The CUNY Aviation Institute was established at York College in 2003 from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to promote education and research for the aviation for industry. Photo Credit: CUNY Website.
By Shaquille Proffit
York College has launched a new Master of Science program in Aviation Management, making it the first CUNY College in history to offer this program. The program, which began this fall with five matriculated students, is a 30-hour online program.
The online program is designed to provide students with an extensive understanding of finance and research, marketing, airport planning, management and operations, aviation safety and management, and aviation supply and logistics.
“Most of the programs such as the CUNY Aviation Institute and the Master’s of Science in Aviation Management are the result of funding from JetBlue to enhance research,” said Paul Cline, a professor in the Business and Economics department at York, who specializes in aviation. “JetBlue wanted a master’s degree program that focuses on aviation needs. This resulted in the aviation management degree at York which is a pipeline for future employees.”
The coursework is informed by recommendations from the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) and the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI).
“The Master’s program didn’t start on a whim, it started on JetBlue’s request—to create a pipeline of quality students,” Cline said.
The CUNY Aviation Institute was established at York College in 2003 by a grant from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to promote education and research for the aviation industry.
“York is very lucky to have this program,” said Cline. “York is the best-hidden secret of CUNY because of programs like this. We have kids coming from all five boroughs just to be a part of our aviation programs.”
York also offers support services and learning resources to assist students like internships and the FAA Dispatcher Certification program.
Cline added that the Master’s program will prepare students for “mid-and upper-level executive positions in aviation and related fields.
“Aviation is growing twice as fast as the rest of the economy and the next ten years are the best time to be a pilot,” Cline said.
