A graduate of Pennsylvania State University, John Moss Wathen IV earned a bachelor of science in aerospace engineering. During his time at the university, he completed a year-long senior aircraft design capstone with a team of seven students who worked together to design a UAV model to deliver supplies to another group. To accomplish this, the team had to calculate performance parameters, including takeoff distance, climb rate, and fuel requirements, and assess structural safety criteria. John Moss Wathen IV also took an introduction to flight testing class, where he performed operational risk management assessments prior to three test flights and designed experimental procedures and data cards for each test.

John Wathen IV was also a cadet with the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps, where he received the Major Lewis Award for excelling academically and displaying leadership potential. During his time with the corps, he planned and executed 15 weeks of Leadership Labs for more than 100 cadets. He also served as a disaster action team member for the American Red Cross.