Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering

The focus of the BS program in Aerospace Engineering is the design of aerospace vehicles and components. This is accomplished in a four-year academic program that consists in the first year of basic sciences, mathematics, and communication courses. These courses form the key foundation for the rest of the program. Also, you will take an Introduction to Aerospace Engineering course that will give you an overview of the BS program. In the second year, you will continue to take basic mathematics and science as well as engineering science courses. The engineering science courses apply the principles you have mastered in the basic sciences and mathematics to the solution of engineering problems. In the third year, you learn the unique nature of aerospace problems. These courses cover the major subdomains of Aerospace Engineering - fluid mechanics and aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, and flight dynamics. You will also have courses in complementary topics including computer graphics and instrumentation. In your fourth year, you have the opportunity to explore how all the individual specialized subdomain technologies are used to design an aerospace vehicle.

Professional Development

The aerospace engineer is concerned with the design, production, operation, and support of aircraft and spacecraft. Aerospace engineers conduct research to advance air flight and space exploration, by solving problems, developing products, and improving processes for the aerospace industry. Aerospace engineers typically work for aircraft and space vehicle industries, national research laboratories, commercial airlines, and federal government agencies. The curriculum includes traditional courses in aerodynamics, flight dynamics and control, propulsion, structures, manufacturing, instrumentation, and spacecraft systems.

Objectives

The Aerospace Engineering undergraduate program objective is that our graduates contribute to the aerospace profession, related fields and other disciplines through skilled professional practice in industry, government and/or graduate study.  Within a few years after graduation we expect that:

  • Graduates are meaningfully employed or pursuing graduate study in aerospace or other high technology fields, with the majority retained in aerospace and closely related engineering
  • Graduates have a positive professional career path including promotions, leadership, and/or continued education
  • Graduates recognize the value of their educational preparation for their current and future professional endeavors.

Educational Outcomes

Achievement is measured through assessment of the performance of graduates three to six years after graduation.  Graduates must demonstrate the following measurable learning outcomes:

  1. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
  2. an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
  3. an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
  4. an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
  5. an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
  6. an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
  7. an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

The Aerospace Engineering Bachelor of Science program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.