Aviation Sciences

Our Programs | Key Factors | Careers

Aviation science degree programs at Florida Tech's College of Aeronautics are on the rise! Focusing on a wide range of topics, aviation science students explore aviation chemical science, aeronautical science, physics, technology, meteorology, and environmental science. Students of aeronautics, meteorology, and aviation sciences at the College of Aeronautics are prepared for careers in the aviation industry as atmospheric and environmental scientists, meteorologists, designers, aircraft technicians, and of course, pilots. As the focus on sustainability and the need for effective transportation increases, the study of aviation sciences becomes more and more important to both the aviation industry and the global community that relies on it. Students pursuing careers in aviation sciences have the opportunity to learn about an increasingly progressive aviation industry and some of the most advanced technology available today.

Our Programs

Aviation science programs at Florida Tech cover a wide variety of different topics from different disciplines. Students take aviation classes with the College of Aeronautics as well as a variety of other specialized courses with the colleges of science, engineering, and many other departments of the university. The College of Aeronautics has developed a selection of aviation science focused degree programs to prepare students for various exciting careers in the aviation industry. Degrees focused on aviation sciences are available at the undergraduate and doctoral levels.

Aeronautical Science B.S.

Aeronautical Science students at the College of Aeronautics are exposed to a wide variety of topics in aviation from unmanned aerial systems and the latest aviation technologies to sustainability and environmental sciences. Students build a strong understanding of mathematics, physics, aeronautical sciences, technology, and the international aviation industry.

Aeronautical Science with Flight Option B.S.

Students of the Aeronautical Science with Flight degree are prepared for a career as a professional pilot in the global air commerce industry and government regulatory agencies. Graduates will achieve at minimum their commercial pilot, instrument and multi-engine ratings. They are provided a strong foundation in aeronautical science and technology, and the regulated international aviation industry.

Aviation Meteorology B.S.

Aviation Meteorology at the College of Aeronautics focuses on meteorology, aeronautical sciences, and physical sciences relevant to the field. Students are prepared for careers with major airlines, corporate aviation, and other aviation organizations as meteorologists, atmospheric scientists, geoscientists, and environmental scientists in the private or public sectors. The program meets the requirements set by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management for employment by the federal government as a meteorologist.

Aviation Meteorology with Flight Option B.S.

Students of the Aviation Meteorology with Flight degree are prepared for a career as a professional pilot with a strong background in meteorological, physical, and other aviation sciences. Graduates will achieve at least their commercial, multi-engine, and instrument ratings. Graduates of this program also meet the requirements of the U.S Office of Personnel Management to be employed by the federal government as a meteorologist. Graduates complete the program with improved flexibility in their career choices. 

Aviation Sciences Ph.D.

Long recognized for a commitment to excellence, the College of Aeronautics continues the tradition today with the Aviation Sciences Ph.D. program. The doctoral program focuses on critical issues facing the aviation industry, current practices and research, and examining future industry trends to identify new research opportunities. Students are prepared to perform autonomous research to advance our knowledge of aviation and to take on leadership roles in the industry.

Key Factors in Aviation Sciences

Aerodynamics

Students of aerodynamics examine one of the most fundamental topics in aeronautical science. The study of aerodynamics focuses on a wide variety of topics including aircraft performance, the four forces of flight, and aircraft stability and control. Learn about how the forces lift, drag, weight, and thrust act in concert on an aircraft to achieve flight and how atmospheric conditions can have an impact on aircraft stability and control.

Unmanned Aerial Systems

Students at the College of Aeronautics have the opportunity to learn about one of the most significant new technologies in aviation, unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and vehicles. Students learn about the possible applications of unmanned aerial systems as well as the challenges of integrating UAS into controlled airspace and qualifying crews to operate unmanned aerial vehicles. Students are challenged to identify and explore new and innovative uses and safety practices for UAS technologies. Students can get hands-on experience at the controls of a variety of different UAVs to learn about flight characteristics and performance in the College of Aeronautics’ UAV Lab.

Environmental Science/Sustainability

Students interested in environmental science and sustainability have the opportunity to explore their passion at the College of Aeronautics. Environmental science and sustainability studies focus on aviation’s impact on the environment by examining airport planning, meteorology, sustainability, and other aviation sciences. The COA offers various related courses as well as an aviation environmental science minor that ambitious students can add to their undergraduate degree.

Aviation Weather

Aviation weather studies take students of aeronautical science and aviation meteorology from a basic understanding of the effects of weather on aircraft and other aviation operations to having a firm grasp of synoptic weather systems and basic predictive techniques for flight planning. Courses focus on meteorological codes charts and bulletins, air masses and front, convection, and other atmospheric conditions. Advanced courses cover selected topics in depth such as causes of turbulence, wind shear, microbursts and more. 

Careers in Aviation Sciences

Aviation science related degree programs at Florida Tech prepare students to pursue a variety of careers in aviation. Upon graduation students move on to work as environmental scientists, meteorologists, airline and airport executives, flight engineers, and more. The study of aviation sciences is critical to all aspects of the aviation industry. After graduation many students move on to pursue advanced degrees or immediately begin their career in the field of aviation sciences.

Internship Opportunities

The College of Aeronautics prides itself not in just granting degrees and producing graduates, rather the COA focuses on educating and empowering the aviation professionals of the future. That is why so much emphasis is placed on career preparation by professors, advisors, and everyone at the COA. Students are encouraged to take part in projects that mimic real-world industry challenges, pursue internships to get a taste of a real work environment, and participate in and contribute to real-world research to expand our understanding of aviation sciences and perhaps even have a hand in spurring real change in the industry. Students of the College of Aeronautics have the opportunity to build an impressive portfolio even before graduation by participating in aviation internships with companies like...

• JetBlue
• Southwest
• Melbourne International Airport
• National Weather Service

Positions in Aviation Sciences

• National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
• Department of Homeland Security
• Airline and Airport Executives
• Senior Researcher – Government Agencies
• Professor - Academia
• Airport manager
• Meteorologist
• Public policy specialist on climate change, deforestation, water resources
• Atmospheric scientist
• Geoscientist
• Statistician
• Environmental scientist
• Flight engineer
• Aircraft technician
• Aviation and aeronautic designer
• Aviation and aeronautic maintenance
• Air traffic controller
• Research and development
• Bio-medicine

Employers of Aviation Science Professionals

• Major or regional airline including American, SkyWest, ExpressJet
• Aviation-related companies such as Harris Corp. and Velocity Aircraft
• Government Agencies including NTSB, FAA, etc.
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
• National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP)
• Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC)