation industries and organizations that may be interested in recruiting their
students. Some events include the opportunity for panel discussions on career topics and per-
sonal interviews. Students greatly benefit from such aviation-specific events. For example, each
year, The Ohio State University Center for Aviation Studies hosts an “Aviation Industry Night”
event. During this event, a panel of aviation industry experts present their perspectives on the
state of the aviation industry and participate in a discussion with attendees. Following the panel
discussion, a networking reception is held, which includes interactive networking with industry
organizations. This event is widely acclaimed with more than 300 attendees, most of whom are
students, who find tremendous value in learning from industry in this forum.
Research Activities
Research is another way for industry and academia to develop partnering relationships.
Research grants, sponsored research, and consultancies are other opportunities for industry
and academia to develop partnering relationships in addition to supplementing revenue for the
academic program.
Research grants usually involve competitive or solicited projects from governmental agencies
or other organizations that involve subject matter for the benefit of the public. In many cases,
academia and businesses will form a team to conduct the research. Faculty and students from
academic programs have the opportunity to be part of this process. For example, the FAA has
an office of research that manages both internal and external research efforts. One initiative
where a certain amount of the FAA’s research budget is allocated is to the ACRP to administer
applied research projects and activities to address contemporary issues related to airport opera-
tions, administration, and development. ACRP regularly solicits research proposals for specific
topics from qualified interests, and often academic/industry teams are developed to respond.
There are many other research grant programs that provide opportunities to engage faculty
and students in research. This guidebook, for example, was developed by a team of researchers
from both academia and industry.
ACRP also administers the graduate research award (GRA) program as another opportunity
for interaction between academic and industry interests. The GRA program solicits proposals
from graduate students (master’s, PhD) for scholarly research topics, usually a component of
their thesis or dissertation, that are reviewed by industry professionals. Successful students are
awarded a generous stipend to support their research and to ultimately prepare a scholarly article
for publication in the Transportation Research Record or other journals.
Finding the Faculty Champion

Regardless of the activity, finding the right faculty member to lead a particular extracurricular
effort is key to success. Faculty participate and support extracurricular activities in many
ways, such as acting as the faculty advisor to a student organization, making connections with

Championing the program with faculty leadership and industry partnerships

• Faculty champion
• Adjunct faculty appointments
• Industry bridge/pipeline programs
• Promoting the program to industry
industry on behalf of the students, teaching and assisting with administrative responsibilities
(such as management of a student organization’s finances), or simply generating excitement for
these extracurricular activities.
Developing Faculty
There are not many established resources for developing faculty for supporting airport-
related courses. One opportunity may be to actively recruit faculty from the ranks of airports
and airport-related businesses to consider a teaching appointment. There are 20+ master’s-level
aviation programs in the country that may provide another resource for faculty candidates.
Graduating students with airport experience may be recruited to teach.
Access to airport-focused faculty may also be leveraged through intercollegiate agreements
that allow students to enroll in online airport courses for credit that are provided by one program
and open to others. It is a common practice among NCAA athletic conferences (e.g., Big 10,
Big 12, SEC) to share research, academic, and in some cases, financial resources, including faculty.
Following this model, there may be opportunities to offer several advanced aviation-oriented
academic courses to aviation management students to help narrow this competitive gap and to
develop better-qualified professionals for the aviation workforce.
One example may be to organize a consortium or collaborative agreement among aviation
management programs to offer an extensive series of advanced academic courses on various
aviation-related topics.
Such a consortium would provide access to aviation-focused educators and other available
adjunct faculty currently teaching at various collegiate aviation programs. The course syllabi
would be adapted to follow agreed-upon guidelines for upper-division academic coursework
and hybrid or online delivery. The courses would be designed to provide an enhanced depth of
knowledge so that graduates can compete successfully for entry-level career positions.
Qualified faculty resources for collegiate aviation programs will always be a struggle, especially
for specialty areas such as airports. This will require greater attention on looking for opportuni-
ties to provide a pipeline for faculty to teach a broad array of airport-specific courses.
Because aviation is a small, diverse, and dynamic industry, it is often difficult for aviation
programs to recruit and retain qualified faculty with the appropriate academic credentials and
experience qualified to teach. The composition of faculty at a typical aviation management pro-
gram may include 4 to 7 full-time faculty and several adjunct faculty. Like most institutions,
full-time faculty come from a broad array of academic backgrounds and professional experience.
In some cases, aviation faculty may have retired from a military or professional career. Many
aviation program faculty will have experience as commercial or military pilots, while others may
come from a business background. No two programs are like.
Other faculty may have risen through the academic ranks. They often begin as undergraduate
aviation students, serve as flight instructors after graduation, and upon completing an advanced
degree, become qualified to teach academic courses.

Partnering with Industry

One of the great challenges in enhancing academic programming for airports
is finding faculty with the education and experience to teach courses, advise extra
curricular activities, and otherwise contribute to the program. One solution to this challenge is
to actively engage with current industry professionals. Professionals working in the industry can
provide a tremendous wealth of practical knowledge to the students, and with some prepara-
tion, guidance, and training, may be able to lead such efforts both in and out of the classroom.
Such activities include conducting guest lectures or seminars; supporting capstone projects and
research activities; advising student organizations or clubs as an industry liaison; or teaching
courses as adjunct faculty.
Industry Professionals as Adjunct Faculty

Many industry professionals have little experience in academia, and hence should be guided
on how to manage a class, deliver lectures, and create assignments and exams. It is good practice
to bring these professionals to a place of comfort in the classroom in a strategic manner, first
by offering one guest lecture, then a series of lectures, mentoring a project team, creating and
supervising an assignment, developing a syllabus, and becoming comfortable with LMS before
ultimately being given the complete responsibility for a course. Most often, adjunct faculty are
actively mentored by a full-time member of the faculty.
Industry Bridge/Pipeline Programs

Some programs may have an established relationship with specific aviation employers to place
their graduates. The relationship is usually based on the employers’ experience with the quality
of the program’s graduates to fit their workforce needs, and they seek to hire the program’s “best
and brightest.” Some employers may have a succession plan, under which successful candidates
are promoted and replacements hired to continue the cycle of bringing in new personnel. In
some cases, there may be competition among employers for these highly valued candidates.
Promoting the Expertise of an Academic Program

Academic programs can both enhance their curricula and promote their current expertise by
a series of activities that benefits the program’s students, faculty, and industry partners.
Not-for-Credit Short Courses and Seminars

As educational institutions, aviation programs can give back to the industry by hosting semi-
nars, symposia, and short courses that address specific and relevant topics. They provide an
opportunity to showcase the program’s faculty as well as serving as continuing education oppor-
tunities for industry professionals. Specialty seminars and short courses can establish the pro-
gram’s expertise, and by bringing industry to the campus, provide networking opportunities
that can extend to students and other faculty. Successful events can also serve as a revenue center
for supporting the program and the institution financially. These short courses and seminars can
also be offered to students. Student participation as assistants in managing these events is a great
learning and networking experience as well.
Sponsored Research
Sponsored research projects typically involve specific business interests to support their
mission and goals. Conducting academic research offers the sponsoring entity an opportunity

to demonstrate independent investigations and observations conducted with scientific

and ethical integrity. Sponsored research provides opportunities to financially support
students, faculty, and additional resources the program may need. It also serves to bolster
the program’s academic “resume,” showing their involvement in industry interests and
expertise.
Consultancies
Many programs have faculty with expertise in specific airport-industry topics. These faculty
may be called on by industry to collaborate in a consulting capacity.
Most institutions allow faculty to engage in extracurricular work activities as consultants as
long as it does not appear to conflict or otherwise interfere with the institution’s interests and
faculty member’s responsibilities. Many institutions encourage consultant work not only to
enhance faculty compensation but also to enhance the prestige of the faculty member and the
associated program. There may be restrictions on the use of the institution’s facilities, equip-
ment, or other resources; however, in many cases, this may be allowable as incidental use or
through reimbursements. Some institutions have established policies to reduce overhead charges
for faculty performing consulting to industry.
Depending on the project, students may be able to assist faculty on consulting work. This
provides these students an excellent opportunity to gain industry experience, while also working
on a real-world project with the faculty member.
The academic program benefits by (1) contributing to industry, (2) receiving financial and
other support, and (3) providing a direct relationship to industry that in turn, provides oppor-
tunities to enhance the curriculum and provide faculty and students with practical experience
in industry matters. Industry gains by tapping into the academic disciplines for the expertise
of faculty, institutional resources, and energy provided by faculty and students. It also accesses
timely, cost-effective independent research.
Job Placement Assistance Programs

The overarching goal of aviation management programs is to successfully place graduates
into positions that are aligned with their career interests. Beyond preparing them academi-
cally to enter the workforce, institutions will provide additional resources and activities for
matching qualified graduates with industry. It is common for the institution to have a central-
ized office to serve as a resource for providing a variety of services to students and employers.
Services to students may include career counseling, job search assistance, resume preparation,
and interview skill tips. Employers are offered direct access to students for internships and
entry-level jobs.
Current employment opportunities will be posted by the institution’s central career office to
ensure that all students have access to the announcements. Some programs will have their own
platform for job postings and require employers to register before posting positions. In these
cases, registered employers are offered the use of facilities for recruiting visits, on-campus inter-
views, and so forth. In some cases, they may be allowed to review student resumes.
Another job posting/job search resource that institutions subscribe to is Handshake.
Handshake is a commercially comprehensive job search database specifically designed to
assist students and alumni in finding and applying for internships and degree-related jobs.
Employers may also subscribe to Handshake to post positions that target specific programs
or academic specialties.

Summary
This chapter identifies methods of enhancing academic curricula to provide students more
education about the airport industry. Opportunities include greater depth and breadth in course
curricula that are of importance to the industry, particularly to the MCOs, and additional
opportunities to infuse experiential learning that provides real-world learning experiences are
described.
Enhanced course curriculum consists of a broad base of fundamental and cross-cutting
topics in business; policy; engineering and design; and aviation, including introductory material
to the world of airports, three tracks representing these three general topic areas, which consist
of advanced core courses as well as a selection of technical electives, a capstone or culminating
experience, and internship opportunities. Enhanced methods of delivery, focusing on online
programming, using advanced LMS platforms, and multi-media technology were presented.
Opportunities to enhance airport education through extracurricular offerings include the
following: student organizations, guest lectures, symposia, research opportunities as well as
internships and co-op opportunities.
Section IV provides the resources to make this happen, including sample curriculum struc-
tures, syllabi, internship templates, and external resources.


SECTION III
Guidance to Industry
Consider the common saying in the aviation sector, “If you’ve seen one airport, you’ve seen
one airport.” Academic programs, especially relevant to airports, are also not the same. On the
other hand, there are some characteristics of academic programs that are similar throughout
academia. Understanding how academia functions will certainly help industry practitioners
navigate the system as well as more effectively contribute to enhancing airport academic pro-
grams for the benefit of future aviation professionals.
This section provides an overview of academia to the airport industry, including those work-
ing at an airport and at professional firms that support airports, such as engineering, planning,
and management consultants. For these sectors, recruiting to fill entry-level positions often
focuses on identifying and recruiting quality graduates from academic programs. Also included
is a series of strategies that industry can use to engage with academia to educate more profes-
sionals for airports and the firms that support them.


CHAPTER 5
How Academia Works

for Non-Academics
Most airport professionals are likely to have been enrolled in a program of higher education
at some point, whether it was learning a trade, or earning an associate, 4-year (bachelor’s), or
graduate (master’s or doctorate) degree at a college or university. It is from these experiences
that professionals gained insights into academia. However, there was likely limited exposure
to the bureaucracy that envelops the process of creating and delivering degree-granting
curricula. The following provides insights into how academia works, from the administrative
and operations perspectives, with the goal of better understanding how industry can participate
in, as well as influence, the process of enhancing curricula to better serve the airport industry.
The Administration of Academia

Understanding the placement of airport-relevant curricula is important to the overall industry
seeking to collaborate and strengthen a wide spectrum of courses. Sometimes, the hierarchy is Board of Trustees
easily navigable; sometimes it may be quite burdensome. Enhancing academic programs,
whether a small change to one course or the creation of an entire degree program, warrants
University President
review. The airport industry can and should participate within the administrative hierarchy to
strengthen any curricula.
University Provost
As illustrated in Figure 5.1, the hierarchy follows a standard top-down model that begins
with a university board of trustees overseeing the overall direction of the institution and ends
College Dean
with the faculty. In between, there are administrative offices that have a hand in how academic
programs are operated.
Department Chair
The Faculty of an academic program develop and administer individual courses and are
responsible for creating course syllabi, materials, and delivery methods. They are responsible
for instruction and evaluation of student progress and meeting course objectives. For most Department Faculty
aviation programs that offer airport courses, one or two members of the faculty are typically
considered the subject matter experts. These faculty members are often the first point of
contact for industry members who are interested in contributing to the curricula. For Figure 5.1. Hierarchy
example, they may work with faculty to develop course topics, activities, and opportunities for of academia.
industry participation, such as real-world case studies, guest lectures, and site visits.
The Department Chair is responsible for overseeing the direction of the department fol-
lowing policies created at the university or college level. These responsibilities include over-
sight of faculty course assignments, class scheduling, and higher-level metrics of department
performance. This person should be kept abreast of any activities that a faculty member may
be considering to enhance classes currently offered or planned. The Department Chair is often
seen as the external point of contact for the programs in the department, and as such, may also
be responsible for a department advisory board, which sets the direction for internship and
61

capstone programs. The Chair may also lead strategies for development and engagement as well
as seek philanthropic gifts for student scholarships and endowed faculty positions. In this role,
the Department Chair is a primary point of contact should industry professionals want to
participate in department-wide activities.
The College Dean is responsible for overseeing the college within which the aviation pro-
gram resides. Primary responsibilities for this person include setting the mission and strategy of
the college as a whole, understanding that there are often many programs that exist within the
college. The Dean oversees all internal functions and is the public face of the college, interacting
with alumni, industry, and the wider community. The Dean engages in large-scale changes to
an academic program, while the Department Chair focuses on individual courses and subject
matter. The Dean reviews and endorses major program changes, and they are proposed for
approval by the Provost, President, and Board of Trustees.
The responsibility for overseeing the academic mission of an institution typically lies within
the Office of the Provost and institution-wide leadership is held within the office of the Presi-
dent. The President reports to the Board of Trustees on all matters concerning the mission
of the institution, including academics, student life, alumni relations, athletics, budget, fund
raising, community affairs, and facilities planning. Most modifications to an academic program
will eventually move to the offices of the Provost and the President for their review. Ultimately,
the Board of Trustees formally approves program changes.
Academia Is Management by Committee

Along with their hierarchical structures, academic organizations are often managed by com-
mittee. Committees often made up of faculty members and sometimes members of industry
exist to provide group thoughts and consensus-based recommendations to the hierarchy to aid
in decisionmaking for all matters in academia.
For example, a curriculum committee often has the charge of evaluating and providing any
recommendations to proposed curriculum enhancements, ranging from adding or removing
topics in any given courses to creating new courses, specializations, minors, or major degree
programs. This committee typically consists of faculty members only, but occasionally, the
committee will invite outside members, including industry partners, to present their ideas at
meetings.
To engage with industry, some committees invite business leaders to sit as committee mem-
bers. One example is a strategic planning committee, which would have the charge of pro-
viding guidance to the department chair on strategic issues, such as faculty hiring, budgeting,
and the overall mission of the department. An associated external advisory committee may
also provide opportunities for input on the overall mission of the department. Airport pro-
fessionals may participate in helping steer the direction of the program as well as to provide
meaningful, long-lasting relationships between industry and the academic program.
Where Aviation/Airport Programs Fit

Within the Academic Environment
Aviation/airport curricula may be found in numerous sections or programs at various
institutions. Traditional academic topics, such as mathematics, economics, and English, are typi-
cally housed in similarly named departments (i.e., the Department of Mathematics). Wider aca-
demic disciplines, such as engineering, are often housed in colleges bearing that name. A College

How Academia Works for Non-Academics 63
of Engineering, for example, may house Departments of Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engi-
neering, and the like. A College of Natural Sciences may house Departments of Mathematics,
Physics, and Chemistry. A College of Arts and Humanities may house Departments of English,
Spanish, Religion, and so forth.
Airport curricula and aviation programs, in general, are often anomalies with respect to their
fit in an academic department or college. These programs have been known to be housed either
in colleges dedicated to “aviation” or in Colleges of Engineering, Business, Technology, Educa-
tion, and Social Sciences. The location of the program is a sign of how the curriculum may be
focused. For example, an airport curriculum housed within a college of business may focus its
curricula on the business side of airports, with classes focusing on management; accounting and
finance; and marketing, while a program housed within a College of Engineering may focus
its curricula on topics such as airport planning, pavement design, and airspace analysis.
Academic Calendar
Most people are familiar with the start of the school year. Typically, new students enter their
university programs during the fall and proceed by taking courses each term. A term at a uni-
versity may range from 10 weeks (usually known as a quarter) to 15 weeks (usually known as
a semester). There are usually breaks between terms, the longest of which are a winter break in
December through the New Year, and in summer, where there may be around 12 weeks between
the spring and fall terms.
Faculty structure their courses based on the institution’s academic calendar. Academic cal-
endars vary widely among institutions, including term start and end dates, break periods, and
even calendar formats. Academic calendars operating on a quarter calendar will typically have
three, 10-week terms during the academic year (fall, winter, and spring quarters). Those on a
semester calendar have two, 15-week terms (fall and spring).
Typically, in the summer, at least one summer term occurs with fewer classes. Students may
spend their summers on internships, at summer jobs outside their course of study, or doing
other activities. Faculty often spend the summer working on research projects, preparing
their materials for the upcoming term, or taking vacation. During this term, however, there
may also be opportunities to create courses that are more flexible with scheduling and include
experiential activities, such as site visits or larger project work.
Academia also runs on a fiscal cycle from July 1 through June 30. (Some colleges follow
their state’s fiscal year from October 1 through September 30. For example, the fiscal year for
Texas colleges runs from September 1 through August 31.) The budget planning process for
an upcoming fiscal year begins 6 months before the start of a new fiscal year. During the plan-
ning process, those seeking to enhance academic curricula should work with faculty to submit
budgets for programs such as funding for site visits, guest lectures, and the like. The evaluation
will include the program’s need and budget for adjunct faculty (those hired on a part-time, per-
course basis). Industry professionals who wish to be an adjunct faculty member for a particular
course should be aware of this timing.
Structure of Academic Curricula

The structure of academic curricula is designed so that students receive education in topics
at an increasing level of depth within their major as well as other courses for a well-rounded
education.

Course curricula consist of various categories:

• General education courses
• College core courses
• Major core courses
• Technical elective courses
• General elective courses
• Extracurricular activities
Each course is given a certain number of credit hours, commensurate with the level of activity
necessary to meet the requirements of the course (typically calculated as a function of the
number of hours per week the class meets in the classroom). For example, a course that meets
3 days per week for 1 hour per class would qualify as a 3-credit-hour class. Other factors that
may contribute to the credit-hour calculation are the level of laboratory participation require-
ments and the number of actual hours required for an extracurricular activity. Summer intern-
ships may calculate credit hours based on the number of actual hours a student may work in
the internship, a typical calculation of 1 credit hour for every 100 hours worked.
In general, academic curricula consist of approximately 120 credit hours. Students must
complete a certain number of credit hours in the above categories to be awarded their degrees.
The breakdown of credit hours by category varies among colleges. Table 5.1 is a breakdown of
a 4-year bachelor’s degree program.
Courses in each category are further classified by their level of technical advancement. A course
numbering system may start at a “100 level” for introductory courses, and increase according
to the depth of a course. Courses at the “400 level” may be more appropriate for 4th-year students
and require taking lower-level courses as prerequisites. For example, Engineering 101 would be
a course introducing the fundamentals of engineering, appropriate for 1st-year students, while
Airport Engineering 453, Advanced Topics in Pavement Design, would be a higher-level course
on this topic, often taken by 4th-year students. Each of the course categories may have courses at
each level of advancement, with higher-level courses found in the major core, technical elective,
and general elective categories.
Lower-level courses, including several college core and major core courses, are fairly rigid in
design, with standard topics, assignments, and exams. As such, there is less flexibility in adding
specialized airport content to these courses. Although these courses may allow for a guest lec-
ture, curricula leadership may not be amenable to adding entirely new topics, assignments, or
projects. Higher-level courses, on the other hand, particularly technical and general elective
courses, have more flexibility to accommodate significant enhancements. Furthermore, new
courses are often created as technical electives at higher-level course numbers (such as 300- and
400-level courses).
Table 5.1. Breakdown of a 4-year bachelor’s degree program.
Course Category Required Credit Hours Courses

General Education 24 6
College Core 32 7
Major Core 32 8
Technical Elective 21 6
General Elective 9 4
Extracurricular Activity 2 1
Total 120 32

Understanding a program’s curricula in terms of courses in each category at each level, and the
potential availability of adding a small amount of airport-oriented content through additional
material in some courses and larger enhancements in others will be most helpful for industry
professionals wishing to contribute to the enhancement of academic curricula. Detailed informa-
tion about a program’s curriculum may be found on the program website or in the institution’s
course catalog.
The details and structure of a particular course are provided in the course’s syllabus.
Although the course title and description are constants, the course delivery can vary from
term to term and from instructor to instructor. Delivery methods often include the choice of
materials and resources used (such as textbooks and other reading materials), specific assign-
ments, exams, and term projects. More recently, delivery methods include in-class meetings
and online learning. As long as the course delivery is intended to meet the learning objectives
of the course, faculty teaching the course have considerable latitude in creating the course
syllabus.
Academia and the Online Learning Environment

Increasingly, academic programs are offering online courses, which may or may not align
with traditional academic calendars. Because online courses do not require physical space, nor
do they require lectures to be delivered and attended by students at the same time (known as
synchronous class delivery), the ability to be flexible is tremendous.
The inclusion of online courses in academic curricula, including aviation programs, is
maturing, with widely prolific Internet access, well-established LMS software platforms, and
student acceptance of this type of learning. In early 2020, online courses went mainstream with
the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, when nearly all institutions of higher education moved
to online delivery for all curricula. Online courses will be a significant component of curricula
for the foreseeable future.
Industry members have many opportunities to contribute to online courses, from the creation
of videos that may be shared with the class to participation in online discussion forums with the
students.
How Curricula Are Created

Academia admittedly moves slowly. Unlike the private sector in which a project may move
from concept to implementation in days or weeks, significant enhancements to an academic
curriculum are likely to take a minimum of months.
In some cases, minor enhancements to the curriculum, such as adding an assignment, guest
lecture, or site visit to a given class, can be planned and implemented relatively quickly. Never-
theless, planning for weekly activities for a given class is typically planned out in 1 to 3 months
before the class starts.
Creating new classes requires approximately 12 to 18 months from concept to implementation.
Here are the steps to this process:
1. Concept creation. This may be done by a faculty member who is interested in the topic,
or through a department-motivated effort, based on the strategic plan for the curriculum.
The concept document will include a class title and a short description of the course topics,
objectives, prerequisites, and possible materials.

2. Draft syllabus development. A draft syllabus consists of a course title, a short paragraph
describing the learning objectives of the course, a suggested number of credit hours, pre
requisite courses, and materials and resources to be used. Day-to-day instruction elements
of the syllabus are usually reserved for the instructor to create each term. The proposed
instructor or a small committee of faculty with subject matter expertise in the topic creates
the initial draft syllabus.
3. Review of the concept and syllabus by an internal department-level program curriculum
committee. The concept may be modified and sent back to the initial creators. This may be
an iterative process.
4. Next steps. The fully vetted course is sent up for review by a college-level academic pro-
gramming committee. This committee vets the course against larger strategic and opera-
tional constraints, such as content conflicts with other courses in the college. Once approved
by the committee, the course will typically be approved as a conditional class and allowed
to be offered the following term. Once the course has been offered multiple times over mul-
tiple years, the course is sent up to the university-level academic committee for recommenda-
tion for inclusion in the official course catalog, ultimately approved by the university’s board
of trustees. This approval often occurs 2 or more years from the course concept.
Role of Faculty and Staff

Faculty, staff, administrators, and students are crucial to the success of any academic program.
The faculty are considered the subject matter experts and are responsible for developing course
content and structure as well as delivering courses and working with students to give them the
best opportunity to succeed in their educational pursuit and future careers. Each category of
faculty has levels of authority and responsibility for contributing to academic programming.
Full-Time Faculty
The core educational foundation of any academic unit consists of the quantity and quality of
its faculty. There will be at least one to three faculty members with doctoral degrees, including
the department chair. Most full-time faculty have several years of professional and technical
experience in their fields in addition to their academic credentials. Often the program is sup-
ported by part-time adjunct faculty, who teach specific courses. Depending on the institution,
full-time faculty may be granted tenure or are engaged in limited-term, tenure-track appointed
assignments. Some institutions may hire faculty on a long-or short-term contract basis.
Tenure
Tenure is a system of employing faculty for an indefinite term that can only be terminated
for cause (e.g., criminal behavior, ethics violations, etc.), financial exigency, discontinuance of
the program (for educational reasons), change in economic conditions, or other extraordinary
circumstances. Tenure is designed to protect the academic freedom of educators, to allow them
the opportunity to conduct research, and to publicly express their particular views (including
open dissent) without fear of censorship or restriction. Tenure intends to preserve academia’s
core responsibilities to promote research to advance the body of knowledge, and to communi-
cate that knowledge for the public good.
Tenure-Track Faculty
Tenure-track faculty are given a set period in which to demonstrate a record of scholarship
through published research, teaching, and service to the institution, department, and industry.

Faculty who fail to achieve a minimum acceptable standard of scholarship, usually determined
by an established committee, are typically terminated at the end of their term.
Clinical (or Practice) Faculty

Clinical faculty at an institution that offers tenure may be assigned much of the same teaching
and service responsibilities as other faculty. However, they are generally relieved of the indepen-
dent research requirements the institution expects for tenure. Clinical faculty are usually given
the responsibility to teach a full load of courses, often consisting of a minimum of 12 credit hours
per semester (equivalent to four 3-credit-hour courses).
Adjunct Faculty
Adjunct faculty are commonly employed as part-time or contingency teachers, usually for
general education courses or highly specialized courses beyond the expertise of full-time faculty.
Employment commitments to teach as adjunct faculty generally extend for only one semester.
Over the past several years, institutions are relying on increasing numbers of adjunct faculty as a
means to mitigate the cost of full-time faculty while ensuring that the curriculum is adequately
delivered.
Academic Rank
Aside from employment status, faculty are usually given an academic title or rank com-
mensurate with their experience, time in service, research production, and other measures of
academic success. In addition to the recognition of the faculty member’s scholarship, academic
rank also serves as a basis for compensation and other benefits offered by the institution. The
titles and general characteristics of traditional academic rank include the following.
Professor
As a formal title, a full professor is the terminal rank for faculty promotion and normally
requires holding a doctoral degree. Prefixed titles such as “Distinguished” or “Endowed”
describe special circumstances. The title “Emeritus” is conferred to honor retired faculty. Note:
Faculty are often informally addressed by students as “professor” to recognize their status as
faculty. However, it is generally understood that the use of the title does not represent their
official academic rank recognized by the institution.
Associate Professor
The title of associate professor represents a mid-level rank for full-time faculty. They often
hold a doctoral degree and tenure status if applicable.
Assistant Professor
Assistant professors are normally the entry-level academic rank for full-time tenure-track
faculty. Although not always a requirement, they may hold a doctorate or are engaged in a doc-
toral program and eligible for promotion to associate professor upon completion of the degree.
Clinical Professor (Professor of Practice)

At institutions that offer tenure, faculty are given the title of clinical professor to recognize
that they are not following a tenure-track appointment but are engaged in teaching specialized
courses. A clinical professor will usually hold a doctorate or other terminal degree (e.g., J.D.,
M.D., etc.).

Visiting Professor
Faculty with a limited-term contract (usually a 1-year appointment) and normally holding a
doctorate are known as visiting professors. They may be from another institution and assigned
to teaching and research responsibilities.
Instructor and Lecturer

Faculty holding a non-terminal degree with a full load of teaching assignments but no research
responsibilities or expectations are instructors or lecturers.
Adjunct Professor
Limited part-time, contingency, or on-call faculty often with assignments to teach specific
courses for a semester are adjunct professors.
Aviation Faculty
Because aviation is a small, diverse, and dynamic industry, aviation programs often face
challenges recruiting and retaining qualified faculty with the appropriate academic credentials
and experience to teach. The composition of faculty at a typical aviation management program
may include four to seven full-time and several adjunct faculty. Like most institutions, full-
time faculty come from a broad array of academic backgrounds and professional experience.
In some cases, aviation faculty may have retired from a military or professional career. Many
aviation program faculty have experience as commercial or military pilots, while others may
have a business background. No two programs are alike.
Other faculty may have risen through the academic ranks—beginning as undergraduate
aviation students, serving as flight instructors after graduation, and upon completing an
advanced degree, becoming qualified to teach academic courses.
Although many faculty in an aviation program hold an advanced degree that may be aviation-
specific (e.g., master’s in aeronautical science, aviation business administration, etc.), few hold a
doctorate in an aviation-related degree. As of this guidebook’s publication, only Embry-Riddle
Aeronautical University and the Florida Institute of Technology offer aviation-specific doctoral
degree programs.
In cases where faculty come from the ranks of retired military or professionals, aviation pro-
grams can leverage their budget by relying on the faculty pensions or other retirement benefits to
supplement compensation and benefit packages. It has been observed that the compensation for
aviation faculty is lower compared with their peers at their institution’s other departments. Also,
the average age of faculty at aviation programs can exceed 65, with faculty relying on Medicare
benefits for their primary medical insurance.
Some aviation programs encourage faculty to pursue research grants and consulting opportu-
nities to bring in additional revenue to the program to support graduate research and teaching
assistants as well as to provide supplemental income to the faculty member.
A common theme among aviation programs appears to be the passion shared by faculty
for the industry and their enthusiasm for helping graduates achieve entry-level employment
positions.
As subject matter experts, the faculty have the authority to add subject matter, assignments,
and other activities to the class to expand learning opportunities. This includes the authority to

invite members from industry to participate in course delivery. Faculty members often reach out
to industry members to seek and disseminate the industry’s perspective to their class. Faculty
members often recognize that industry members have more recent and practical expertise in the
subject matter. This is why industry participation in academia is so important.
How Industry Can Work with Academia

Professionals already in the airport industry can contribute significantly to enhancing academic
curricula in many ways. Chapter 6 provides specific guidance on these types of opportunities.

CHAPTER 6
Opportunities to Participate
in the Academic Process
Academic Opportunities
A wide range of opportunities exists for members of the airport industry to contribute to the
enhancement of academic programs for future airport professionals.
For any academic program, successfully providing a technical or professional education
requires at least some connection with the industry that their graduates are seeking to enter.
These relationships are vital to ensure that curricula remain current and relevant, providing a
measure of practical and useful knowledge necessary for graduates to successfully compete for
entry-level workforce positions. Industry connections also help students gain better perspectives
of the real-world environment as well as provide opportunities for networking, internships, and
a more direct path to employment.
Committing to Engage—Personal Steps

The first step in participating in the academic process is simply to commit to engagement.
Becoming involved with an academic program is rewarding in many ways.
Perform a brief self-assessment. Ask yourself why you are interested.
• What skills or knowledge would you like to share?
• How could your airport or organization help you in your pursuit?
• Are there programs or schools for which you have an affinity, such as your alma mater?
Knowing what you can and want to bring to the relationship will form the foundation for
your engagement.
Investigating the Possibilities

Next, investigate the possibilities. Determine which academic institutions you may be able to
engage with most easily. Institutions to look for are those that (1) may be close to your current
location, (2) have a program (aviation or otherwise) that may cover material that is in your
area of expertise, and (3) have a faculty or staff person with whom you already have a working
relationship.
Example 1. Local Focus. Community colleges throughout the United States offer 2-year
associate degrees in a variety of general knowledge (rather than aviation- or airport-specific)
subjects relevant to skill sets required at airports. Graduates of these programs are often prepared
for entry-level technology-oriented and administrative positions. With guidance from industry
partners, these graduates may be able to gain valuable knowledge of their learned craft as it
applies to airports, making them better prepared for success in the airport industry.
70

Opportunities to Participate in the Academic Process 71
Example 2. Areas of Expertise. If you are an airport planner, programs in architecture, urban
planning, policy, and government affairs are all relevant. Similarly, if you are in airport finance,
marketing, or upper levels of administration, business schools are excellent programs to contact.
Programs specific to aviation and airports are often open to enhancement by bringing to the
classroom real-world knowledge and deeper discussion of the topics currently offered. Matching
your skill sets with the needs of these programs will result in a best-fit for you to enhance their
offerings.
Example 3. Your Alma Mater. Your college may have an AABI-accredited aviation program
or a non-aviation technical program. As an alum, you will know the strengths of the program,
and how you can contribute your industry expertise.
Making Contact
Once you have identified opportunities within one or more academic programs, the next step
is to contact a person who will be most helpful in developing the relationship. Depending on
your type of desired engagement, the initial contact will most likely be either a particular faculty
member or the program’s chair. Making initial contact with a faculty member would be most
appropriate for some level of desired engagement on a classroom level. For example, offering
to give a guest lecture on a course assignment topic or host a site visit would be welcomed by
faculty members who are teaching courses relevant to your knowledge base. Alternatively, desir-
ing to teach an entire course, offering internships, or participating on an advisory board may be
best addressed with the chair. Faculty and program chairs are typically accessible and welcome
industry participation.
Engagement Options
Engagement options have different levels of commitment, ranging from only a few hours
per year to several hours per week. Some options offer direct interaction with students and
faculty, while others provide more interaction with program administrators. These options do
not require a significant capital investment. Typical costs associated with these opportunities are
limited to time commitments, travel expenses (if the institution with which you are working is
not local), and perhaps the production of some materials.
Teaching and Lecturing Opportunities

Students truly enjoy learning from those directly in industry. Your real-world experience
provides insights into current issues with a perspective that enhances the topics learned in the
traditional academic setting. Whether you engage once during a semester or every week, your
presence as a professional within the industry would be a most welcome enhancement to any
curriculum. These opportunities include adjunct faculty appointments, guest lecturer appoint-
ments, and site-visit hosts.
Adjunct Faculty Appointments

Many institutions rely on adjunct faculty. These part-time faculty do not earn tenure; they
are paid per course. Generally, adjunct faculty are a cost-effective method to bring in additional
expertise to benefit students. Airport professionals, especially those having earned a master’s
degree, can provide significant value to an aviation program by bringing real-world issues and
applications into the classroom. This arrangement is often rewarding for the airport professional

as well because they are giving back to the next generation, thereby doing their part to ensure a
capable and knowledgeable future airport workforce.
Although it is the responsibility of full-time faculty and administrators to formally create and
schedule courses within a curriculum, as an adjunct faculty, you will have much control over
the management and delivery of the classes to which you are assigned. This includes the creation
and delivery of lectures, assignments, examinations, projects, and other activities. Class sessions
may occur several days a week, often during business hours. On some occasions, classes may be
scheduled after traditional business hours, during lunch hours, or on a limited-days-per-week
schedule. Courses meet for the number of hours per week according to the courses’ number of
credit hours. For example, a 3-credit-hour course will meet 3 hours per week.
As an adjunct faculty, be prepared to spend time, in addition to in-class lectures, preparing
your materials, evaluating assignments and exams, and meeting with students during scheduled
appointments. A common measure of time required is to add three times as many hours per
week to the number of credit hours for a class. Thus, for a 3-credit-hour course, a total time
commitment would be approximately 12 hours per week for your faculty responsibilities.
Guest Lecture Appointments

Another method for investing in the next generation of airport professionals is to serve as a
guest lecturer. Aviation faculty are typically very accommodating, especially if an industry pro-
fessional is interested in speaking to their students. This often requires initiative by the airport
professional, as faculty usually are hesitant to bother industry professionals with such a request.
Site-Visit Hosts
Aviation students are eager to leave the classroom and visit industry sites of interest. Airports
are well-received by students, especially if an Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting demonstration is
included. If a local aviation program has not requested or participated in an airport tour, reach
out to the program chair or aviation management/airport management faculty member. Offer
to host the instructor and students at the airport for a morning or afternoon tour of the airfield,
terminal building, and cargo facilities. Although such a site visit will likely require scheduling
months in advance, it will be beneficial for the students and airport staff as well.
Capstone Project Sponsors

Aviation students are generally required to complete a capstone or senior project in their final
year in the program. These projects benefit from a real-world focus, rather than a purely theo-
retical view. Students benefit when industry professionals invest in them and their projects. Be
willing to assist a student, whether that requires participating in a phone interview, giving a tour
of airport facilities, or simply acting as a sounding board. The result may provide far-reaching
benefits for the industry.
Administrative and Philanthropic Opportunities

Advisory Board Membership
The mission of a program’s advisory board is to provide advice or guidance to the strategic
direction of the program. Industry representatives provide valuable insight into the current and
future needs of airports and may suggest how best to address them in the academic program.
The level of effort of advisory board members typically includes one or two in-person meetings

Opportunities to Participate in the Academic Process 73
per year, quarterly conference calls, and perhaps the writing of white papers. Advisory board
members are usually chosen at the discretion of the program chair.
Personal and Financial Support

Any participation in enhancing academic curriculum is considered an act of giving. Philan-
thropic contributions also provide academic programs with opportunities to enhance curricula
through the acquisition of new materials and infrastructure; funding to support scholarships;
and paid internships as well as funds for students and faculty to travel for out-of-town site visits,
attend industry conferences, and so forth. For example, some programs have received grants to
provide all students with tablets that aid in on-site education. Others have used these resources
to subscribe to educational journals and databases and to purchase field equipment.
Financial and in-kind contributions by industry and individuals provide much-needed sup-
port to help various elements of the aviation program. The institution will usually have a devel-
opment office or similar unit that is responsible for accepting and disbursing contributions from
industry, foundations, and individuals. Large donations may offer naming rights for a building,
auditorium, or room, while smaller financial contributions are also recognized.
Many institutions host an annual Day of Giving as a focused event to solicit contributions
from alumni and friends, often as a competition among other programs on campus. Contribu-
tions can be designated to specific purposes and may be matched by businesses that have a pro-
gram to do so. In-kind contributions from industry can be in the form of equipment (including
aircraft), hardware, tools, software, or other items that may be useful for training and education.
Scholarships provided directly by industry are another form of financial support that benefits
aviation program students. Scholarships need not be specific to tuition assistance; they can be
offered to help students and faculty attend industry events.


SECTION IV
Reference Materials
This section provides reference materials and resources to use in enhancing curricula.
76 Internship Checklists
76 Rotational Internship
77 Project-Based Internship
77 Sample Syllabi
77 Intro to Aviation
78 Airports 101
78 Airport Capstone
79 Airport Co-Op/Internship
79 Airport Policy and Administration
80 Airport Master Planning
81 Airports and the Environment
81 Airport Design Practicum
82 Professional Development and Communications
82 Fundamentals of Data Analytics
83 Fundamentals of Engineering Technology
83 Fundamentals of Public Policy
84 Fundamentals of Business
84 Resources for Course Content
84 Airport Management
85 Airport Environmental Planning
86 Airport Finance
87 Airport Global Networks
87 Airport Design
88 Airport Advanced Computer Applications
88 Airport Administration
90 Airport Planning
91 Other External Resources (Annotated Bibliography)
91 TRB Publications
91 Academic Journals
92 Trade Publications
94 Professional Organization Training Materials
94 Academic Non-Degree Programs
95 Textbooks and Additional Materials

Internship Checklists
ROTATIONAL INTERNSHIP CHECKLIST TEMPLATE

(examples in italics)
Identify Partnering Organizations
• Academic Organization: XYZ College
• Industry Organization: KABC Airport
Determine Points of Contact

• University Faculty Member
• University Academic Advisor
• Industry Technical Lead(s)
• Industry Administrative Lead
Create Overview of Internship Structure
This is a 15-week, 20-hour-per-week (300 total hours) internship intended for students in the
university’s aviation program. This is a rotational internship with the student rotating among
airside operations, terminal operations, finance & administration, and planning departments
each month.
University will grant 3.0 units of technical elective credit toward the student’s aviation major
upon successful completion of the internship.
Determine Intern Eligibility
This internship is open for application to students with at least junior status in the university’s
aviation program. Student must have at least a 3.0 GPA. Student must have a valid driver’s
license. Student must have own transportation to and from airport.
Determine Application Process
Interested applicants should complete an airport employee application form, provide a
statement of purpose, an unofficial transcript, and a letter of recommendation from a faculty
member. Airport will select intern(s) based on the received applications. Applications are
due to airport 120 days before internship start date. Interns will be selected 90 days before
start date.
Determine Internship Schedule
• Day 1: Welcome and Orientation, completion of paperwork, department visits
• Week 1-4: Rotation 1: Airfield Operations
• Week 5-8: Rotation 2: Terminal Operations
• Week 9-11: Rotation 3: Finance & Admin
• Week 12-14: Rotation 4: Planning
• Week 15: Wrap up, presentations, assessment
Determine Internship Deliverables and Assessment Methods
Student will keep daily logs of activities. Student will deliver a presentation on their work in
each department during the last week of the internship. Assessment of student performance
will be conducted by department mentors. Student will provide their presentations and an
internship summary write up to their university. University faculty member and advisor will
determine level of accomplishment.

Reference Materials 77
PROJECT-BASED INTERNSHIP CHECKLIST TEMPLATE

(examples in italics)
Identify Partnering Organizations
• Academic Organization: XYZ College
• Industry Organization: KGGG Airport
Determine Points of Contact
• University Faculty Member
• University Academic Advisor
• Industry Technical Lead(s)
• Industry Administrative Lead
Create Overview of Internship Structure
This is a 15-week, 20-hour-per-week (300 total hours) internship intended for students in the
university’s aviation program. This is a project-based internship with the student focusing on
assisting the airport with developing its master plan update.
University will grant 3.0 units of technical elective credit toward the student’s aviation major
upon successful completion of the internship.
Determine Intern Eligibility
This internship is open for application to students with at least junior status in the university’s
aviation program. Student must have at least a 3.0 GPA. Student must have a valid driver’s
license. Student must have own transportation to and from airport.
Determine Application Process
Interested applicants should complete an airport employee application form, provide a
statement of purpose, an unofficial transcript, and a letter of recommendation from a faculty
member. Airport will select intern(s) based on the received applications. Applications are due
to airport 120 days before internship start date. Interns will be selected 90 days before start
date.
Determine Internship Schedule
• Day 1: Welcome and Orientation, completion of paperwork, department visits
• Week 1-8: Assist in performing inventory of facilities
• Week 9-12: Assist in performing activity forecasts
• Week 13-14: Assist in conducting community engagement meetings
• Week 15: Wrap up, presentations, assessment
Determine Internship Deliverables and Assessment Methods
Student will keep daily logs of activities. Student will deliver a presentation on their work in
each department during the last week of the internship. Assessment of student performance
will be conducted by department mentors. Student will provide their presentations and an
internship summary write up to their university. University faculty member and advisor will
determine level of accomplishment.
Sample Syllabi
COURSE SYLLABUS
Intro to Aviation
Course Objective: Introduction to the aviation industry, including its elements, components,
and structures.
Topics include introductions to the national airspace system; aircraft; airlines; cargo opera-
tors; corporate and general aviation; airspace and air traffic control; and government oversight
of aviation.
Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this course, students should be able to successfully
understand and discuss the following:
• Significant milestones in the history of civil aviation
• Common aviation terminology, definitions, and acronyms

• Aviation industry structure, including the role of air carriers, general aviation, and corporate
aviation
• Organization and operation of the national airspace system and air traffic control
• Basic aircraft systems, instruments, and components of a conventional airplane
• Basic principles of flight
• Basic weather principles and their impact on aviation operations
• Role of airports in the aviation system
• Careers in aviation and the sources of information on those careers
COURSE SYLLABUS
Airports 101
Course Objective: Airports 101 is designed to provide the student with a basic understand-
ing of the airport industry, including essential elements of airport administration, operations,
finance, and development. For the student interested in airport management as a career field,
this course will serve as a foundation to prepare for further study, an internship, and entry-
level position at an airport or related business. Whether a student is specifically interested
in airport management as a potential career choice, or in another segment of aviation, such
as airlines, corporate aviation, or government, it is important to understand that airports
are a vital component of the global aviation transportation system, and their interface with
other facets of the aviation industry is an integral part of the collegiate aviation education
experience.
Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this course, students should be able to successfully
understand, discuss, and demonstrate the following:
• Understand the role and requirements of airport management
• Discuss significant legislation and changes in technology affecting historical airport
development
• Compare and contrast the various airport types and their roles in the airport system
• Identify airport facilities on the airfield, in the terminal, and on the landside
• Discuss the importance of airport security
• Explain current ground access issues at major airports
• Identify current federal advisories and regulations regarding airport development and
operation
• Understand qualitative and quantitative methods of evaluating airfield and terminal
operations
• Describe the master planning process and its importance to airport management
• Discuss the economic, social, and political impacts of airport development on the local vicinity
• Describe various financial and organizational strategies employed by airport management
• Evaluate research and other resources that focus on current airport management issues
COURSE SYLLABUS
Airport Capstone
Course Objective: The Airport Capstone course is designed to assess and build on skills
acquired in earlier courses and emphasize situations and challenges that exist in industry.
Capstone provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate and refine a range of professional
competencies and communication skills. Using computer and business models, case studies, and
research projects, students develop and apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills, goals
that are key to a student’s education and success in Industry.

Working with a faculty capstone coordinator, students are organized into teams to define and
address various research- and issue-related topics. Over the course of a semester, student teams
plan their approach and assign responsibilities. Teams meet at least weekly to monitor progress.
Deliverables are scheduled and interim reports are expected. Toward the end of the semester,
each team prepares a poster presentation and a more detailed final report to their industry
sponsor, faculty, and the other teams.
Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this course, students should have obtained the
following:
• Comprehensive knowledge gained from a major area of study in a manner aimed to assist
students to positively address an industry need
• Experience working in a professional group environment, providing peer direction, and peer
assessment
• Enhanced interpersonal and professional communication skills
COURSE SYLLABUS
Airport Co-Op/Internship
Course Objective: This course is designed to provide an opportunity for the student to participate
in a direct hands-on experience with airports and other airport-related interests that offer co-op
and intern positions. The student will have the opportunity to enhance their education, apply-
ing the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom through a total immersion experiential
learning environment. The intern experience helps the student understand more clearly, the
operation, administration, and development of airports while also providing the opportunity to
develop professional working relationships. In many cases, the internship may serve as a screen-
ing tool and extended interview that could lead to a full-time entry-level position.
Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of the co-op or internship, students should
be able to understand, discuss, and demonstrate the following:
• Demonstrate the ability to perform satisfactorily in a professional work environment
• Compare and contrast the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom with the actual work
setting
• Describe in detail the responsibilities, functions, and activities of the various airport depart-
ments and professionals
• Demonstrate examples of professional oral and written communication skills
• Discuss available career path opportunities
• Provide feedback and discuss areas for improving the internship program
• Demonstrate a satisfactory job performance evaluation that reflects favorably on the student,
the program, and the institution
Note: Some internships may be organized to provide exposure to several airport departments
through a rotational assignment schedule. In contrast, co-ops and other internships may be
focused on temporary or limited-term employment to participate as staff of a specific depart-
ment. In either case, the focus of the course is on the experiential learning that takes place while
immersed in the working environment.
COURSE SYLLABUS
Airport Policy and Administration
Course Objective: Airport Policy and Administration is an advanced study of the organiza-
tional, political, and financial administration of public and private civil use airports. Areas of

emphasis include public relations management; safety and security issues; employee organiza-
tional structures; economic impacts of airport operations; airport performance measurement
standards; and current trends and issues of direct concern to airport administrators.
This course is designed as an advanced survey of airport policies and administrative strategies
for those students who have achieved a basic understanding of airport operations from relevant
coursework or previous work experience. Emphasis in the course is placed on the financial
strategies employed by airports under a variety of organizational structures. Airports are an inte-
gral part of aviation because they interact with all other facets of the industry. As such, airport
managers must be familiar with the policies and regulations imposed by industry agencies. This
course will examine relevant policies imposed by the FAA, commercial airlines, and other users
of a civil use airport.
Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to
understand, discuss, and demonstrate the following:
• Understand the relevant policies and regulations specified by the FAA as it relates to airport
operations
• Explain the strategies employed by airport management when it comes to working with the
commercial airline industry
• Explain the impact of various financial strategies employed by airport management
• Explain the concept of airport privatization and its effects on airport management policies
and administration
• Measure the performance of an airport using a variety of performance measurement
methodologies
• Discuss environmental issues specific to airports and strategies used to address such issues
• Discuss various marketing methods used by airport management
• Understand the relationship between airport management and the community the airport
serves
COURSE SYLLABUS
Airport Master Planning
Course Objective: Airport Master Planning introduces the student to the requirements,
issues, and processes involved in the planning of airport development. The course includes an
in-depth study of the sources of aviation data, forecasting methods, the airport master planning
process, and environmental issues and requirements.
The course is designed to provide the student with a basic understanding of the planning and
development of airports, and it plays an important role in rounding out the aviation course
offerings to students in any of the college’s aviation degree programs. Whether a student is
specifically interested in airport planning and development as a potential career choice, or
in another segment of aviation, such as airport management, airlines, corporate aviation, or
government, the role of airports as a fundamental component of the aviation system and how
airports interface with other facets of the aviation industry are integral parts of the collegiate
aviation education experience.
understand and thoroughly discuss the following:
• Objectives and processes for airport planning from the federal, state, regional, and local
perspective
• Forecasting concepts, processes, and various methodologies for forecasting aviation activity

• Various factors affecting the airport’s capacity to accommodate aircraft demand and manage
delays when demand exceeds capacity
• Relationship between the requirements of the airside and landside facilities of the airport
• National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) process and methodologies for evaluating
the impact of proposed projects on the environment
• Function and characteristics of the airport’s airspace (FAR Part 77 and TERPS) and the need
to protect airspace from encroachment
• Process for evaluating development alternatives from operational, environmental, and finan-
cial perspectives
COURSE SYLLABUS
Airports and the Environment
Course Objective: Airports and the Environment is designed to provide the student with
a broad perspective on aircraft noise and compatible land use; air and water quality; climate
change; and energy efficiency issues directly associated with airports. The course will provide
the student with the background of how environmental concerns evolved with the advent of
commercial jets and increased levels of air travel. It will also provide a detailed overview of how
airports respond to and manage contemporary environmental concerns regarding aircraft and
other activity, including impact studies and the implementation of operational measures, land
use compatibility controls, and capital projects. Sustainability and climate change policies and
programs are also covered.
understand and competently discuss the following:
• Historical and legislative perspectives regarding environmental concerns relevant to aviation
activity on or near airports
• Purpose and intent of the NEPA and other current laws and regulations
• NEPA compliance policies and practices relevant to airports, including environmental impact
assessments and Part 150 Noise Compatibility Programs
• Metrics, thresholds, and mitigation strategies for addressing aircraft noise
• Metrics, thresholds, and mitigation strategies for addressing compatible land use around
airports
• Metrics, thresholds, and mitigation strategies for addressing ambient air quality on and
around airports
• Metrics, thresholds, and mitigation strategies for addressing water quality on and around
airports
• Balanced wildlife hazard management and mitigation strategies
• Climate change theory, supporting data, policies, and plans for adapting to future impacts
• Sustainability policies, plans, and initiatives, including energy conservation, renewable energy
resources, carbon footprint reduction, and waste management
COURSE SYLLABUS
Airport Design Practicum
Course Objective: The Airport Design Practicum is designed to provide students with an
opportunity to research applied technologies to develop an innovative and practical solution for
contemporary issues facing airports. It culminates in the submission of a proposal that meets the
guidelines of the ACRP University Design Competition (an annual event).

The ACRP University Design Competition focuses on four broad areas that involve issues
relevant to airports and include:
• Airport Operation and Maintenance
• Runway Safety/Runway Incursions/Runway Excursions
• Airport Environmental Interactions
• Airport Management and Planning
The practicum can also serve as a culminating experience that meets the accreditation
requirements of the institution and the program.
demonstrate the following:
• Conduct a thorough and relevant review of literature to identify gaps and opportunities for
developing innovation and creative solutions
• Develop and conduct technical analyses using accepted methodologies
• Understand aviation regulatory policies and practices
• Understand the practical application of the FAA’s SMS
• Effective interactions with industry professionals
• Develop a business case for proposals that include benefit-cost considerations
• Provide meaningful contributions as a member of a team in a professional manner
• Prepare and submit a professional quality proposal that is responsive to instructions
COURSE SYLLABUS
Professional Development and Communications
Course Objective: This course focuses on developing professional skills needed for success
in the airport industry, to include the development of oral, written, and presentation commu-
nications skills, project planning, time management, and an understanding of professional
culture.
The objective of this course is to provide the students with a fundamental overview of
the essential elements to effectively communicate and work in a professional environment.
Because this course is intended to be taken by students pursuing an education in the airport
industry, it will provide applications of communications principles to the airport industry.
demonstrate the following abilities:
• Deliver a simple professional presentation
• Write a simple yet professional piece of correspondence
• Develop a professional style resume
• Develop a professional style Internet profile, such as a LinkedIn page
• Create and stick to a simple calendar and project plan
• Understand and appreciate diversity, inclusion, and equity in the professional environment
COURSE SYLLABUS
Fundamentals of Data Analytics
Course Objective: This course provides an introduction to and application of data analytics
tools, methods, and purposes. It will involve applying data analytics software tools (spreadsheets,

visualization tools, programming packages) to airport data to seek business and operational
insights.
The objective of this course is to provide the students with a fundamental overview of the
essential elements of data analytics. Because this course is intended to be taken by students
pursuing an education in the airport industry, it will provide applications of data analytics
principles to the airport industry.
• A fundamental understanding of the concept and purpose of data analytics
• A fundamental understanding of data sources
• A fundamental understanding of analytical methods including creating tables, graphs, charts,
and basic statistical models
• A fundamental understanding of data analytics software tools and platforms
• The ability to perform a basic data analytics exercise
COURSE SYLLABUS
Fundamentals of Engineering Technology
Course Objective: This course introduces engineering principles with a focus on properties of
mechanics, aerodynamics, electrical systems, IT, and an overview of engineering specializations
to include mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering, and IT.
The objective of this course is to provide the students with a fundamental overview of the
essential elements of engineering technology. Because this course is intended to be taken by
students pursuing an education in the airport industry, it will provide applications of engi-
neering technology principles to the airport industry.
• A fundamental understanding of essential elements of mechanical engineering technology,
including basic statics, dynamics of forces, and tensions
• A fundamental understanding of the essential elements of electrical engineering tech-
nology, including fundamentals of circuits, direct and alternating currents, and power
transformers
• A fundamental understanding of the essential elements of civil engineering, including struc-
tures, foundations, pavements, construction, and transportation systems
• A fundamental understanding of IT, including hardware and software platforms; digital
networks; server-client architecture; and cloud infrastructure
COURSE SYLLABUS
Fundamentals of Public Policy
Course Objective: This course introduces how public policy operates, to include high-level
education on federal, state, and local governments, laws and regulations, and governmental
procedures.
The objective of this course is to provide students with a fundamental overview of the essential
elements of public policy. Because this course is intended to be taken by students pursuing an
education in the airport industry, it will provide applications of policy, government relations,
and community engagement principles to the airport industry.

• A fundamental understanding of how policy is created
• An understanding of regulatory bodies on local, regional, and federal levels
• An understanding of the basics of creating rules, regulations, operating procedures, and
culture
• An understanding of the politics of policymaking
COURSE SYLLABUS
Fundamentals of Business
Course Objective: This course introduces the elements of a business environment, to include
intro to economics, finance, accounting, marketing, communications, organizational structures,
operations, customer service, human resources management, and how to be a professional in
industry.
The objective of this course is to provide students with a fundamental overview of the essential
elements of operating within a business enterprise. Because this course is intended to be taken by
students pursuing an education in the airport industry, it will provide applications of business
principles to the airport industry.
• A fundamental understanding of the operation of a business enterprise
• An understanding of the elements of business operations
• An understanding of the basics of business accounting and finance
• An understanding of business marketing, advertising, and communications
• A familiarization with organizational structures and human resources operations
• How to read business plans, strategic plans, and annual reports
Resources for Course Content

Airport Management
1. ACRP Research Report 16: Guidebook for Managing Small Airports—Second Edition (2019)
2. ACRP Web-Only Document 24: Challenges to Implementing Successful Land Use Strategies at Airports
(2019)
3. ACRP Research Report 213: Estimating Market Value and Establishing Market Rent at Small Airports (2020)
4. ACRP Research Report 192: Airport Management Guide for Providing Aircraft Fueling Services (2019)
5. ACRP Research Report 184: Executive Summary for the Guidebook on Understanding FAA Grant Assur-
ance Obligations (2018)
6. ACRP Synthesis 86: Airport Operator Options for Delivery of FBO Services (2018)
7. ACRP Web-Only Document 44: Understanding FAA Grant Assurance Obligations, Volume 1: Guidebook
(2018)
8. ACRP Web-Only Document 44: Understanding FAA Grant Assurance Obligations, Volume 2: Technical
Appendices (2018)
9. ACRP Web-Only Document 44: Understanding FAA Grant Assurance Obligations, Volume 3: Research
Report (2018)
10. ACRP Web-Only Document 44: Understanding FAA Grant Assurance Obligations, Volume 4: Summary of
AIP Grant Assurance Requirements (2018)
11. ACRP Synthesis 30: Airport Insurance Coverage and Risk Management Practices (2011)
12. ACRP Legal Research Digest 37: Legal Issues Relating to Airports Promoting Competition (2019)
13. ACRP Report 58: Airport Industry Familiarization and Training for Part-Time Airport Policy Makers (2011)

14. ACRP Report 59: Information Technology Systems at Airports—A Primer (2012)
15. ACRP Synthesis 19: Airport Revenue Diversification (2010)
16. ACRP Report 69: Asset and Infrastructure Management for Airports—Primer and Guidebook (2012)
17. ACRP Synthesis 56: Understanding the Value of Social Media at Airports for Customer Engagement
(2014)
18. ACRP Legal Research Digest 30: Contract Risk Management for Airport Agreements (2016)
19. ACRP Legal Research Digest 23: A Guide for Compliance with Grant Agreement Obligations to Provide
Reasonable Access to an AIP-Funded Public Use General Aviation Airport (2015)
20. ACRP Synthesis 39: Airport Wildlife Population Management (2013)
21. ACRP Synthesis 27: Airport Self-Inspection Practices (2011)
22. ACRP Synthesis 41: Conducting Aeronautical Special Events at Airports (2013)
23. ACRP Report 77: Guidebook for Developing General Aviation Airport Business Plans (2012)
24. ACRP Report 47: Guidebook for Developing and Leasing Airport Property (2011)
25. ACRP Legal Research Digest 2: Theory and Law of Airport Revenue Diversion (2008)
26. ACRP Legal Research Digest 7: Airport Governance and Ownership (2009)
27. ACRP Report 150: NextGen for Airports, Volume 5: Airport Planning and Development (2017)
28. ACRP Report 159: Pavement Maintenance Guidelines for General Aviation Airport Management (2016)
29. ACRP Report 138: Preventive Maintenance at General Aviation Airports, Volume 1: Primer (2015)
30. ACRP Report 113: Guidebook on General Aviation Facility Planning (2014)
31. AC 150/5070-7 - The Airport System Planning Process https://www.faa.gov/airports/resources/advisory_
circulars/index.cfm/go/document.current/documentNumber/150_5070-7
32. AC 150/5070-6B - Airport Master Plans https://www.faa.gov/airports/resources/advisory_circulars/index.
cfm/go/document.current/documentNumber/150_5070-6
33. AC 150/5050-4A - Community Involvement in Airport Planning https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/
advisory_circulars/index.cfm/go/document.information/documentID/1036772
34. AC 150/5360-13A - Airport Terminal Planning https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars/
index.cfm/go/document.information/documentID/1033908
35. AC 150/5000-17 - Critical Aircraft and Regular Use Determination https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/
36. AC 150/5300-13A - Airport Design https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars/index.cfm/
go/document.information/documentID/1020359
37. AC 150/5100-13C - Development of State Aviation Standards for Airport Pavement Construction https://
www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars/index.cfm/go/document.information/documentID/
1036953
38. AC 150/5340-18G - Standards for Airport Sign Systems https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_
circulars/index.cfm/go/document.information/documentID/1035909
39. AC 150/5340-1M - Standards for Airport Markings https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_
40. FAA Order 5100.38D Airport Improvement Program (AIP) https://www.faa.gov/airports/aip/aip_handbook/
41. FAA Order 5050.4B, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Implementing Instructions for Airport
Projects https://www.faa.gov/airports/resources/publications/orders/environmental_5050_4/
42. FAA Order 5190.6B FAA Airport Compliance Manual https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/orders_
notices/index.cfm/go/document.information/documentID/99721
43. FAA Order 5200.11 - FAA Airports (ARP) Safety Management System (SMS) https://www.faa.gov/
regulations_policies/orders_notices/index.cfm/go/document.information/documentID/323070
44. FAA Order 5500.1 - Passenger Facility Charge https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/orders_notices/
Airport Environmental Planning

1. ACRP Legal Research Digest 22: The Role of the Airport Sponsor in Airport Planning and Environmental
Reviews of Proposed Development Projects Under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and State
Mini-NEPA Laws (2014)
2. ACRP Synthesis 17: Approaches to Integrating Airport Development and Federal Environmental Review
Processes (2009)
3. ACRP Synthesis 66: Lessons Learned from Airport Sustainability Plans (2015)
4. ACRP Research Report 209: Integrating Sustainability Planning and the Environmental Review Process
(2019)
5. ACRP Synthesis 44: Environmental Management System Development Process (2013)
6. ACRP Report 15: Aircraft Noise: A Toolkit for Managing Community Expectations (2009)

7. ACRP Report 84: Guidebook for Preparing Airport Emissions Inventories for State Implementation Plans
(2013)
8. ACRP Research Report 168: Runway Protection Zones (RPZs) Risk Assessment Tool Users’ Guide (2016)
9. ACRP Report 43: Guidebook of Practices for Improving Environmental Performance at Small Airports
(2010)
10. ACRP Web-Only Document 1: Analysis and Recommendations for Developing Integrated Airport Infor-
mation Systems (2008)
11. ACRP Synthesis 16: Compilation of Noise Programs in Areas Outside DNL 65 (2009)
12. ACRP Report 149: Improving Ground Support Equipment Operational Data for Airport Emissions Modeling
(2015)
13. ACRP Web-Only Document 36: Enhanced AEDT Modeling of Aircraft Arrival and Departure Profiles,
Volume 2: Research Report (2018)
14. ACRP Report 7: Aircraft and Airport-Related Hazardous Air Pollutants: Research Needs and Analysis (2008)
15. ACRP Web-Only Document 26: Methodology to Improve AEDT Quantification of Aircraft Taxi/Idle Emissions
(2016)
16. ACRP Web-Only Document 11: A Comprehensive Development Plan for a Multimodal Noise and Emissions
Model (2010)
17. ACRP Synthesis 24: Strategies and Financing Opportunities for Airport Environmental Programs (2011)
18. ACRP Research Report 155: Guidebook for Advanced Computerized Maintenance Management System
Integration at Airports (2018)
19. ACRP Research Report 195: Best Practices for Airport Obstruction Management Guidebook (2019)
20. ACRP Research Report 183: User Guides for Noise Modeling of Commercial Space Operations—RUMBLE
and PCBoom (2018)
1036953
Airport Finance
2. ACRP Web-Only Document 5: Development of a Guidebook for Managing Small Airports (2009)
4. ACRP Synthesis 1: Innovative Finance and Alternative Sources of Revenue for Airports (2007)
6. ACRP Report 90: Impact of Regulatory Compliance Costs on Small Airports (2013)
7. ACRP Report 121: Innovative Revenue Strategies—An Airport Guide (2015)
8. ACRP Research Report 213: Estimating Market Value and Establishing Market Rent at Small Airports
(2020)
9. ACRP Report 66: Considering and Evaluating Airport Privatization (2012)
10. ACRP Research Report 215: Transportation Network Companies (TNCs): Impacts to Airport Revenues and
Operations—Reference Guide (2020)
11. ACRP Research Report 176: Generating Revenue from Commercial Development On or Adjacent to Airports
(2017)
12. ACRP Report 49: Collaborative Airport Capital Planning Handbook (2011)
13. ACRP Report 120: Airport Capital Improvements: A Business Planning and Decision-Making Approach
(2014)

Airport Global Networks

1. ACRP Research Report 161: Guidelines for Improving Airport Services for International Customers (2016)
2. ACRP Web-Only Document 46: Recovering International Recyclables from In-Flight Service (2020)
3. ACRP Report 61: Elimination or Reduction of Baggage Recheck for Arriving International Passengers
(2012)
4. ACRP Insight Event Conference Proceedings 55: Airport Roles in Reducing Transmission of Communicable
Diseases (2019)
5. ACRP Legal Research Digest 24: Sovereign Immunity for Public Airport Operations (2015)
6. ACRP Report 143: Guidebook for Air Cargo Facility Planning and Development (2015)
7. ACRP Report 111: A Guidebook for Airport-Airline Consortiums (2014)
8. ACRP Research Report 190: Common Performance Metrics for Airport Infrastructure and Operational
Planning (2018)
9. ACRP Report 68: Strategies for Maintaining Air Service (2015)
10. ACRP Report 57: The Carbon Market: A Primer for Airports (2011)
11. ACRP Research Report 194: Using Disaggregated Socioeconomic Data in Air Passenger Demand Studies
(2019)
12. ACRP Report 118: Integrating Aviation and Passenger Rail Planning (2015)
13. ACRP Research Report 191: A Primer to Prepare for the Connected Airport and the Internet of Things
(2018)
14. ACRP Report 10: Innovations for Airport Terminal Facilities (2008)
15. ACRP Synthesis 31: Airline and Airline–Airport Consortiums to Manage Terminals and Equipment (2011)
16. ACRP Report 91: Infectious Disease Mitigation in Airports and on Aircraft (2013)
18. ACRP Report 36: Airport/Airline Agreements—Practices and Characteristics (2010)
19. ACRP Report 65: Guidebook for Airport Irregular Operations (IROPS) Contingency Planning (2012)
20. ACRP Report 48: Impact of Jet Fuel Price Uncertainty on Airport Planning and Development (2011)
21. ACRP Report 5: Quarantine Facilities for Arriving Air Travelers: Identification of Planning Needs and Costs
(2008)
22. AC 129-3 - Foreign Air Carrier Security https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars/index.
cfm/go/document.information/documentID/22525
26. FAA Order 5200.11 - FAA Airports (ARP) Safety Management System (SMS) https://www.faa.gov/regulations_
policies/orders_notices/index.cfm/go/document.information/documentID/323070
Airport Design
1. ACRP Report 39: Recommended Guidelines for the Collection and Use of Geospatially Referenced Data for
Airfield Pavement Management (2010)
2. ACRP Report 59: Integrating Airport Geographic Information System (GIS) Data with Public Agency GIS
(2014)
3. ACRP Research Report 203: Guidelines for Collecting, Applying, and Maintaining Pavement Condition
Data at Airports (2019)
4. ACRP Report 96: Apron Planning and Design Guidebook (2013)
5. ACRP Research Report 214: BIM Beyond Design Guidebook (2020)

7. AC 150/5000-17 - Critical Aircraft and Regular Use Determination https://www.faa.gov/regulations_

policies/advisory_circulars/index.cfm/go/document.information/documentID/1031186
1036953
Airport Advanced Computer Applications

1. ACRP Research Report 155: Guidebook for Advanced Computerized Maintenance Management System
Integration at Airports (2018)
2. ACRP Report 128: Alternative IT Delivery Methods and Best Practices for Small Airports (2015)
3. ACRP Research Report 195: Best Practices for Airport Obstruction Management Guidebook (2019)
4. ACRP Research Report 183: User Guides for Noise Modeling of Commercial Space Operations—RUMBLE
and PCBoom (2018)
5. ACRP Web-Only Document 11: A Comprehensive Development Plan for a Multimodal Noise and
Emissions Model (2010)
6. ACRP Web-Only Document 33: Commercial Space Operations Noise and Sonic Boom Modeling and
Analysis (2018)
Volume 1: Guidance (2018)
Volume 2: Research Report (2018)
9. ACRP Synthesis 70: Building Information Modeling for Airports (2016)
10. ACRP Web-Only Document 32: Improving AEDT Noise Modeling of Mixed Ground Surfaces (2017)
11. ACRP Report 50: Improved Models for Risk Assessment of Runway Safety Areas (2011)
12. ACRP Research Report 180: Guidebook for Quantifying Airport Ground Access Vehicle Activity for
Emissions Modeling (2017)
13. ACRP Synthesis 98: Simulation Options for Airport Planning (2019)
14. ACRP Web-Only Document 30: Development of a NOx Chemistry Module for EDMS/AEDT to Predict
NO2 Concentrations (2017)
15. ACRP Web-Only Document 41: Alternative Jet Fuels Emissions: Quantification Methods Creation and
Validation Report (2019)
Airport Administration
2. ACRP Conference Proceedings on the Web 24: Challenges to Implementing Successful Land Use Strategies
at Airports (2019)
3. ACRP Research Report 213: Estimating Market Value and Establishing Market Rent at Small Airports
(2020)

5. ACRP Research Report 184: Executive Summary for the Guidebook on Understanding FAA Grant Assur-
ance Obligations (2018)
7. ACRP Web-Only Document 44: Understanding FAA Grant Assurance Obligations, Volume 1: Guidebook
(2018)
Appendices (2018)
Report (2018)
17. ACRP Synthesis 56: Understanding the Value of Social Media at Airports for Customer Engagement (2014)
32. AC 150/5070-6B - Airport Master Plans https://www.faa.gov/airports/resources/advisory_circulars/index.
cfm/go/document.current/documentNumber/150_5070-6
34. AC 150/5360-13A - Airport Terminal Planning https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_
1036953

Airport Planning
1. ACRP Research Report 216: Guidebook for Assessing Collaborative Planning Efforts Among Airport and
Public Planning Agencies (2020)
2. ACRP Research Report 190: Common Performance Metrics for Airport Infrastructure and Operational
Planning (2018)
3. ACRP Report 49: Collaborative Airport Capital Planning Handbook (2011)
4. ACRP Report 130: Guidebook for Airport Terminal Restroom Planning and Design (2015)
5. ACRP Report 20: Strategic Planning in the Airport Industry (2009)
6. ACRP Report 25: Airport Passenger Terminal Planning and Design, Volume 1: Guidebook (2010)
7. ACRP Report 37: Guidebook for Planning and Implementing Automated People Mover Systems at Airports
(2010)
8. ACRP Report 118: Integrating Aviation and Passenger Rail Planning (2015)
9. ACRP Research Report 206: Guidebook on Effective Land Use Compatibility Planning Strategies for General
Aviation Airports (2019)
11. ACRP Conference Proceedings on the Web 24: Challenges to Implementing Successful Land Use Strategies
at Airports (2019)
12. ACRP Research Report 213: Estimating Market Value and Establishing Market Rent at Small Airports (2020)
14. ACRP Research Report 184: Executive Summary for the Guidebook on Understanding FAA Grant Assurance
Obligations (2018)
16. ACRP Web-Only Document 44: Understanding FAA Grant Assurance Obligations, Volume 1: Guidebook (2018)
Appendices (2018)
Report (2018)
26. ACRP Synthesis 56: Understanding the Value of Social Media at Airports for Customer Engagement (2014)
41. AC 150/5070-6B - Airport Master Plans https://www.faa.gov/airports/resources/advisory_circulars/index.cfm/
go/document.current/documentNumber/150_5070-6
44. AC 150/5000-17 - Critical Aircraft and Regular Use Determination https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/


1036953
49. FAA Order 5100.38D Airport Improvement Program (AIP) https://www.faa.gov/airports/aip/aip_
handbook/
Other External Resources (Annotated Bibliography)

TRB Publications
ACRP Publications: Reports and Syntheses
http://www.trb.org/Publications/PubsACRPPublications.aspx
• Findings from individual research projects on a range of topics are published in ACRP publi-
cations including reports, syntheses of practice, research results digests, web-only documents,
legal research digests, and impacts on practice. Reports, often in the form of guidebooks or
manuals, are the main product of ACRP research projects. Syntheses are focused on docu-
menting the state of practice in critical areas based on literature reviews and surveys of recent
activities. Syntheses also share innovations that are being used by others in the airport industry
to solve current problems.
TRB TRID (Transport Research International Documentation)
https://trid.trb.org/
• TRID is a comprehensive resource for transportation research with over 1.25 million references
to books, technical reports, conference proceedings, and journal articles. Publications cover
all modes and disciplines of transportation. Users can sort by keyword(s) or view references
for recent hot topics.
Academic Journals
Journal of Airport Management
https://www.henrystewartpublications.com/jam
• The Journal of Airport Management is a quarterly journal that publishes in-depth, peer-
reviewed articles and case studies focused on airport management; finance; development;
ground handling; and airport-airline relations and regulations. Each journal issue focuses on
the latest research in the field, including detailed analysis, new thinking, lessons learned, and
how-to guides applicable to airport management professionals; airlines and regulators; service
providers; advisors; and researchers and academics.

Journal of Air Transport Management

https://www.journals.elsevier.com/journal-of-air-transport-management
• The Journal of Air Transport Management is an international journal offering research articles
and commentary focused on the major economic, management, and policy issues in the air
transport industry. The journal is intended for both practitioners and academics and covers
all major sectors of the air transport industry, including airlines, airports, and air traffic man-
agement. The journal provides analyses of topic areas, including policy; regulation and law;
strategy; operations; marketing; economics and finance; and sustainability as well as industry
developments and trends.
Collegiate Aviation Review International (CARi)
https://ojs.library.okstate.edu/osu/index.php/CARI/index
• CARi is a peer-reviewed journal of the University Aviation Association (UAA), focused on
publishing scholarly articles from academia in the areas of aviation, aerospace, and aeronau-
tics. The journal includes original research, position papers, literature reviews, book reviews,
and editorials as well as proceedings from the UAA Annual Conference.
Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education and Research (JAAER)
https://commons.erau.edu/jaaer/
• JAAER is a peer-reviewed journal for educators, researchers, and professionals in the aviation
and aerospace industry. The journal covers topics relevant to colleges and universities, with
an emphasis on how the aviation and aerospace community influence the educational process
as well as the effect of education on the industry. Articles are focused on aviation/aerospace
education research, curriculum development, innovative methods of instruction, industry
research, and partnerships between education and industry.
Trade Publications
Airport Business
https://www.aviationpros.com/magazine/5409cf3dc827f1be4bb4840f
• Airport Business is a magazine targeted to professionals who manage airports, airport-based
businesses, and corporate flight facilities. Each issue includes case studies of what others are
doing successfully in the North American air transportation system, along with industry news
and expert analysis.
Airport Improvement
https://airportimprovement.com/
• Airport Improvement is focused on airport improvements, processes, and the people involved
in these projects. Each issue of Airport Improvement features case studies of recently com-
pleted project work at airports (e.g., general aviation projects, airside projects, security proj-
ects, etc.). Each case study includes information on project details, challenges, lessons learned,
and potential applications to future projects.
Airport Magazine
https://airportmagazine.net/
• Airport Magazine is published by the AAAE, the largest professional organization for airport
executives and airport management personnel. Airport Magazine articles focus on a wide
variety of critical issues facing today’s airports.

Airports International
https://airportsinternational.keypublishing.com/
• Airports International is targeted toward airport industry professionals across the globe. The
magazine aims to provide information on the services, finance, and management of airports
and their development projects. Each issue includes coverage of the latest industry headlines;
technological developments and innovations; and new products and services.
Passenger Terminal Today
https://www.passengerterminaltoday.com/online-magazines
• Passenger Terminal Today is focused on providing the latest news for airport operators and
airport management professionals working in the airport terminal industry. The magazine is
focused on airport terminal design and technology and provides analysis of the latest devel-
opments. The magazine’s website (www.passengerterminaltoday.com) offers daily news and
updates.
Airport Technology
https://www.airport-technology.com/
• Airport Technology includes articles focused on projects and trends in airports, facilities,
security, technology, and more. Content is geared toward airport executives, procurement
professionals, and managers at airports, airlines, and other relevant organizations.
Airport Business (ACI Europe)
http://www.airport-business.com/
• Airport Business provides air transport news published by Airports Council International
(ACI) Europe. The magazine includes news and interviews that cover topics including airport
development, operations, commercial, security, and government aviation policy.
Airport Experience News
https://airportxnews.com/
• Airport Experience News provides coverage on issues relevant to companies that do busi-
ness in airports. Airport News provides news and information geared toward individuals
working in food and beverage, retail, development, duty-free, and passenger services at
airports.
Security magazine (Airports)
https://www.securitymagazine.com/keywords/airport%20security
• Security magazine provides cybersecurity professionals with information on important enter-
prise security issues, including risk management, cybersecurity, and leadership and man-
agement. The magazine addresses a variety of business sectors, including transportation,
construction, hospitality, and more.
Business Airport International
https://www.businessairportinternational.com/
• Business Airport International provides news, interviews, and other information geared
toward business airports, FBOs, and ground handling partners. Each issue includes articles
that have a unique location focus, case study, region or city guide, and more.

Professional Organization Training Materials

AAAE: Study materials for AAE, CM, AMF, AFO, and ACE programs
https://www.aaae.org/studymaterials
• AAAE offers several different accreditations and certifications to members. Students and
recent graduates may be interested in becoming Certified Members (CMs). The CM con-
sists of a multiple-choice exam that examines a candidate’s comprehensive knowledge of
airport management. Individuals working in airport management who are looking to further
their career may be interested in completing the Accredited Airport Executive Program
(AAE), which includes a multiple-choice exam, research paper or case study, and an inter-
view with a panel of AAEs. The Airport Certified Employee (ACE) program offers students
and individuals in the aviation industry the opportunity to earn a certification in specific
disciplines including Law Enforcement; Airport Finance; Airfield Communications; Airfield
Lighting Maintenance; Airport Operations; Airport Safety and Management Systems; and
Airport Security. Other accreditations and certifications offered by AAAE include the Airport
Master Firefighter (AMF) program and Airport Fire Officer (AFO) program. AAAE offers
study materials for each of the certification programs.
ACI Global Training Programs
https://aci.aero/global-training/
• ACI offers a variety of in-house and web-based training programs for airport management
and operations professionals. Courses and programs are offered in topic areas including the
following:
– Customer experience—courses on how to provide a pleasant and seamless airport experi-
ence to customers
– Economics—courses on financial management; business development and planning;
revenue generation; and more to help airports make long-term planning decisions
– Environment—courses focused on ways to reduce the environmental impact of airports,
such as energy management and carbon management
– Leadership and management—courses to develop and enhance airport professionals’
skills in areas including project management; communications and public relations; leader
ship; and enterprise risk management
– Operational and technical—courses focused on different aspects of the airport including
terminal and airside, and airport business operations
– Safety—courses to help airport operators and executives ensure the safety of their
customers and employees, such as learning about safety management systems; airside
safety and operations; and emergency planning and crisis management
– Security—courses to provide airports with up to date knowledge to ensure compliance
with current and new security regulations
– Cybersecurity—courses for airport managers and specialists focused on the security of
airport systems, networks, and data
Academic Non-Degree Programs

University of California (UC) Berkeley Institute of Transportation Studies Airport Planning
Short Course
https://its.berkeley.edu/nextor/airportcourse
• The UC Berkeley Institute of Transportation Studies offers a 4-week course led by practitio-
ners in the industry. The course provides an overview of airport planning and design. It is

intended for airport engineers, planners, and airport and airline management personnel as
well as individuals involved in teaching transportation engineering courses. A range of topics
are covered in the course, including airport and airline economics and demand forecasting;
airport capacity analysis; environmental planning; airfield design; and passenger terminal
planning.
Textbooks and Additional Materials

Prather, D. (2015). Airport Management. Aviation Supplies & Academics, Inc.
https://www.asa2fly.com/Airport-Management-P2295.aspx
• This textbook provides a comprehensive overview and insight into all aspects of airports, with
an emphasis on how to practically apply this knowledge for successful management and opera-
tion of airports. Airport Management provides students with an introduction to a career in
airports. The textbook is structured with learning objectives, key terms, questions for review,
and additional suggested resources. Case studies and scenarios that highlight contemporary
issues faced by airport professionals on the job are also included.
Young, S. B., and Wells, A. T. (2019). Airport Planning & Management (7th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
https://www.amazon.com/Airport-Planning-Management-Seventh-Young/dp/1260143325/
• This textbook covers important aspects of airport infrastructure, ranging from airfield and
runway planning and management to air traffic control and terminal and security systems.
The 7th edition of Airport Planning & Management explains the FAA’s National Plan of Inte-
grated Airport Systems (NPIAS) and relevant legislation and regulations, including FAR
Part 139, and covers cutting-edge concepts in airport planning and management, such as
automation, enhanced security, and analytics.
Price, J. C. & Forrest, J. S. (2016). Practical Aviation Security: Predicting and Preventing Future Threats (3rd ed.).
Butterworth-Heinemann.
https://www.elsevier.com/books/practical-aviation-security/price/978-0-12-804293-9
• This textbook is a comprehensive guide to the aviation security system, with a focus on both
current, cutting-edge technologies that are shaping the future in aviation and the critical his-
torical events; policies; policymakers; and terrorists and criminal acts leading up to the present
day. The textbook is intended for students looking to enter into the industry and professionals
currently working in airport security or other aviation management roles. It provides readers
with knowledge of how to implement effective security programs, meet international guide-
lines, and protect facilities of any size.
Horonjeff, R., McKelvey, F., Sproule, W., and Young, S. B. (2010). Planning and Design of Airports (5th ed.).
McGraw-Hill Education.
https://www.amazon.com/Planning-Design-Airports-Robert-Horonjeff/dp/0071446419
• This textbook provides guidance on all aspects of planning, design, engineering, and ren-
ovating airports and terminals. Planning and Design of Airports includes current practices,
techniques, and innovations in airport planning and design, including coverage of the latest
technologies in aircraft and air traffic management, and passenger processing.
Ashford, N. J., Mumayiz, S., and Wright, P. H. (2011). Airport Engineering: Planning, Design, and Development of
21st Century Airports (4th ed.). John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/book/10.1002/9780470950074
• This textbook provides fundamental guidance and best practices for individuals interested in
airport engineering and transportation planning. The current edition of Airport Engineering

reflects the shift in the growth of airports globally, along with the wane of construction of
new airports in the United States, with a focus on the role of the International Civil Aviation
Organization (ICAO).
Ashford, N. J., Coutu, P., and Beasley, J. R. (2012). Airport Operations (3rd ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
https://www.mhprofessional.com/9780071775847-usa-airport-operations-third-edition-group
• This textbook provides strategies and best practices for efficiently managing airport functions.
Airport Operations is geared toward students and educators, along with aviation managers,
airport planners and designers, and other airport personnel. The textbook includes coverage
of topics such as operational readiness, passenger terminal operations, airport security, airport
technical services, airport access, operational administration, airport safety management
systems, and sustainable development.
Stephen Quilty Relevant Research

Quilty, S. M. (2005). Skill and Trait Identification for Entry-Level Airport Operations and Management
Personnel. International Journal of Applied Aviation Studies, 5(1), 183–194.
• The author surveyed 106 airport managers and airfield operations personnel to identify the
important skills, traits, and capabilities required for individuals working in airport operations
and management positions. The findings of this paper are intended to inform the development
of curricula for aviation management and operations programs at colleges and universities
as well as the development of tailored training materials.
Quilty, S. M. (2004). Airport Management Program and Curriculum Issues at 2- and 4-Year Aviation Colleges
and Universities. Collegiate Aviation Review International, 22(1), 57–70.
• This paper outlines issues regarding the development of an airport/aviation management

curriculum for 2- and 4-year colleges and university programs. Issues discussed include the
courses that should make up the core of a program, the content and learning objectives of
these courses, and how to meet marketplace demands for graduates.
David Byers Dissertation

Byers, D. A. (2004). The Making of the Modern Airport Executive: Causal Connections among Key Attributes
in Career Development, Compromise, and Satisfaction in Airport Management. ProQuest Dissertations
Publishing, 3127101.
• The author identified specific career development attributes of contemporary senior-level

airport executives and evaluated the relationship of these attributes to the level of satisfaction
airport executives have in their career choice. Attribute sets that were examined included early
aviation interests, health factors, psychological factors, demographic factors, formal educa-
tion, and other aviation-related experiences. A hypothesized causal career path model was
developed that expressed the relationship these attributes had on the satisfaction with airport
management as a career choice. The results of the path analysis indicated that four attri-
bute sets (early aviation interests, health factors, formal education, and other aviation-related
experiences) had both direct and indirect significant effects on career satisfaction.

References
ACRP. (2017). Impacts on Practice. ACRP and Higher Education: Building the Next Generation of Airport
Professionals. February. http://www.trb.org/ACRP/Blurbs/175653.aspx.
Byers, D. A. (2004). The Making of the Modern Airport Executive: Causal Connections among Key Attributes
in Career Development, Compromise, and Satisfaction in Airport Management. ProQuest Dissertations
Publishing, 3127101.
Byers, D. A. (2016). The Aviation Workforce of Tomorrow: Where Are They Needed—and Where Will
They Come from? TR News, No. 304, July−August 2016. http://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/trnews/
trnews304feature.pdf.
Cronin, C. B., A. Alexander, E. Majumdar, C. Riches, J. Jenkins, S. Van Beek, A. Bisker, B. Heinen, and C. Lewis.
(2016). ACRP Web-Only Document 28: Identifying and Evaluating Airport Workforce Requirements. Trans-
portation Research Board, Washington, DC.
ICF. (2018). ACRP Research Report 186: Guidebook on Building Airport Workforce Capacity. Transportation
Research Board, Washington, DC.
Phillips, E. D., J. Ruiz, and H. Mehta. (2006). Industry Members Evaluate the Strengths and Weaknesses of
Aviation Management Graduates. Collegiate Aviation Review International, 24.
Prather, C. D., and California Baptist University. (2019). ACRP Synthesis 103: Promoting Aviation Career
Education in High Schools and Community Colleges. Transportation Research Board, Washington, DC.
Quilty, S. M. (2005). Study Results on Knowledge Requirements for Entry-Level Airport Operations and
Management Personnel. Journal of Air Transportation, 10(3), 100-122.
Young, S. B. (2010). ACRP Synthesis 18: Aviation Workforce Development Practices. Transportation Research
Board of the National Academies, Washington, DC. https://doi.org/10.17226/14368.
Young, S. B., M. Price, Columbus Regional Airport Authority, and HNTB, Inc. (2013). ACRP Report 75: Airport
Leadership Development Program. Transportation Research Board of the National Academies, Washington,
DC. https://doi.org/10.17226/22574.
Wensveen, J. (2017). How to solve aviation’s talent gap problem. International Airport Review. https://www.
internationalairportreview.com/article/26445/aviation-talent-gap-john-wensveen/.
97

APPENDIX A
Database of Programs
A fundamental component of the scope of this project is identifying and evaluating the char-
acteristics of various institutions offering a baccalaureate aviation management degree. Gen-
eral information, such as the institution’s location, form of ownership (i.e., whether public or
private), organizational structure, and tuition was collected. For most programs, detailed cur-
riculum data was investigated to determine the number of courses and credit hours committed
to aviation-related and airport-specific topics. These courses were identified by course number,
credit hours, course description, and categorized along generalized aviation-related topical areas
including the following:
• Management and/or Administration
• Operations
• Planning
• Development
• Economics and Finance
• Marketing and Communications
• FBO and Corporate Management
• ATC and Airspace
• Safety and/or Security
• Environment
• Regulations and Law
• Capstone or Culminating Experience
• Career Development
• Internship (Required)
• Other Technical Courses
These aviation-related courses were also identified if they were specific to airports (if the
term airport appeared in the course title or course description). The cumulative credit hours
for aviation-related and airport-specific courses in the curriculum were compared with the total
required credit hours for graduation to assess the depth and breadth of the students’ under-
standing of airports as a fundamental piece of the National Air Transportation System.
Aviation Management Programs

Two primary resources were used to identify institutions offering a degree in aviation
management. These programs were found among the listings of 4-year colleges from the UAA’s
2019 Aviation Directory and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association’s (AOPA) 2020 Col-
legiate Aviation Program Directory. From these two directories, a total of 96 separate colleges
and universities were identified.
98

Database of Programs 99
These programs were assessed to determine if their curriculum included at least one airport-
specific course. A total of 65 programs (68%) met the initial screening criteria for a more detailed
investigation of the program’s curriculum. Program curriculum maps that describe the sequence
that courses are taken were used to compare the representative programs.
Other identifying characteristics included 22 aviation management programs that have been
accredited by the AABI. See Appendix B for more information on accreditation standards.
Also, 26 programs were identified as having a current affiliation with the AAAE through an
established student chapter.
Table A-1 presents a summary of the 65 aviation management programs that were included
in the curriculum evaluation.
Curriculum Summary
The curriculum of each program was reviewed to determine the total number of credit hours
required for graduation as well as aviation-related and airport-specific coursework. Open
(unrestricted) elective hours were also included in the evaluation to assess the opportunity for
enhancing airport-specific coursework. Table A-2 presents a summary of curriculum of the
65 programs.
Tuition Summary
Tuition is the cost of attending the program each semester and is usually represented as a flat
fee based on the student taking a minimum of 12 credit hours. Tuition beyond the minimum
course hours is based on a per-credit-hour rate (a standard 3-credit-hour course will be three
times the per-credit-hour rate). Some programs may not have a flat semester tuition fee but each
course is added a la carte to the cost of attendance. Most programs will have additional fees for
each course broken out to pay for course expenses and other university budget items.
Most public institutions are subsidized by federal and state aid programs and other resources
and thus, have lower tuition rates than private institutions that do not have access to those
benefits. Also, public institutions subsidized by state tax revenues will generally have much
higher tuition rates for non-resident students since state funds are used for the exclusive
benefit of in-state residents. Many institutions participate in regional tuition reciprocity or
discount programs to offset out-of-state tuition rates. As an example, the Midwest Student
Exchange Program has nine member states, including Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota,
Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Non-residents attending public insti-
tutions in these states pay 150% of the in-state tuition compared with the full out-of-state rate.
Tuition rates at most private institutions follow the same conventions (flat semester rate)
as public institutions; however, the rates are significantly higher, and these institutions do not
differentiate students by state of residency. Table A-3 presents a summary of tuition rates sorted
from low to high and distinguished by public versus private institutions.
Airport-Specific Course Content

Airport-specific courses offered by the various aviation management programs were examined
by topic and content. In many cases, programs offered only one or two airport courses, usually
entitled airport management, airport operations, or airport administration. Other programs
included more airport-related courses, some with airport management concentrations within
the degree major.

Table A-1. Aviation management program summary.
Public AAAE
ID Institution or AABI Student
City State Private Degree Major (Concentration) Accreditation Chapter
ASU Arizona State University (Polytechnic) * Tempe AZ Pub BS Aeronautical Management Technology (Air Transportation) X
AUB Auburn University * Auburn AL Pub BS Aviation Management X
BGSU Bowling Green State University * Bowling Green OH Pub BS Aviation: Aviation Management and Operations
CBU California Baptist University * Riverside CA Pvt BS Aviation Management X
CSULA California State University - Los Angeles * Los Angeles CA Pub BS Aviation Administration X
CWU Central Washington University * Ellensburg WA Pub BS Aviation Management X
DSU Delta State University * Cleveland MS Pub BCA Aviation Management
EKU Eastern Kentucky University * Richmond KY Pub BS Aviation (Aerospace Management Concentration) X
ERAUDB Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach FL Pvt BS Aviation Business Administration X X
ERAUPC Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott AZ Pvt BS Aviation Business Administration X X
FSC Farmingdale State College * Farmingdale NY Pub BS Aviation Administration X X
FIT Florida Institute of Technology * Melbourne FL Pvt BS Aviation Management X X
FMU Florida Memorial University * Miami Gardens FL Pvt BS Aviation Management X
HU Hampton University * Hampton VA Pvt BS Aviation Management X
ISU Indiana State University * Terre Haute IN Pub BS Aviation Management X
JAX Jacksonville University * Jacksonville FL Pvt BS Aviation Management X
KSU Kansas State University (Polytechnic) * Salina KS Pub BS Aeronautical Technology (Airport Management Option) X
KSOH Kent State University * Kent OH Pub BS Aeronautics/Aviation Management X X
LU Lewis University * Romeoville IL Pvt BS Aviation Administration X
LTU Louisiana Tech University * Ruston LA Pub BS Aviation Management X
MSUD Metropolitan State University of Denver * Denver CO Pub BS Aviation & Aerospace Management X
MGSU Middle Georgia State University (MCN & ESM) Macon GA Pub BS Aviation Science and Management
MTSU Middle Tennessee State University * Murfreesboro TN Pub BS Aviation Management X
MKT Minnesota State University - Mankato * Mankato MN Pub BS Aviation Management
OKSU Oklahoma State University * Stillwater OK Pub BS Aerospace Administration and Operations: Aviation X X
PU Purdue University * Lafayette IN Pub BS Aviation Management X X
RMC Rocky Mountain College * Billings MT Pvt BS Aviation Management X
SLU Saint Louis University * St. Louis MO Pvt BS Aviation Management X
SIU Southern Illinois University * Carbondale IL Pub BS Aviation Management
SNHU Southern New Hampshire University * Manchester NH Pvt BS Aviation Management X
TSU Texas Southern University * Houston TX Pub BS Aviation Science Management X
OSU The Ohio State University * Columbus OH Pub BS Business Administration: Aviation Management X X
UAK University of Alaska - Anchorage * Anchorage AK Pub BS Aviation Technology (Aviation Management Emphasis)
UCM University of Central Missouri * Warrensburg MO Pub BS Aviation Management − Airport Management Option X X
DBQ University of Dubuque * Dubuque IA Pvt BS Aviation Management X X
UNO University of Nebraska - Omaha * Omaha NE Pub BS Aviation X
UND University of North Dakota * Grand Forks ND Pub BBA Airport Management X
UOK University of Oklahoma * Norman OK Pub BS Aviation Management X X
UVU Utah Valley University * Provo UT Pub BS Aviation Management X X
VC Vaughn College * Flushing NY Pvt BS Airport Management X
WMU Western Michigan University * Kalamazoo MI Pub BS Aviation Management and Operations X X
AVU Averett University Danville VA Pvt BS Aerospace Management

BU Baylor University Waco TX Pvt BS Aviation Sciences – Aviation Administration
CAU California Aeronautical University Bakersfield CA Pvt BS Aviation Business Administration
CUNY CUNY Aviation Institute at York College New York NY Pub BS Aviation Management
DESU Delaware State University Dover DE Pub BS Aviation Management
EMU Eastern Michigan University Detroit MI Pub BS Aviation Management Technology
ENM Eastern New Mexico University Portales NM Pub BS Aviation Science
ECSU Elizabeth City State University Elizabeth City NC Pub BS Aviation Science
ERAU DB Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach FL Pvt BS Aviation Business Administration
EU Everglades University Boca Raton FL Pvt BS Aviation/Aerospace
FSUWV Fairmont State University Clarksburg WV Pub BS Aviation Technology
GRC Green River College Auburn WA Pub BAS Aeronautical Science
LeTU LeTourneau University Longview TX Pvt BS Aviation Management
MU Marywood University Wilkes-Barre PA Pvt BS Aviation Management
PLK Polk State College Lakeland FL Pub BS Aerospace Sciences
QU Quincy University Quincy IL Pvt BS Aviation Management
SDCC San Diego Christian College San Diego CA Pvt BS Aviation
TNSU Tennessee State University Nashville TN Pub BS Aeronautical and Industrial Technology (Aviation)
TXAM Texas A&M University - Central Texas Killeen TX Pub BS Aviation Science
TESC Thomas Edison State College Trenton NJ Pub BS Aviation Management
UMES University of Maryland Eastern Shore Salisbury MD Pub BS Aviation Science
UNK University of Nebraska Kearney Kearney NE Pub BS Aviation Systems Management
UNT University of North Texas Denton TX Pub BS Aviation Logistics X
WLM Wilmington University Wilmington DE Pvt BS Business Administration (Professional Aeronautics)
* Representative programs.
Table A-2. Aviation management program curriculum summary.
Aviation- Airport-
Total Related Specific
ID Institution Public/ Credit Credit Credit Open Internship
Private Hours Hours Hours Electives Required
KSU Kansas State University (Polytechnic) * Pub 120 43 27 - No
CWU Central Washington University * Pub 120 58 18 - No
FIT Florida Institute of Technology * Pub 123 53 18 2 No
FSC Farmingdale State College * Pvt 122 45 15 - No
HU Hampton University * Pub 120 68 15 - No
UCM University of Central Missouri * Pub 120 39 13 6 Yes
BGSU Bowling Green State University * Pub 121 39 12 12 Yes
CSULA California State University - Los Angeles * Pub 120 36 12 9 No
ERAUWW Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide Pvt 120 36 12 - No
MGSU Middle Georgia State University (MCN & ESM) * Pvt 120 54 12 24 No
MTSU Middle Tennessee State University * Pub 120 60 12 - Yes
SNHU Southern New Hampshire University * Pvt 121 43 10 18 Yes
CBU California Baptist University * Pvt 126 42 9 22 No
ERAUPC Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (PRC) * Pvt 120 30 9 18 No
EU Everglades University Pub 123 72 9 - No
PU Purdue University * Pvt 120 55 9 9 No
TXAM Texas A&M University - Central Texas Pub 120 42 9 - No
UNO University of Nebraska - Omaha * Pub 120 60 9 - Yes
WMU Western Michigan University * Pvt 123 53 7 6 No
AUB Auburn University * Pub 126 31 6 20 No
AVU Averett University Pub 120 30 6 - Yes
CUNY CUNY Aviation Institute at York College Pub 120 60 6 - No
EKU Eastern Kentucky University * Pub 120 45 6 14 No
FSUWV Fairmont State University Pub 120 45 6 - No
ISU Indiana State University * Pub 120 48 6 27 No
JAX Jacksonville University * Pub 122 40 6 - No
KSOH Kent State University * Pvt 120 51 6 3 No
LU Lewis University * Pvt 128 56 6 - No
MU Marywood University Pub 120 24 6 - No
MSUD Metropolitan State University of Denver * Pvt 121 63 6 6 No
MKT Minnesota State University - Mankato * Pub 120 31 6 - No
PLK Polk State College Pub 120 45 6 - No
SIU Southern Illinois University * Pub 120 48 6 - No
OSU The Ohio State University * Pub 120 32 6 6 No
UMES University of Maryland Eastern Shore Pvt 120 64 6 - No
UND University of North Dakota * Pub 121 31 6 5 No
VC Vaughn College * Pub 127 44 6 - Yes
GRC Green River College Pub 120 60 5 - No
CAU California Aeronautical University Pub 121 34 4 - Yes
ASU Arizona State University (Polytechnic) * Pvt 123 54 3 15 Yes
BU Baylor University Pub 126 44 3 - No
DESU Delaware State University Pvt 120 37 3 - No

Table A-2. (Continued).
Aviation- Airport-
Total Related Specific
ID Institution Public/ Credit Credit Credit Open Internship
Private Hours Hours Hours Electives Required
DSU Delta State University * Pvt 124 39 3 10 No
EMU Eastern Michigan University Pvt 124 - 3 - No
ENM Eastern New Mexico University Pub 120 - 3 - No
ECSU Elizabeth City State University Pub 120 - 3 - No
ERAUDB Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (DAB) * Pub 122 28 3 15 No
FMU Florida Memorial University * Pub 120 38 3 21 No
LeTU LeTourneau University Pub 122 - 3 - No
LTU Louisiana Tech University * Pvt 121 30 3 5 Yes
OKSU Oklahoma State University * Pvt 120 57 3 13 No
QU Quincy University Pub 125 - 3 - No
RMC Rocky Mountain College * Pub 121 39 3 27 Yes
SLU Saint Louis University * Pvt 121 64 3 9 Yes
SDCC San Diego Christian College Pvt 124 47 3 15 No
TNSU Tennessee State University Pub 120 46 3 9 No
TSU Texas Southern University * Pvt 120 46 3 12 Yes
TESC Thomas Edison State College Pvt 120 - 3 - No
UAK University of Alaska - Anchorage * Pub 120 48 3 9 No
DBQ University of Dubuque * Pub 121 35 3 15 No
UNK University of Nebraska Kearney Pub 120 - 3 - No
UNT University of North Texas Pub 120 39 3 4 Yes
UOK University of Oklahoma * Pub 125 34 3 14 No
UVU Utah Valley University * Pub 120 67 3 15 No
WLM Wilmington University Pvt 120 15 3 - No

Table A-3. Aviation management program tuition summary.
Tuition Tuition
Tuition Tuition Non- Non-
ID Institution Public/ Resident Resident Resident Resident
Private (Semester) (Credit Hour) (Semester) (Credit Hour)
PLK Polk State College Pub 1,488 124 5,640 470
ECSU Elizabeth City State University Pub 1,500 125 7,500 625
UNT University of North Texas Pub 1,500 100 14,160 944
ENM Eastern New Mexico University Pub 1,998 269 2,997 352
CWU Central Washington University Pub 2,105 421 7,333 1,467
UOK University of Oklahoma * Pub 2,394 200 10,085 840
UNO University of Nebraska - Omaha * Pub 2,436 229 8,616 718
UAK University of Alaska - Anchorage * Pub 2,676 223 9,468 789
UMES University of Maryland Eastern Shore Pub 2,709 224 7,914 583
UCM University of Central Missouri * Pub 2,820 235 5,700 475
CSULA California State University - Los Angeles * Pub 3,384 282 9,324 777
GRC Green River College Pub 3,444 287 8,232 686
CUNY CUNY Aviation Institute at York College Pub 3,465 305 9,300 620
MTSU Middle Tennessee State University * Pub 3,468 300 12,936 1,078
FSC Farmingdale State College * Pub 3,535 295 8,490 708
MKT Minnesota State University - Mankato * Pub 3,697 289 7,843 622
DSU Delta State University * Pub 3,750 313 - -
FSUWV Fairmont State University Pub 3,756 313 8,304 692
TXAM Texas A&M University - Central Texas Pub 3,783 192 7,372 614
UND University of North Dakota * Pub 4,106 342 12,318 1,027
DESU Delaware State University Pub 4,129 344 8,647 721
TNSU Tennessee State University Pub 4,212 351 5,892 491
OKSU Oklahoma State University * Pub 4,509 376 12,269 1,022
ISU Indiana State University * Pub 4,518 327 9,980 706
MSUD Metropolitan State University of Denver * Pub 4,575 268 12,212 834
PU Purdue University * Pub 4,604 329 9,401 600
EKU Eastern Kentucky University * Pub 4,633 386 9,669 806
KSOH Kent State University * Pub 4,633 422 8,703 792
BGSU Bowling Green State University * Pub 4,639 387 8,633 719
UVU Utah Valley University * Pub 4,728 394 14,052 1,171
TESC Thomas Edison State College Pub 4,788 399 6,108 509
AUB Auburn University * Pub 4,812 401 14,436 1,203
SIU Southern Illinois University * Pub 4,819 321 4,819 321
TSU Texas Southern University * Pub 4,835 348 11,587 670
KSU Kansas State University (Polytechnic) * Pub 5,064 293 9,468 789
EMU Eastern Michigan University Pub 5,250 438 12,840 1,070
WMU Western Michigan University * Pub 6,047 504 7,559 630
UNK University of Nebraska Kearney Pub 6,090 203 13,290 443
MGSU Middle Georgia State University (MCN & ESM) Pub 6,336 528 10,008 834
OSU *The Ohio State University * Pub 6,377 570 16,866 1,444
LTU Louisiana Tech University * Pub 7,944 662 11,627 662
ASU Arizona State University (Polytechnic) * Pub 10,710 893 28,800 2,400

Tuition Tuition
Tuition Tuition Non- Non-
ID Institution Public/ Resident Resident Resident Resident
Private (Semester) (Credit Hour) (Semester) (Credit Hour)
MU Marywood University Pvt 3,216 1,423 - -
WLM Wilmington University Pvt 4,572 381 - -
FMU Florida Memorial University * Pvt 6,288 524 - -
EU Everglades University Pvt 8,760 730 - -
CAU California Aeronautical University Pvt 8,820 392 - -
HU Hampton University * Pvt 12,475 1,040 - -
VC Vaughn College * Pvt 12,650 840 - -
RMC Rocky Mountain College * Pvt 14,988 1,249 - -
QU Quincy University Pvt 15,580 1,298 - -
SDCC San Diego Christian College Pvt 15,840 1,362 - -
LeTU LeTourneau University Pvt 15,870 578 - -
LU Lewis University * Pvt 16,635 996 - -
CBU California Baptist University * Pvt 16,965 1,305 - -
DBQ University of Dubuque * Pvt 17,035 1,020 - -
ERAUDB Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Pvt 17,712 1,476 - -
AVU Averett University Pvt 17,725 1,477 - -
ERAUPC Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Pvt 18,228 1,519 - -
ERAUWW Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Pvt 18,228 1,519 - -
FIT Florida Institute of Technology * Pvt 19,010 1,170 - -
JAX Jacksonville University * Pvt 19,070 1,275 - -
BU Baylor University Pvt 22,272 1,856 - -
SLU Saint Louis University * Pvt 22,350 1,560 - -
SNHU Southern New Hampshire University * Pvt 30,756 1,282 - -
Sorted by public/private and low to high semester tuition, data current as of 2019.

Table A-4. Airport-specific course content for aviation

management programs.
1st 2nd Total Programs Percentage

AIRPORT TOPIC Order Order Courses w/Content of Programs
Management 38 12 50 46 71%
Planning 35 2 37 34 52%
Operations 23 3 26 25 38%
Design 7 9 16 15 23%
Administration 10 4 14 12 18%
Security 8 2 10 9 14%
Finance 5 4 9 9 14%
Career 5 - 5 3 5%
Environment 4 1 5 5 8%
Marketing 2 1 3 3 5%
Safety 1 2 3 3 5%
Law 2 - 2 2 3%
Technical 2 - 2 1 2%
International 1 - 1 1 2%
TOTAL 143 40 183
Note: Some courses have multiple topics, such as airport planning and management,
and are counted as 1st Order or 2nd Order as listed.
Many courses include more than one topic, such as airport planning and management or
airport planning and design, and they appear to be organized around a specific text. Table A-4
includes an analysis of airport-specific course content among the various programs. The 1st
order terms reflect the primary topic of a course. The 2nd order terms reflect the secondary topic
of a course. For example, 50 courses among 46 programs were found to have a course where the
airport management is either a primary (38 courses) or secondary (12 courses) topic. A course
in airport management would be considered a course with management as a 1st order topic,
while it would be considered a 2nd order topic in a course in airport planning and management.
Relevant Airport/Aviation Curriculum Summary

A database containing the 65 aviation management programs was compiled for use in the
analysis of descriptive and comparative factors as well as the detailed evaluation of the curriculum.
The analysis identified several specific aviation management programs that offered a significant
number of airport-related courses as well those with only one or two courses. Also, as given in
Table A-4, there is a wide variety of airport-related course content among these programs. Although
a basic information profile was developed for all 65 programs, the 41 representative programs
have a detailed map of their curriculum, including the course number and title of each aviation-
related and airport-specific course. Table A-5 contains a matrix of relevant airport-specific courses
as well as aviation-related courses that have some significance to airport courses offered by
each program.

Table A-5. Relevant airport/aviation curriculum matrix for aviation management programs.
Career Development
Regulations and Law
FBO and Corporate
Aviation-Related
Airport -Specific
ATC and Airspace

Communications
Capstone and/or
Representative
Other Technical
Administration
Economics and
Marketing and
Management
Credit Hours
Credit Hours
Safety and/or
Development
Management
Environment
Operations
Culminating
Experience
Internship
Planning
Program
Security
Courses
Finance
and/or
ID Institution
ASU Arizona State University (Polytechnic) * Y 54 3 C C X X X X X X

AUB Auburn University * Y 31 6 X X X X X X X
BGSU Bowling Green State University * Y 39 12 X X C C X X X X X

CBU California Baptist University * Y 42 9 X X C C X X X X X X
CSULA California State University - Los Angeles * Y 36 12 X X X X X X
CWU Central Washington University * Y 58 18 C X C C C X X X X X
DSU Delta State University * Y 35 3 X X X X X X
EKU Eastern Kentucky University * Y 39 3 X C X X X
ERAUDB Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Y 45 6 X C C X C X
ERAUPC Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Y 28 3 X
FSC Farmingdale State College * Y 30 9 X X X X
FIT Florida Institute of Technology * Y 53 18 X X X X X X X
FMU Florida Memorial University * Y 38 3 X X X X X
HU Hampton University * Y 45 15 X X C C C X X X X
ISU Indiana State University * Y 68 15 X X X X X X X X X
JAX Jacksonville University * Y 48 6 X X X X X X
KSU Kansas State University (Polytechnic) * Y 40 6 X C C X C X X X
KSOH Kent State University * Y 51 6 X X X X X X X X
LU Lewis University * Y 43 27 X X X X X X X X X
LTU Louisiana Tech University * Y 30 3 C X C X X X X X X
MSUD Metropolitan State University of Denver * Y 56 6 X C X X X X
MGSU Middle Georgia State University Y 54 12 X C C C C C C C
MTSU Middle Tennessee State University * Y 31 6 X X X X
MKT Minnesota State University - Mankato * Y 63 6 C X C X X X
OKSU Oklahoma State University * Y 60 12 X X X X X X X X
PU Purdue University * Y 57 3 C C X X X X X X
(continued on next page)

Career Development
Regulations and Law
FBO and Corporate
Aviation-Related
Airport -Specific
ATC and Airspace

Communications
Capstone and/or
Representative
Other Technical
Administration
Economics and
Marketing and
Management
Credit Hours
Credit Hours
Safety and/or
Development
Management
Environment
Operations
Culminating
Experience
Internship
Planning
Program
Security
Courses
Finance
and/or
ID Institution
RMC Rocky Mountain College * Y 32 6 X C C X X X

SLU Saint Louis University * Y 55 9 X X X X X X X
SIU Southern Illinois University * Y 39 3 C C X X X X X
SNHU Southern New Hampshire University * Y 48 6 X X X X X X X X X
TSU Texas Southern University * Y 64 3 C X C X X X X
OSU The Ohio State University * Y 43 10 C X C X X X X X X
UAK University of Alaska - Anchorage * Y 46 3 X X X X X X X
UCM University of Central Missouri * Y 48 3 X X X X X X
DBQ University of Dubuque * Y 39 13 X X X X X X
UNO University of Nebraska - Omaha * Y 31 6 C C C X X X X X X
UND University of North Dakota * Y 33 9 X X X X X X X
UOK University of Oklahoma * Y 34 3 C C X X X X
UVU Utah Valley University * Y 67 3 X X X X X X X X X X
VC Vaughn College * Y 44 6 X X X X X X X X
WMU Western Michigan University * Y 53 7 C C C X X X X
AVU Averett University N n/a 6 X X
BU Baylor University N n/a 3 X
CAU California Aeronautical University N n/a 4 X
CUNY CUNY Aviation Institute at York College N n/a 6 C C X
DESU Delaware State University N n/a 3 C C
EMU Eastern Michigan University N n/a 3 X
ENM Eastern New Mexico University N n/a 3 X
ECSU Elizabeth City State University N n/a 3 C C
ERAUW Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University N n/a 12 X C C X X
EU Everglades University N n/a 9 X X X
FSUWV Fairmont State University N n/a 6 X C C
GRC Green River College N n/a 5 C C
LeTU LeTourneau University N n/a 3 C C
MU Marywood University N n/a 6 X X
PLK Polk State College N n/a 6 X X X
QU Quincy University N n/a 3 X
SDCC San Diego Christian College N n/a 3 X

TNSU Tennessee State University N n/a 3 X
TXAM Texas A&M University - Central Texas N n/a 9 X X X
TESC Thomas Edison State College N n/a 3 X
UMES University of Maryland Eastern Shore N n/a 6 X X
UNK University of Nebraska Kearney N n/a 3 X
UNT University of North Texas N n/a 3 X
WLM Wilmington University N n/a 3 X
Y = Representative “benchmarked” program.
N = A program researched in this study that was not part of the list of representative programs.
X = Course on this topic found in the curriculum.
C = Course that includes multiple topics in the column list (usually affiliated with another C in a given row)
Darker shaded boxes are considered airport-specific courses. (These are purple in the electronic version.)
Lighter shaded boxes are courses that are not airport specific but are aviation-related and contain airport content. (These are yellow in the electronic version.)
APPENDIX B
Understanding Accreditation
Important Note: The following discussion on accreditation does not reflect an endorsement
of any accrediting organization by ACRP or the authors but is provided to illustrate specific
characteristics and criteria by which most programs can be assessed whether or not they are
accredited.
Most institutions of higher learning subscribe to a form of accreditation as a means to ensure
the quality of their programs of study. Criteria for accreditation are set by independent associa-
tions that may be aligned along regional, national, or specific professional interests. Public col-
leges and universities generally subscribe to regional accreditation bodies such as the Southern
Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the Middle States
Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), and the Northwest Commission on Colleges and
Universities (NWCCU).
Nationally accredited schools are generally characterized as for-profit and vocational/technical
programs. The Accrediting Commission on Career Schools and Colleges and the American
Academy for Liberal Education are two examples of national accreditation agencies.
Many accrediting organizations are aligned with specific industries. The accreditation standards
are generally based on recognized educational foundations but also focus on specific learning
outcomes embedded in the curriculum relevant to the particular industry’s interests. The goal of
the accreditation organization is to evaluate the institution and its programs using several different
criteria and to verify that the recognized standards are being met, and in doing so, promote
a standard of quality.
Many collegiate aviation programs are accredited not only by their university-level regional
accrediting board but also by the AABI. AABI was founded in 1988 with 14 charter members.
The mission of AABI is to promote excellence and self-improvement among collegiate aviation
programs and, by doing so, increase the credibility, integrity, and acceptance of these programs
within the academic community and the aviation industry.
AABI accredits all levels of collegiate aviation programs, from associate degrees to doctorates.
The types of collegiate aviation programs that are eligible for accreditation include the following:
• Aviation Management
• Flight Education
• Aviation Maintenance
• Safety Science
• Aviation Electronics/Avionics
• Air Traffic Control
• Aviation Studies
• Unmanned Aircraft Systems
110

Understanding Accreditation 111
To date, there are 94 accredited aviation programs hosted by 34 colleges and universities
throughout the United States, including 4 associate degrees, 84 baccalaureate degrees, 3 master’s
degrees, and 1 doctoral degree. From these, there are 29 accredited aviation management degree
programs.
AABI promotes specific aviation-related educational outcomes that must be demonstrated by
the program graduate’s ability to
1. Describe the professional attributes; requirements or certifications; and planning applicable
to aviation careers.
2. Describe the principles of aircraft design; performance and operating characteristics; and
the regulations related to the maintenance of aircraft and associated systems.
3. Evaluate aviation safety and the impact of human factors on safety.
4. Discuss the impact on aviation operations of international aviation law, including appli-
cable ICAO or other international standards and practices; and applicable national aviation
law, regulations, and labor issues.
5. Explain the integration of airports, airspace, and air traffic control in managing the National
Airspace System.
6. Discuss the impact of meteorology and environmental issues on aviation operations.
The ten major components evaluated by AABI for accrediting a degree program include the
following:
1. Students—student goals consistent with the mission and educational goals of the program
and institution.
2. Program Mission and Educational Goals—mission statement and goals that reflect the pro-
gram’s educational philosophy, purpose, and general intent.
3. Student Learning Outcomes (General/Aviation Core)—process to ensure student’s ability to
demonstrate competency in meeting general and aviation-specific outcomes.
4. Curriculum—courses available to support each learning outcome and prepare graduates for
successful aviation careers.
5. Faculty and Staff—adequate number of qualified faculty and staff are available to achieve
the learning outcomes.
6. Facilities, Equipment, and Services—adequate resources are available to accomplish the
program goals in an appropriate learning environment.
7. Institutional Structure and Support—financial and administrative support to assure the
continuity of the program.
8. Aviation Safety Culture and Program—formal policies, procedures, and practices in place
that emulate SMS principles to foster a culture of safety.
9. Relations with Industry—established framework for ensuring that the program remains
relevant to the aviation industry. Industry Advisory Boards with members representing a
diverse mix of various segments of aviation are common.
10. Continuous Assessment and Improvement—formal mechanism to assess the effectiveness of
each program component and measures taken for improvement.
To retain their status, AABI-accredited programs are reviewed every 5 years and must be able
to provide evidence that the outcomes are being successfully achieved, and there is a process in
place to continually assess and improve the program.
AABI does not have an accreditation program specifically for airport management but airport-
focused curricula are found within other accredited programs, most often in the aviation
management or aviation studies degrees. Opportunities may exist to engage in further develop-
ment of a standard for airport-oriented education, adding a new accreditation category among
AABI’s other aviation academic programs.


Abbreviations and acronyms used without definitions in TRB publications:

A4A Airlines for America
AAAE American Association of Airport Executives
AASHO American Association of State Highway Officials
AASHTO American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials
ACI–NA Airports Council International–North America
ACRP Airport Cooperative Research Program
ADA Americans with Disabilities Act
APTA American Public Transportation Association
ASCE American Society of Civil Engineers
ASME American Society of Mechanical Engineers
ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials
ATA American Trucking Associations
CTAA Community Transportation Association of America
CTBSSP Commercial Truck and Bus Safety Synthesis Program
DHS Department of Homeland Security
DOE Department of Energy
EPA Environmental Protection Agency
FAA Federal Aviation Administration
FAST Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (2015)
FHWA Federal Highway Administration
FMCSA Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
FRA Federal Railroad Administration
FTA Federal Transit Administration
HMCRP Hazardous Materials Cooperative Research Program
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
ISTEA Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991
ITE Institute of Transportation Engineers
MAP-21 Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (2012)
NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration
NASAO National Association of State Aviation Officials
NCFRP National Cooperative Freight Research Program
NCHRP National Cooperative Highway Research Program
NHTSA National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
NTSB National Transportation Safety Board
PHMSA Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
RITA Research and Innovative Technology Administration
SAE Society of Automotive Engineers
SAFETEA-LU Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act:
A Legacy for Users (2005)
TCRP Transit Cooperative Research Program
TDC Transit Development Corporation
TEA-21 Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (1998)
TRB Transportation Research Board
TSA Transportation Security Administration
U.S. DOT United States Department of Transportation

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National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine 2021. Enhancing

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AIRPORT COOPERATIVE RESEARCH PROGRAM

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Research sponsored by the Federal Aviation Administration

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AIRPORT COOPERATIVE RESEARCH PROGRAM ACRP RESEARCH REPORT 230

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Learn more about the Transportation Research Board at www.TRB.org.

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COOPERATIVE RESEARCH PROGRAMS

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ACRP PROJECT 06-07 PANEL

Pamela Belalcazar TY Lin and Associates, Inc.

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AUTHOR ACKNOWLEDGMENTS (Continued)

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S E C T I O N I Introduction and Motivation

7 Chapter 2 Motivation: Addressing the Needs of the Airport

34 Chapter 4 Enhancing Academic Programming

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70 Chapter 6 Opportunities to Participate in the Academic

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Introduction and Motivation

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A Guidebook for Academia and Industry

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4 Enhancing Academic Programs to Prepare Future Airport Industry Professionals

Guidebook Contents and Format

Section I Introduction and Motivation

Section II Guidance to Academia

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Section III Guidance to Industry

Section IV Reference Materials

Topic Identifying Icons

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6 Enhancing Academic Programs to Prepare Future Airport Industry Professionals

guidance for each academic topic of interest, including business and

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Motivation: Addressing the Needs

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8 Enhancing Academic Programs to Prepare Future Airport Industry Professionals

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Motivation: Addressing the Needs of the Airport Workforce 9

Creating More and Broader Opportunities

Depth of Program Subject Areas

Incorporation of Outside Fields of Study

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10 Enhancing Academic Programs to Prepare Future Airport Industry Professionals

Strengthening Collaboration Between

7 Chapter 2 Motivation: Addressing the Needs of the Airport

70 Chapter 6 Opportunities to Participate in the Academic

Universities with Representative Aviation Programs*

Universities with Representative Aviation Programs* (Continued)