A Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering degree program teaches students about designing and testing various kinds of aircraft (planes, jets, helicopters, etc.) and spacecraft (satellites, spaceships, etc.). You will be taught how to analyze, construct and manufacture aircrafts as well as space systems.
During the course of your studies, you will learn about propulsion, stability and control, calculus, thermodynamics, aeromechanical and aerodynamic vehicle design, flight mechanics, low-speed and high-speed aerodynamics and materials science, etc. The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) is the relevant body that regulates and oversees accreditation matters for engineering degree programs.
If you would like to pursue a career in this exciting branch of engineering, then go through this guide. It provides important details about the Bachelor in Aerospace Engineering degree.
What Is Aerospace Engineering?
Aerospace Engineering utilizes principles of science and mathematics in the development of aircraft as well as spacecraft. It is divided into two overlapping branches: aeronautical engineering and astronautical engineering. Aeronautical engineers are responsible for the design and creation of aircrafts while astronautical engineers focus on the conception and construction of spacecrafts.
What Can You Do with a Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering?
With a Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering degree, you can pursue a number of different occupations such as Aerospace Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Aeronautical Engineers, Astronautical Engineers, Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians, Aircraft/Spacecraft Designers, Data Processing Managers, Aerospace Inspection and Compliance Officers, Drafters, Mission and Payload Specialists, etc.
The compensation details for some of these jobs are provided below. All the information has been extracted from the official records of the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Aerospace Engineers
Aerospace Engineers are responsible for the design and development of aircraft, spaceships, missiles and satellites.
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Annual Median Salary, 2019: $116,500
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Annual Mean Salary, 2019: $119,220
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Projected Growth, 2018-2028: 2%
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State with the Highest Salary, 2019: District of Columbia - $140,710
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State with the Highest Employment, 2019: California- 11,440
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians maintain and operate different types of equipment used in the development, testing and production of aircraft as well as spacecraft.
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Annual Median Salary, 2019: $66,020
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Annual Mean Salary, 2019: $68,340
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Predicted Growth Rate, 2018-2028: 4%
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State with the Highest Salary, 2019: Washington - $97,130
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State with the Highest Employment, 2019: California - 2,220
Mechanical Engineers
Mechanical Engineers are responsible for designing, developing, building and testing thermal as well as mechanical devices/sensors.
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Annual Median Salary, 2019: $88,430
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Annual Mean Salary, 2019: $93,540
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Projected Growth Rate, 2018-2028: 4%
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State with the Highest Salary, 2019: New Mexico - $114,420
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State with the Highest Employment, 2019: Michigan- 43,850
What to Expect from an Aerospace Engineering Degree Program?
During your 4-year Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering program, your coursework will include Flight Dynamics and Mechanics, Aerospace Materials Science, Propulsion, Engineering Communication, Physics, Calculus, Thermodynamics, Aeromechanical and Aerodynamic Vehicle Design, Stability and Control, Low-Speed and High-Speed Aerodynamics, Aerospace Mechanics, Aircraft and Spacecraft Design, Orbit Mechanics, Computer-Aided Design (CAD) of Aerospace Systems and Advanced Engineering Mathematics, etc.
How to Choose an Aerospace Engineering Program?
When picking a school to enroll into for your undergraduate studies in Aerospace Engineering, you must consider a few important factors. These include course contents, total cost of the program, research opportunities, types of projects available, specializations offered, accreditation status and campus location.
Engineering programs are usually accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Make sure you pick an Aerospace Engineering program that is fully recognized and accredited by the authorities. The Arizona State University, University of Florida, Ohio State University and the Pennsylvania State University are some good options for pursuing an undergraduate degree in Aerospace Engineering.
Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering Admission Requirements
Different schools may have varying entrance criteria. However, there are some common requirements as well. For instance, all students who want to study aerospace engineering must have a High School Diploma or the equivalent GED (General Educational Development) Certificate.
A strong background in mathematics and sciences is also preferred by many schools. Moreover, you must also have an acceptable SAT score on the basis of the threshold set by your preferred institution(s).