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Department of Aviation
Board a direct flight to your future in the University of Central Missouri’s Department of Aviation. No matter your specialization, UCM’s Aviation program is grounded in over 50 years of tradition and history, offering courses that expose you to all aspects of the aviation industry.
Whether you see yourself in the cockpit as a professional pilot or in a management role leading the future of aviation, the University of Central Missouri is your gateway to an unprecedented hands-on experience. UCM is one of the few universities in the country to own and operate its own airport, aircraft repair station and fleet of aircraft and flight simulators.
Take your learning from the classroom to the clouds with our program options
- Professional Pilot, BS: Get on a flight path to become a professional pilot.
- Aviation Management, BS: Propel into an aviation management or operations role.
- Option 1 - Flight Operations Management, or Option 2 - Airport Management
- Aviation Safety, MS: Experience our 100% online graduate program, which is one of the first programs of its kind in the country.
- MBA - Airport Management: Become an executive business leader in the aviation industry with an MBA.
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Only university-owned airport in MO
Accredited by AABI
16:1 departmental student-to-faculty ratio
100% job placement rate for pilots
Nation’s only MBA in Airport Management
MS in Aviation Safety
Find your Aviation future at UCM
The University of Central Missouri’s Max B. Swisher Skyhaven Airport is the only university-owned airport in the state, providing you with the ultimate in hands-on learning, no matter which track you choose. Gain aviation expertise and experience with UCM’s many learning opportunities:
- Internships: We are proud to partner with Republic Airways and other regional airlines to offer a pipeline program. Work at UCM while gaining flight hours to begin your career as a professional pilot.
- Networking: Graduate students often travel to regional, national and international conferences to network with other aviation professionals and discover new career opportunities. Resume-building opportunities abound via membership in a variety of professional associations, including the Missouri Airport Managers Association (MAMA).
- Rare distinction: UCM is the only university to offer the MBA in Airport Management, an accredited program by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) that helps airport employees become airport executives. In this graduate program, you’ll earn the Certified Member (CM) designation and Airport Certified Employee (ACE) certifications in Airport Finance and Safety Management Systems.
- Camaraderie: Make connections, gain experience and have fun by joining our flight team, the Flying Mules.
What can you do with a degree in one of UCM’s Aviation programs?
Joining the Department of Aviation at UCM assures you a smooth landing into the career of your dreams. No matter your final destination, you’ll reach your cruising altitude in an exciting aviation career with specialized training from UCM’s Department of Aviation.
UCM’s qualified pilot professionals go on to jobs as:
- Airline executives
- Airfield operation supervisors
- Airport administration
- Airport inspectors
- Air traffic control
- Aviation planning
- Cargo pilots
- Commercial airline pilots
- Corporate jet pilots
- Fixed Base Operation management
- Flight instructors
- Military pilots
- Safety supervisors
Graduate students in our master’s in Aviation Safety program are also well-positioned to move up the ranks within the aviation industry, given their direct access to UCM’s airport. Our MS in Aviation Safety students go on to jobs at regulatory agencies, military and civil aviation safety boards, aerospace equipment manufacturers, aviation consulting firms and airport management and design agencies. Many also work as trainers and instructors.
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Skyhaven Airport - Home to UCM's Aviation Program
The University of Central Missouri's Max B. Swisher Skyhaven Airport is the only university-owned airport in Missouri. Located three miles northwest of Warrensburg, the airport serves as the training facility for UCM’s nationally recognized aviation program. It is also the community airport for Johnson County, MO. The airport was named in honor of the late Warrensburg entrepreneur and businessman Max Boothe Swisher, who donated the airport to UCM in 1968. The donation sparked the creation of UCM’s aviation and other related programs. Click here to learn more about Skyhaven Airport.
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