air traffic control students in comm lab

Air Traffic Management

Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics

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 a comprehensive curriculum to prepare you to be part of the next generation of air traffic controllers.

Program type:
Major
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
4 years
Credit hours:
120

Why earn an air traffic control degree?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 16
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

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. Benefit from the most technologically advanced simulators and the world's largest collegiate training fleet. Our state-of-the-art facilities and avionics offer an air traffic control training experience that is second to none. You'll gain the essential aviation fundamental knowledge you need, along with exposure to related fields, such as meteorology.

AABI Accredited Air Traffic Control Degree

This program is accredited by Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI).

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 and are exempt from taking the biographical assessment (BQ) during the FAA Air Traffic Control Specialist hiring announcement.

Student Achievement Data

Air Traffic Controller Bachelor's Degree

  • 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® Tower/Radar System. The simulator consists of a 360° view with four synchronized radar positions and a surround-sound effect system.

  • Learn to be an air traffic controller with our 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 Radar Lab. It's the most modern and professional 32-position radar simulation lab in the country.

Air Traffic Controller Careers

122K

Median salary for air traffic control specialists

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

24K+

Number of available positions in air traffic control

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

During the next decade, a significant number of air traffic controllers will be forced to retire, 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 bachelor's degree, you can expect exciting opportunities in several environments related to air traffic control, including:

  • Control tower operations
  • Approach control facility operation
  • En-route center operations
  • Air operations supervisory or management positions

How to be an air traffic controller?

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

Required Air Traffic Control 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 the basic, advanced, and fundamental Control Tower operations, including structure, procedures, theories of airspace/traffic management. This course follows the applicable required Federal Aviation Administration's learning objectives set forth in their Air Traffic Basics Course. To complete this course, students will be required to demonstrate their basic knowledge of Control Tower operations through written examinations and performance scenarios in the 3D tower simulator. An Air Traffic lab. Prerequisites: AVIT 260 and a minimum GPA of 2.6. 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 training and knowledge of separation requirements and procedures of Air Traffic Terminal RADAR Operations. Student evaluations are based on demonstrated application of acquired controller skills utilizing Air Traffic simulation. Scenarios progress in difficulty. This course follows the applicable required Federal Aviation Administration's learning objectives set forth in their Air Traffic Basics Course. To complete this course, students must, in addition to normal academic requirements, successfully complete an intermediate RADAR simulation scenario without assistance. An Air Traffic lab is required. Prerequisites: AVIT 103 and a minimum GPA of 2.6. F,S,SS.

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.

This course will explore contemporary and ethical issues in the aviation industry. Students will work in multi-disciplinary teams to examine and solve issues related to global aviation, environmental concerns, technology advances, aviation safety and security practices, labor issues and aviation economics. Students will be required to demonstrate an understanding of information literacy and advanced communications through coursework. Prerequisites: 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. Prerequisites: Junior or Senior status, open to Aviation majors and minors only, and a minimum GPA of 2.6. F,S,SS.

Ready to Lead

Check out what an Air Traffic Management student experiences throughout a day.

Explore More Options

Looking to add a double major, pursue graduate work or connect with the department?

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience.

By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies, Privacy Information.