How to Choose Courses for an Air Traffic Control Career

Air traffic controllers are an essential part of the aviation industry. They ensure planes come and go on time, safely and to the right gates and runways. An extended education is necessary to be an air traffic controller, with certain courses you must take and pass to qualify for this career field.

Instructions

1. Find a school or program that offers certification in air traffic control. Many schools, like Purdue, offer aviation degrees, including FAA air traffic control programs that include all the courses you need to take. For another money-saving alternative, take prerequisites at a state or community college, then make up the air traffic control courses at a more specialized institution.

2. Study an air traffic control program to see the important courses that are necessary for the education. Check into technical colleges for a wider variety of aviation courses. Some of these courses could include Fundamentals of Flight Lecture, ATC Procedures & Weather and Aircraft Operating Systems.

3. Prioritize. If you have not taken any prerequisites, start with math because you will need to be at a high level in algebra and calculus. Also consider working your way up in science, since aircraft science is difficult.

4. Meet with the adviser of the aviation department at the college or university you attend or are interested in attending. He or she can assess where you currently are in your education and help you make the next step toward a career in air traffic control.