Designed for working professionals and available as a mix of online courses and six-day on-campus residencies, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University’s Ph.D. in Aviation, the “only one in the nation,” has begun. There are eleven students pioneering the research-intensive three-year course that began this month and aims “to tackle the major issues facing today’s aviation aerospace industry.” Getting into the program isn’t easy. “We were able to be highly selective in assembling this first cohort of students,” Alan Stolzer, director for the Ph.D. program, said. The first group is roughly balanced between males and females and each individual will explore topics in management, training, economics, regulation, communications, and NextGen air transportation, with a special focus on aviation operations. The program is designed to allow them to do that while continuing with their careers. A next group will be accepted to the program beginning in July, 2010. Applications will be accepted prior to April.
After receiving their doctorates, no sooner than three years from now, the program’s first graduates have so far expressed desires that include research in aeromedical issues, airspace redesign, human factors, space tourism, and unmanned aerial systems. Those who believe this kind of higher education may be their calling should visit the program’s online home for more details, including application requirements.
