Programs in aerospace engineering are available from the bachelor's to the doctoral degree levels and can be found at public and private universities around the country.
10 Schools with Aerospace Programs
The following are schools located in the United States that offer degrees in aerospace engineering:
| College/University | Location | Institution Type | Degrees Offered | Undergraduate Tuition and Fees (2015-2016)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | Tempe, AZ | Public | Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral | $10,158 (in-state), $25,458 (out-of-state) |
| Ohio State University | Columbus, OH | Public | Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral | $10,037 (in-state), $27,365 (out-of-state) |
| University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | Public | Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral | $6,381 (in-state), $28,659 (out-of-state) |
| University of Minnesota - Twin Cities | Minneapolis, MN | Public | Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral | $13,790 (in-state), $22,210 (out-of-state) |
| University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | Public | Bachelor's, Master's | $6,368 (in-state), $22,467 (out-of-state) |
| The University of Texas at Austin | Austin, TX | Public | Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral | $9,806 (in-state), $34,676 (out-of-state) |
| Texas A & M University | San Antonio, TX | Public | Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral | $6,213 (in-state), $15,573 (out-of-state) |
| Pennsylvania State University | University Park, PA | Public | Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral | $17,514 (in-state), $31,346 (out-of-state) |
| University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | Champaign, IL | Public | Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral | $15,054 (in-state), $30,214 (out-of-state) |
| Purdue Global | West Lafayette, IN | Public | Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral | $6,518 (in-state), $15,579 (out-of-state) |
Sources: *National Center for Education Statistics
College Selection Criteria
There are different components to aerospace engineering and graduates can pursue careers in a number of fields. Consider the following when looking for aerospace schools:
- When considering programs, it can be helpful to find information about the school's facilities in order to ensure that students gain experience with industry-standard equipment and the latest aerospace engineering research technologies.
- Prospective students may want to look for schools that facilitate internships with major engineering companies.
- Students can also note that many universities offer aerospace programs and scholarships through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corp (ROTC), which may be helpful for students who wish to pursue careers in the military.
- Prospective graduate students who are considering research-based master's and PhD programs may want to make sure that there are faculty members at the school with similar research interests who may act as thesis or dissertation advisors.
Bachelor's Degree Programs
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Aerospace Engineering programs begin by introducing students to foundational engineering principles through introductory courses in chemistry, mathematics and physics. From there, students learn about the application of these concepts to aerospace engineering problems relating to the design and development of aircraft and spacecraft systems. Prior to graduation, students may be required to submit a senior design project.
Master's Degree Programs
In Master of Science (MS) in Aerospace Engineering programs, students take advanced engineering courses in topics such as systems control, fluid mechanics, transport phenomena and thermodynamics. They may also choose between thesis and non-thesis tracks. Thesis programs culminate in a research-based thesis, while non-thesis programs may end with a comprehensive exam or engineering project. Graduates may advance to PhD programs or get a job in industry.
Doctoral Degree Programs
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Doctor of Science (ScD) in Aerospace Engineering programs are available for students who want to focus their studies on high-level research on a particular topic of interest within the field. They also take advanced courses in topics such as aircraft systems engineering, space propulsion and humans in aerospace. It is important to note that some programs accept students who have earned a bachelor's degree in the field, while others require applicants to hold a master's degree.
Most programs offered by aerospace universities have scholarships and research programs available. Students should consider the type of program they wish to pursue, as well as research and internship opportunities.