Department of Applied Aviation Sciences

The B.S. in Air Traffic Management prepares students for careers managing aircraft in the national airspace — as air traffic controllers, flight dispatchers and ground controllers. The B.S. in Aeronautical Science is a flight-track degree focused on piloting careers. Both programs are offered through the College of Aviation and draw on shared aviation fundamentals, but serve different career paths.

Yes. Embry-Riddle's B.S. in Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) was the first accredited UAS degree program in the nation. The program covers aeronautical science, computer science, engineering, GIS and service learning — and 100% of graduates from the Class of 2022–23 were employed or continuing education within one year of graduation.

The program does not guarantee FAA placement, but it is built around a direct partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration and taught by faculty with firsthand ATC experience. The curriculum prepares students for ATC careers and equips them with the knowledge and skills employers — including the FAA — look for in candidates.

With additional coursework, B.S. in Applied Meteorology students may pursue an Emergency Response Meteorologist Certification or an Aircraft Dispatch Certification. Students can also pursue a minor in Flight or Defense Studies to expand their career options.

Metacraft SimSuite is the same high-fidelity simulation software used in real-world air traffic control facilities. The ATC Laboratory at Prescott is equipped with this software, allowing students to operate up to four radar and two tower positions simultaneously in Tower, Terminal and En Route environments — delivering training that mirrors real operational conditions.

Graduates pursue careers in air traffic control, flight dispatch, aviation weather forecasting, UAS operations, aviation operations management and government agencies including the FAA, NOAA and DoD. Rapidly growing commercial UAS sectors including infrastructure inspection, precision agriculture and public safety also recruit heavily from this program.

Yes, a Flight minor is available to students in Applied Aviation Sciences programs. Speak with an academic advisor to understand how a Flight minor fits within your degree plan and timeline.