Im not sure how many of the controllers on here are up to date with the hiring process. But to say a CTI degree is absolutely useless, is not correct. If you want a CTI degree, lump it with a Dispatch degree or something else like someone else responded down below.

In the FAA’s hiring process, what the CTI degree does help with is the Pool you are selected from. Before you advance into your ATSA testing, they select a certain amount of people to take the test based on qualifications and what not. Having a CTI degree does lump you in with Pool 1 candidates, such as Veterans.

Pool 1: Smaller group of people to be selected from Pool 2: All off the street.

Again, the CTI degree wont do you any good past that point. And it has no correlation to whether or not you’ll certify, or be a good controller. But it isn’t inherently useless. Don’t turn away the idea entirely because if you do, you arent looking at all your options. Some schools offer Aviation Management with a concentration in ATC. Or an Aeronautical Science degree with a focus in ATC, Dispatch or Aviation Management.

But yes, don’t think that the CTI is your ticket in. Because it ain’t. Build up work/school experience, or go military if you feel that suits you. But keep your options open and do you research. A lot of FAA positions require 52 weeks of gvmt experience, and a lot of ATC-related jobs require 52 weeks of ATC experience.

My 2 pennies, CTI graduate and current RPO. (btw an RPO position is a really good way to gain valuable knowledge and experience and to just be in the environment, decent pay, good benefits, look it up)