Expert: Christopher McKenna - 11/12/2009

Question
I was thinking about majoring in aerospace engineer, but I'm also joining the Air Force. However, I'm unsure about my major in college because I hope to also do Air Traffic Control or become a Commercial Pilot once I am retired from the Air Force. Would Aerospace engineer be a good major for air traffic control career too? If not, I would like to get an idea which degree would cover me for that career as well.

Answer
Actually, the particular degree is not so important, depending on a few things. If you have experience in Air Traffic, then any degree is sufficient. If you have no experience, then the FAA will want some specialized education, usually a two year ATC degree. My degree is a BS in Philosophy, and many, if not most, of the controllers I worked with had degrees unrelated to ATC. So engineering would definitely be fine.