What is a Flight Option Aeronautical Science Degree?
Florida Tech's aeronautical science degree prepares students for technical jobs in the aviation industry. Our College of Aeronautics has been consistently recognized for offering one of the best university-based aviation programs in the country.
The aeronautical science degree is available as either a flight or non-flight major. Choosing aeronautical science without flight provides a strong foundation in applied math and science for a career in a technical aspect of aviation, while Aeronautical Science—Flight prepares you for a career as a professional pilot. Traditionally, graduates pursue a type rating as a new hire, and in most cases only then after building flight time as an instructor.
In addition, you have two other degree options:
- Prepare for a career in military aviation and participate in Army ROTC
- Specialize in air traffic control and be ready to apply to the FAA Academy upon graduation.
The air traffic control (ATC) specialization meets the requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program and is FAA-approved.
The Only Program in the US to Offer Type-Rating as a Degree Option
Florida Tech's aeronautics program is currently the only one in the US that offers a turbojet type rating as an option in its regular curriculum and an FAA-approved Air Traffic Control program, in conjunction with any of our bachelor of science degrees. Additionally, graduates of the Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative program may be eligible to bypass the Air Traffic Basics Course, which is usually covered during the first five weeks of qualification training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City.
Other aeronautical science university benefits include:
- Flight students fly within their first week of study
- Aviation master's and accelerated MBA programs available to graduates
- Strong alumni and employer network
- ExpressJet Pathway Program leads to a job with ExpressJet and Delta Airlines
- Stay and instruct to gain the experience needed for a job as a pilot at a regional airline
- Flight students graduate with an average of 250–300 flight hours
Flight-option majors can obtain an FAA Dispatcher Certificate and work as an airline or corporate dispatcher without taking any extra courses
A Faculty of Renowned Aviation Experts — and Personalized Attention
Studying aviation at an aeronautical university like Florida Tech gives you the benefits of a larger school (such as world-class faculty members and a high-quality curriculum) in a close-knit academic community offering small class sizes and one-on-one time with professors. The campus atmosphere is relaxed, and studying here is a very personal experience, making us a unique aeronautical university.
Florida Tech’s faculty members have established experts in all aspects of aviation. The faculty is largely comprised not only of pilots, but also experts in at least one other area, such as aviation law, safety, avionics, and environmental science. Other professors are experts in airport consulting; design and management; airline or general aviation management; as well as aviation human factors, meteorology, and air traffic control.
Located In The Heart Of Florida’s High-Tech Corridor
Florida Tech is the perfect place for a BS in Aeronautical Science. 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. We have ideal weather conditions for flying year-round.
The area also 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 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, aeronautical science degree majors participate in academic organizations like Collegiate Aviation Business Executives (CABE), a student chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives, the Falcons Intercollegiate Flight Team, Women in Aviation (WIW), student government, and over 100 other campus-wide student organizations.
CABE focuses on aviation jobs outside of the cockpit, helping students grow by facilitating a networking relationship with students and the aviation business world. Members of CABE have the unique opportunity to travel to many events including professional conferences, seminars, airport tours, networking events, and airshows.
WIA is an organization made up of women and men dedicated to the advancement of women in aeronautics. WIA takes part in networking activities and lectures to promote women in all fields and help them obtain aeronautical college internship positions and career opportunities.
Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) Accredited
Florida Tech's Aeronautical Science and Aeronautical Science - Flight programs are accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) until 2022.