CCBC offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree and Certificate program in Air Traffic Control (ATC). This degree is an approved FAA Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program. The ATC degree program is completed in 24 months utilizing state-of-the-art ATC and flight simulators. Our instructors are experienced Air Traffic Controllers working in the busy airspace in and around the Baltimore-Washington area.
Our Air Traffic Control-CTI degree program is one of only 31 aviation colleges selected by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to train air traffic controllers under the FAA Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI). Graduates of FAA CTI-approved programs are entered into a direct-hire pool of air traffic controller applicants. Since 1997, the majority of the FAA air traffic controller workforce has come from graduates of CTI-approved college and university programs.
Hiring prospects for air traffic controllers are excellent. According to the FAA publicationA Plan for the Future: The FAA's 10 Year Strategy for the Air Traffic Controller Workforce2008-2017, an estimated 17,000 air traffic controllers will have to be hired in order to replace projected retirements and an increased volume of air traffic (p. 1). This FAA document further suggests that CTI schools will continue to play a critical role in providing a source of qualified candidates over the next decade... (p. 29).
NOTE: Graduation from an FAA-approved CTI program does not guarantee employment. The FAA makes the final decision based on its own eligibility criteria which includes medical qualification and security background checks.
See what our students and faculty have to say:
How to Apply to the Air Traffic Control CTI Program:
Enrollment in the CTI program is limited and eligibility criteria apply. Students will be accepted into this program on a provisional status their first semester. They will be fully accepted after the successful completion of introductory courses and other criteria are met as outlined in the CCBC AT-CTI Handbook (page 4).
The CCBC AT-CTI Handbook contains information specific to the CTI program. This handbook discusses CTI eligibility, selective admissions process, curriculum, costs, the CTI Air Traffic Contoller hiring process, and CTI student responsibilities and expectations.
Getting started in 6 easy steps...
Step 1:
Read through the CCBC AT-CTI Handbook - see page 4 to ensure that you meet the basic eligibility requirements.
Step 2:
Submit an Application for Admission. You are encouraged to use our convenient Online Application.
Step 3:
After you are accepted to CCBC, take the Placement Tests for Math, English & Reading (students with prior college experience are exempt from this requirement).
Step 4:
Obtain an FAA Class II (pilot) Medical Certificate from an Aviation Medical Examiner (see page 3 of the CCBC AT-CTI Handbook).
Step 5:
If you have completed prior college coursework, meet with an Academic Advisor to evaluate your transcripts and determine what General Education courses will transfer. Please see the Aviation Program Transfer Guidelinesfor information on what courses will transfer and how to get credit for FAA pilot certificates. Generally, credit for aviation courses and FAA pilot certificates or ratings will be granted by the Aviation Department.
Important: you must take AVMT 101, AVMT 141 & AVMT 143 concurrently in your first semester! Due to the popularity of this program, classes fill up quickly. If you are not able to register for all three of these classes, you will have to wait until the next semester to begin the program. Therefore, students should register for classes 2-3 months prior to the start of classes (payment is due 3 weeks prior to the start of classes).
For More Information on Air Traffic Controller Training:
Please see our Aviation Program Information Packet for details on our Air Traffic Control degree and certificate programs, curriculum, course descriptions, admissions, financial aid, VA Benefits and transfer options.
You can be a part of this high tech and exciting career field! We encourage you to learn more about air traffic controller careers by visiting our Careers in Aviation Page where you will find numerous links leading to information on hiring, salaries, working conditions, and the employment outlook.
