Master of Aviation Management

Program Overview

The American Institute of Applied Sciences in Switzerland offers a two-year Master of Science in International Business Administration with a specialization in Aviation Management. The program combines business fundamentals with aviation-specific coursework, preparing students for leadership roles in the aviation industry through experiential learning, industry connections, and career support. Ranked among the top 200 Master's programs globally, AUS fosters innovation, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Master of Science in International Business Administration (MIBA) with a specialization in Aviation Management at the American Institute of Applied Sciences in Switzerland (AUS) is a two-year, full-time program designed to prepare future managers for the aviation industry. The program aims to integrate traditional business knowledge with practical decision-making, problem-solving, creativity, and strategic thinking through real-world projects. It emphasizes a practical learning and research environment that fosters collaboration and active engagement with industry leaders, linking cutting-edge business theory to practical research and applications. The program focuses on solving real-world challenges, encouraging collaboration and team building within a diverse student body. The curriculum includes experiential learning activities such as simulations, individual and group presentations, case studies, and individual and/or group projects in each course. AUS supports internship placement, on-site company visits, and executive mentoring to facilitate career development. Graduates are expected to produce quality and practical business research culminating in a Master’s Capstone submission (thesis or business plan), with prizes awarded for the best theses. The program is ranked Top 2 in Switzerland and Top 200 globally within the Business Masters category (2025 QS World University Rankings).

Outline:

The MIBA in Aviation Management is a two-year program (90 credit hours | 120 ECTS) structured across six academic terms (three per year: Fall, Winter, and Spring). The curriculum comprises:

• 15 AUS Core Courses: (45 CH | 60 ECTS) These cover foundational business principles.
• 6 AUS Elective Courses: (18 CH | 24 ECTS) Students choose from a range of electives.
Examples include Airport Emergency Response, Basic Airside Safety, and Dangerous Goods Regulations for Flight Operations.
• 6 Aviation Specialization Courses: (18 CH | 24 ECTS) These courses focus on aviation-specific topics.
Examples include:
• Airline Business Foundations: Covers economic, political, revenue, and cost trends in the airline industry, including post-COVID opportunities and the impact of digital applications.
• Airline Marketing: Examines the evolution of airline marketing, the role of marketing in creating a customer-oriented culture, the impact of technology, and the development of marketing plans.
• Airport Business Management: Focuses on key principles of airport management, business planning, operational procedures, airport marketing, and stakeholder interaction.
• Aviation Safety Management: Explores safety management systems, their benefits, limitations, and success factors, and introduces concepts like Safety II.
• Aviation Sustainability Path and Challenges: Analyzes the environmental impact of air transportation, explores approaches to sustainability, and discusses social and ethical aspects.
• Aviation Regulation Compliance: Covers international air law, regulatory tensions, and the importance of regulatory compliance in aviation safety.
• Capstone: Thesis or Business Plan: (9 CH | 12 ECTS) This is a research proposal investigating one or more hypotheses or a business plan, completed during the final term and within six months of graduation.

Assessment:

The MIBA degree is conferred upon completion of:

• Academic credit requirements: minimum of 90 CH | 120 ECTS.
• Academic performance requirements: minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
• Capstone: Thesis (research proposal) or Business Plan.
• Attendance and residency requirements.
Additional credit-earning opportunities may be available through internships and research initiatives.

Teaching:

The program uses a combination of teaching methods, including experiential learning activities (simulations, presentations, case studies, projects). The faculty includes professionals with up-to-date knowledge and extensive networks in the aviation field. The small class size (15-20 students) and a faculty-student ratio of approximately 1:7 facilitate a close working relationship between students and professors, with ample feedback and coaching. Industry experts are invited as guest lecturers to share insights and experiences.

Careers:

The Aviation Management specialization aims to fast-track aviation careers. The program provides pertinent knowledge and skills, grounded in business theory and experiential learning. AUS facilitates internships with various aviation organizations (airlines, airports, suppliers, regulatory/trade authorities), leading to job placement for many graduates. Potential career paths include:

• Freight and Cargo Management
• Airline Management
• Passenger Services
• Private Aviation
• Aviation Support Services
• Immigration and Customs
• Airport Security Management

Other:

• The program offers industry visits to airports, hangars, cargo centers, IATA headquarters, and air traffic control centers to bridge the gap between coursework and real-world experience and facilitate networking.
• AUS is chartered under Swiss law and recognized by the Department of Education in the Canton of Vaud.
• AUS students have access to supplementary online courses offered by Sofema Online (not for credit).
• The global aviation industry is expected to double in size by 2037, with significant growth in the Asia-Pacific region, creating high demand for skilled professionals.
• AUS provides various support services to students, including career support, dedicated support, and learning support.
All students meet with the Academic Coordinator each term.
• The campus is located in the Swiss Riviera, with opportunities for exploring the region's cultural heritage and attractions.
• Students from over 50 nationalities attend AUS.
• AUS offers student housing within a five-kilometer radius of the campus.

Tuition & Fees Admission Fee = CHF 1’500.-(due when you have been accepted to the program) Application Fee: CHF 250.-(due before we review the application documents) MIBA in Aviation Management CHF 8’350.- per term 3 Terms per year 2-Year Master’s Degree Program flexible payment options available Fees per year Aviation Master: CHF 25’000.- per year MIBA in Aviation Management CHF 8’350 3 Terms per year / 2-Year Program flexible payment options available