A Follow-up Survey of 1985 - 1996 Graduates Of the Aviation Management Program Bachelor of Science Degree At Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Abstract

During 1997 and 1998, researchers conducted a follow-up study of graduates earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aviation Management (AVM) from the College of Applied Sciences and Arts (ASA) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC). The purpose of the study was twofold: (a) to determine a demographic, educational, and occupational profile of the graduates and (b) to obtain an evaluation of the program in terms of the degree to which it helped graduates achieve their occupational and/or life goals. The follow-up study population was composed of students who graduated from the aviation management degree program between 1985 and 1996. A population of 2,663 graduates was identified. A mail-in survey instrument was used to gather data for the follow-up study. Three mailings were conducted, resulting in 806 usable returns and a 31% response rate. Key findings of the study were: (a) eighty-six percent indicated that the degree was an asset that assisted them in achieving their occupational and/or life goals, (b) ninety percent indicated that they would recommend the program to others, (c) fifty-nine percent reported that they are employed within the aviation industry, (d) sixty-eight percent reported earning annual salaries in excess of $35,000.00, and (e) sixty-three percent indicated that they were satisfied with their current levels of employment.