Curriculum
Why should I choose Purdue?
The curriculum is designed to provide management techniques in the various subject material, giving you the tools to operate at a higher level. Purdue is a tier-one research university so as you do your research assignments in the various courses, you can "steer" the research topics towards your future goal. Obviously, it will increase your knowledge in that particular area, but the papers will also show future (and current) employers your expertise and dedication in that area.
Is this degree accredited?
There are two types of accreditation, institutional and specialized. Institutional accreditors, often referred to as "regional" accreditors, examine a college or university as a whole. Purdue University has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC-NCA) since 1913. Our most recent accreditation visit was in March of 2010.
The HLC's new Open Pathway for maintaining accreditation seeks to offer greater value to institutions by focusing on both an assurance of quality and an engagement in continuous improvement. Two Assurance Reviews will take place in the ten-year cycle. One in Year 4 through an online reporting system and one in Year 10 that couples the online assurance report with a campus visit. In addition, our campus will complete a Quality Initiative between Years 5 and 9 focused on institutional innovation and improvement suited to our needs and circumstances.
How are the courses delivered?
As a Purdue graduate student you will be taking classes in an online environment. Instructors provide the material, lectures, tests and assignments that can be accessed at any time. Your lectures are not time restricted, meaning you don't need to be logged in to preview your course material at a specific time.
All of your course activities, assignments, and exams must be completed by their respective due dates. You will need to view course lectures regularly to keep current. The typical length of our courses are 16-weeks each spring and fall semesters and 8-weeks in the summer.
What computer requirements are needed to take an online course?
Only internet access is needed. Any additional special software needed is provided to you once you are a Purdue student. These include Minitab, Matlab, Adobe Products, etc. Additional resources are also available.
How will I be graded?
Students are graded based on their performance in class. The courses we offer online will have various methods for grading depending on the specific requirements for a given class. Students can expect to experience any combination of homework, graded exam, final project, group work or graded reports. Purdue Grading Scale
How many hours per week should I expect to dedicate to a course?
Plan to spend 3-5 hours per week of study time for each 3 credit-hour course. However, some courses won’t require as much of your time, and others may require more.
How long will it take me to obtain a graduate certificate?
You can complete the certificate in 1-3 years by taking either one or two course(s) per semester. How quickly you complete your certificate depends on you, we have no “set time limits” on your online studies. We will be glad to advise and keep you on track to meet your goals. The Plan of Study outlines the required courses as well as when each course is offered.
Admission
Are letters of recommendation and statement of purpose essay required for graduate certificate admission?
To apply for the graduate certificate, we require a submitted/paid application, two letters of recommendation, a resume, and your official transcripts from every institution attended. We do not require a statement of purpose essay for the application.
Can I transfer the 12 credit-hours earned in the certificate to the MS in Aviation and Aerospace Management?
Yes, the 12 credit-hours earned in the certificate can transfer into the MS in Aviation and Aerospace Management. You must earn a B or better on your certificate courses. You will have to complete an application portfolio for the MS, which would be separate from the certificate application portfolio.
What if I don’t have a GPA of 3.0 in my Baccalaureate, should I still apply?
We understand and value that you have built a successful career as a professional, and there may have been special circumstances that affected your GPA. We ask that you let us know so we can determine the best course of action. Email or schedule an appointment at a convenient time so we can discuss how to set your application up to be its best.
What if my baccalaureate is in a field other than an aviation field?
The School of Aviation and Transportation Technology does not have an undergraduate field requirement. They only prefer work experience in an aviation-related field, though the experience is not a requirement.
What are the admission term application deadlines?
We have preferred deadlines for each term. We will work with you past the preferred deadline, but we only ask you keep us updated with your status. Contact Us
- Fall - July 1
- Spring - November 1
- Summer - May 1
What happens after I apply?
The admission process starts when all admission requirements have been met. The process may take up to 1-2 weeks, depending on how many applicants are applying.
- Step 1 - Screening: confirming all minimum admission requirements are successfully met
- Step 2 - First Pass: first round of reviews with our department (includes a phone interview)
- Step 3 - Second Pass: remaining department faculty member determines and shares recommendation status to the Graduate School
- Step 4 - Final Recommendation: Graduate School reviews admission materials and determines admission status
- Step 5 - Decision: admission of recommendation determined and shared with the applicant
We will also be with you every step of the way
Additional Information
Are there any available scholarships for the Graduate Certificate in Aviation Safety Management?
The School of Aviation and Transportation Technology does not offer any scholarships for the graduate certificate. There are a number of financial assistance options to help defray the costs of enrolling in a graduate professional program. These include Stafford loans, graduate PLUS loans, military programs, and loans from private lenders. Through myPurdue, you can monitor your financial aid funding and make sure the proper payments are made in a timely fashion.
Do you assist with job placement?
We work with the Center for Career Opportunities (CCO) for any career related services.
What academic resources are available to online students?
The same academic resources are available to both the online and on-campus Purdue students.