Academic Catalogs

Aviation and Aerospace Sciences: Air Traffic Control, Associate in Science Degree

The Air Traffic Control program at Orange Coast College prepares students for exciting and high-responsibility careers in aviation safety and airspace management. This two-year program follows Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) standards, combining classroom instruction with hands-on radar and tower simulations that mirror real-world air traffic operations. Students learn FAA procedures, communication protocols, radar identification, vectoring, and conflict-resolution techniques, gaining the knowledge and situational awareness essential for controlling an aircraft safely and efficiently. The curriculum integrates FAA Air Traffic Basics (Course 50110) and FAA Orders JO 7110.65 and JO 7210.3, ensuring graduates are well prepared for FAA Academy training or careers in aviation operations, flight dispatch, or airport management. Emphasizing professionalism, teamwork, and safety culture, the program provides an inclusive, affordable pathway into the national aviation workforce. Graduates earn an Associate of Science degree in Air Traffic Control (ATC) and are positioned to continue into FAA, military, or private-sector ATC training environments that sustain the safety and efficiency of the aviation industry.

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate proficiency in FAA air traffic procedures, communication phraseology, and separation standards.
  2. Apply aeronautical decision-making and human factors principles to ATC scenarios.
  3. Identify the structure and function of the National Airspace System (NAS) and ATC facilities.
  4. Interpret aviation weather data and apply it to operational decision-making.
  5. Demonstrate technical proficiency using ATC radar and tower simulation systems.

Review Graduation Requirements and General Education. 

Course Title Units
Major Courses
APT A130Private Pilot Aviation Ground School5
APT A132Aviation Navigation3
APT A133Aviation-Meteorology3
APT A134Instrument Pilot Aviation Ground School3
APT A138Aerodynamics3
APT A139Commercial Pilot Aviation Ground School3
APT A145Airline Transport Pilot Ground3
APT A180Basic Air Transportation3
APT A192Human Factors and Crew Resource Management3
Does not include required General Education Courses for A.S. Degree
Total Units29
Course Title Units
Required Courses for ATC Concentration
APT A143Introduction to Air Traffic Control2
APT A173Aircraft Recognition and Performance3
APT A204Terminal Air Traffic Control3
APT A205Terminal Air Traffic Control Lab1
APT A210Enroute Air Traffic Control3
APT A211Enroute Air Traffic Control Lab1
Total Units13
Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Semester 1Units
APT A130 Private Pilot Aviation Ground School 5
APT A133 Aviation-Meteorology 3
APT A143 Introduction to Air Traffic Control 2
APT A173 Aircraft Recognition and Performance 3
OCC AS GE AREA 3 - CHOOSE ONE 3
 Units16
 Total Units16
Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Semester 2Units
APT A134 Instrument Pilot Aviation Ground School 3
APT A132 Aviation Navigation 3
APT A204 Terminal Air Traffic Control 3
APT A205 Terminal Air Traffic Control Lab 1
OCC AS GE AREA 1A - CHOOSE ONE 3-4
OCC AS GE AREA 4 - CHOOSE ONE 3
 Units16-17
Summer
OCC AS GE AREA 1B - CHOOSE ONE 3-4
 Units3-4
 Total Units19-21
Plan of Study Grid
Year 2
Semester 1Units
APT A139 Commercial Pilot Aviation Ground School 3
APT A192 Human Factors and Crew Resource Management 3
APT A210 Enroute Air Traffic Control 3
APT A211 Enroute Air Traffic Control Lab 1
OCC AS GE AREA 2 - CHOOSE ONE 3-5
 Units13-15
 Total Units13-15
Plan of Study Grid
Year 2
Semester 2Units
APT A138 Aerodynamics 3
APT A145 Airline Transport Pilot Ground 3
APT A180 Basic Air Transportation 3
OCC AS GE AREA 5 - CHOOSE ONE 3-4
OCC AS GE AREA 6 - CHOOSE ONE 3
 Units15-16
 Total Units15-16