What is an Aviation Meteorology Degree?

Recognized by industry professionals and employers as one of the largest and most respected collegiate aviation programs in the nation, Florida Tech's College of Aeronautics offers world-class educational programs, including an aviation meteorology degree, that lead to both flight and non-flight careers. Students majoring in one of Florida Tech's seven aeronautics programs benefit from the personal attention of excellent faculty, active student organizations, a strong alumni network and impeccable flight conditions year-round. The aviation meteorology degree program provides a background in meteorology, aeronautical science and the appropriate physical sciences. A student completing the program meets the requirements of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management for employment by the federal government as a meteorologist. Graduates are prepared for careers with major airlines, corporate aviation and the FAA, as well as international organizations.

The Florida Institute of Technology College of Aeronautics (CoA) also offers an Air Traffic Control (ATC) concentration in conjunction with any of its seven bachelor of science degrees. The ATC concentration meets the requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program and is FAA approved.

Advantages

Why Florida Tech: Year-round flying conditions Recognized as one of the safest flight schools in the U.S. 94% of flight training is in actual aircraft, not simulators Flight students average 250 - 300 flight hours Established agreements with major airlines New 12,000 -square-foot flight center New and refurbished fleet of Piper aircraft Aviation master's and accelerated MBA programs available to graduates

The Numbers: There are 15 full-time faculty in the College of Aeronautics

Facilities: The College of Aeronautics faculty and administrative offices, laboratories and academic classrooms are located in George M. Skurla Hall on the main campus in Melbourne, Fla. F.I.T. Aviation LLC conducts flight training at the nearby Melbourne International Airport. Just opened is the new Emil Buehler Flight Center for Aviation Education and Research. The Florida Tech Fleet consists of 24 new and refurbished aircraft, among them Piper Warriors/Cadets, Piper Seminoles, Cessna 172Ss, a Cirrus SR-22, an American Champion Citabria Aurora, and Fidelity and Frasca simulators

Learning

Clubs and Organizations: Collegiate Aviation Business Executives,Women in Aviation International,The Falcons Intercollegiate Flight Team,Alpha Eta Rho

Research: Research interests of professors include human factors, airport management, airport planning and design, and flight training optimization

Internships and Cooperative Learning: Because of its long-standing relationships with various airlines and aviation companies, the College of Aeronautics is able to provide students with a variety of attractive internship opportunities. Students take internships at nearly every major U.S. airline, shadowing chief pilots or doing work in safety or flight standards and training. The College of Aeronautics has established cooperative relationships with many local companies in order to provide students with enhanced learning experiences both in and outside of the classroom. Companies providing guest speakers, field trip experiences and other opportunites to Florida Tech students include: Avidyne Corporation, Harris Corporation, Kennedy Space Center, Liberty Aerospace, Lockheed Martin, Martin Marietta, Northrop Grumman, and United Space Alliance.

Future Outcomes

Outcomes - Grad School: Because Florida Tech is the forerunner of terminal degrees in aviation, students interested in graduate study often choose to pursue a master's degree or doctorate here. Some have gone on to take classes at other renowned graduate schools, while others have entered law school both in the United States and abroad. Typical graduate students study aviation human factors, applied aviation safety, airport development and management, and aviation law and business.

Outcomes - Career and Salary: College of Aeronautics graduates with an aviation meteorology degree take jobs as airline pilots, airline managers, airport managers or secure positions within various areas of general and commercial aviation at companies including Birk Hillman Airport Consulting Services, the Federal Department of Transportation, Flight Safety International, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Four Star Aviation, Garrett Aviation, the Department of Homeland Security and countless international airports. Most get their start by logging hours as flight instructors and quickly move on to begin careers as commercial pilots in the world's top airline companies including Air Tran Airways, American Eagle Airlines, American Airlines, Ameriflight, Continental Express, Delta, JetBlue Airways, Spirit Airlines Inc., United Airlines and US Airways.