Assistant Professor of Aviation and Aerospace Management

About MSU Denver

MSU Denver enrolls over 16,000 students, where nearly 60% are first generation and over 55% are students of color. Located in downtown Denver, we are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and the only Seal of Excelencia certified institution in Colorado. As the third largest institution of higher education in Colorado and the only institution with an open access mission, MSU Denver is a model university for today's college students. The University serves the most diverse undergraduate student population in the state, as well as the most first-generation students. MSU Denver is particularly interested in applicants who have experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and a demonstrated commitment to improving access to higher education for under-represented and historically minoritized groups.

About the Aviation and Aerospace Science Department

The Aviation and Aerospace Science Department at Metropolitan State University of Denver is the university's third-largest and fastest-growing department. Located on the downtown Denver campus, the department benefits from Colorado's national prominence in the aviation and aerospace industries and the state's sustained sector growth.

The program maintains close proximity and strong partnerships with Denver International Airport, Colorado Air and Space Port, and other regional airports, providing students with direct access to one of the nation's leading aviation and aerospace hubs. Enrollment growth reflects both regional industry demand and the department's student-focused commitment to preparing graduates for careers in aerospace, flight operations, airport and aerospace management, and air traffic control.

Position Summary

The Department of Aviation and Aerospace Science at MSU Denver invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Aviation and Aerospace Management. This is a 9-month appointment beginning August 2026. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellence in teaching, advising, scholarship, and service, with a focus on preparing students for leadership roles across the aviation and aerospace management sectors.

The required teaching load is 12 credit hours per fall/spring semester (4 classes) in undergraduate-level coursework. Courses will primarily support the Aviation and Aerospace Management degree and related certificate pathways, with an emphasis in areas such as:

• Airline Planning
• Airport and Spaceport Planning & Management
• Aviation and Aerospace Law
• Air Cargo Industry
• Aviation Safety and Security Program Management
• General & Business Aviation and Aerospace Operations Management

The successful candidate will teach across multiple delivery formats, including in-person, hybrid, and asynchronous online modalities. Summer teaching opportunities may be available depending on departmental needs and student demand.

The role also requires advising students through scheduled office hours (5 per week) and additional meetings as needed for academic planning, career exploration, and graduate school preparation. Active engagement in curriculum development, departmental service, scholarly activity, and industry partnerships is expected.

Duties/Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

• Teach 12-credit hours per fall/spring semester (4 classes) in aviation/aerospace management courses across multiple delivery formats (in-person, hybrid, online).
• Maintain required office hours to advise and mentor students, including career preparation and graduate school guidance.
• Serve as a resource on program policies, certification pathways, internships, and professional career tracks.
• Assist with student recruitment, admissions, and orientation events.
• Contribute to curriculum design, development, and continuous improvement in aviation and aerospace management.
• Maintain culturally responsive and evidence-based teaching practices.
• Assess student learning outcomes and contribute to program effectiveness.
• Provide departmental, university, and professional service through committee work, student organizations, and industry engagement.
• Conduct scholarly activities that advance aviation/aerospace management and align with departmental mission.
• Stay informed on industry trends, regulatory changes, and best practices in aviation/aerospace management.
• Maintain applicable FAA licensure, certifications, or industry credentials where appropriate.
• Provide documented service to the Department, College, University, and community.
• Support the educational needs of a diverse urban student population.
• Collaborate with faculty, researchers, and industry partners in related domains such as engineering, business, cybersecurity, and transportation management.

Required Qualifications

• A nationally accredited master's degree in aviation management, aerospace sciences, aeronautical sciences, transportation, business administration, or a related field.
• At least 4 years of aviation and/or aerospace industry work experience in management, operations, safety, or related domains.
• (Note: An MS or MA in the areas defined above is considered a terminal degree for this tenure-track position.)

Preferred Qualifications

• Strongly Preferred - Earned doctorate (Ph.D. or D.B.A.) in aviation/aerospace management, business, transportation, or related field.
• Prior collegiate teaching experience at a U.S. nationally accredited institution in aviation, aerospace, or management.
• Documented research, publishing, or professional writing experience related to aviation or aerospace management.
• Familiarity with aviation regulatory frameworks (FAA, ICAO, TSA) and professional standards.
• Experience in areas such as:
  • Airport/airline management and planning
  • Aviation finance, economics, or policy
  • Aviation safety and security systems
• Experience related to aerospace commerce and/or spaceport management is strongly desired.
• Demonstrated commitment to working with students from diverse backgrounds and improving access to higher education.

How to Apply

Applicants must apply online at MSU Denver Careers. A complete application includes:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter/Letter of Application
• Teaching Philosophy
• Unofficial copies of graduate transcripts
• Peer or student evaluations
• Professional licenses or certifications
• A list of three professional references and their contact information

Salary for Announcement

Under Colorado law, MSU Denver is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account a variety of factors including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $84,000 - $94,000.

This position is paid monthly and is eligible for MSU Denver benefits.

Please submit your complete application by Monday, October 20, 2025 at 11:59pm. Position open until filled.

Open Until Filled

The University's benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement plans and other programs, such as accessto a long-term disability (LTD) plan.Visit MSU Denver'sbenefits websiteto learn more.

For a brief overview, please see: https://www.msudenver.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSU-Benefit-Summary.pdf.

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at totalrewards@msudenver.edu.

Background Checks

Metropolitan State University of Denver is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To Assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background checks on all finalists for positions at the University prior to employment.

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 58% first generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.

We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.