Florida Institute of Technology

Programme overview

Florida Tech's Doctor of Aviation (Av.D.) is a 100% online, cohort-based professional doctorate designed for full-time aviation and aerospace professionals. The curriculum combines professionally focused coursework and applied research; students typically progress through the program with a fall-start cohort, completing core coursework in the first two years and devoting the third year to the dissertation. The Av.D. requires 42 semester credit hours beyond a master’s degree and is structured to be completed in as few as three years.

What you'll study

Coursework develops applied research and quantitative skills and covers topics used to address practitioner-driven problems. Areas explicitly referenced in the curriculum include aviation research fundamentals, statistics, quantitative reasoning and modeling, qualitative and survey-based methods, and strategic analysis tools such as game theory. The program culminates in a dissertation: students propose, conduct, analyze and defend an applied research project intended to produce actionable insights for aviation practice (examples include air traffic control, disaster resilience, flight training and operational performance).

Entry requirements

Applicants must be full-time aviation or aerospace professionals and hold a master’s degree in an aviation-related field (or international equivalent) from an accredited institution. Application materials include transcripts, letters of recommendation, a résumé/CV and a statement of objectives; candidates should consult the university's graduate application requirements for complete details.

Career prospects

The Av.D. prepares graduates for senior leadership and advanced technical roles across the aviation sector. Common outcomes cited include executive and management positions in airlines and airport operations, research and policy roles in government agencies, consulting and advisory work, and advanced positions within commercial, private-sector and military aviation organizations. Graduates’ dissertations are intended to inform operational decision-making in areas such as safety, efficiency and resilience.

Scholarships & funding angle

Florida Tech highlights military-friendly recognition and relationships with veteran-support publications; prospective students who are veterans should explore institutional and military education benefits. For broader funding options, applicants should review the university's financial aid and graduate funding information and consult career services for potential employer-sponsored tuition support.