Building on nearly 100 years of education innovation, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has rolled out revolutionary redesigned curriculums for three of its key business graduate degree programs.Using this unique modular approach, students can now design an educational journey tailored to their interests and career goals.
Launched in 2021 through the Worldwide Campus College of Business, the enhanced MBA in Aviation, M.S. in Engineering Management and M.S. in Management programs each include a high-reliability organizations (HRO) theme, a degree-specific core and the opportunity to earn industry-specific certificates.
“The HRO theme in our program is really unique and distinct,” said Dr. Maneesh Sharma, dean of the Worldwide College of Business. “In today's world, every organization can benefit from a better understanding of systemic risk and how it can impact an organization moving forward. Most schools in this country and elsewhere don’t have a unifying theme across their graduate degrees.”
These groundbreaking new programs aim to meet the critical need for professionals capable of managing in technical environments that demand precision, redundancy and have little margin for error.
Thanks to this increased flexibility in delivery and curriculum, students can now pursue programs that meet their individual goals and help distinguish them from the competition. The modular program options are available in three high-demand graduate degree programs:
- MBA in Aviation (MBAA): Designed for those who are looking for senior leadership positions in aviation and related industries, this program provides students the knowledge and skills to manage functional areas, finance operations, market products and rise to leadership roles in business. The course incorporates HRO concepts such as mitigating risk and operating with high reliability in industries such as aviation, health care, business,space operations and more.
- M.S. in Engineering Management (MSEM): This graduate degree combines technical and management components for those seeking leadership roles in aerospace, the military or other STEM-related fields. The multidisciplinary approach helps engineering professionals learn business skills critical to the success of today’s firms and prepares those who have established careers in engineering, math, physical science or computer science to transition into a managerial role within a technical environment.
- M.S. in Management (MSM): Rooted in the management of people and processes with a strong focus on data-driven decision making, this program blends the soft and hard skills that develop well-rounded and capable managers. It was created to help students looking to transition into management or refine their current skill set, including those transitioning from the military or seeking a specialized management program that includes certificates aligned with industry partners. The M.S. in Management also features four themes interwoven into the course: Evidence-based management, managing people and processes, global and multicultural thinking and the high-reliability aviation context.
Crafted in consultation with leading global companies, these three programs are the only ones in the world with HRO themes incorporated throughout, which helps prepare students to thrive in the complex environments common to today’s organizations.
These augmented programs allow students to take one of the pre-built certificates to add a desired skill set or to create their own experience by taking courses from across other Embry-Riddle colleges.
The degree paths are also seamless, from “Pre-Flight” to the HRO block to the Core block to Block 3, allowing students to target specific learning paths.
In addition to core classes, students can explore topics of interest by earning their choice of resume-boosting certificates that include:
- Business Intelligence and Analytics
- Finance
- Human Resources
- Information Systems Security
- Information Technology Management
- International Business
- Leadership
- Marketing
- Project Management
- Systems Engineering (M.S. in Engineering Management)
The ability to earn a certificate first gives students a chance to “test drive” the degree program before they dive in completely, another key benefit that helps Embry-Riddle’s graduate programs in business to stand apart.
The Worldwide College of Business also offers master’s programs in Information Security and Assurance, Leadership, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Management Information Systems, Occupational Safety Management and Project Management.
All Embry-Riddle courses are taught by expert faculty members with vast industry experience. Throughout the program, students are also introduced to professional organizations such as the Project Management Institute (PMI)® and the American Society for Engineering Management, among others.
Our highly skilled instructors also have longstanding industry connections that help our students land internships, co-ops and full-time positions. Many faculty members are active in cutting-edge research and give students an opportunity to participate in the projects, creating an additional avenue for enhanced practical experience.
As a distance learning leader – ranked #1 by US News & World Report – the flexible learning options available through Embry-Riddle’s Worldwide Campus work easily for everyone from busy professionals looking to boost their current skills to traditional students who want to explore the leading edge in online business education.
All Embry-Riddle students also have the advantage of being directly connected to a family of more than 148,000 alumni working in a variety of fields all over the world – another benefit you can’t find anywhere else.
In addition to the enhanced curriculum options, the Worldwide Campus College of Business also has a free business coaching service provided by faculty members who are certified by the Coach Training Alliance and have expertise ranging from aerospace to leadership and everything in between.
They work individually with Worldwide students to help them attain business, academic and personal milestones.
“Coaching is invaluable service we provide our students,” said Dr. Matthew Earnhardt, associate dean at the Worldwide College of Business. “This has been a service that has significantly impacted both the student and the faculty coach.”
Dr. Daryl Watkins, an associate professor in the Worldwide College of Business who helped create the coaching program in 2017, said he believes it helps students reach whatever goals they’re aiming for.
“We become a trusted harbor for them,” said Watkins, who holds a Doctor of Management in Organizational Leadership. “Everything is confidential, and I don’t give advice unless they specifically ask. Instead, I try to ask the questions that will help them find the answers they already know.”
The Worldwide College of Business also hosts an interactive webinar series called Vantage Point that showcases industry leaders from around the globe discussing topics designed to impact and improve business and organizational performance as well as lead to personal growth.
"Embry-Riddle is in a unique position to establish a series such as this," said Dr. Sharma. "We have a worldwide platform that few institutions can match, and we want to break new ground in a positive way by creating a series that strengthens our direct connection to industry."
In addition to providing insights that audience members can turn into action, the series continues to establish the Worldwide College of Business as a thought leader while also opening up new networking opportunities for students, faculty, and staff.
Along with sharing industry knowledge and their visions for the future, the Vantage Point speakers also discuss their personal career paths and the obstacles they overcame along the way. Playbacks of Vantage Point sessions are available for faculty and students to use in lessons or research.
In addition to online options, Embry-Riddle also provides the opportunity for face to face study at our campus in Daytona Beach, Fla., where the David B. O’Maley College of Business offers highly respected graduate programs in Aviation Finance, Business Administration, Business Administration in Aviation Management and Occupational Safety Management.
From innovative education that offers students unparalleled choice and flexibility to expert problem-solving assistance and the latest in thought leadership, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University stands apart in the world of business education.
Ready to boost your career to a new altitude? Start today at Embry-Riddle.