Aeronautical Science, B.S.

Specialize in air traffic control and graduate ready for the FAA selection process. The ATC specialization meets the requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program.

Students in this specialization earn an A.A. degree in air traffic control along with their bachelor's degree. They qualify to bypass the FAA Air Traffic Basics course, starting instead as trainees at the FAA Academy before advancing into tower, terminal or en route facilities as an air traffic controller.

Your aeronautical science degree enhances your career flexibility with insight into flight operations, navigation systems and aviation safety. This background is valuable for roles in airline operations, airport management, aviation safety and training, opening doors beyond traditional ATC positions.

Prepare to step confidently into airline operations by specializing in aircraft dispatch.

The program builds essential aviation knowledge, and a special airline operations course—as an elective or as part of the Aircraft Dispatcher Minor—prepares you for FAA dispatcher certification exams.

Typical early-career positions in dispatch include assistant dispatcher, flight operations specialist or operations control coordinator, where you help plan flights, monitor real-time operations and ensure regulatory compliance.

The broader aeronautical science curriculum adds depth in aircraft performance, meteorology and systems knowledge, giving you an edge in advancing to senior dispatcher, operations supervisor or airline management roles.

Specializing in UAS prepares you to operate and manage drones across commercial, research and government applications.

Your degree coursework will give you the background knowledge you need, and UAS flight training is offered as an elective or as part of the UAS Minor.

Entry-level roles include UAS pilot, operations technician, remote sensing analyst or field technician in industries such as agriculture, construction, environmental science and aerial surveying.

The strong foundation in airspace, flight systems and aviation safety you get in the aeronautical science program supports career growth into mission planning, data analysis or UAS program management—and emerging sectors like autonomous aerial systems and drone delivery operations.

At Florida Tech, you’ll learn from world-class faculty in a close-knit academic community.

Our professors are experts across aviation—from aviation law and safety to avionics, environmental science, airport consulting, airline and general aviation management, human factors, meteorology and air traffic control. They are active in research, experienced in the industry and dedicated to helping you reach your goals.

As part of a leading STEM university, you’ll benefit from connections across science, technology, engineering and math—fields that drive innovation in aviation.

This integrated environment provides a deeper technical perspective and the personal guidance of faculty who are passionate about preparing the next generation of aviation professionals.

Most of your classes take place in Skurla Hall, home to advanced computer labs where you’ll work on projects in airport design, planning and other aviation applications. In the Air Traffic Control Lab, you’ll apply what you learn through real-world scenarios in a simulated control tower environment.

Faculty and students often collaborate on projects that bridge coursework and research, turning classroom learning into practical experience.

You’ll have access to the Emil Buehler Center for Aviation Training and Research at the Melbourne Orlando International Airport, where you can observe flight operations and training activities.

Unmanned systems are central to today’s industry, and you can explore them firsthand in the UAS Lab at the Enterprise Building next to the airport.

At Florida Tech, you’ll turn ideas into action through collaborative, interdisciplinary, real-world research.

Undergraduates engage in team projects that tackle aviation challenges—from human factors and UAS operations to environmental science and aviation management—gaining skills that carry directly into careers.

Students often have opportunities to work in cutting-edge labs alongside faculty, including:

ATLAS Lab: Applying findings on learning and human interaction to pilots, urban air mobility and UAS training.

HF ASSIST Lab: Investigating human factors to improve aviation safety and performance.

PEGASAS: Exploring topics such as runway safety, rotorcraft data systems and other innovations in general aviation. Florida Tech is a core university in PEGASAS, the Partnership to Enhance General Aviation Safety, Accessibility and Sustainability—an FAA Center of Excellence for General Aviation.

Research and internships go hand in hand. Faculty mentorship, hands-on projects and industry collaborations help you build experience, expand your professional network and prepare for aviation roles after graduation.

Internships play a crucial role in launching your career in aeronautics, providing valuable hands-on experience that complements your academic studies.

Aeronautical science internships offer opportunities to apply what you've learned in the classroom and lab to real-world settings, working alongside industry professionals at leading airlines and aviation organizations such as JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines and Melbourne Orlando International Airport.

Through internships you will acquire specialized firsthand knowledge in airline operations, airport management and the business of aviation. These opportunities expand your industry connections and may even lead to job offers upon graduation.

Our 130-acre campus is located in a high-tech corridor on the Space Coast—NASA-Kennedy Space Center on Cape Canaveral is just north of us—and many high-tech corporations and government and military organizations are located nearby.

Our location provides an abundance of internship and employment opportunities for our students, ideal for immersion in aeronautical science.

When it’s time to relax, Florida Tech is just over the causeway from the Atlantic Ocean, with its 72 miles of beautiful beaches. We are minutes from the Indian River Lagoon, a highly biodiverse estuary, and it’s a short trip to the Florida Keys and the Orlando theme parks.

We also have a rich campus life that includes a wide range of intramural and collegiate sports, clubs and social activities.