Bachelor of Science in Air Traffic Management

The Aeronautical Management Technology Department at Arizona State University’s Polytechnic campus now offers a bachelor’s degree in Air Traffic Management.

Studying Air Traffic Management at ASU

ASU has an established, successful aviation program which trains professional pilots and aviation managers. As an Air Traffic Management student, you will learn alongside other aviation students from faculty with extensive aviation experience. You also will be in close proximity to job opportunities. The Polytechnic campus is adjacent to the Williams Gateway Airport and about 25 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, the fifth busiest airport in the country. Other airports located in the Phoenix metro area include Scottsdale, Deer Valley, Chandler and Falcon Field. These airports employ approximately 500 Air Traffic Controllers and support personnel.

Training for Air Traffic Controllers

This degree program will help you to become qualified to be hired by the FAA or private sector entity providing air traffic control services.  Employment with the FAA or other provider of air traffic control services is based on competitive employment criteria established by the individual hiring entities. While graduates will have a strong background in air traffic control that should make them attractive to the public and private sector, employment is not guaranteed. Arizona State University has been designated an approved CTI institution by the FAA. Graduates who are hired by the FAA complete their training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City as paid employees of the FAA. This training is primarily laboratory simulation. During the hiring process, students must pass an FAA physical exam, drug test, and intensive security and background investigations. When applying to the FAA for employment, applicants will be given the opportunity to indicate their geographic hiring preference.

Career Opportunities in Air Traffic Control

A career in air traffic control is one of the most demanding yet rewarding jobs in the aviation industry, with excellent salary and benefits.

• According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will hire approximately 12,500 Air Traffic Controllers in the next 10 years.
• The new hires are intended to replace current air traffic controllers who are approaching retirement age.
• The median salary for air traffic controllers in May 2004 was $102,030. The top salary range is from $125,000-$150,000.

Air Traffic Management Curriculum

2007-2008 Air Traffic Management Curriculum Checksheet

Students seeking a career in air traffic control typically earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Air Traffic Management. At ASU, this degree includes an emphasis in business management as well as Air Traffic Control. To qualify for hiring by the FAA as an air traffic controller, it is necessary for potential students to also:

• Hold U.S. citizenship.
• Be less than 31 years old at time of hiring by the FAA.
• Successfully complete an FAA aptitude test while enrolled as a
  student at ASU.

There is a secondary admission process for this degree program. For more information call (480) 727-1021, or e-mail aerotech@asu.edu.