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 Air Traffic Management 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. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment categories in support of air transportation are expected to grow by 25 percent through 2022.Students pursue a variety of co-ops and internships with airline, aviation, and air transportation companies focused on safety, training, operations, dispatch, and transportation.
DEGREE DETAILS
This degree is offered at the following campuses. Select a campus to learn more.
About Air Traffic Management at the Daytona Beach, FL Campus
The B.S. 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 B.S. in Air Traffic Management (ATM) 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, and commercial air traffic facilities. 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.
Degree Requirements
The Bachelor of Science degree in Air Traffic Management requires successful completion of a minimum of 120 credit hours, normally completed in eight semesters. This includes a minor course of study or breadth area as approved by the Program Coordinator, Air Traffic Management.
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 | |
| * | 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. |
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 | College Mathematics for Aviation I | 3 |
| MA 112 | College Mathematics for Aviation II | 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 | |
| ** | May be taken as a (HYB) Hybrid course. |
Get Started Now:
Degree 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 Control Simulation Lab
Daytona Beach, FL Campus
Wings Out West Airshow Wins Award for Best in the Country
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Student Duo Shines at International Safety Conference
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- Wings Out West Airshow Wins Award for Best in the Country
- Embry-Riddle Safety Science Program Receives Donated Aircraft from Honeywell
- Student-Run Project VALHALLA Aims to Launch Rockets at the Edge of Space
- Student Duo Shines at International Safety Conference
- Military Times Names Embry-Riddle One of the Nation's Best for Veterans
- Embry-Riddle Flight Team Wins Regional Competition for 33rd Consecutive Year
- General Motors Donates SUV for Students to Rebuild as Hybrid, Autonomous
- Encroaching Drones Usually Go Unseen by Pilots, New Study Confirms
About Air Traffic Management at the Prescott, AZ Campus
The Air Traffic Management (ATM) 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 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.
The Bachelor of Science in Air Traffic Management degree is housed in the Department of Aeronautical Science in the College of Aviation.
The B.S. in Air Traffic Management 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. See Minor Courses of Study in this catalog.
A minimum of 7 semesters is required to complete the Air Traffic Management degree program.
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.
Suggested Program of Study
| Freshman Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Credits | ||
| AS 120 | Principles of Aeronautical Science | 3 |
| AS 125 | Private and UAS Pilot Operations | 3 |
| AT 200 | Air Traffic Basics I | 3 |
| ACC/BA/COM/HU/MA/PS/SS Lower/Upper-Level Elective | 3 | |
| COM 122 | English Composition | 3 |
| IT 109 | Introduction to Computers and Applications | 3 |
| MA 111 | College Mathematics for Aviation I | 3 |
| MA 112 | College Mathematics for Aviation II | 3 |
| Physical Science Elective | 3 | |
| PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| UNIV 101 | College Success | 1 |
| Credits Subtotal | 31.0 | |
| Sophomore Year | ||
| AS 221 | Instrument Pilot Operations | 3 |
| AS 221L | Instrument Pilot Operations Laboratory | 1 |
| AS 309 | Aerodynamics | 3 |
| AT 302 | Air Traffic Basics II | 3 |
| AT 305 | Introduction to Terminal Radar Operations | 3 |
| BA 201 | Principles of Management | 3 |
| COM 219 | Speech | 3 |
| EC 210 | Microeconomics | 3 |
or EC 211
|
Macroeconomics | |
| 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 | 32.0 | |
| Junior Year | ||
| AS 310 | Aircraft Performance | 3 |
| AS 350 | Domestic and International Navigation | 3 |
| AT 315 | Introduction to Air Traffic Control Tower | 3 |
| AT 401 | Advanced Terminal Radar Operations | 3 |
| COM 221 | Technical Report Writing | 3 |
or COM 222
|
Business Communication | |
| Business Administration or Economics Upper-Level Elective | 3 | |
| Humanities or Social Science Upper-Level Elective | 3 | |
| Minor/Open Elective ** | 6 | |
| SF 320 | Human Factors in Aviation Safety | 3 |
or AS 387
|
Crew Resource Management | |
| WX 301 | Aviation Weather | 3 |
| Credits Subtotal | 33.0 | |
| Senior Year | ||
| AS 359 | Aviation Stress Management | 3 |
| AT 405 | En route Radar Operations | 3 |
| AT 406 | En route Non-Radar Operations | 3 |
| Humanities Lower-Level Elective | 3 | |
| Minor/Open Elective ** | 9 | |
| SF 462 | Health, Safety, and Aviation Law | 3 |
| Credits Subtotal | 24.0 | |
| Credits Total: | 120 | |
| * | 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. |
| ** | 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. |
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.
Get Started Now:
Degree 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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Two Alumni Earn National Business Aviation Association's Top 40 Under 40
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For Girls in Aviation Day, Embry-Riddle Offers Face-to-Face Fun and Virtual Learning
More Women Will Earn Their Wings, Thanks to New Women’s Network
Big Data Method More Accurately Predicts Air Traveler Choices
- The Blue Origin of Aerospace Engineer Matt Boban
- Are You Cyber-Safe at Hotel Business Centers?
- Embry-Riddle President Calls for Innovative Solutions to Increase the Ranks of Women in Aviation, STEM
- Two Alumni Earn National Business Aviation Association's Top 40 Under 40
- Grad Student's Journey Features Jeff Bezos, Rockets, and Now — 'Gas Stations in Space'
- For Girls in Aviation Day, Embry-Riddle Offers Face-to-Face Fun and Virtual Learning
- More Women Will Earn Their Wings, Thanks to New Women’s Network
- Big Data Method More Accurately Predicts Air Traveler Choices