Overview
We're certainly not rocket scientists, but you can be one by choosing Aerospace Engineering (or Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, as it's often called) as your major. Be forewarned, though: it will be rigorous, difficult, and time consuming.
Aerospace Engineering is all about flight - airplanes, spacecraft, hovercraft, helicopters, you name it. It includes the study of aerodynamics, aerospace structures, propulsion, flight mechanics and systems, and vehicle design. If you major in Aerospace Engineering, you'll endure four seriously intense years, but you'll graduate with a solid understanding of the physical fundamentals underlying atmospheric and space flight and the ability to research, analyze, and design the flying machines of the future.
This knowledge will serve you well. The aerospace industry is the second largest industry in the United States, and it is definitely one of the largest employers of engineers. With a major in Aerospace Engineering, you can expect to land a fairly lucrative job with a big aircraft manufacturer, an airline, or with NASA. You'll also be qualified to continue your education at the graduate level or to work in any number of non-aerospace (and, for that matter, non-engineering) fields.
- $30,240 Tuition
- 1260 Avg SAT
- 24,931 Enrolled
- $61,050 Tuition
- 1460 Avg SAT
- 18,656 Enrolled
- $58,058 Tuition
- 1290 Avg SAT
- 2,513 Enrolled
- $44,620 Tuition
- 1220 Avg SAT
- 3,469 Enrolled
- $55,784 Tuition
- 1370 Avg SAT
- 14,076 Enrolled
- $52,260 Tuition
- 1260 Avg SAT
- 7,396 Enrolled
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SAMPLE CURRICULUM
Aerospace Design
Calculus and Analytic Geometry
Chemistry
Electricity and Magnetism
Flight Mechanics
Flight Vehicle Dynamics
Fluid Mechanics
Jet Propulsion
Linear Algebra
Linear Systems Engineering
Physics
Solid Mechanics
Space Vehicle Components
Thermodynamics
Viscous Flow and Heat Transfer
HIGH SCHOOl PREPARATION
A strong background in mathematics and physics is absolutely vital if you want to pursue Aerospace Engineering, as is extensive knowledge of computers and computer programming skills. Take A.P. physics and chemistry, and take calculus or the highest-level math class that your high school offers.
GRADUATE PROGRAMS & CAREERS