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Aviation Masters of Science Frequently Asked Questions

• Are there plans to have an MBA in Aviation available via online any time in the near future?
  
     No, an MBA generally requires an undergraduate business background and is offered through a business school. We wanted a master's program that would be accessible to those without that background and that would provide an aviation operational research focus. Due to the Accreditation standards within the College of Business, a student must complete the "business core" (200 level) courses in order to be considered for an MBA.
  
  
• What is the difference between a MS and an MBA? Will employer's look at me differently not having an MBA but having an MS in aviation?
  
     Our MS in aviation is relatively new, but all the feedback we have heard from employers has been very positive. There may be some positions where an MBA might be preferred, but for aviation employers, they seem to prefer the aviation focus of our program over a traditional MBA, which is very much a generalist degree.
  
  
• Should we be doing our thesis or independent study research while we are also taking the required core courses or should we wait till after completing the core courses to start our research?
  
     Most students begin work on their projects during their research methods class and the process then continues throughout the next two semesters. However, it would be advisable to try and incorporate your ideas into the course papers to begin a comprehensive literature review. This will also help you discern whether or not the topic is viable.
  
  
• Is there any interest in developing a law degree via distance learning?
  
     Most attorneys and law profs are of the opinion that a J.D. is not the type of degree that one can earn online. There are a few online programs that are not well-respected. All states (CA has a few exceptions as do one or two other states) require graduation from an ABA approved law school in order to sit for the Bar. As purely an academic exercise, maybe an online J.D. has some worth, but having a J.D. without being admitted to the Bar usually would open up a lot of questions....not something I would recommend, best to do it the right way and go to law school if that is what you what you want to do.
  
  
• What standards do you use in order to gauge whether or not a student is prepared for the outside world?
  
     In the aviation department we have a robust assessment program that involves visiting with graduates, soliciting feedback from students, and visiting with employers about our graduates and what they would like to see from them.
  
  
• Is there a better time than another for coming to visit the school with an eye to meeting the faculty, getting a sense of the on campus environment and resources, etc?
  
     We all have various schedules and travel on occasion. I would recommend phone calls or emails to ensure that the people you would like to visit with are planning to be in the office when you are planning to be in town. We all enjoy these visits and are happy to see you when you stop in. The majority of the faculty are more easily accessible during the Fall and Spring semester times.
  
  
• My final semester I am taking Avit 997, as I am an Independent Study Master's student. It is only 2 credits, what can I expect that will be required to complete my Independent study? I have already done much of my work toward my Independent study in Avit 504, what else is necessary?
  
     You will need to select an independent study advisor who will guide you through the process. The two of you will discuss your proposed project and decide together what you need to accomplish in order to complete it.
  
  
• Is the Graduate School program looking at teaming up with the business school to offer an MBA/A program, MBA/Aviation? If so, when might this be offered? Will it be offered online?
  
     We have no plans to do this at this time.
  
  
• What can I expect for my Capstone presentation in April?
  
     The students are put into groups and the groups propose topics. Then "awards the contract" and students begin work. He requires the development of an informational website, an executive summary, and a professional presentation which is given on campus to our faculty and to invited guests from industry. Everyone in the group participates equally and it is a very professional event.
  
  
• Since we can do the AVIT program by online, how does that work with doing a thesis/ independent study? For example, when you have to do your final presentation, do you have to fly to town to defend your study? Can you even do your study from out of town in the AVIT program?
  
     You still work closely with your independent study advisor or thesis committee (esp. the chair). In an independent study, whether you do a presentation or not is a decision for your advisor to make....often these are done in conjunction with your trip to make your capstone presentation. For a thesis defense you will need to travel to campus.
  
  
• Are advisors assigned to on-line students? If so, who is mine? If not, why not?
  
     Upon entering the program your advisor is assigned by the graduate director, Dr. Kenville. She tries to select a faculty member who shares your research interests, but you can always change your advisor if your focus changes. If you don't know who your advisor is, please see the graduate director for that information.
  
  
• For UND Aerospace purposes, when is the program of study due?
  
     Generally this should be submitted in your second semester after consultation with your advisor.
  
  
• What is the completion rate for the M.S. in aviation program?
  
     We have some distance students who take classes one at a time due to their professional obligations so take longer to complete the program. I can only think of one or two students that have actually left the program though.
  
  
• What percentage of the aviation student body are graduate students?
  
     We have approximately 1700 undergraduate students and 47 graduate students.
  
  
• How do I become a teaching assistant or research assistant?
  
     See the graduate director. There is an application process and these positions are always subject to departmental need and funding.
  
  
• How can I get a tuition waiver? Can you get tuition waivers if you study from a distance?
  
     Become a GTA/GRA. The GTA positions require that you be on campus, but depending on our needs, GRA positions could be awarded to off-campus students.
  
  
• What do you estimate is the proportion of independent study and thesis candidates among the off-campus aviation students?
  
     The majority of students so far have selected the independent study route. However, if you are interested in research, the thesis option will fit better, remember--those that do the thesis option are exempt from the comprehensive exams.
  
  
• Is AVIT 595 (Capstone) only offered in the summer?
  
     It is offered every other spring semester.
  
  
• I would like to know more about the format of the comprehensive examination (offered twice per year).
  
     Comps consist of four questions and you have eight hours (plus an hour break) in which to answer them. On the day of your comps, you will generally have from 8:00 AM-5:00 PM to accomplish your work. There is one question from your advisor regarding your independent study, one question on current events, and then you choose one question from a technical set (essentially questions submitted by the profs from your elective courses) and one question from a research set (stats/research methods and design).
  
  
• When I applied for the Master's program, I had to indicate at the time whether I intended to pursue the thesis or independent study option. Am I committed to that choice or is that not official until I submit a plan of study?
  
     No, you can change your mind. Even after a plan of study is submitted, you can make changes.
  
  
• Is there a perception that the thesis option is better than the independent study option from the viewpoint of academia and the outside world?
  
     A thesis involves original research, and may be better preparation if you plan to continue to the Ph.D. level. Both should be equally rigorous, but I do think that writing a thesis has much value and may carry more respect in the academic world.
  
  
• You need 32 credits to graduate; do you get credit hours for your thesis or independent study? Does that count towards the 32 and how many hours does it count?
  
     See the course catalog, it provides answers to many of your questions. The thesis option requires a minimum of 30 credit hours, plus four credits are earned in preparing your thesis. The independent study option requires a minimum of 32 credits, plus the two credits earned in preparing your project.
  
  
• Why isn't the "Red Book" sent to each new (distance) graduate student? I'm in my second semester, and I didn't know this book existed; I'm now wondering why I've not received a copy.
  
     The Graduate Student Handbook (the "Red Book") is available on the UND graduate school website in PDF format. There are many forms and publications available on this site and it should be your first stop in trying to answer any questions you may have.
  
  
• How long can one take to complete a graduate degree?
  
     Graduate courses more than seven years old are considered obsolete. There is a process for revalidating some obsolete UND graduate courses. See your advisor for more information.
  
  
• As a student, where will I find my syllabus and other class information online?
  
     Faculty and students in the educational programs of the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences use eZ LMS as the course management system to share and access class information. eZ LMS is located at http://learn.aero.und.edu . Detailed instructions and help with eZ are available here: eZ LMS FAQs & Help.
  
  
• As a distance student, when can I expect to receive contact from the course instructor?
  
     All Aviation faculty provide instruction to both campus-based and distance education students. The University of North Dakota follows a traditional academic calendar for campus-based courses. As such, please be patient if you have registered during academic holiday breaks or during the late summer. During this time, instructors are in the final stages of ending an academic term, and preparing for new courses to begin. They will receive information about your registration, and contact you about the first class meeting or chat session within the first few days of a new academic term. You may also find valuable course information available on your class Web site, generally within a week prior to the beginning of an academic term. Check the links available on the Faculty web page, for information about contacting a specific instructor.
  
  
• Where will I attend "chats"? I need help with the chat system.
  
     You will attend your chat sessions by accessing your online course in eZ. Your instructor will provide a chat room link and chat time(s). If you need technical help with the chat system, visit: Chat System Help.
  
  
• As a distance student, how will I attend the "live meetings"? How do I use Adobe Connect?
  
     Adobe Connect allows distance students to attend live class lectures over the Internet. Students will be able to participate in "real time" voice discussions and share files with the rest of the class (including other distance students). Visit: Adobe Connect: FAQs & Help for details.
  
  
• What kind of computer and software will I need for this program?
  
     Complete technical requirements are available by clicking on the Requirements link on this site. Scroll down to "Technical Requirements".
  
  
• I cant find the answer to my question. I need more information or assistance.
  
     For more information about the Aviation Masters Degree Program, please contact Kim Kenville , 701-777-4964, kimk@aero.und.edu.