What is an Aviation Meteorology Degree?
Meteorology is the study of the Earth’s atmosphere, and a component of Earth system science; a meteorologist is someone who predicts the weather based on the systems of the Earth’s atmosphere, and an aviation meteorologist does all that with a singular focus on the aviation industry. Aviation meteorology students become experts in math and physics, build a comprehensive knowledge of meteorology, and gain in-depth exposure to fields like oceanography, geology, space science, environmental science, climate science, and atmospheric chemistry. Whether you want to be a professional atmospheric scientist, aviation meteorologist, or weather specialist, an aviation meteorology degree from Florida Tech develops a strong background in aviation with experience in modern meteorology technology and industry best practices.
You can also choose to include the flight option in your degree, which allows you a specialization in air traffic control. The air traffic control program meets the requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration’s air traffic-collegiate training initiative program and is FAA-approved.
Learn from Aviation Experts
The aviation management faculty at Florida Tech is a mixture of experienced pilots, airport design and management experts, and professional meteorologists who stay updated on the latest developments in meteorology training. As a top national aviation university, our faculty members are also experts in at least one other aviation-related field, including aviation law, aviation business management, and safety. The meteorology professor also serves as the advisor for all meteorology majors.
Our students are up for a challenge and are encouraged by our professors to join in an annual national forecasting contest where they compete with other national aviation university students from all over the country. Florida Tech has claimed several winners over the years. In addition, each year professors assist high-achieving meteorology students in applying for scholarships from the American Meteorological Society.
Located in the Heart of Florida’s High-Tech Corridor
Florida Tech is the perfect place for a BS in Aviation Meteorology degree. The 130-acre campus is located on the Space Coast (so named because of the presence of NASA and the Kennedy Space Center on Cape Canaveral just north of us), minutes away from the Indian River Lagoon, the most diverse estuary in North America. Florida Tech has ideal weather conditions for all flight-based operations, something that is vital to any national aviation university.
The area has the fifth-largest high-tech workforce in the country, with more than 5,000 high-tech corporations and government and military organizations located nearby. This workforce also provides an abundance of internship, research, and employment opportunities.
Florida Tech is just over the causeway from the Atlantic Ocean with its 72 miles of beautiful beaches, and a short trip to the Florida Keys or 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.
Build Lasting Professional Relationships through Campus Organizations
Beyond the classroom, aviation meteorology degree students build leadership and professional experience through exciting internships and participation in academic organizations like Collegiate Aviation Business Executives, a student chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives, student government, and over 100 other campus-wide student organizations.
The Falcons Precision Flight Team is a group of students dedicated to soaring above the competition in both flight and ground exercises. The team regularly takes part in regional and national competitions around the country. The Falcons also hold informative aviation safety events for students and faculty of all disciplines including field trips to places like the National Hurricane Center in Miami.
Women in Aviation is a student organization made up of both women and men working together to advance women in all areas of aeronautics. They frequently network with other chapters to help members find an aviation meteorology internship or research opportunity.
Peerless Study and Internship Opportunities
Aviation meteorology students can intern at local companies in both the aviation and meteorology fields. An aviation meteorology internship provides valuable experience at many organizations, including the National Weather Service, JetBlue Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. Students explore career options in an aviation meteorology internship while also making the connections that later help them find a job after college.
Stunning Undergraduate Research Opportunities
In addition to an aviation meteorology internship, students can participate in research opportunities in meteorology. The department of ocean engineering and sciences is an integrated group of environmental scientists, oceanographers, ocean engineers, and meteorologists who share a keen interest in preserving, protecting, and enhancing natural resources. Their research interests are broad and often interrelated. Current research focuses on:
- Tropical cyclone and hurricane wind speed probability
- Freshwater-saltwater hydrology
- Atmospheric radiative transfer
- Climate change
Aviation meteorology students carry out a capstone research project in the summer of their junior and senior year, choosing from a wide variety of topics. They range from thunderstorm development along sea breeze fronts to the effects of coastal buildings and landforms on wind behavior. Students are also encouraged to take part in an annual national forecasting competition where they can compete with other meteorology students from around the country.