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Executive MBA in Aviation

Book a meetingPhone: 303-514-0870

CU Denver EMBA students that have diverse backgrounds

45%

63%

CU Denver EMBA faculty that have diverse backgrounds

Take the next step toward becoming part of an elite group shaping the future of aviation.

LEARN WHAT MAKES US UNIQUE

The application deadline for our August 2024 cohort is July 15.       Apply today!

50% of students are director-level or above

CU Denver EMBA students that have diverse backgrounds

45%

Ranked University in Colorado


#1

In Partnership with Denver International Airport

DEN

"Everywhere you look around DEN, you see vital infrastructure being built for the design, construction, and operation of next-generation aircraft. That development must be complemented by academic infrastructure to train the next generation of business leaders who will pilot the industry into the future. In just a few years, I wouldn't be surprised if a large majority of leaders in the aviation industry—including many CEOs and startup entrepreneurs—will all have one thing in common: an EMBA in Aviation degree from the University of Colorado, and probably a Denver zip code."

Oscar Munoz

 former CEO, United Airlines

levi sheppard, alumni

Only 5% of business schools worldwide have AACSB accreditation.

Traci Ruether (Class of 2025)

Founcer, Marketing Consultant, TR Content Marketing

18 months, August start, July 15th deadline

No application fee; scholarships are available

International trip includes in-country consulting projects

6th busiest airport worldwide, denvers leading business school 33.5 billion in economic impact
den airport logo

EMBA at a glance:

         






 18 months, part-time, hybrid structure

 Jan 2026 launch, classes at DEN (3rd busiest US airport)

 3 week-long residences at airports throughout the world

"The CU Denver Executive MBA in Aviation is reshaping education in the aviation industry. As such, we seek executives and other aspiring leaders who have the ambition to match. Our innovative curriculum, designed by industry experts, is committed to excellence and focused on the challenges and opportunities facing airports, airlines, and the companies that comprise their supply chains. If you consider yourself part of the next generation of executive talent in the aviation industry, allow us to show you how our program can help you achieve your professional goals."

David Chandler, Ph.D.

Director, Executive MBA in Aviation

"The aviation industry must adapt to new technology, challenges, and evolving passenger needs. The next generation of leaders must understand the landscape, anticipate trends, and possess the necessary skills. CU Denver's Executive MBA in Aviation is building the talent essential to the industry's success."

Phillip A. Washington

CEO, Denver International Airport

levi sheppard, alumni

Rhonda Hamm-Niebruegge

Executive Director, St Louis International Airport

"Aviation is a vital industry—and a constantly evolving one. Understanding both fundamentals and complexities will be essential for future leaders. I'm excited that CU Denver Business School has created an Executive MBA in Aviation addressing this need."

levi sheppard, alumni

Phillip A. Washington

 CEO, Denver International Airport

Leadership Across the Aviation Ecosystem: Preparing Tomorrow's Executives
Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 12:00 PM until 1:00 PM (MDT UTC -06:00)

Live Q&A with three aviation professionals from CU Denver's one-of-a-kind Executive MBA in Aviation. Join us Tuesday, October 6 at 12 p.m. MDT for a live conversation with three students from the program's inaugural cohort representing diverse areas of the aviation and aerospace industry, who will share exactly what this MBA has done for their careers so far:

🔷   Michael Beverly - Project Manager, Spire Flight Solutions.
🔷   Rachel Manning - Terminal Airside Operations Manager at Propeller Airports at Paine Field (KPAE).
🔷   Ben Phillips - Technical Lead, Multidisciplinary Design Analysis & Optimization, NASA Langley Research Center.


Hear directly from our inaugural cohort about their experience in the program, why they chose to pursue an Executive MBA focused specifically on aviation, and how the program is preparing them to become stronger leaders across the aviation ecosystem.

During this webinar, our students will share their perspectives on:
🔷   Why it is important to pursue higher education right now and why they chose a program specifically focused on aviation.
🔷   What sets CU Denver’s Executive MBA in Aviation apart and why a traditional MBA felt like the wrong fit and what made this program the right one.
🔷   Immediate career impact and how they are applying what they’ve learned to their careers, leadership, and organizations.
🔷   Meaningful experiences from the program, including courses, immersive residencies, and connections with classmates and aviation leaders.
🔷   Where the program is taking them next across the aviation and aerospace ecosystem and their advice for aviation professionals who are considering whether an Executive MBA.


Whether you’re an aviation professional looking to advance your career, expand your leadership capabilities, or gain a broader understanding of the business of aviation, this conversation will provide an inside look at what it’s like to be part of CU Denver’s Executive MBA in Aviation.

Hear directly from the students. Discover their experiences. Envision what’s next for your career. >>