Preparation for a career in air traffic control begins with completing a college program. These programs should teach students about flight safety, aviation foundations and tower operations while also preparing them for the demands of the career through classes such as communications.

An associate degree is an undergraduate degree offered in the US and a few other countries. Associate degrees are a qualification below a bachelor's degree. Many students earn associate degrees during their first few years of higher education. Since they usually require about two years of study, these degrees can act either as job qualifications or as precursors to more advanced degrees.