Hybrid Executive MBA in Aerospace and Defense

Develop executive business skills in the aerospace and defense industry

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At a Glance

The hybrid Executive MBA in Aerospace and Defense at OU Online is purpose-built to strengthen the leadership and management capabilities of professionals in the aerospace and defense industry—including those without a traditional business background.

Developed and taught by industry leaders and distinguished OU faculty, the curriculum empowers students to synthesize complex concepts and apply integrative thinking across aerospace, defense, and business functions.

Hybrid Program

Time to Complete:

12 Months

Credit Hours:

Time Commitment:

10 to 20 Hours Weekly

start dates

Fall, Spring

cost

The EMBA in Aerospace and Defense program 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 $70,880 ($2,215 per credit hour). Books and materials, as well as meals, hotel, and local transportation during the residency weeks, are included. Transportation to and from the residency weeks is not included in the program’s cost. Accepted students must pay a non-refundable enrollment deposit of $1,500. Deposits are applied toward tuition expenses and secure a student’s place in the upcoming class. There is no application fee for this degree.

YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE

Complete the form below to learn more about our online programs and how to get started.

About the Online EMBA in Aerospace and Defense

The University of Oklahoma’s hybrid EMBA in Aerospace and Defense is a 32-credit-hour program that empowers professionals to elevate their careers in as few as 12 months. Designed for those working in the aerospace and defense industry—including individuals without a business background—this program equips students with the leadership and strategic skills needed to thrive in high-impact roles.

Students gain a comprehensive understanding of aerospace and defense business operations through immersive coursework, applied projects, and direct engagement with faculty and guest lecturers who are leaders in the field. The curriculum blends real-world insights with academic rigor, helping students master the concepts and tools essential for success in this fast-paced, innovation-driven sector.

Developed and taught by industry experts and renowned Price College of Business faculty, the program emphasizes integrative thinking across business and A&D functions. Students refine their leadership approach, learn to manage teams effectively, and benefit from personalized guidance from an Executive Career Coach—delivering long-term value for both the student and their organization.

Courses focus on applying core business and leadership principles to the aerospace and defense landscape. All students earn a Lean Six Sigma White Belt as part of the program and complete the required classroom hours to be eligible to apply for Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. While the program does not award the PMP certification directly, students are prepared to pursue it through the Project Management Institute (PMI) or another certifying organization.

Residency Weeks

Approximately 40% of the hybrid EMBA in Aerospace and Defense program is conducted in three one-week residence weeks. During each session, participants take classes, meet with faculty advisors and leadership development coaches, and work on team projects with peers.

Each residency week ends with synthesis presentations in which students apply what they have learned in the program to date as part of a focused case study.

Two of the residency weeks take place at the University of Oklahoma. The third residency week is a 7- to 10-day global study experience that occurs halfway through the program. Participants engage with aerospace and defense organizations in other locations.

What Can I Do with an EMBA in Aerospace and Defense

Earning an EMBA in Aerospace and Defense from the University of Oklahoma prepares you for career advancement in a variety of areas within the aerospace and defense industry, including private corporations, government agencies, consulting firms, think tanks and universities. Accelerate your career with some of the largest employers in the field:

Program and Project Management
Aerospace Systems Engineering Leadership
Policy and Regulatory Affairs
Global Supply Chain Management
Research and Analysis in Think Tanks

Strategic Operations and Logistics
Government and Defense Contracting
Innovation and Technology Development
Business Development and Consulting
Academic and Executive Education Roles

Industry Insights

Median Pay for Aerospace Engineers: $134,830 per year. The median annual wage for aerospace engineers as of May 2024.
Job Outlook: 6% growth (2023–2033). Employment for aerospace engineers is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations.
Job Openings: 4,200 openings per year (on average), driven by industry growth and workforce transitions.
Emerging Career Paths: The aerospace and defense sector is rapidly expanding beyond traditional engineering roles. High-demand areas include:
- Software Engineering & Embedded Systems: Supporting advanced weapons systems, communications, and autonomous platforms.
- AI/ML Specialists: Developing intelligent systems for analytics, surveillance, and autonomous operations.
- Cybersecurity Professionals: Protecting national defense infrastructure against evolving digital threats.
- Sustainable Aviation & Hydrogen Technologies: Innovators are leading efforts in decarbonizing aviation through hydrogen fuel and sustainable aviation fuels.
- Electronic Warfare & Autonomous Drones: Growth in unmanned systems and AI-powered electronic warfare is reshaping modern defense strategies.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Program Outcomes: What You’ll Learn

OU’s hybrid EMBA in Aerospace and Defense program addresses the growing demand for individuals with the financial management, critical thinking, strategy development and innovation skills and the specialized knowledge required for roles in the aerospace and defense industry.

Develop a deep understanding of the core issues affecting the aerospace and defense industry
Demonstrate decision-making and problem-solving skills
Exhibit global awareness and strategic perspectives on aerospace and defense
Demonstrate leadership and teamwork skills

Course Details

The EMBA in Aerospace and Defense offers a comprehensive overview of key topics related to applying business and leadership principles to the Aerospace and Defense industry and could result in additional professional qualifications such as Lean Six Sigma.

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.

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.

Students will also choose 10 courses (20 credit hours) from the following list:

Field Project in Aerospace & Defense (Implementation)
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 a timeline for implementation.

Quantitative Methods & Models for Aerospace & Defense
Credit Hours: 2
This course focuses on understanding and applying quantitative methods and models in the context of Aerospace & Defense (A&D). The course content is organized around three modules: summarizing quantitative data, relating and comparing data, and predicting outcomes based on sample data. The topics covered in these modules include descriptive statistics, associative statistics, regression, multiple regression, and inferential statistics.

Organizational Behavior in Aerospace & Defense Organizations
Credit Hours: 2
This course deals with the need for managers to understand behavior in organizations and the challenges they face. It discusses individual differences, employee motivation, and effective job design, and how organizations should select, retain, and evaluate employees. The course discusses group dynamics, team management, effective communication, managing conflict, employee stress, and career management issues.

Aerospace and Defense Marketing Fundamentals
Credit Hours: 2
The traditional role of marketing management is enlarged to include the development, implementation, and control of marketing strategies in the aerospace/defense organization. Emphasis is on the strategic marketing process in the dynamic aerospace/defense business environment. Strategic marketing decisions, analysis, and issues are integrated with the goal of achieving customer satisfaction to gain a sustainable competitive advantage within the aviation industry.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Aerospace & Defense
Credit Hours: 2
This course introduces skills and techniques that enable the development of innovative and entrepreneurial strategies in aerospace and defense. We also evaluate approaches to developing an innovative, entrepreneurial culture in environments where science- and technology-related activities are critical for effective operations. The course will analyze the challenges posed by complex organizations and highlight methods to deal with them.

Lean Six Sigma Tools for Aerospace & Defense
Credit Hours: 2
The course introduces the fundamental Lean Six Sigma concepts within a business organization. It covers the basic concepts within Six Sigma and Lean techniques, and introduces tools for measurement and process improvement metrics in organizations through the DMAIC process. The course has a strategic foundation in which we review the strategic use of techniques, ensuring a positive result upon implementation.

Advanced Financial Management in Aerospace & Defense
Credit Hours: 2
This is a comprehensive course in corporate financial management and analysis. The course builds on the main concepts of the core Accounting course (EMAD 5302). The primary objective is to develop the skills necessary to value firms and optimize a corporation's capital structure in the Aerospace and Defense Industry using varying finance methods.

Mergers and Acquisitions in Aerospace and Defense
Credit Hours: 2
This course studies the design and valuation of deals to acquire or divest corporate assets. We study M&A transactions, applying them to the aerospace and defense industry through case-based methods. We explore how the legal system, accounting rules, and tax incentives affect outcomes of M&A transactions. We analyze types of M&A transactions, their motivations, and their effects on corporate value.

Managing Aerospace & Defense Government Contracts
Credit Hours: 2
This course introduces the procurement and contracting processes used in the aerospace and defense (A&D) industry. Students will gain an understanding of best practices from both government and industry perspectives, including subcontracting. The course will navigate the highly complex federal acquisition process including governance and operational roles. The course emphasizes government contracting but also discusses private sector contracting in A&D.

Data Management and Security in Aerospace & Defense
Credit Hours: 2
Every organization is concerned with data management. Data must be stored effectively and securely so it can be retrieved to support decision making. These issues are particularly relevant for the A&D industry, an environment where extra measures must be taken in all aspects of security. The objective is to provide a basic understanding of data management and security.

Data Analytics for Aerospace & Defense
Credit Hours: 2
Data analytics is becoming increasingly important for every industry, and it is especially important in the aerospace and defense (A&D) industry. The objective of this course is to provide a basic understanding of data analytics in A&D.

Information Technology and Cybersecurity in Aerospace and Defense

Credit Hours: 2

Information technology and cybersecurity 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 cybersecurity concepts for A&D.

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.

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.

Why Choose OU Online for an EMBA in Aerospace and 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 accounting, where precision, strategy, and insight drive business decisions across every industry.

Faculty Expertise

The EMBA in Aerospace and Defense is built on the foundation of world-class University of Oklahoma faculty mixed with professors of practice providing valuable instruction. By linking industry experts with our online programs, we offer the most advanced curriculum and prepare students for future career success.

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 hybrid EMBA in Aerospace and Defense offers a flexible format built for working professionals across the globe. Earn your degree in as few as 12 months while maintaining full-time employment and managing personal commitments. Study from anywhere and gain specialized expertise in aerospace and defense that sets you apart in a competitive industry. Classes are taught synchronously on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7–9 p.m. Central Time, 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 & Financial Aid

Earning your EMBA in Aerospace and Defense is an investment in your future—and OU Online is committed to making that investment as accessible and transparent as possible.

Financial aid, scholarships, 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 get in touch with the Online Aid office by emailing onlineaid@ou.edu or calling 405-325-2929.

Take the Next Step

To apply to the hybrid Executive MBA in Aerospace and Defense, you must hold a bachelor’s degree in any field from a regionally accredited college or university—or the international equivalent—with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. At least two to five years of full-time, work experience is required to maximize your success in the program.

Application Timeline

The admissions committee reviews applications on a rolling basis, with decisions typically issued within two weeks of receiving a completed application. Admissions remain open until two weeks before classes begin, so early submission is encouraged to secure your place in the program. Application Deadlines:

May 1 for Fall semester starts
November 1 for Spring semester starts

Step 1

Fill out the form above to connect with Michelle Brown, MBA Admissions & Recruiting, Aerospace & Defense, to discuss your qualifications and interest in the program.

Step 2

Complete the online application.

Step 3

Provide supplemental materials, including a resume, personal statement, and all transcripts for any institution where you received a degree or received any graduate credit.