David Chandler, Associate Dean, Executive Programs
Email: david.chandler@ucdenver.edu
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Bethany Cape, Director of Operations
Email: bethany.cape@ucdenver.edu

Introduction

Please click here to see more about the Executive MBA in Aviation program.

The CU Denver Executive MBA in Aviation is the first degree of its kind, in the world.

Partnering with Denver International Airport (DEN), one of aviation’s busiest global hubs, this tailored educational experience is designed to shape current and aspiring executives into future industry leaders. Specifically, we recruit faculty from around the world (academia and industry) to teach a curriculum that focuses on the challenges and opportunities facing airports, airlines, and the companies that comprise their supply chains.

With classes located at DEN, and week-long residencies at airports around the world, we deliver a hybrid, flexible course structure that balances in-person and online class sessions, without career interruption. Our goal for each cohort is to build a culture that is collaborative and intentional, creating an experience and support system that is second to none.

We are seeking executives and aspiring leaders who demand something more from their graduate degree. Your classmates will be professionals from diverse backgrounds and various functional areas throughout the aviation ecosystem, exposing you to critical conversations and alternative perspectives. The knowledge, confidence, and network opportunities you gain will provide the foundation for the rest of your career, as well as deliver immediate value to your current position and organization. It matters where you get your Executive MBA; please allow us to explain why CU Denver’s EMBA in Aviation is unique.

At a glance:

• 18 months, part-time cohort structure
• Hybrid delivery (in-person + online)
• Inaugural cohort launches January 2026
• In-person classes at DEN
• Multiple residencies at major airports

Application Process 

A new cohort begins each January. Students are admitted to the cohort as applications are received. Our goal is to make the application process as streamlined as possible for you:

• There is no application fee.

• Due to the program’s competitive nature and rolling admissions policy, we strongly recommend submitting your application as soon as possible.

• After submitting your completed application, decisions are delivered via email within 7-14 days.

• Merit-based and other scholarships are awarded at the time an offer is made.

Admission Requirements  

The CU Denver Executive MBA in Aviation prepares mid- to senior-level managers for executive leadership. As such, we seek candidates who are currently in management positions with a demonstrated record of achievement and the potential for further promotion. In addition, the ideal candidate is: ambitious, collaborative, and inquisitive. As we curate the cohort and academic community, we seek candidates who enrich the educational experience for all cohort members.

All candidates will meet with multiple members of the Executive MBA in Aviation team throughout the application process. These ongoing conversations help us assess your motivation for pursuing an EMBA in Aviation, your academic and professional experience, and your future plans.

Application checklist:

•  Online application

•  Resume

•  Short answer essay(s)

•  Official university transcripts

•  Organization sponsorship statement

•  Two letters of recommendation

All interested applicants are encouraged to contact David Chandler, david.chandler@ucdenver.edu, to discuss your future with the program.

Scholarships 

The CU Denver Executive MBA in Aviation program provides a 10% tuition discount for students who work for the CU system or in the nonprofit sector.

Additional merit-based scholarships are available for exceptionally qualified students. 

Employer Support 

The valuable skills you will gain in the program will immediately benefit your company, colleagues, and yourself as you apply your knowledge to business challenges. As such, many employers invest in their employees' business education and offer full or partial reimbursement. Contact your company’s human resources department to inquire about tuition support.  

Degree Requirements

The Executive MBA in Aviation consists of 52 required credit hours, completed over eight lock-step terms, within 18 months. Your credit hours will be made up of core courses and four off-site airport residencies. No courses may be waived, substituted or transferred into the program.

At a glance:

• Structure: 18 months, part-time, cohort, hybrid model (in person, online, asynchronous).
• Co-branded: In-person classes at DEN = Thursday lunch → Sunday lunch.
• Residencies: Immersive site visits to national, regional, and international airports.
• Faculty: Experts from academia and industry, recruited nationally and internationally.
• 52 total required credits

Each term consists of two 7-week courses (3-credits per course), with a hybrid mix of content delivery (in person, online synchronous, and remote asynchronous).

During each term, students will attend one set of 4-day in-person classes (week 3), which will be held on site at Denver International Airport (DEN). There are three full remote online classes per term (weeks 1, 5, and 7), with the remaining content delivered asynchronously.

Students will travel to three national airports and one international airport for immersive residencies (1-credit each) on airport management.

Books, materials, lodging, and some meals are covered by tuition.

Please read about our world-class faculty here.

Program Mission

The CU Denver Executive MBA in Aviation is the first degree of its kind in the world. This groundbreaking program draws on world-class faculty from academia and industry to deliver experiential courses that address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by airports, airlines, and their respective supply chains. Our purpose is to educate thoughtful leaders with the capabilities to build a sustainable competitive advantage for their organizations within a thriving aviation ecosystem.

Learning Goals

These five learning goals are embedded throughout the aviation-focused curriculum:

Goal 1: Act strategically

Formulate and implement strategies that are designed to build a sustainable competitive advantage for the organization.

Goal 2: Think critically

Analyze quantitative and qualitative information to develop counterintuitive, insightful solutions to any given business problem.

Goal 3: Communicate effectively

Deploy executive presence to convey complex ideas, motivate stakeholders, and resolve conflict to navigate challenges and optimize performance.

Goal 4: Embrace ambiguity

Seek value in a dynamic environment that is constantly evolving, while bringing unique insight to solve original problems.

Goal 5: Lead thoughtfully

Appreciate the complexity of organizational life, and the opportunity to lead an inclusive and representative culture.