Aviation Management
The University of Dubuque Aviation Management major includes a set core of aviation courses as well as a set course of business courses to best prepare graduates for business opportunities in the aviation industry.
Additionally, the program requirement of an internship or independent study allows students to sample what the industry has to offer and what they have to offer the industry. The various concentrations available to Aviation Management majors allows students to specifically prepare for careers in the airline, corporate aviation, air traffic control, or fixed-base operator (FBO) airport management fields.
What You Will Learn
- Demonstrate the impact of aviation, technology, and business sustainability in a global and societal context.
- Apply the techniques, skills, and modern aviation management tools to perform business related tasks.
- Function on a multi-disciplinary and diverse management team which includes technical and management issues.
- Utilize mathematics, science and/or applied science to ensure safe and efficient operations.
- Accurately analyze and interpret data to solve a variety of complex problems.
- Recognize and apply ethical and professional excellence for responsible decision-making.
- Communicate effectively with precision and clarity within aviation and related industries.
- Engage and recognize the need for life-long learning.
Program of Study
A University of Dubuque degree in aviation management prepares students for a career in nearly every aspect of business and management within the aviation industry. Designed with a strong aviation and business core, students will gain an understanding of the various branches of business within the industry from airports, FBO’s, airlines, corporate flight departments, and everywhere in between.
Schedule a visit today! Tour the University campus and Flight Operations Center at the Dubuque Regional Airport. Speak with our professors about career paths in aviation and meet our friendly staff. We can't wait to share our passion for aviation.
What Our Students Do
The University of Dubuque Aviation Management Program allows students the opportunity to explore and learn the management and operation of both domestic and international airlines, modern airports, corporate aviation, and fixed-base operators (FBO’s). Students receive opportunities to get out of the classroom and get hands-on experience in each of these various areas. Additionally, class trips to places such as United Airlines in Chicago, John Deere and Elliott Aviation in Moline, and several different airports enhance the learning expereince.
Where Our Graduates Go
University of Dubuque Aviation Management graduates go all directions. Recent graduates of the University of Dubuque Aviation Management Program have found careers in air traffic control at the Chicago Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC), the corporate offices of Republic Airlines, various branches of the military, American Airlines, O’Hare Airport, and many other places.
News from the Department
University of Dubuque's Spring Aviation Career Days will be held April 26-27, 2018. We begin with a career fair in the Iowa Hangar at the Dubuque Regional Airport on Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and finish with interviews on Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on campus in the Center for Advising and Vocation.
The University of Dubuque is striving to bring the best education and flight training available. The University of Dubuque has recently purchased 11 new Cessna 172SP aircraft. This means that UD’s entire fleet of Cessnas will consist of 2014 or newer model aircraft and all have the latest in glass cockpit technology, utilizing the Garmin G-1000 Avionics system.
Aviation Management - Program of Study
The courses below are a program sample of what students may encounter. Students will meet with their advisers to develop a personal educational program to plan their elective course choices, internships, undergraduate research, and other educational opportunities and experiences.
Year One
Fall Semester
AVI 121: Fundamentals of Flight Operations (2) * If Student takes AVI 131 the number of first semester cources may need to be reduced.
AVI 145: Safety and Ethics in Aviation (1)
ENG 101: Composition and Rhetoric (3)
UDMA 112: College Algebra (3)
WVS 101: World View Seminar I (3)
J-Term
Elective (3)
Spring Semester
AVI 233: Air Transportation (3)
BAC 120: Principles of Macroeconomics (3)
CIS 101: Intro to Computers or CIS 103: Computer Applications in Business (3)
WVS 201: World View Seminar II (3)
Year Two
Fall Semester
COM 210: Interpersonal Communication or BAC 324: Leadership & Motivation or BAC 332: Negotiation and Conflict Management (3)
BAC 201: Principles of Management (3)
COM 101: Speech Communication (3)
RES 104: Intro to Research Writing (4)
J-Term
Open
Spring Semester
AVI Elective (3)
ENG 112: Introducation to Literature or ENG 260: Literature and Culture (3)
Aesthetics Requirement (3)
Religion Requirement (3)
Year Three
Fall Semester
AVI 341: Aviation Law (3)
AVI 333: Aviation Security and Crisis Management (3)
BAC 241: Principles of Financial Accounting (3)
UDMA 230: Intro to Statistics (3)
J-Term
AVI 496: Aviation Policy Seminar (3) or Internship
Spring Semester
AVI Elective (3)
AVI 349: Aviation Safety Management (3)
BAC 242: Principles of Managerial Accounting (3)
Stewardship Requirement (3)
Year Four
Fall Semester
AVI Elective (3)
AVI 322: Human Capitol and Employee Management (3)
Science Lab Requirement (4)
Elective Course (3)
J-Term
Open
Spring Semester
AVI 444: Air Transportation Economics and Finance (3)
AVI 495: Senior Seminar (3) or Wolrd View Seminar IV
Elective Course (3)
Elective Course (3)
Chaminda Prelis
Head of Aviation Programs Associate Professor of Aviation MS, Aviation BBA, Aviation Management Office Phone: 563.589.3835 E-mail: cprelis@dbq.edu Office Location: 304 Severance Hall and Airport Flight Operations Center Fax: 563.589.3177 |
Steven Accinelli
Director of Aviation and Special Programs MS, Case Western Reserve University MS, National Defense University BS, University of Idaho Office Phone: 563.589.3811 E-mail: saccinel@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center Fax: 563.589.3179 Biography - Click Here
Over 40 years of experience in the aviation industry with extensive experience in flight operations, financial planning, research, teaching, safety management, contract negotiations, equipment procurement, and personnel management. Courses taught at institutions of higher learning: Applied Aerodynamics Instrument Ground School Crew Resource Management International Airline Operations CFI – Instrument Ground School Human Factors Aviation Policy Development Airport Management Contemporary Problems in Air Transportation Multi-Engine Ground School Private Pilot Ground School Corporate Aviation Management Corporate Aviation Management (graduate level) Aviation Business Design (graduate level) Airline Management Fixed Base Operations Safety and Ethics in Aviation Current Position Director of Aviation and Special Programs, and Professor emeritus of Aviation, University of Dubuque, Dubuque, Iowa Education 1996 - Master of Science, National Security Strategy, National Defense University, Washington, DC 1985 - Master of Science, Operations Research, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 1974 - Bachelor of Science, Business Management, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho
Pertinent Aviation Certificates NBAA Certified Aviation Manager Initial certification 09/2007 Recertification 09/2010 and 09/2013 FAA Pilot Certifications Air Transport Pilot, Multi-engine Airplane Commercial/Instrument Helicopter Certified Flight Instructor, Airplane Single & Multi Engine Certified Flight Instructor-Instrument Airplane Helicopter Instructor (Military) Airman Certification Representative (ACR) Designated Pilot Examiner (Ground Instructors)
Flight Experience Total Time 8400 hours Turbine 4525 hours Multi-engine 4100 hours Helicopters 3500 hours Instrument 1550 hours (Actual 1125 hours) Night 1030 hours Dual given 1950 hours
Pertinent Experience 1/99 to present Department Head for a University Aviation Department consisting of 240 majors, 21 aircraft and 38 faculty and staff. Responsible for academic direction and program development. Manage a budget of over 2.8 million dollars with maintenance, safety, logistics, recruiting, and employee hiring responsibilities. 9/02 to present Airport Commissioner, Dubuque Regional Airport. Currently serving as the Chairperson of an autonomous Commission for an airport ranked second busiest in the State with part 139 responsibilities and over 40,000 annual passengers. 7/83 to present Flight Instructor for single and multi-engine aircraft to include instruments; non-current helicopter flight instructor. 7/98 to 8/99 Adjunct Instructor III, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, qualified to teach 19 graduate courses. 6/96 to 1/99 Principle Adviser to the Adjutant Generals of the Montana and Idaho National Guard for training, operations, personnel, and logistics in support of 7000 National Guard soldiers. Developed detailed training plans and coordinated the execution of training leading to significantly improved unit readiness. Developed plans and policies that increased personnel fill to high priority units and increased promotion selection rates. Developed training and deployment plans for infantry, aviation, public affairs, and fire fighting units participating in Bosnia operations and National Training Center (NTC) rotations. 6/94 to 6/95 Senior Military Analyst in an office led by a Department of Army Civilian in the Senior Executive Service. Provided oversight and policy guidance to Army Experimentation and Testing programs. Assigned as lead analyst on the policy committee for the Comanche Helicopter Program. Project analyst for the integration of all analytical efforts in support of Force XXI digitization experimentation. 6/92 to 6/94 Commander, Aviation Battalion, Fort Rucker, Alabama. Directly responsible for the Army’s Initial Entry Rotary Wing training program. Budget authority exceeded 12 million dollars. Supervised flight activities that achieved over 270,000 accident free flight hours. Provided quality assurance for over 200 contract flight instructors and 700 maintenance personnel. Supervised over 320 personnel of which approximately 200 were flight instructors. 1/91 to 5/92 Senior Aviation Advisor to the U.S. Embassy La Paz, Bolivia. Coordinated 50 aircraft from various U.S. Government agencies and the Bolivian Air Force in our Nation’s efforts against illicit drug activities. Developed training, logistics, operations, safety education, and aircraft overhaul programs in a country with limited infrastructure. 9/88 to 1/90 Vice-president, Fixed-wing Operations, Air North, Watertown, New York. A part-135 business integrating two companies with fixed and rotary wing aircraft. 6/88 to 1/90 Executive Officer for an Assault Helicopter Battalion in Fort Drum, New York. Responsible for the staff integration of maintenance, logistic, administration, personnel, operations, safety, and training for an organization consisting of 325 personnel and 55 helicopters. Project officer for the formation of this new unit. Developed and oversaw execution of a plan to consolidate unit split by a distance of over 100 miles two years early. This resulted in savings of 1.8 million dollars. Planned and executed transition to the UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter with minimum impact on unit readiness. 1/86 to 6/88 Ad Hoc Member, Graduate School, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas. Provided counseling to graduate students and served on thesis committee for computer simulation experimental design proposals. 3/85 to 7/88 President, Fort Leavenworth Flying Club, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Directed flight school, supervised maintenance, and managed fuel operations. 9/83 to 1/85 Fixed and rotary wing commercial pilot for Baron Aviation, Cleveland, Ohio. Established turbine helicopter operation. 6/81 to 6/83 Aviation Company Commander for UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter unit. Unit consisted of 15 helicopters and 190 personnel. Responsible for operations, training, safety, maintenance, and logistics. 6/73 to 5/81 Various aviation leadership, maintenance and flight positions in Europe and the United States. 6/73 First paid flight (aviation employment)
National and Regional Level Aviation Activities National Business Aircraft Association (NBAA) Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) Access Committee member – Airport Working Group (6/08-9/12) Co-Chair, CAM Testing Committee CAM Governing Board member Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) Past Secretary Past Treasurer Ad Hoc member Outcomes Assessment Committee 2007 Visiting Team Accreditation, SE Oklahoma State University 2008 Visiting Team Accreditation, Southern Illinois University 2009 Elected Trustee, re-elected in 2102 2010 Visiting Team Accreditation, ERAU Prescott and Daytona Beach 2010 Conducted Workshop for SIU on Aviation Accreditation Assessment 2011 Conducted Assessment Workshop, Raising the Standard 2011 Presentation, Safety Programs for Collegiate Aviation 2011 Qualified as Visiting Team Chair 2011 Visiting Team Accreditation, St. Louis University 2012 Visiting Team Accreditation Chair, Westminster College 2013 Visiting Team Accreditation Chair, Mercer County Community College 2014 Visiting Team Accreditation Chair, Purdue University 2015 Visiting Team Accreditation, Kent State University
University Aviation Association (UAA) Aviation Policy Seminar Director (15 seminars to Washington, DC) Safety Auditor, 2007 ERAU 2009 Presentation on Establishing an Aviation Advisory Board 2013 Presentation on Aviation Policy Development
School of Missionary Aviation (SMAT) Advisory Board Member (2005-2011)
Dubuque Regional Airport Commission Member, 2002 Treasurer, 2003 Secretary, 2004 Vice-Chair, 2006 – 2007, 2013 - 2014 Chair, 2007- 2010, 2014 – present
State of Iowa Aviation Advisory Committee, 2005 to 2010 Aviation Infrastructure Committee, 2009 to 2011
University Service University of Kansas: Graduate Thesis Advisor University of Dubuque Professional Development, Promotion, and Tenure Committee Core Curriculum Committee School of Professional Programs representative to the Board of Trustees Planning and Finance Committee Presidential Ad Hoc Committee on Enrollment/Student Body Size Advisor Flight Team/Qualified NIFA Judge Faculty Search Committees (Aviation/Business/Criminal Justice/Environmental Science) Faculty Athletic Representative Chair, Management Council, Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (IIAC) Two years on the Executive Management Council, IIAC Academic Council Professional Development Committee, past Chair
Professional Associations Member, Aircraft Owners and Pilot Association (AOPA) Institutional Representative, University Aviation Association (UAA) Institutional Representative, Aviation Accreditation Board, International (AABI) Committee Member, National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Member, National Air Transportation Association (NATA) |
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Jo Lynn Bentz
Aviation Business Office Assistant BS - Computer Science, Mount Mercy College Office Phone: 563.589.3928 E-mail: JBentz@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center |
Kim Bruggenwirth
Aviation Business Manager Office Phone: 563.589.3180 E-mail: kbruggen@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center Fax: 563.589.3179 |
Candace Dalsing
Aviation Dispatch Office Phone: 563.589.3820 E-mail: cdalsing@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center |
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Adam Eggerman
Flight Instructor - Helicopter E-mail: AEggerman@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center |
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Michael Ferrero
Adjunct Professor - Aviation MS, Predictive Analytics, Northwestern University E-mail: Mferrero@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center |
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Tony Foster
Assistant Professor MAS, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; Safety Systems BS, University of Dubuque; Flight Operations/Aviation Management Office Phone: 563.589.3815 E-mail: tfoster@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center Fax: 563.589.3179 |
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Michael Glynn
Chief Flight Instructor BS, University of Dubuque Office Phone: 563.589.3277 E-mail: mglynn@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center Fax: 563.589.3179 |
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Nick Glynn
Certified Flight Instructor E-mail: NGlynn@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center |
Kenneth Godwin
Assistant Professor MBA, University of Dubuque; Business Administration BS, University of Dubuque; Aviation Management Office Phone: 563.589.3761 E-mail: kgodwin@dbq.edu Office Location: 302 Severance Hall Fax: 563.589.3177 |
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Ramon Gonzalez
Flight Instructor Office Phone: 563.589.3832 E-mail: RGonzalez@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center |
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Robert Grierson
Adjunct Faculty MPA E-mail: Rgrierson@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center Biography - Click Here
Robert A. Grierson, AAE, is currently serving as the manager of the Dubuque Regional Airport. He previously managed the Chico Municipal Airport and served as assistant director for the Fresno Airport System. Robert Managed the operating and capital budgets for O’Hare, Midway & Meigs for the City of Chicago, and served as Commissioner on the DuPage Airport Authority. Robert holds a master and bachelor degrees in public administration. He is an Accredited Airport Executive by the American Association of Airport Executives. He served second term as president of the Iowa Public Airports Association. Robert has 30 years of experience in airport management, has been teaching undergraduate and graduate classes since 1996, and is an active pilot with commercial, instrument, multi-engine, and helicopter ratings. Robert retired as full Colonel with over 38 years of military service, and he was awarded the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, and Master Army Aviator Badge. Robert is married with two sons, one at University of Missouri, the other at University of Iowa. |
Tyler Hutchinson
Certified Flight Instructor E-mail: THutchinson@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center |
James S. Jenkins
Director of Aviation Maintenance BS, University of Dubuque Office Phone: 563.589.3812 E-mail: jjenkins@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center Fax: 563.589.3179 |
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Maxwell Judnic
Certified Flight Instructor E-mail: MJudnic@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center |
Polly Kadolph
Associate Professor of Aviation MBA, University of Dubuque |
Joan Kariuki
Aircraft Mechanic AAT Faculty Office Phone: 563.589.3812 E-mail: jkariuki@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center |
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Zarick Kuehl
Helicopter Flight Instructor E-mail: ZKuehl@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center |
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Trevor Lee
Flight Instructor Office Phone: 563.589.3836 E-mail: TLee@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center |
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Cathy Macatangay
Certified Flight Instructor E-mail: CMacatangay@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center |
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Emmanuel Munoz
Flight Instructor Office Phone: 563.589.3813 E-mail: Emunoz@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center |
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Michael Nickeson
Flight Instructor Office Phone: 563.589.3817 E-mail: MNickeson@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center |
Suzanne Peterson
Assistant Chief BS, University of Dubuque |
Michael Phillips
Director of Operations: University Flight Center BA, MA; Loras College |
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Nicholas Rodts-Miranda
Certified Flight Instructor E-mail: NRodts@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center |
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Cameron Rowenhorst
Certified Flight Instructor E-mail: CRowenhorst@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center |
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Eric Savage
Assistant Professor PhD, CM Office Phone: 5635893386 E-mail: ESavage@dbq.edu Office Location: 308 Severance Hall |
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Nicholas Schwab
Certified Flight Instructor E-mail: NSchwab@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center |
Ching-Kuan Su
Stage Check Instructor Office Phone: 563.589.3807 E-mail: csu@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center |
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Dallas Syverson
Certified Flight Instructor E-mail: Dsyverson@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center |
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Colin Waldorf
Stage Check Instructor BS, University of Dubuque Office Phone: 563.589.3823 E-mail: cwaldorf@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center |
Roger Wickman
Flight Instructor Office Phone: 563.589.3829 E-mail: rwickman@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center |
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Edwin Zenke
Certified Flight Instructor E-mail: EZenke@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center |
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Jeremiah Ziebert
CRJ 200 Instructor BS, University of Dubuque E-mail: jziebert@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center |
Careers in Aviation Management
Aviation is a profession filled with limitless personal and professional reward; where the sky is not the limit when it comes to the type of careers students can pursue in the industry. The University of Dubuque’s aviation management graduates can choose from a vast array of areas when they begin their careers. UD’s aviation management students have gone on to work in the area of operations, finance, IT and a number of other opportunities at airports, airlines, air traffic control facilities, and fixed based operations (FBOs).
Bachelor of Science Opportunities
An aviation student with a bachelor of science in aviation management is prepared to enter almost any position within flight management and flight operations within the aviation industry. The aviation department provides students with the professional skills that allow for success in all segments of the aviation industry while enhancing their critical thinking and decision making skills. Accordingly, an aviation student is well-qualified and comes with the experiences to enter most entry level positions within the aviation industry.
Post-graduate Opportunities
The Aviation Program provides the educational and experiential base not only for entry-level management but also as a foundation to build a career through graduate level study in the aviation industry. The University of Dubuque Aviation Department encourages all of our graduates to strive for higher levels of experience and education, to advance the students capacity to enhance the quality of their education and experience in serving the aviation industry. Most of our graduates have gone on to complete advanced level training in flight operations, and for some this has included pursuing post-graduate degrees.
