Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Aviation

About

Saint Louis University's Ph.D. in aviation is offered in both online and on-campus formats. The online option is ideal for working professionals while being on campus provides greater opportunities for interdisciplinary coursework and research collaboration. On-campus students are also eligible to be considered for graduate assistantship positions. Ph.D. students in aviation at SLU complete coursework before scheduling a qualifying exam that focuses on topics related to the coursework and assesses general preparation for graduate research. Upon successfully passing the qualifying exam, students develop a dissertation proposal under the supervision of a research mentor. Students then present and defend the dissertation proposal. After conducting research and writing a dissertation, students defend the dissertation in a public forum and then privately to a committee. Students will work with their advisor and Ph.D. committee to determine the specific coursework to complete the program. Those students holding an appropriate Master of Science degree may include a maximum of 27 credits of the associated M.S. degree course credits, but not the thesis or project credits, in the 63 credits required for the Ph.D. degree. Graduates will be able to assess relevant literature or scholarly contributions in the field(s) of study. Graduates will be able to apply the major practices, theories or research methodologies in the field(s) of study. Graduates will be able to apply knowledge from the field(s) of study to address problems in broader contexts. Graduates will be able to articulate arguments or explanations to both a disciplinary or professional audience and to a general audience, in both oral and written forms. Graduates will be able to evidence of scholarly and/or professional integrity in the field of study. 

Career Path  

Graduate career path includes Aviation Research Scientist, Aviation Policy Analyst, Advanced Air Traffic Management Researcher, Human Factors in Aviation Specialist, Aviation Safety Researcher, Aviation Data Scientist (Doctoral Level), Aviation Systems Engineer (Research Focus), Aviation Operations Researcher, Aviation Sustainability Researcher, Aviation Risk Management Specialist, Aviation Technology Innovator, Aerospace Program Director, Aviation Security Researcher, Aviation Education Specialist (Faculty, Dean, Program Director), Aviation Economics & Business Analyst, Aviation Training & Simulation Researcher, Aviation Psychology Specialist, Aviation Consultant (Doctoral Expertise), Aviation Global Development Specialist, Aviation Cybersecurity Researcher, Aviation Regulatory Affairs Specialist, Aviation Innovation & Emerging Technology Specialist, Aviation Human Performance Researcher,Aviation Systems Integration Specialist, Aviation Insurance & Risk Analyst (Doctoral Level).