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Program Information | Degree Requirements | Career Outlook

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN

AIR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

Embry-Riddle is at the Forefront of Air Traffic Management Education Worldwide; Come Learn from Professionals

Read a career story about our program and a few grads working as air traffic controllers.

If you’ve dreamed of being in air traffic control, you won't find a better starting place than Embry-Riddle's program.

As one of the few FAA-approved air traffic control programs in the country, we’ll put you on the cutting edge of system changes now on the horizon that will introduce new methods and means for managing the world’s aviation arteries.

You’ll study in state-of-the-art facilities with professors who have actually worked as air traffic controllers. Embry-Riddle's Air Traffic Control Simulation Laboratory is the largest interactive air traffic control laboratory in the United States with the most advanced equipment available. (note: Air Traffic Control (ATC) and Air Traffic Management (ATM) are used interchangebly on this page but the official name of the degree is Bachelor of Science in Air Traffic Management.)

Embry-Riddle is one of only 14 approved ATC training schools under the FAA’s Collegiate Training Initiative. The combination of our faculty and top-of-the-line lab equipment, as a graduate you will have a decided edge. This fast-paced, exciting field offers exceptional opportunity with earning potential that will surprise you. Graduates of this program will be prepared for entry-level ATC manager positions. Most jobs will be with the U.S. government or military.

As a student in an aviation-focused program, you'll become familiar with Embry-Riddle's new Aviation Sciences Building, completed in 2002. Here you'll have access to the heart of the largest aeronautical science program in the nation.

You'll learn from a unique combination of faculty with broad and outstanding expertise, and technology that address the most pressing challenges facing aviation today: unprecedented passenger growth, frequent flight delays, security concerns, congested airport runways, aging aircraft, and outdated computer systems.

Job Outlook Great

  • 85 percent of U.S. air traffic controllers (14,000) will be eligible for retirement over the next decade
  • Controllers are among the highest paid in government service
  • Graduates of this program will have a decided advantage in these jobs

From Scott Dittamo, Embry-Riddle grad and air traffic controller at the busy Newark tower  --
"Variety:  Some people think we’re glued to one position for eight hours. Not true. I’ll come in at 6:30 a.m. and work one position until 7:30, then switch to another.

The positions are: flight data (complete the hourly traffic count, issue the current terminal information or hourly weather, and post arrival and departure strips into the flight strip holders); clearance delivery (read or send via computer the pilot’s flight plan and issue re-routes to pilots if the original plan is changed by weather or volume); flow control (assist the ground controller during heavy departure pushes); ground control (ensure separation of aircraft on the ground by issuing taxi instructions and direction to the departure runway and “weaving in” arrival aircraft to their gates); local control (clear aircraft for takeoff and landing, separating them on final approach and departure); Class Bravo Airspace (work helicopters and light aircraft through Newark’s airspace and helicopters to and from Manhattan); cab coordination (serve local and ground control as an extra set of eyes.). "

 

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AIR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

Our Unique Program Prepares You For the Real Thing; You'll Learn in the Most Advanced Air Traffic Control Lab at Any University

Start Your Career

The Applied Aviation Sciences Department offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Air Traffic Management. The academic courses are designed to provide exposure to procedures and operations consistent with those found in Federal Aviation Administration air traffic facilities. The upper ATM courses are very technical and provide the foundation for the capstone air traffic courses that are designed to be consistent with current FAA and industry requirements.

Air traffic controllers are responsible for monitoring and directing the movement of commercial airplanes, helicopters, and recreational aircraft within a designated zone. They also send information to such aircraft and regulate the movement of aircraft and service vehicles on the ground. Air traffic controllers work at airports and enroute centers that track and assist aircraft movement.

This degree is designed for students whose goal is to become an air traffic controller or seek employment in a related industry. The academic courses provide exposure to the procedures and operations consistent with those found in Federal Aviation Administration air traffic facilities. The ATM curriculum provides the knowledge and foundation designated by the FAA for eventual student entry into the FAA Academy where they will be integrated with graduates of other Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) schools for additional air traffic control training.

FAA's College Training Initiative

The Federal Aviation Administration established the Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative in 1990. The program began with five schools and in 1996 expanded to include 13 colleges and universities. The expansion was designed to support the "local recruitment, local hire" concept. Each of the schools qualified to be in the program by meeting specific requirements.

The CTI partnership agreement
  • Establishes collegiate aviation as a valued source for meeting the future needs of the Air Traffic Controller profession
  • Does not guarantee employment
  • Requires that participating schools must meet all the curriculum objectives established by the FAA
  • Students hired through the CTI program bypass the first five weeks of FAA ATM Academy training
  • To qualify for employment consideration, students must meet all FAA hiring requirements

The air traffic control program provides the fundamental traffic controller knowledge and technical competency through a mix of classroom instruction, computer-based instruction, and realistic ATC laboratory simulations.

ERAU has a formal partnership agreement with the FAA that designates the university as an FAA-approved air traffic control training school. This partnership insures that the learning objectives and the standards of student achievement are relevant to the needs of the FAA.

Our State-of-the-Art ATC Simulation Lab

As an ATM student, you'll be spending a lot of time on the third floor of our new Aviaiton Sciences Building, which contain the following:

  • The Air Traffic Control Simulation Laboratories

    The Air Traffic Management laboratories represent all three air traffic domains.  The air traffic control tower simulators replicate the Daytona Beach airport layout and provide students with hands on experience in ground control, local control, as well as the flight data/clearance delivery position.  The terminal radar approach control (TRACON) laboratory allows students to experience operating a radar position and is used for an introductory class as well as an advanced radar class which simulates more sophisticated airspace.  The air route traffic control center or enroute laboratory is also used for two classes.  The radar class introduces students to the concept of enroute radar operations utilizing the same block of airspace taught at the FAA academy in Oklahoma.  The second class taught in this lab introduces students to the concept of non radar and what to expect in the event of a catastrophic radar failure. All three labs are state of the art technology.

  • Air Traffic Management Research Laboratory allows researchers and students using sophisticated software to simulate airspace and airport systems and solve problems relating to runway incursions, reducing in-flight fuel costs, and streamlining ground operations.
  • Weather Center, linked to a remote weather observation station on the roof of the building and to basic and advanced Meteorology Laboratories, which enable faculty and students to display integrated weather data in real time.

The simulation laboratory features a replica of an actual radar air traffic control facility. There are 30 air traffic controller stations, which are used to direct the flow of on-screen aircraft being "flown" by 30 other students in the role of "pseudo pilots" from pilot computer stations, which have simple aircraft controls and voice communications.

All stations are connected by a network interface system for communication between positions. This allows a realistic sectorization of the airspace where several students will work together on one simulation, coordinating traffic flows with each other and handing off aircraft between the sectors. Additionally, voice communications between the controllers and the pseudo-pilots are provided by an intercom system using headset/microphones. Standard paper flight strips are used and they can be printed either prior to the simulation or continuously during it, ten minutes before the aircraft enter the controllers' sector.

The system is configured for simulation of different airspaces. Normal aeronautical charts can be electronically scanned and used as a basis for the airspace and radar map layout. Additional fixes, airways, and airports can be programmed in according to their respective lat/long coordinates. Programming of realistic traffic flows including Standard Instrument Departure (SID) routes and Standard Terminal Arrivals (STAR), aircraft type libraries with realistic performance characteristics, and various weather conditions, is straightforward as well.

The simulator and the ATC laboratory not only provide the students at Embry-Riddle an outstanding opportunity to familiarize themselves with air traffic control operations, but are also important resources for ATC research at the university. The system has already been successfully used for several experimental designs and research for masters' programs.

Do you have what it takes to work in air traffic management?
Read our career feature story about the training and skills you need and will acquire.
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DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Our ATM Program Is One of Only 13 FAA-Approved College Air Traffic Management Programs

The Applied Aviation Sciences Department offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Air Traffic Management (ATM). This degree is designed for students whose goal is to become an air traffic controller or seek employment in a related industry. The academic courses are designed to provide exposure to procedures and operations consistent with those found in Federal Aviation Administration air traffic facilities. The ATM curriculum provides the knowledge and foundation designated by the FAA for eventual student entry into the FAA Academy where they will be integrated with graduates of other Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) schools for additional air traffic control training.

Degree Requirements
The Bachelor of Science degree in Air Traffic Management requries successful completion of a minimum of 120 credit hours, normally completed in eight semesters. This includes a minor course of study as approved by the Applied Aviation Sciences Department.

Suggessted Program of Study
Students should be aware that several courses in each academic year might have prerequisites and/or corequisites. Please check the catalog before registering for classes to ensure requisite sequencing.

Freshman Year
Course Title Credit

* Embry-Riddle courses in the general education categories of Communication Theory and Skills, Computer Science, Humanities, Social Sciences, Mathematics, and Physical Science may be chosen from those listed below, assuming prerequisite requirements are met. Courses from other institutions are acceptable if they fall into these broad categories and are at the level specified in the Air Traffic Management vertical outline.


Communication Theory and Skills:
COM: 122, 219, 221, 222, 410
Humanities:
140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 362
Social Sciences:
Upper-Level SS: 310, 325, 350, 351, 352
Physical Science:
PS: 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 111, 112, 142, 208, 215, 219, 240, 301, 302, 303, 304, 306, 308, 309, 310, 411, 312, 313, 320, 400, 401, 403, 405, 408, 410, 412, 414 (1 laboratory)
Mathematics:
MA: 111, 112, 140, 142, 241; MA 145, 241

Students enrolled in the Army, Navy, or Air Force ROTC program may substitute MY, NSC, or AF courses for open elective courses.
  Communication Theory and Skills 6
  Computer Science Elective* 3
  Physical Science with Laboratory 3
AS 120 Principles of Aeronautical Science 5
-0R-
AS 121 Private Pilot Operations 5
MA 111 College Mathematics for Aviation I 3
MA 112 College Mathematics for Aviation II 3
WX 201 Survey of Meteorology 3
  Open Elective 3
Total Credits 32

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Sophomore Year
Course Title Credit
  Communication Theory and Skills 3
  Physical Science* 3
  Lower-Level Humanities 3
AT 300 Air Traffic Management I 3
AT 302 Air Traffic Management II 3
BA 201 Principles of Management 3
EC 200 An Economic Survey 3
PSY 220 Introduction to Psychology 3
SF 201 Introduction to Health, Occupational Safety, and Transportation 3
-OR-
SF 210 Introduction to Aerospace Safety 3
SF 320 Human Factors in Aviation Safety 3
Total Credits 30

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Junior Year
Course Title Credit
AT 305 Air Traffic Management III 3
AT 315 VFR Control Tower 3
AT 401 Air Traffic Management IV 3
BA 314 Human Resources Management 3
HU/SS 300-400 Level Elective 3
  Upper-Level Open Elective 6
SF 462 Health, Safety, and Aviation Law 3
WX 301 Aviation Weather 3
  Open Elective 3
Total Credits 30

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Senior Year
Course Title Credit
AT 405 Air Traffic Management V 3
AT 406 Non Radar Air Traffic Control 3
  Required courses necessary to complete one minor course of study approved by the Applied Aviation Sciences Department. 15-21
  Open Electives to meet the requirement of 40 hours of upper-level courses and 120 total hours to complete the degree. 9-15
Total Credits 36
Total Degree Credits 120

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OTHER LINKS

Applied Aviation Sciences Department
http://www.erau.edu/omni/db/academicorgs/dbaasd/index.html

Air Traffic Control Minor
http://www.erau.edu/db/degrees/m-airtrafficcontrol.html

Embry-Riddle Trains Chinese Air Traffic Controllers
http://www.erau.edu/er/newsmedia/newsreleases/1997/chinese.html

Embry-Riddle Signs Contract for New 180-Degree ATC Tower Simulator
http://www.erau.edu/er/newsmedia/newsreleases/2001/adacel.html

National Air Traffic Controllers Association
http://www.natca.org/

Air Traffic Control Association
http://www.atca.org/

Virtual Air Traffic Simulation Network
http://www.vatsim.net/


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CAREER OUTLOOK

The Embry-Riddle Connection Gives You Best Shot At Air Traffic Control Careers

The ATM curriculum provides the knowledge and foundation designated by the FAA for eventual student entry into the FAA Academy where they will be integrated with graduates of other Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) schools for additional air traffic control training.

Job Outlook

  • 85 percent of U.S. air traffic controllers (14,000) will be eligible for retirement over the next decade
  • Controllers are among the highest paid in government service
  • Graduates of this program will have a decided advantage in these jobs

The Embry-Riddle Advantage: The Career Services Office

One of the most valuable benefits of being a student or alumnus of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is access to the resources of the Career Services Office.

The Career Services Office provides career development assistance to all students and alumni of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, regardless of campus affiliation. The Daytona Beach office serves Daytona Beach, Worldwide Campus, and Worldwide Online students. Prescott campus students are served by the Prescott office.

The Career Services Web site offers students and alumni:

  • A virtual library of job search aids including interview tips
  • An alumni network which enables students to contact alumni throughout the United States and abroad to learn more about their careers and employers.
  • Sample résumés and cover letters
  • Company profiles and employment hotlines
  • Cooperative education opportunities
  • Current job listings; and
  • A Web-based résumé referral service

A career fair is hosted at the Daytona Beach and Prescott campuses each fall. Throughout each year, dozens of companies visit the campuses to recruit students and to provide information about their industry. On-campus interviews are also scheduled year-round.

The Career Services Office employs a staff of program managers to provide one-on-one career advisement, mock interviews, and résumé critique services. The Career Services Office encourages students to make contact early in their Embry-Riddle educations to explore career options and develop a successful job search strategy.

More From the Career Services Office

Career Advisement
Several degree-specific program managers are available for assistance with career choice/change, exploration of career opportunities, and development of job search techniques.

Career Resource Center
The Career Resource Center is a library of information that includes addresses and information on potential employers, as well as information on hiring trends, salaries, and other career references. The Career Resource Center is continuously updated and expanded to meet student needs. The Career Services Web site also serves as a virtual resource center with links to job listings, salary information, sample résumés, interview preparation, and company Web sites.

EagleHire Network
The EagleHire Network allows students and alumni to submit résumés directly to employers seeking full-time and co-op/internship candidates. EagleHire is a free service and is available to all students and alumni of the University.

Cooperative Education/Internship Program
Cooperative education positions provide an opportunity for students to gain valuable work experience while earning college credit, learn about their chosen field, and establish contacts in the industry. Co-ops and internships are opportunities to earn college credit while gaining career-related work experience for undergraduate and graduate students.