Department of Aviation & Safety

The Department of Aviation & Safety serves as the focal point of technological education at Florida Memorial University. We offer rigorous programs designed to educate the future aviators, managers and air traffic controllers of the aerospace industry. Our programs stress critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, human factors and resources management, written and oral communications. Students will gain a broad perspective of the aerospace industry, the environments in which it operates, and its impact on global transportation and economics.

Mission Statement
The Department of Aviation & Safety Programs produce students who embrace the importance of becoming global citizens through life-long learning, leadership, character, and service in the fields of aviation, safety and security, which will, in turn, enhance their lives and the lives of others.

Degree Offerings

Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Science (Concentration in Flight Education)

The concentration in Flight Education is our Professional Pilot Program. Students completing this degree will earn the appropriate Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certificates necessary to eventually become flight crew members or flight instructors. Actual flight training is conducted at a nearby Part 141 Flight Training facility.

THERE ARE SIGNIFICANT COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH FLIGHT TRAINING. Prior to selecting the Flight Education concentration, interested students MUST meet with the Chair of the Department of Aviation & Safety to discuss eligibility requirements as specified by Federal Aviation Regulations as well as cost considerations.

Degree Plan:Aeronautical Science

Program Goal
The Aeronautical Science (Concentration in Flight Education) Degree Program will produce proficient aviators who embrace the importance of becoming global citizens through life-long learning, leadership, character, and service in the field of aviation.

Graduation Requirements
This program requires a minimum of 120 semester hours for completion. 58 credit hours are for required core curriculum courses; 18 credit hours cover aviation technology courses; 32 hours are devoted to aviation science course; and 12 hours of additional electives.

Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Science
(Concentration in Air Traffic Control)

This program will prepare individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to air traffic management and control. It will include instruction in flight control; the use of radar and electronic scanning devices; plotting of flights; radio communication; interpretation of weather conditions affecting flights; flight instrumentation used by pilots; and maintenance of flight control center and control tower log books. This degree program will prepare the student for employment with the FAA or private sector entities providing air traffic control services.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Prior to selecting the Air Traffic Control concentration the student must consult with the Chair of the Department of Aviation & Safety to determine eligibility. The FAA imposes specific conditions and requirements upon all prospective controllers and employees. In addition, while graduates will have received extensive training in air traffic control, they must pass the Air Traffic Selection and Training Test Battery (ATSAT), a rigorous physical exam, a drug test, and an intensive security and background investigation before employment with the FAA can be pursued.

Degree Plan: Air Traffic Control Plan

Program Mission
The Aeronautical Science (Concentration in Air Traffic Control) Program prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to air traffic management and control.

Graduation Requirements
This program requires a minimum or 122 semester hours for completion. 59 credit hours are devoted to required core curriculum courses; 51 credit hours cover Aviation/Air Traffic Control courses; 3 hours are devoted to business courses; and 9 hours of additional electives. All core courses for ATC majors must be completed with a grade of “B” (3.0) or better.

Bachelor of Science in Airway Science
(Concentration in Airway Science Management)

A degree in Airway Science Management prepares students for administrative, supervisory, and managerial positions in the aviation industry. Graduates may pursue entry level managerial positions in the aerospace industry or various government agencies.

Degree Plan: Airway Science Plan

Program Mission Statement
The degree program will produce students who demonstrate the ability to function effectively in technical, administrative, supervisory, and managerial positions in the aerospace industry.

A minimum of 120 semester hours are required for completion – 60 credit hours of core curriculum courses; 36 credit hours of aviation science courses; 12 hours of business courses; and 12 hours of electives.

Minor in Aviation Safety

This program will serve as a foundation for students who have interest in pursuing graduate work or a career in this area of study. Students will be required to complete a minimum of eighteen credit hours from the courses listed below. These eighteen credit hour courses must include AWS 201, AWS 420, and SAF 101. An additional nine credits must come from the selection listed below. In addition, at least 6 hours of course work applied to this minor must be completed at Florida Memorial University. All courses must be completed with a grade of “C” (2.0) or better.

Degree Plan: Minor in Aviation Safety Plan

* = Courses required for Aeronautical Science Degree
# = Courses required for Airway Science Degree

Note: Students majoring in Aeronautical Science or Airway Science concentration must select courses not listed in their perspective academic degree programs.

Minor in Homeland Security

This minor has a strong focus on the nation’s transportation infrastructure and planning for, responding to, and emergency management of events dealing with acts of terrorism and natural and man-made disasters. This minor complements degrees in safety, aeronautical science, airway science management, and criminal justice. Eighteen (18) credit hours are required from the following courses:

Degree Plan: Homeland Security Plan

Additional Information
This minor consists of at least 18 hours of coherent academic course work. At least 6 hours must be fulfilled at the upper level (300). In addition, at least 6 hours of course work applied to this minor must be completed at Florida Memorial University. Students are required to earn a grade of C (2.0) or higher to pass.