Gain the technical skills and broad aviation knowledge to thrive in an exciting career
in air traffic control.
The demanding and rewarding career of air traffic control requires a combination of
broad-based aviation knowledge and specialized technical knowledge. We offer a comprehensive
curriculum to prepare you to be part of the next generation of air traffic controllers.
Earn a B.S. in Aeronautics with a major in Air Traffic Management from the UND Aviation
Department, known around the world for academic excellence. Our facilities offer
an air traffic control training experience that is second to none including the most technologically advanced control tower and radar simulators. You'll gain the essential aviation fundamental knowledge you need, along with exposure
to related fields, such as meteorology.
The air traffic control program will fully prepare you for a career as a air traffic
controller. Graduates will request a letter of recommendation from the Department
of Aviation. Use the letter to apply for an Air Traffic Control Specialist position
with the FAA, as a CTI (Collegiate Training Initiative) graduate. CTI graduates can
apply in POOL 1, granting them preferential consideration by qualification category
(Best Qualified, Well Qualified, and Qualified), which is determined by their Air
Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) result.
Advance your skills set with specialized advanced courses in radar, tower operations,
aviation safety management and more.
Graduate prepared for careers as ground-based air traffic controllers who direct aircraft
through the National Airspace System (NAS).
In addition to the primary curriculum, this program requires a second field of study.
This is typically fulfilled a minor, aviation specialization or a second major.
Train on our Adacel 360° MaxSim® ATC Tower/Radar System. The simulator consists of
a 360° Tower view with four synchronized radar positions.
Learn to be an air traffic controller with our ATC Tower Radar Simulator System (TRSS).
One room contains a virtual "tower cab" with a wrap-around visual system that simulates
the view from the control tower. The second room houses simulated radar terminals.
Study in our UFA ATC Radar Lab. It's the most modern and professional 32-position
radar simulation lab in the country.
A significant number of air traffic controllers retire every year, due to the FAA
mandatory retirement age of 56. This means there will be steady or even growing opportunities
for UND trained air traffic controllers. With the air traffic controller degree, you
can expect exciting opportunities in several environments, including:
Control tower operations
Approach control facility operation
En-route center operations
Air operations supervisory or management positions
Skills with an Air Traffic Controller Degree
An Air Traffic Management degree gives you the strategic skills you need, including:
Airport control tower traffic control
Aviation
Strategic Planning
Operations Management
Our air traffic controller graduates have gone on to a variety of successful careers
with:
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Endeavor Air, Inc.
Leidos Holdings, Inc.
Lockheed Martin Corporation
FedEx Corporation
Air Traffic Controller Courses
AVIT 362. Advanced Tower Operations II. 4 Credits.
Students will build on the knowledge gained in AVIT 260 Control Tower Operations I. Utilizing the 3D Tower simulator, the students are taught basic, advanced, and fundamental Tower operations, which include: structure, procedures, and theories of airspace/traffic management. Scenarios progress in difficulty. To complete this course, students will be required to demonstrate their basic knowledge of Tower operations through written examinations and performance scenarios in a 3D tower simulator. This course follows the applicable required Federal Aviation Administration's learning objectives set forth in their Air Traffic Basics Course. An Air Traffic lab is required. Prerequisite: AVIT 260 and a minimum GPA of 2.6. Prerequisite or Corequisite: AVIT 105 or AVIT 102 or AVIT 142. F,S.
AVIT 208. Aviation Safety. 3 Credits.
This course provides the student with a detailed introduction into aspects of aviation safety, aviation safety programs, risk management, and the associated components of pilot psychology, physiology, human factors, and accident review and investigation. Prerequisite: A minimum GPA of 2.6. Prerequisite or Corequisite: AVIT 102 or AVIT 105 or AVIT 142. F,S,SS.
AVIT 261. RADAR Operations I. 4 Credits.
This course provides students with basic Radar instruction and knowledge of separation requirements and the procedures of Air Traffic Terminal Radar Operations. Radar interaction with other Air Traffic and non-Air Traffic agencies is also part of this course. Student evaluations are based on demonstrated application of acquired controller skills utilizing Air Traffic simulation. Scenarios progress in difficulty. To complete this course students must demonstrate their knowledge of Terminal Radar Operations through written examinations and performance scenarios in a Radar simulator. This course follows the applicable required Federal Aviation Administration's learning objectives set forth in their Air Traffic Basics Course. An Air Traffic lab is required. Prerequisite: AVIT 103 and a minimum GPA of 2.6; open to Air Traffic Management majors only, or instructor consent. F,S.
AVIT 250. Human Factors. 2 Credits.
This course introduces the student to issues influencing human performance in the complex operational aviation environments. Theory and practical applications of cognitive processing, decision-making, interpersonal interaction and communication will be presented. This course also provides an introduction to design elements intended to optimize man-machine interaction. Prerequisite: Minimum GPA of 2.6. F,S,SS.
AVIT 485. Aviation Senior Capstone. 3 Credits.
In this course, students will showcase their proficiency in meeting UND's Success Outcomes while delving into the contemporary and professional challenges facing the aviation industry. Emphasizing their growth as professional leaders, students will illustrate how their education has equipped them to address industry specific issues effectively. Additionally, through their course work, students will demonstrate an understanding of information literacy and advanced communication skills. Prerequisite: AVIT 403, senior status, and a minimum GPA of 2.6. F,S.
AVIT 403. Aerospace Law. 3 Credits.
This course is designed to introduce the student to the United States legal system and the development of air law. The course will cover a broad range of topics related to aviation operations including constitutional law, administrative law, Federal Aviation Administration enforcement actions, aircraft ownership issues, products liability law, criminal law, contract law, and international law. Course activities include case reading, argument, and legal research. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior status, open to Aviation majors and minors only, and a minimum GPA of 2.6. F,S,SS.
Top Air Traffic Control School
Our air traffic management degree consistently ranks among the best for educational
quality, affordability, and career outcomes.
