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Aerospace engineers have enhanced our world through the creation of secure and dependable aircraft and spacecraft, along with advancements in numerous other areas. As an aerospace engineer, you could create the next wave of satellites for environmental monitoring, global communication, and navigation, or construct autonomous aircraft to identify pipeline leaks. You might also design eco-friendly jet engines, enhanced plasma displays, or highly efficient wind turbines for energy generation. Alternatively, you could apply space-age materials to craft artificial limbs, discreet braces, or cushioning footwear. The Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering necessitates 127 semester credit hours to complete. Many students can earn credit by examination for certain degree requirements via AP, IB, and entrance exam scores.
The aerospace engineering field emerged from humanity's ambition for aircraft systems in military, commercial, and civilian contexts, initially termed aeronautical engineering or aeronautics. With the dawn of the space age, aeronautical engineers naturally engaged in crafting spacecraft systems for exploration, leading to the branch known as astronautical engineering or astronautics, with the combined discipline referred to as aerospace engineering or aeronautics and astronautics. Due to the field's diversity, aerospace engineers need foundational knowledge in physics, mathematics, digital computation, and key areas like aerodynamics and propulsion, structural mechanics, flight and orbital mechanics, and control systems. Their broad education enables them to pursue careers beyond aerospace, spanning various industries.
This design track (also known as Astronautics) offers students a comprehensive curriculum covering fluid mechanics, materials, structures, propulsion, controls, and flight mechanics, while also introducing the space environment, mission design, and spacecraft systems/design. These topics are taught at a fundamental level, establishing a base for diverse specialties in space-related sectors. Aimed mainly at undergraduates focused on space and spacecraft, the program includes courses such as Space Systems Engineering Design, Space Applications Laboratory, and Spacecraft/Mission Design.