Aviation Management

August 1, 2025 2025-08-14 21:07

Aviation Management

Lead the teams and operations that move the world.

The Aviation Management major at Rocky Mountain College opens doors to professional success in all facets of the aviation industry. Our approach develops not only technical expertise, but also the critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and leadership that set RMC graduates apart.

100%

of Aviation Management graduates were employed in the aviation industry within a year of graduating (last five years)

1:1

academic and career advising

Our Mission, Vision, and Values

At the heart of our program is RMC’s mission: to educate and train future leaders in aviation through liberal arts and professional programs. We value safety as the top priority, professional and ethical decision-making, and marketability—not just technical proficiency, but the ability to think, communicate, and adapt in a complex global environment.

Rocky’s vision is to be the leader in Collegiate Aviation in the Western U.S.—a place where RMC alumni are sought after, and where quality is maintained through mentorship, small classes, and selectivity.

Employment for Aviation Management Graduates last 5 years

Zipline (UAS)
Port of Pasco, Airport Security
FedEx Express ramp agent
Alpine Air management
Billings Flying Service
Aspen, CO Airport Security Manager
TAC Air FBO
Cross-Trained agent, Cape Air
Centennial Airport management
American Airlines Cross Trained Agent
Uncrewed Aerial Solutions, Owner/Operators

Information

Majors:
Aeronautical Science (Professional Pilot) (BS)
Aviation Management (BS)
Uncrewed Aerial Systems (BS)

Minors:
Aeronautical Science (Private Pilot)
Aircraft Dispatch
Uncrewed Aerial Systems

Faculty
Dan Hargrove, M.S.
Mark Donahue
Seth Livengood
Matt Prinkki, MBA

Aviation Related Links

Transfer and Nontraditional Credits

Defining Your Aviation Management Path

RMC’s Aviation Management curriculum prepares you for a broad range of high-impact roles. You’ll learn to manage airports, airlines, and FBOs, assess and apply safety and security laws, oversee operations and staff, and integrate the latest business, sustainability, and leadership strategies.

Program-specific coursework covers airport planning, air transportation management, aviation law, labor issues, meteorology, and more.

You’ll also master the art of communication—both written and verbal—and leave RMC with extensive experience in team-based projects and real-world problem-solving.

Measuring Success

Professionalism & Communication:
Assessed throughout the program, from CRM and capstone presentations to supervisor and peer evaluations.

Ethical Leadership:
Developed and measured using real-world case studies, reflective papers, and classroom simulations in courses like AVS 400 and 405. (see course Catalog)

Management Mastery:
Proven in senior projects, internships, and through feedback from aviation partners and alumni employers.

Continuous Feedback & Assessment:
RMC regularly surveys all students, graduates, employers, and industry professionals to review and improve learning outcomes.

Program Highlights

AABI Accredited & Industry-Aligned:
The Aviation Management major is accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI)—a distinction held by only 30 programs globally—affirming our curriculum’s excellence and industry relevance.

Liberal Arts Foundation & Practical Experience:
Our students build in-demand skills in communication, team dynamics, and ethics, applying these to real-world aviation environments through required internships and project-based learning.

Personalized Instruction:
Our focus on thoughtful growth ensures high-quality cohorts, individual attention from faculty with real-world management experience, and strong peer connections.