BS in Aeronautical Science - Flight Florida Institute of Technology

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.

Gain Practical Experience

Whether you want to be an aeronautic designer, airport manager, or aviation safety expert, an aeronautical science degree from Florida Tech develops a strong background in aviation through hands-on experience in modern aeronautical technology and industry best practices. First-year students get started right away, taking core courses like Introduction to Aviation Physiology and Aviation Meteorology.

Seniors complete advanced aviation security and advanced coursework in aviation security and advanced aircraft systems and meet recruiters from major airlines at university career fairs. Students also gain valuable experience through internships and are encouraged to participate in those opportunities. Aeronautical science degree students have access to first-rate computer labs and the Basic Aviation Training Device (BATD) for hands-on learning.

Curriculum

The curriculum for the aeronautical science with flight major prepares the graduate for a professional pilot career in the global air commerce industry and government regulatory agencies. Graduates will achieve at least commercial pilot, instrument, and multi-engine ratings. They are provided a strong foundation in aeronautical science and technology, and the regulated international aviation industry.

Candidates for the degree must successfully complete the following curriculum.

Freshman Year

Fall (16 credit hours)

• AVF 1001 Flight 1
• AVS 1201 Aviation Meteorology
• AVT 1001 Aeronautics 1
• COM 1101 Composition and Rhetoric
• FYE 1000 University Experience
• MTH 1000 Precalculus

Private Pilot Written Examination

Spring (17 credit hours)

• AVF 1002 Flight 2
• AVT 1002 Aeronautics 2
• AVT 1200 Introduction to Aircraft Systems
• COM 1102 Writing About Literature
• CSE 1301 Introduction to Computer Applications
• MTH 1603 Applied Calculus and Statistics

Private Pilot Flight Test

Sophomore Year

Fall (16 credit hours)

• AVF 2001 Flight 3
• AVS 2101 Aviation Physical Science
• AVT 2001 Aeronautics 3
• AVT 2303 Aviation Career Planning
• COM 2012 Research Sources and Systems
• Social Science (SS) Elective Credit Hours: 3

Select the first HUM Core Course:

• HUM 2051 Civilization 1: Ancient Through Medieval
• HUM 2141 World Art History 1: Pre-History to Early Global Awareness
• HUM 2211 British Literature and Culture
• HUM 2212 British and American Literature 1
• HUM 2331 American History: Pre-Columbian to Civil War Era
• HUM 2551 Survey of Ancient and Medieval Philosophy

Instrument Rating Written Examination

Instrument Rating Flight Test

Spring (12 credit hours)

• AVM 2401 Aviation Fiscal Management
• AVS 2102 Aerodynamics
• COM 2223 Scientific and Technical Communication

Select the second HUM Corse Course:

• HUM 2052 Civilization 2: Renaissance Through Modern
• HUM 2142 World Art History 2: Early Modern to Post-Colonial
• HUM 2212 British and American Literature 1 (may not be repeated for credit)
• HUM 2213 British and American Literature 2
• HUM 2332 American History: From Reconstruction to the Present
• HUM 2552 Survey of Modern and Contemporary Philosophy

Junior Year

Fall (14 credit hours)

• AHF 3101 Introduction to Human Factors
• AVF 2102 Flight 4 Commercial Pilot-Airplane Multiengine Land
• AVT 2002 Aeronautics 4
• Free Elective Credit Hours: 3
• Humanities Elective (HU) 3000-level or higher recommended Credit Hours: 3

Commercial Pilot Written Examination

Multiengine Commercial Pilot Flight Test

Spring (15 credit hours)

• AVS 3201 Aviation Meteorology 2
• AVT 3101 Instructional Techniques or Restricted Elective (Aviation) Credit Hours: 3
• AVT 4301 Aviation Safety
• COM 3070 Professional Communication for Executives
• Free Elective Credit Hours: 3

Senior Year

Fall (16 credit hours)

• AVM 4303 General Aviation Operations and Management
• AVM 4501 Air Transportation Management
• AVS 4304 Aviation Security
• AVS 4999 Aviation Systems Safety
• AVT 4201 Advanced Aircraft Systems

Spring (16 credit hours)

• AVM 4302 Aviation Law
• AVT 4202 Advanced Aircraft Operations
• AVT 4203 Airline Operations
• Restricted Electives (Aviation) (Q) Credit Hours: 6

Total Credits Required: 122

Career Outlook

A degree in aeronautical science means the graduate has a set of skills applicable to many professions that place a premium on technical competencies. Potential for careers in aeronautics, specifically as airline and commercial pilots, is projected to grow 11% through 2020, as projections for growth in world travel increase and pilots retire in the coming decade. Job opportunities will be spread among passenger and cargo airline companies.

Jobs in air traffic control will be in good supply as a result of today’s air traffic control workforce retiring over the next decade. While there will be an increasing number of job openings, competition for entrance into the FAA Academy will remain high. Job opportunities will demand that applicants obtain an air traffic control degree from an FAA-certified school.