I must first explain that I am not a native to Colorado, I have only lived in Denver for 3 years. I could not give you the ins and outs of everything around town, but I have been going to school downtown for 2 years now. 1 of which has been spent at "Metro". Downtown college life is one of the better experiences in the world. Even from my standpoint (not a hardcore party animal), I have found this city to be culturally alive. It is a fantastic city, full of fantastic sites. Living downtown is always an option, but if you're like me you'd prefer to be away from the hustle and bustle. The main interstate highway, I-25, runs north and south from downtown and it is very easy to live either north or south of the city and take the local transit buses that run daily in and out of downtown Denver. As a student at Metro you ride free. A great perk when parking is typically $3-$6 for the day on campus and gas is where it is at. I take the bus for a 15 minute ride from up north (Northglenn). The mountains are 30 minutes away and it is a complete transformation in scenery. Absolutely gorgeous places to visit and explore. I have done a lot of exploring and still feel as though I've only glimpsed a tip of the iceberg.

So that kinda gives you a lifestyle idea...Moi importante.

Here's a little about my experience on campus and with faculty specifically concerning aviation and the AT-CTI program:

The AT-CTI is brand spanking new at Metro's aviation department. The faculty however, is not. Many of the core courses you must take to finish the program have been in the department long before the AT-CTI program started and thus, the professors know a very good deal about teaching the subjects. The aviation department has many retired pilots/retired military/currently-working-in-aviation professors. Many have been around the block...twice. They have been training Pilots and Mechanics through Metro with a high level of success. At Metro they have what is called WIA, the World Indoor Airport. My favorite place in the whole city, except maybe Pints Pub (the largest single-malt scotch selection outside Great Britain). In the WIA there are about 9 or 10 single engine simulators with full panels equipped with yoke and rudders. Single-Engine Sims 1710 is a required course and it's really fun. There are also several multi-engine simulators, and a couple ?747? simulators but I'm not quite sure exactly what model airplane they are. But most importantly, the school has, I think, 7 or 8 ATC simulators equipped with headphone mics and dual screen radar. There are a number of "Problems" that you can run involving Arrival/Departure from DIA and instances with weather and whathaveyou. The voice recognition system hears and acknowledges your commands for airplanes on radar. "Air Wisconsin eight zero eight, climb and maintain one five thousand feet." And if you use the right phrasology, the computer acknowledges and the airplane climbs to said altitude. I have yet to fully explore everything the program can do, but from what I understand, the radar and system is very similar to realistic atc equipment. I imagine that other AT-CTI schools have similar, if not identical, systems, but I'm still amazed by the WIA either way. Oh, and by the way, they flew around the world in one of the larger simulators. There is a track of where the plane flew and landed for fueling.

Visit this website and explore around the department. You can find all kinds of curricullum guides, class descriptions, and degree requirements in there:

Metro State's Aviation Department

The campus as a whole is pretty big, housing two other decent size colleges. The campus is a couple blocks away from the downtown strip mall 16th Street Mall which has a lot of places to chow and such.

I guess that's all I have for now...

Please feel free to ask questions. I'm still taking classes and experiece it almost every day, so I'll love to fill in the blanks.

Hi Ladies and Gentleman,
I am a current student in the Metropolitan State College of Denver (MSCD) C.T.I. Air Traffic Control Program. I will post the official program requirements here in a few seconds, but first, here are the basics. The degree at MSCD is a four year bachelor degree, and also, a basic requirement is a minor in a minor of your choice. The school does have somewhere around five air traffic simulators, enough to get the job done. The ATC instruction staff is excellent as they have real world experience, and some of whom i know are currently working jobs at Denver center and instruct in their off time. All of the other aviation related instructors for other required classes thus far are exceptional, they know their stuff, and they convey it well to the class in a very professional manner. As for the requirements, well, here they are:

AIR TRAFFIC COLLEGIATE TRAINING INITIATIVE (AT-CTI)
MSCD?s Aviation and Aerospace Science Department is an FAA designated AT-CTI Program - part of the FAA Collegiate Training Initiative which provides a pathway to a career as an FAA air traffic controller. Students successfully completing an AT-CTI program and who are recommended to the FAA by the AT-CTI school receive preferential hiring consideration, as do those with military air traffic control experience.
FAA hiring requirements under the AT-CTI program include:
? completing an FAA approved AT-CTI Program
? receiving a degree from an FAA approved AT-CTI school
? receiving a recommendation from an authorized AT-CTI school official (MSCD requires completion of all required AT-CTI courses with a ?B? average and completion of an MSCD knowledge exam with a minimum score of 70%)
? holding U.S. citizenship
? attaining a score of 70% or above on the FAA Air Traffic Selection and Training (AT-SAT) test battery (in addition to the MSCD administered knowledge exam)
? being less that 31 years of age when starting duty in an FAA terminal or en route facility
? meeting FAA medical, security, and suitability requirements
? successfully completing an interview to determine whether the candidate possesses the personal characteristics needed for air traffic control work
? being able to speak English clearly enough to be understood over radios, intercoms, and similar communications equipment
Neither completing MSCD?s AT-CTI Program, receiving a recommendation to the FAA from MSCD, nor passing the AT-SAT test battery, guarantees an employment offer from the FAA.
For the courses required for the AT-CTI program, see p. 16. Enrollment in the AT-CTI Program requires completion of special forms. Contact Professor Simmons.
NOTE: AT- CTI for ATV4, ATV5 and ATV3 Majors
ATV 4 and ATV5 majors who complete the ATV4 (p. 12) or ATV5 (p. 13) curriculum plus AES 2200 Fundamentals of Air Traffic Control and AES 4100 Advanced Air Traffic Control and who comply with all the policies and procedures of the AT-CTI Program will have completed the AT-CTI curriculum and will be eligible to be recommended to the FAA for possible hiring as an air traffic controller. ATV3 majors must complete AES 1800, AES 2710, and AES 3460 and AES 2200 and AES 4100 as part of their 29 semester hours of electives (p. 14) to complete the AT-CTI program.

These requirements are also available on Where Success Begins With You | Metropolitan State College of Denver under the prospective students tab then under majors and minors under the aviation and aerospace science link.

The program is very new, so im sure there are a few outstanding kinks to work out, however, thus far i am happy to be attending school here and feel i will find my way into the air traffic field from the foundation im building. The contact the AT-CTI program is Dr. James Simmons at MSCD. Any questions just ask, i willt ry to answet them to the best of my knowledge.

Cheers, Ryan

I went back to school to work for my CTI-License, so I'm only going for less than 2 years. Just to let you in on my aviation experience I have a CFII and commercial with a multi-engine instrument land rating. I also have a B.S. Degree in Flight Operations and minor in Aviation Management.

Since the other two posts were very thorough I'd thought I'd hit on a few things I've experienced.

The aviation building is quite nice, with a wide variety of classes you can take in the aviation field. Unfortunately, the ATC teachers seem to teach only one or two semesters and depart, leaving the next teacher somewhat behind in curriculum when they first start. Also, we've had many complaints with the adviser who took us in, who has accidentally given misinformation on a few students, such as myself. (There was a class he said I could wave off, in which I can't now and have to take that ONE CLASS to graduate to get my CTI). Students also had a problem with the one of the weather teachers. The school does give a recommendation to those who pass the Av-Sat test with an Well Qualified, but I don't think that's been the priority since hiring has slowed down.

The location is excellent, except for parking (for those of us who have to take later classes), but I personally took the light-rail. Many beautiful sites downtown and time to kill if you have it. You also get a view of Invesco Field (Broncos) and Elitch Gardens.

It is a good school to go to, but I'd make sure that EVERYTHING is cleared with your adviser!

Like any school it is what you make of it. And from the post below I have parked on campus for several yrs and there is no problems! And you should always talk to your advisor and make sure your taking the right classes!! Our aviation department is the best department in our school. The price is right.