Air Traffic Controller Degree Programs and Schools

<h3 id="section---WhatYouNeedToKnow">What You Need to Know</h3> <p>There are many air traffic controller degree programs that are approved by the FAA. These programs exist at the associate's and bachelor's degree level, and provide you with a leg up for this career. Before you can work as an air traffic controller, you must successfully finish a separate training program designed by the FAA, but completing a degree program may allow you to skip some of this training. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> <b>Degrees</b> </td><td> Associate's degree in air traffic control or a bachelor's degree in air traffic management</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Courses</b> </td><td> Fundamentals of air traffic control, control tower operation, aviation, aerodynamics, meteorology, aviation history, industry regulations and airline operations</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Training</b> </td><td> FAA training is required regardless of your degree</td></tr> </table><h3 id="section---WhatShouldILookForInAnEducationalProgram">What Should I Look For in an Educational Program?</h3> <p>You may want to look for schools that participate in the Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative sponsored by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). These programs are tailored to meet the specific educational requirements set forth by the FAA. According to the FAA, completing a program at one of these schools may allow you to skip the first five weeks of mandatory air traffic controller training (<i>www.faa.gov</i>). </p> <h3 id="section---WhereCanIFindAnAirTrafficControllerSchool">Where Can I Find an Air Traffic Controller School?</h3> <p>As of June 2018, 37 universities, community colleges, technical schools and aeronautical schools around the country and Puerto Rico offer FAA-approved air traffic management programs. Some of these schools include: </p> <ul><li>Hampton University </li><li>Broward College </li><li>Miami Dade College </li><li>Lewis University </li><li>Florida Institute of Technology </li><li>Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University </li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatDegreesCanIEarn">What Degrees Can I Earn?</h3> <p>You might pursue an Associate of Applied Science in Air Traffic Control or a Bachelor of Science in Air Traffic Management. While core courses are similar in both program types, bachelor's programs tend to include more general education requirements - courses such as calculus, physics and English composition - than do associate's programs. Some air traffic degree programs include courses that can be completed online, but those are rare. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatWillIStudy">What Will I Study?</h3> <p>In addition to the fundamentals of air traffic control and control tower operation, you'll learn the basics of aviation, aerodynamics and meteorology. You'll also study topics such as: </p> <ul><li>Aviation history </li><li>Aviation regulations </li><li>Airline operations </li><li>Flight safety </li><li>Radar operations </li><li>Airline management </li></ul><p>Most schools have flight and control tower computer simulation labs in which you can gain hands-on experience. </p> <h3 id="section---IsADegreeAllINeedForEmployment">Is a Degree All I Need for Employment?</h3> <p>Although a degree from an FAA-approved program is useful, it does not guarantee employment as an air traffic controller, nor is an air traffic control degree required. Employment requirements include proof of U.S. citizenship, a physical exam, a background check and a pre-employment test; in most cases, applicants need to be under 31 years of age. You'll also need at least three years of work experience or a bachelor's degree. </p> <p>Before official employment, you'll complete an FAA training program that can take up to 12 weeks. This training period may be shortened to seven weeks if you have a degree in air traffic control. Regardless of whether you have a degree or not, you'll receive training through the FAA in either en-route or terminal air traffic control. En-route controllers provide route guidance for pilots during flight; terminal controllers monitor incoming and outgoing flights at a particular airport.</p>