LEAD THE EVOLUTION OF THE TRANSPORTATION INDUSTRY WITH A MASTER’S IN AVIATION & TRANSPORTATION.
As one of the leading programs in aviation and transportation in the greater Chicago area, Lewis University’s Master of Science in Aviation and Transportation (MSAT), both online and in-person, will provide you with an extensive background to meet the challenges of maintaining the extremely high safety and security standards that characterize air and ground transportation today.
Broad Curriculum Focus: Unlike other programs that may focus solely on specific aspects of aviation, the MSAT offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes management, operations, and safety, preparing students for diverse roles in the industry.
Real-World Application: The program includes practical experiences and research opportunities that align with industry-specific guidelines, providing you with hands-on learning that is directly applicable to your career.
Exclusive Location and Networking Advantage: º£½ÇÉçÇø is located in the largest hub of intermodal transportation in the world. The MSAT provides unparalleled access to industry connections and job opportunities. Students benefit from extensive networking with faculty, in their classes, and with local aviation professionals. º£½ÇÉçÇø, a leader in aviation education since 1932, has a significant number of alumni in the aviation community, enhancing career prospects.
The Master of Science in Aviation and Transportation is designed to offer a multi-faceted approach in preparing graduates for transformational roles in the aviation and transportation industry. Graduates will be prepared for careers in a variety of fields including:
- higher education
- logistics
- industry
- professional management
- government, and
- other agencies associated with aviation and transportation.
You will study the current transportation industry and that industry’s regulation from a variety of perspectives. The goal of this graduate-level master’s program is to provide the knowledge and skills necessary to advance students in their current aviation and transportation careers, as well as transition graduates for new career opportunities. Students will develop an appreciation of human factors and the importance of research in decision-making and will develop skills in:
- communication
- human resource management,
- strategic planning for transportation projects, and
- quality management systems for aviation and transportation safety.
This program incorporates the moral and ethical dimensions of decision-making and interpersonal relations in all coursework. Through coursework, research and industry partnerships, you will earn a comprehensive education and ethical understanding for business and personal success.
Program Features
- 8-week courses (students choose classes delivered in online or traditional face-to-face formats)
- Complete your degree in 2 years while working full time
- < 15 students per class for personalized attention
- Customized curriculum to match your specific career plans
- Choose a Concentration (12 credits) in Management, Operations, or Safety
- Industry-leading and experienced aviation faculty
- Connections with O'Hare and Midway Airports
A Preferred Destination for International Students
Our Master’s in Aviation and Transportationprogram is a popular choice for our international students, with terrific internship opportunities with leading aviation organizations to help prepare you for your successful aviation career.
A Fantastic Next Step for Veterans
The military provided you with the skills and training for leadership. Now that you’ve left military life, let us help you put those skills to work for you. With a Master of Science degree in Aviation and Transportation from º£½ÇÉçÇø, you can enjoy a productive career in several areas of the aviation industry, including logistics. You can get college credit for your military experience through the Joint Service Transcript. And you can apply for free!
Where Have Aviation and Transportation, M.S. Alumni Gone to Work?
Recent graduates have gone on to terrific careers at the FAA, Chicago Department of Aviation, major U.S. airlines, top-tier Universities, and global transportation logistics companies. Read what our students have to say.
Career Opportunities for an Aviation and Transportation, M.S. Graduate
Aviation Safety
Aviation safety focuses on ensuring the security of aircraft, aircraft operations, and even drone regulation, to make sure air traffic is safe and open for take-off and landing.
An operations manager works in administration ensuring the functionality and fluidity of an organization, maximizing efficiency, and making sure that the organization is turning a profit at the same time.
Resources at º£½ÇÉçÇø
As a nationally-recognized Midwestern Regional University, Lewis was founded on a spirit of innovation that carries over to the student-faculty interaction in the classroom. You will graduate well-equipped with the knowledge and skills to  build a better world.
- : A comprehensive view of º£½ÇÉçÇø’s courses and its educational values, guided by the shared ideals expressed in their Catholic and Lasallian mission statement.
- You don’t just earn a graduate degree  when you go to º£½ÇÉçÇø, you get a whole network of professional connections from a thriving alumni community.
- Taught by a passionate community of experienced professionals from diverse backgrounds, º£½ÇÉçÇø’s faculty is committed to providing you with the skills needed to succeed in your professional career.
Admission Requirements
All candidates for admission must possess a bachelor’s degree in aviation from a regionally accredited institution of higher education or in a major in a related field. Individuals who have completed a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated area but have work experience in aviation and/or transportation industries may also apply. The applicant’s overall undergraduate GPA must be 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. In special cases, the GPA may be calculated on the most recent 60 semester hours of coursework. Additionally, applicants must submit:
- A completed application.
- Academic transcripts from each institution attended.
- A one-to-two page personal statement describing the applicant’s background and how the degree relates to the applicant’s career goals.
- Two letters of recommendation attesting to the applicant’s likely success in the program.
When the application materials are complete, they will be forwarded to the University Graduate Council. The Council has the final say in graduate admissions. After Graduate Council review, the applicant will then be informed in writing of its decision.
Dr. Ryan Phillips
philliry@lewisu.edu
Department Chair of Aviation and Transportation
Professor of Aviation & Transportation
- Ed.D. University of South Dakota
- M.A. Western Michigan University
- B.S. Western Michigan University
- FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI, CFII, MEI) Gold Seal
- FAA Certified Commercial Pilot
Dr. Erik Baker
bakerer@lewisu.edu
Director of Master of Science in Aviation & Transportation
Associate Professor of Aviation
- Ph.D. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- M.A.S. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- B.S. United States Naval Academy
- FAA Certified Airline Transport Pilot (ATR-42/72, DC-9, G-1159, G-V, SA-227)
- FAA Certified Flight Instructor Multi-Engine Airplane Instrument and Rotorcraft-Helicopter Instrument
- FAA Certified Commercial Single-Engine Land and Rotorcraft-Helicopter (S-70, SK-65)
- DOT Certified ORM Instructor
- ICAP Federal Aviation Safety Officer
Dr. James H. Cistone
jcistone@lewisu.edu
Adjunct Professor
- Ph.D. Aviation, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- Ph.D. (ABD) Physics and Atmospheric Science, Drexel University
- M.S. Physics and Atmospheric Science, Drexel University
- B.S. Physics, Muhlenberg College
- FAA Certified Flight Instructor Aircraft and Instrument, Commercial, Advanced Ground Instructor, Instrument Ground Instructor, Remote Pilot
- Founder & Principal Consultant of Sullivan Aviation Services, LLC
Previous:
- Lockheed Electronics, Chief Engineer for ATC programs
- GE Aerospace, Technical Director for Aviation Information Systems
- NASA Advanced Air Transportation Technologies, Principle Investigator
- Next Gen Joint Planning and Development Office, Architect and Principle Investigator
- Lockheed Martin Air Traffic Management Company, Senior Program Manager New Market Development
- American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Associate Fellow
Dr. David R. Freiwald
freiwada@lewisu.edu
Adjunct Professor
- Ph.D. Aviation, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- M.B.A., Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- M.S. Space Studies, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- M.S. Human Factors, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- B.S. Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University
- B.A. History/Economics, Tulane University
- FAA Certified Airline Transport Pilot Multi-Engine Airplane Land (A-320/330, ATR-42/72, CL-65, DC-9)
- FAA Certified Flight Instructor Instrument Gold Seal, Commercial, Advanced Ground Instructor, Instrument Ground Instructor, Remote Pilot, Certified Aircraft Dispatcher
- Partner Consultant, Magpie Human Safety Systems
Previous:
- Executive Director, Alert Aviation Services
- Vice President, Aviation Standards and Quality, AeroGuard Flight Training Centre
- Manager, Advanced Qualification Program, A320/321 Check Airman and Pilot Instructor, JetBlue Airways
- Assistant Professor, Aerospace and Occupational Safety, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- Director, Digital Flight Data Analysis Lab, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Dr. Benjamin J. Goodheart
Adjunct Professor
- Ph.D. Applied Aviation Safety, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- M.S. Safety Science, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- FAA Certified Airline Transport Pilot, Certified Flight Instructor
- Founder & Principal Consultant of Magpie Human Safety Systems
- Certified Safety Professional
- Royal Aeronautical Society Fellow
- Prior President of Mercy Wings Network
Prof. George Kemp III
gkemp2@lewisu.edu
Adjunct Professor
- M.S. Aviation & Transportation, Lewis University
- Manager, Chicago Intermodal Operations, Schneider National, Inc
Prof. William "Bill" McKeown
mckeowwi@lewisu.edu
Adjunct Professor
- M.B.A. Keller Graduate School of Management
- B.S. University of Illinois
- FAA Certified Commercial, Multi-Engine, Instrument
- HR Director, Wockhardt, USA
Previous:
- Previous: Assistant Commissioner of HR, City of Chicago Department of Aviation (O'Hare and Midway airports)
- MillionAir FBO Franchise Part 135 Charter Ops
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
- Society for Human Resources Management, Senior Certified Professional
- Global Professional in Human Resources
- Senior Professional in Human Resources
Prof. John Sicinski
jsicinski@lewisu.edu
Adjunct Professor
- Master Certificate in Applied Project Mgmt, Villanova University
- M.A. Transportation & Logistics Mgmt, American Military University
- B.S. Marine Engineering, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
- President/Principal Consultant, Maritime Consulting, LLC
- Head of Engineering and Project Management, ABB, Inc.
- Naval Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officer, FEMA (CDR, US Naval Reserves)
- Private Pilot License
- Small Unmanned Aerial Systems Pilot License
Previous:
- Shipyard General Superintendent, Illinois Marine Towing/Canal Barge Company
- Divisional Survey Mgmt Team, American Bureau of Shipping Americas
- Project Manager, American Bureau of Shipping Pacific
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- USCG Chief Engineer of Diesel up to 4000 hp (Merchant Mariner Engineering License)
Dr. Baron C. Summers
Adjunct Professor
- Ph.D. Psychology & Cognitive Engineering, Capella University
- M.S. System Architecture and Engineering, University of Southern California
- B.S. Computer Science, University of Southern California
- Independent Consultant, SA Error Analysis of Aviation Incidents, NASA ASRS Database
Previous:
- Researcher and UAS Operator, University of Chicago at Argonne National Laboratory
- Adjunct Professor, Homeland Security Training Institute (HSTI), College of DuPage
- Thesis, º£½ÇÉçÇø, May 2017. Comparing Historical Collisions Involving Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) And Manned Aircraft Against Avian Strikes in Addition to Current Research. Major Professor: Randal J. DeMik, Ph.D.
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