Mount Royal University launches Bachelor of Aviation Management degree

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A new four-year Bachelor of Aviation Management degree has landed at Mount Royal University (MRU). The program blends technical and managerial competencies, equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed for successful careers in the aviation sector ranging from the runway to the boardroom. The Bissett School of Business, which houses MRU’s Aviation program, will admit 40 students annually, with applications now open for the first cohort starting Fall 2024.

“Mount Royal is proud to be playing a vital role in advancing the aviation sector and its importance to the future economy of Alberta. This new degree is an important step in that growth,” said Dr. Chad London, PhD, provost and vice-president academic at MRU.

The Bachelor of Aviation Management is the first degree of its kind in Alberta, providing a comprehensive education that prepares graduates for roles in operations and management within airlines, airports and other aviation-related businesses. With two unique concentration pathways, Flight Crew Operations and Aviation Operations, students are able to narrow in on the area that interests them most. While flight training may be part of the degree depending on which concentration a student selects, a private pilot’s license is not required prior to applying.

“There is a pilot shortage worldwide, so there is an enormous demand for education in this sector. We have also received feedback from industry that says there is a need for people with a business background along with an understanding of aviation to work in many other leadership roles in the sector,” said Kelly Williams-Whitt, dean of the Faculty of Business and Communication Studies.

Through the Flight Crew Operations pathway, students have the option to pursue a Commercial Pilot License and Multi-Engine Instrument Rating. This comprehensive training prepares them for a professional pilot career while also positioning them strategically for management roles as their aviation journey progresses.

The Aviation Operations pathway focuses on honing management skills and provides specialized knowledge in aviation business content. From addressing global operational challenges to delving into economic and environmental sustainability, financial operations, logistics, and best practices for managing people and processes in the aviation industry, this pathway ensures graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles.

Built on a strong base of experiential learning, the Bachelor of Aviation Management is designed to facilitate a seamless transition from degree to employment. The University’s airline partnership program provides students with direct access to mentorship and interview opportunities while the Co-operative Education option allows students to complete up to three 450-hour paid work terms.

“The degree builds on the aviation alumni and industry network that already exists with the diploma and MRU’s great reputation in aviation for more than 50 years. There are numerous partnerships, both formal and informal, that can lead to jobs,” said Deanna Wiebe, academic director and chief flight instructor of the Aviation program at Mount Royal.

That job-readiness is evidenced by the many MRU Aviation alumni who are now pilots or work in flight operations.

“Enrolling in the Aviation program at Mount Royal University was a transformative experience that equipped me with the skills and knowledge needed to be successful,” said Travis Burrows, chief pilot for WestJet Encore. “One of the standout aspects of the program is the high caliber of professional standards that set a benchmark for the rest of my career.”

On the operations side, Murray Strom, senior vice-president for flight operations and maintenance for Air Canada and a program alumni (1984) encourages prospective students to look seriously at the new degree.

“Aviation is both an exciting and dynamic profession; this program will allow individuals who want to advance in the growing area of aviation both on the business side and flight operations areas. It will give individuals the tools they need to advance and succeed in the industry.”

Diploma graduate (2023) Maya Hand said MRU Aviation gave her the skills and knowledge she needed to soar to her current position as a pilot with Sunwing Airlines.

“The program gave me insight into the industry that would have been difficult to find elsewhere. There was also a sense of camaraderie with my classmates. The program was well developed to prepare me for the airline industry,” said Hand.

“For students that are wanting a more comprehensive program in aviation the four-year degree is a good option with broader employment opportunities and increased insight into the management aspect of aviation.”

To learn more, visit mtroyal.ca.

THIS STORY WAS PROVIDED BY MOUNT ROYAL UNIVERSITY FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES.