Online Executive Management in Aerospace & Defense Graduate Certificate
Advance Your Career in Aerospace & Defense Leadership
At a Glance
The online Executive Management in Aerospace & Defense graduate certificate prepares professionals in business, aerospace, and defense with vital management, critical thinking and innovation skills to lead with clarity, adapt with confidence, and make strategic decisions that drive progress.
Offered through the AACSB-accredited OU Price College of Business, the Executive Management in Aerospace & Defense certificate is built for ambitious professionals who are ready to lead, innovate, and accelerate their careers.
To learn more about this certificate, connect with Michelle Brown, Associate Director, Executive Program in Aerospace & Defense at https://calendly.com/michelleoumba.
100% Online
Time to Complete:
6 months
Credit Hours:
12
Time Commitment:
10 to 20 Hours Weekly
start dates
Fall, Spring
cost
The online Executive Management in Aerospace & Defense graduate certificate offers a high return on investment. You’ll gain knowledge and skills that prepare you for the highest levels of leadership and increased pay in the field.
Tuition and fees for the program are $26,580 ($2,215 per credit hour). Books and materials are included. There is no application fee or deposit for this certificate.
About the Certificate
The aerospace and defense sector is evolving at an unprecedented pace, driven by emerging technologies, geopolitical complexity, and an increasing demand for agile, forward-thinking leadership.
The University of Oklahoma’s online Executive Management in Aerospace and Defense Graduate Certificate is a 12-credit-hour program designed to equip professionals for management careers that require critical thinking, strategy development and innovation in dynamic aerospace and defense environments.
Delivered through OU’s AACSB-accredited Price College of Business, the curriculum consists of six business courses specific to the aerospace and defense industry that empower students with the practical tools to lead effectively, support mission-critical initiatives and expand your impact within your organization.
Students explore topics such as financial management, contracts and federal law, cybersecurity, and supply chain management, gaining practical tools to strategically lead and innovate in management positions within the aerospace and defense industry. Whether you work in business, aerospace, or defense, this flexible, 100% online certificate prepares you to accelerate your career.
In addition, the 12 credit hours you earn through the Executive Management in Aerospace & Defense certificate are fully transferable to OU’s EMBA in Aerospace & Defense degree program, allowing you to build momentum now and potentially shorten the time required to complete your master’s degree if you choose to continue.
To learn more about this certificate, connect with Michelle Brown, Associate Director, Executive Programs in Aerospace & Defense at https://calendly.com/michelleoumba
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Course Details
The Executive Management in Aerospace and Defense Graduate Certificate features a focused curriculum that explores a wide range of topics including financial management, project management, legal frameworks, and supply chain management. Whether you're launching new ventures or guiding established organizations, this curriculum provides the strategic insight and practical tools needed to navigate and lead in the dynamic aerospace and defense industry.
Core Courses
- Accounting in Aerospace and Defense (2 credit hours)
- Legal Environment for Aerospace and Defense (2)
Elective Courses (Choose 4)
- Information Technology and Cyber Security in Aerospace and Defense (2)
- Managing Supply Chain and Logistics in Aerospace and Defense (2)
- Project Management for Aerospace and Defense (2)
- Global Aerospace and Defense Strategy (2)
- Field Project in Aerospace & Defense (Analysis) (2)
- Field Project in Aerospace & Defense (Implementation) (2)
Expand each course below to view more about the topics covered and how they prepare you for leadership in aerospace and defense.
Course Structure
You’ll earn 12 credit hours across six courses. All courses are 2 credit hours each and last for 8 weeks. You can expect a time commitment of 10-20 hours on average per week for the two courses. All courses are synchronous and require live attendance. Live sessions are taught on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-9 p.m. CT and may include guest speakers. The class gathers online at the same time to hold discussions. Sessions prepare participants to communicate with each other and faculty between classes regarding assignments. These sessions are recorded, so participants may watch the lectures and discussions at their convenience and as often as needed to master the content.
CORE COURSES (4 HOURS)
Accounting in Aerospace and Defense
Credit Hours: 2
This course will create a foundation for understanding accounting and financial management in the Aerospace and Defense (A&D) industry, including performance measurement and budgeting. This course is intended to provide students with a working knowledge of A&D financial statements, including preparation and analysis. This course includes an in-person class at the Gene Rainbolt Graduate School of Business in Oklahoma City.
Legal Environment for Aerospace and Defense
Credit Hours: 2
This course examines the A&D industry contract vehicles, contract performance management, and regulation management and federal statutory law. Students will learn the legal and ethical environment of A&D business. The course provides necessary background on traditional A&D business law topics, including A&D contracting. This course includes an in-person class at the Gene Rainbolt Graduate School of Business in Oklahoma City.
CHOOSE 8 HOURS FROM THE FOLLOWING:
Information Technology and Cyber Security in Aerospace and Defense
Credit Hours: 2
Information technology and cyber security are crucial in managing a business in the aerospace and defense (A&D) industry. This course will provide a basic understanding of the technical and management aspects of data communications, networking infrastructure, and cyber security concepts for A&D.
Managing Supply Chain and Logistics in Aerospace and Defense
Credit Hours: 2
Supply chain and logistics are crucial in the aerospace and defense industry. A&D firms are attempting to improve their competitive positions by managing the flow of raw materials, work-in-process inventories, and finished goods. This course covers managing the supply chain that plans, sources, makes, and delivers an A&D organization's goods and/or services, from suppliers of raw materials to customers.
Project Management for Aerospace and Defense
Credit Hours: 2
This course develops the knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to initiate, plan, execute, monitor, and control activities related to meeting A&D project requirements. It focuses on the theoretical foundations and practical applications of project management along with the IT tools to support project planning, budgeting, scheduling, cost analysis, resource leveling/control, and human resource management in A&D organizations.
Global Aerospace and Defense Strategy
Credit Hours: 2
This course develops an innovative mindset to deal with global complexity, barriers to international trade, and human resource challenges. Students are provided with the evidence, concepts, and models for understanding company performance in a global world and the issues facing executives in the early 21st century.
Field Project in Aerospace & Defense (Analysis)
Credit Hours: 2
This course provides experiential learning in the aerospace and defense industry by having students apply knowledge from the classroom and work experience to analyzing problems facing A&D organizations. Field projects will deal with scoping the problem under study, structured analysis of the problem including data collection from internal and external sources, and development of recommendations, solutions, and timeline for implementation.
Field Project in Aerospace & Defense (Implementation)
Credit Hours: 2
This course provides experiential learning in the aerospace and defense industry by having students apply their knowledge from the classroom and their work experience to implement solutions and recommendations developed in B AD 5362 or those provided by the client organization. They will also include the development of a prototype, a pilot implementation of the solutions, and outcome testing.
Why Choose OU Online for Executive Management in Aerospace & Defense
OU Online delivers high-quality, affordable undergraduate and graduate programs designed for working professionals. With flexible, fully online formats and instruction from a top-tier public university, students gain the skills and credentials to advance their careers without putting them on hold.
Explore what it takes to succeed in the fast-paced world of aerospace and defense, where financial management, critical thinking, and strategy development are vital in this innovation-driven sector.
Faculty Expertise
Learn from Price College faculty and seasoned practitioners who combine academic rigor with real-world experience and cutting-edge insight into high-level management and leadership in the aerospace and defense industry.
Robust Student Support
OU Online offers robust student support services, including academic support, online tutoring, mental health counseling, and an online career development center. The program accommodates the needs of working professionals, allowing you to expand your skills while maintaining full-time employment.
Global Alumni Network
With more than 250,000 alumni across the world, becoming a Sooner means you’ll have access to a strong network of aerospace and defense professionals to accelerate your career. As a Sooner, you’ll be part of a powerful network of leaders working in organizations across the world, helping you expand your career in the aerospace and defense industry.
Flexible Format
The online Executive Management in Aerospace & Defense graduate certificate offers a flexible format built for working professionals across the globe. Earn your degree in as few as 6 months while maintaining full-time employment and managing personal commitments. Study from anywhere and gain specialized expertise in aerospace and defense management that sets you apart in a competitive industry. Classes are taught synchronously on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. CT, allowing students to engage in real-time learning while balancing their professional and personal responsibilities.
Tailored Experience
Move through the program with a small, focused cohort of professionals who share your passion for aerospace and defense. Engage in dynamic online discussions with faculty and peers while building a powerful network within the industry. Learn to lead, collaborate, and thrive in one of the world’s most complex and fast-evolving sectors.
Cost and Financial Aid
Earning your Executive Management in Aerospace & Defense graduate certificate is an investment in your future—and OU Online is committed to making that investment as accessible and transparent as possible.
Tuition and fees for the program are $26,580 ($2,215 per credit hour). Books and materials are included. There is no application fee for this degree.
Financial aid and employer tuition assistance may be available to help offset the cost. Our dedicated financial services team is here to guide you through every step of the funding process—so you can focus on your education and career growth.
If you have questions regarding financial aid for your online program, please contact the Online Aid office by emailing onlineaid@ou.edu or calling 405-325-2929.
*Please be aware that tuition and fees may change, as determined by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.
