
Bachelor of Science in
Air Traffic Management
During the next decade, 85 percent of the U.S. air traffic controllers who are currently working will be eligible for retirement. This correlates to approximately 14,000 open positions for new controllers to join the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The Bachelor of Science in Air Traffic Management program at Embry-Riddle prepares graduates to fill those seats in a thrilling career in air traffic control. One of just a small number of colleges and universities granted FAA designation as a Collegiate Training Initiative school (and among the original cohort of 13), Embry-Riddle’s air traffic control program is taught by passionate, knowledgeable professors who have held positions as air traffic controllers themselves.
The Air Traffic Management program provides you with the knowledge and foundation designated for entry into the FAA Academy, where you’ll be integrated with others for additional air traffic control training. Because of the high quality of their education and experience, Embry-Riddle graduates always lead their classes at the FAA Academy.
The program at Embry-Riddle delivers fundamental traffic controller knowledge and competency through a mix of realistic lab simulations, classroom instruction, and computer-based learning.
Since Embry-Riddle has a formal partnership agreement with the FAA, be assured the curriculum and standards meet FAA demands and always exceed its expectations.
Upon graduation, graduates emerge prepared for an entry-level air traffic controller position with the FAA or other entities. Air Traffic Controllers are some of the highest paid government employees, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting a median annual salary of $130,420.Students pursue a variety of co-ops and internships with airline, aviation and air transportation companies focused on safety, training, operations, dispatch and transportation.
DETAILS
This offering is available at the following campuses. Select a campus to learn more.
About Air Traffic Management at the Daytona Beach, FL Campus
The Bachelor of Science in Air Traffic Management (ATM) at the Daytona Beach Campus is for students whose goal is to become an air traffic controller or work in a related field. The coursework provides exposure to procedures and operations like those found in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) air traffic control facilities. The curriculum builds the foundation a student needs to enter the FAA Academy for additional air traffic control training.
The Bachelor of Science in Air Traffic Management degree is housed in the Department of Applied Aviation Sciences in the College of Aviation.
At the Daytona Beach Campus, students get real-world training in the largest interactive air traffic control lab in the U.S. We are also the only institution providing an international air traffic management study abroad program.
Many courses take place in Embry-Riddle’s new College of Aviation building, which features an abundance of simulation labs, a weather center, and meteorology labs among many other areas focused on all aspects of aviation. View a list of labs and facilities.
First year students in the Air Traffic Management program will typically study aviation-focused mathematics, meteorology, and computer science, along with general education courses, such as communication skills and other electives related to the minor course of study.
The campus is adjacent to the Daytona Beach International Airport and the NextGen Test Bed, as well as close to NASA and Kennedy Space Center.
The campus maintains a modern fleet of aircraft and a host of advanced flight simulation devices with advanced visual systems.
The Applied Aviation Sciences Department offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Air Traffic Management (ATM). This degree is designed to provide a comprehensive education to prepare graduates for productive careers and responsible citizenship in the field of air traffic management. The degree provides global leadership in the field of air traffic management and offers coursework and laboratory experiences that prepare students for immediate productivity and career growth with the Federal Aviation Administration, the Department of Defense, commercial air traffic facilities, and international air navigation services. It is the intent of the Bachelor of Science in Air Traffic Management to accomplish this goal by:
- Emphasizing academic excellence in the teaching of all courses and programs.
- Pursuing research and creative activities that maintain and extend knowledge in the field of Air Traffic Management.
- Supporting each student's personal development by encouraging participation in internships and co-op programs.
- Providing an international study abroad program
General Education Requirements*
For a full description of Embry-Riddle General Education guidelines, please see the General Education section of this catalog. These minimum requirements are applicable to all degree programs.
Communication Theory & Skills | 9 | |
Lower-Level Humanities | 3 | |
Lower-Level Social Sciences | 3 | |
Lower or Upper-Level Humanities or Social Sciences | 3 | |
Upper-Level Humanities or Social Sciences | 3 | |
Computer Science | 3 | |
Mathematics (MA 111 and MA 112) | 6 | |
Physical and Life Sciences (WX 201 required) | 6 | |
Total Credits | 36 |
Air Traffic Management Core
AT 202 | Introduction to Air Traffic Management ** | 3 |
AT 305 | Introduction to Terminal Radar Operations | 3 |
AT 306 | Safety in Air Traffic Management ** | 3 |
AT 307 | Global Harmonization in Air Traffic Management ** | 3 |
AT 315 | Introduction to Air Traffic Control Tower ** | 3 |
AT 401 | Advanced Terminal Radar Operations ** | 3 |
AT 405 | En route Radar Operations | 3 |
AT 406 | En route Non-Radar Operations | 3 |
AT 425 | Collaborative Air Traffic Management | 3 |
BA 201 | Principles of Management | 3 |
BA 310 | Airport Management | 3 |
BA 315 | Airline Management | 3 |
SF 210 | Introduction to Aerospace Safety | 3 |
WX 301 | Aviation Weather | 3 |
Aviation Related Minor or Breadth Area (Approved by AAS department) | 15-24 | |
Open Electives Upper Level | 6 | |
Open Electives | 12-21 | |
Total Credits | 120 |
* | Embry-Riddle courses in the general education categories of Communication Theory and Skills, Computer Science, Humanities, Social Sciences, Mathematics, and Physical Sciences 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. |
** | May be taken as a (HYB) Hybrid course. |
Suggested Plan of Study
Students should be aware that several courses in each academic year might have prerequisites and/or corequisites. Please check the course descriptions in this catalog before registering for classes to ensure requisite sequencing.
Year One | ||
---|---|---|
Credits | ||
AT 202 | Introduction to Air Traffic Management | 3 |
MA 111 | Pre-Calculus for Aviation | 3 |
MA 112 | Applied Calculus for Aviation | 3 |
WX 201 | Survey of Meteorology | 3 |
Communication Theory and Skills | 6 | |
Computer Science Elective | 3 | |
Humanities Lower-Level Elective | 3 | |
Open Elective | 3 | |
Physical Sciences with Laboratory | 3 | |
Credits Subtotal | 30.0 | |
Year Two | ||
AT 305 | Introduction to Terminal Radar Operations | 3 |
AT 306 | Safety in Air Traffic Management | 3 |
BA 201 | Principles of Management | 3 |
BA 310 | Airport Management | 3 |
SF 210 | Introduction to Aerospace Safety | 3 |
Communication Theory and Skills | 3 | |
Lower-Level Social Science | 3 | |
Upper-Level Humanities or Social Science | 3 | |
Upper or Lower-Level Humanities or Social Science | 3 | |
Open Elective | 3 | |
Credits Subtotal | 30.0 | |
Year Three | ||
AT 307 | Global Harmonization in Air Traffic Management | 3 |
AT 315 | Introduction to Air Traffic Control Tower | 3 |
AT 401 | Advanced Terminal Radar Operations | 3 |
AT 405 | En route Radar Operations | 3 |
BA 315 | Airline Management | 3 |
WX 301 | Aviation Weather | 3 |
Open Elective Upper-Level | 6 | |
Open Elective | 3 | |
Minor Requirement | 3 | |
Credits Subtotal | 30.0 | |
Year Four | ||
AT 406 | En route Non-Radar Operations | 3 |
AT 425 | Collaborative Air Traffic Management | 3 |
Minor or breadth area - approved by the Applied Aviation Sciences Department | 15-24 | |
Open Elective (subject to Minor requirements) | 3-9 | |
Credits Subtotal | 24.0-39.0 | |
Credits Total: | 120 |
Get Started Now:
Summary
120 Credits
Estimate your tuition by using the Tuition Calculator
View Financial Aid Information
Learn about our General Education
Find out about transferring credits to this degree
Learn more about our Veterans & Military benefits
View our Academic Calendar
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Over 1,000 Eagles Take Flight at Daytona Beach Campus Spring Commencement
- Turtle Trackers Fly Drones Out of Sight
- Undergrads To Push Drone Swarm Research Forward With Aid From Federal Funding
- Game On: Boeing, Embry-Riddle Work To Enhance Cybersecurity in Capture the Flag Competition
- Eagles Make University History with Top Finish at AIAA DBF Aircraft-Design Competition
- Golden Eagles Win 14th NIFA SAFECON National Championship
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Named First School To Join Atlas Air’s Pathway to Success Program for Pilots
- Embry-Riddle Alumni Helped Passenger Land Plane After Pilot Lost Consciousness
- Over 1,000 Eagles Take Flight at Daytona Beach Campus Spring Commencement
About Air Traffic Management at the Prescott, AZ Campus
The Air Traffic Management program at ERAU’s Prescott Campus is a degree designed for students whose goal is to become an air traffic controller or gain employment in a related industry. In addition to Air Traffic Management courses, the curriculum provides skills in mathematics, physics, communications, safety, meteorology, and aeronautics. The academic courses are designed to provide exposure to procedures and operations consistent with those found in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) air traffic control facilities.
The Bachelor of Science in Air Traffic Management degree is housed in the Department of Aeronautical Science in the College of Aviation.
The degree requires a minimum of 120 semester hours, normally completed in eight semesters. View the degree requirements for the Prescott Campus.
Prescott ATM students attend classes in dynamic, aviation-related labs and facilities, and are a part of one of the few programs in the country that incorporates computer-based simulation training in all areas of air traffic control, even unmanned aircraft.
The Campus maintains a modern fleet of aircraft and a host of advanced flight simulation devices with advanced visual systems.
The Air Traffic Management (ATM) program is a degree designed for students whose goal is to become an air traffic controller or seek employment in a related industry. In addition to ATM courses, the curriculum provides skills in mathematics, physics, communications, safety, meteorology, and aeronautics. The academic courses are designed to provide exposure to procedures and operations consistent with those found in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) air traffic control facilities.
Degree Requirements
The Bachelor of Science degree in Air Traffic Management requires successful completion of a minimum of 120 semester hours, normally completed in eight semesters. A minimum of 40 semester hours must be upper-level. Students are required to complete MA 111 and MA 112.
Students must select and complete one minor field of study, as approved by the Applied Aviation Sciences Department. Total credits within the minor will vary depending on which minor is chosen. Students typically select a minor that will enhance their aviation career.
Students should be aware that several courses in each academic year might have prerequisites and/or corequisites. Please check the course descriptions in this catalog before registering for classes to ensure requisite sequencing.
Program Requirements
General Education (37 Credits)
COM 122 | English Composition | 3 |
COM 219 | Speech | 3 |
COM 221 | Technical Report Writing | 3 |
or COM 222 | Business Communication | |
Economics, Psychology, or Social Science Lower-Level Elective | 3 | |
Humanities Lower-Level Elective | 6 | |
Humanities or Social Science Upper-Level Elective | 3 | |
IT 109 | Introduction to Computers and Applications | 3 |
MA 111 | Pre-Calculus for Aviation | 3 |
MA 112 | Applied Calculus for Aviation | 3 |
Natural Science Elective | 3 | |
WX 201 | Survey of Meteorology | 3 |
WX 203L | Survey of Meteorology Laboratory | 1 |
Air Traffic Management Core (68 Credits)
Accounting, Business Administration, or Economics Upper-Level Elective | 3 | |
AS 120 | Principles of Aeronautical Science | 3 |
AS 125 | Private and UAS Pilot Operations | 3 |
AS 221 | Instrument Pilot Operations | 3 |
AS 221L | Instrument Pilot Operations Laboratory | 1 |
AS 309 | Aerodynamics | 3 |
AS 310 | Aircraft Performance | 3 |
AS 350 | Domestic and International Navigation | 3 |
AS 359 | Aviation Stress Management | 3 |
AS 410 | Airline Dispatch Operations | 3 |
AT 200 | Air Traffic Basics I | 3 |
AT 302 | Air Traffic Basics II | 3 |
AT 305 | Introduction to Terminal Radar Operations | 3 |
AT 315 | Introduction to Air Traffic Control Tower | 3 |
AT 401 | Advanced Terminal Radar Operations | 3 |
AT 405 | En route Radar Operations | 3 |
AT 406 | En route Non-Radar Operations | 3 |
AT 415 | Advanced Air Traffic Control Tower ** | 3 |
BA 201 | Principles of Management | 3 |
GEO 210 | Introduction to Geographic Information Systems | 3 |
SF 210 | Introduction to Aerospace Safety | 3 |
SF 462 | Health, Safety, and Aviation Law | 3 |
WX 301 | Aviation Weather | 3 |
UNIV 101 | College Success | 1 |
Minor Requirement (15 Credits)
Minor | 15 |
Total Credits | 120 |
* | Student must complete at least one minor. Then number of hours required in open electives will be adjusted to meet the 34 hours required to complete the minimum of 120 credits for the degree. |
** | Offered in Spring Only |
Air traffic controllers are required to possess a current FAA 2nd Class or higher medical certificate to receive and exercise the privileges of their FAA Air Traffic Controller certificates. Students should verify their eligibility status for this level medical certificate with an FAA designated medical examiner prior to enrolling in this degree program. The medical certificate is not required for ATM courses or degree enrollment.
Prospective air traffic controllers must be able to complete their university education and have entered the FAA Air Traffic Control Academy prior to reaching their 31st birthday.
FAA air traffic controllers must be U.S. citizens.
All Army ROTC students are required to complete SS 321 - U.S. Military History 1900-Present (3 credits) in order to commission.
Air Traffic Management - General
Freshman Year | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | |
AS 120 | Principles of Aeronautical Science | 3 |
COM 122 | English Composition | 3 |
IT 109 | Introduction to Computers and Applications | 3 |
MA 111 | Pre-Calculus for Aviation | 3 |
UNIV 101 | College Success | 1 |
Credits Subtotal | 13.0 | |
Spring | ||
AS 125 | Private and UAS Pilot Operations | 3 |
AT 200 | Air Traffic Basics I | 3 |
GEO 210 | Introduction to Geographic Information Systems | 3 |
MA 112 | Applied Calculus for Aviation | 3 |
Natural Science Elective | 3 | |
Credits Subtotal | 15.0 | |
Sophomore Year | ||
Fall | ||
AS 221 | Instrument Pilot Operations | 3 |
AS 221L | Instrument Pilot Operations Laboratory | 1 |
AT 302 | Air Traffic Basics II | 3 |
BA 201 | Principles of Management | 3 |
COM 219 | Speech | 3 |
Economics, Psychology, or Social Science Lower-Level Elective | 3 | |
Credits Subtotal | 16.0 | |
Spring | ||
AS 309 | Aerodynamics | 3 |
AT 305 | Introduction to Terminal Radar Operations | 3 |
Humanities Lower-Level Elective | 3 | |
SF 210 | Introduction to Aerospace Safety | 3 |
WX 201 | Survey of Meteorology | 3 |
WX 203L | Survey of Meteorology Laboratory | 1 |
Credits Subtotal | 16.0 | |
Junior Year | ||
Fall | ||
AS 310 | Aircraft Performance | 3 |
AS 350 | Domestic and International Navigation | 3 |
AT 315 | Introduction to Air Traffic Control Tower | 3 |
COM 221 | Technical Report Writing | 3 |
or COM 222
|
Business Communication | |
Minor/Open Elective | 3 | |
Credits Subtotal | 15.0 | |
Spring | ||
Accounting, Business Administration, or Economics Upper-Level Elective | 3 | |
AT 401 | Advanced Terminal Radar Operations | 3 |
Humanities or Social Science Upper-Level Elective | 3 | |
Minor/Open Elective | 3 | |
WX 301 | Aviation Weather | 3 |
Credits Subtotal | 15.0 | |
Senior Year | ||
Fall | ||
Minor/Open Electives | 6 | |
AS 359 | Aviation Stress Management | 3 |
AT 405 | En route Radar Operations | 3 |
AT 415 | Advanced Air Traffic Control Tower | 3 |
Credits Subtotal | 15.0 | |
Spring | ||
AS 410 | Airline Dispatch Operations | 3 |
AT 406 | En route Non-Radar Operations | 3 |
Humanities Lower-Level Elective | 3 | |
Minor/Open Elective | 3 | |
SF 462 | Health, Safety, and Aviation Law | 3 |
Credits Subtotal | 15.0 | |
Credits Total: | 120 |
Get Started Now:
Summary
120 Credits
Estimate your tuition by using the Tuition Calculator
View Financial Aid Information
Learn about our General Education
Find out about transferring credits to this degree
Learn more about our Veterans & Military benefits
View our Academic Calendar
The Air Traffic Management Program
Prescott, AZ Campus


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- Nearly 500 Eagles Take Flight at Prescott Campus Spring Commencement
- Embry-Riddle Computer and Project Management Students Build App for Pilots
- Abandoned as a Baby, Embry-Riddle Class President Reflects on a Life of Struggle and Triumph
- Embry-Riddle’s First All-Female Team To Take On Global Maintenance Competition
- Acting FAA Administrator: Industry Boom Creating New Career Paths, Safety Standards
- Trailblazing Women in Aviation Showcased at Embry-Riddle
- Sudanese Refugee Transcends Childhood Trauma To Join Air Force, Start Family, Earn Master's Degree
- Eyes in the Sky: Eagles Use Drones to Improve Tactical Response Against Active Shooters