Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering

The first two years focus on coursework in the areas of chemistry, mathematics, physics, humanities, social sciences, and general engineering sciences. The third and fourth years emphasize aerospace disciplines and vehicle systems integration. The undergraduate curriculum is designed to provide each student with a general background for either employment in industry or government laboratories, or advanced study in graduate school at the end of four years. The program stresses the theoretical, experimental, and design aspects of aerospace engineering. Courses do not have to be taken during the specific semester indicated in the curriculum, but all prerequisites must be satisfied for each course. Advisement by an assigned faculty member is required before registration. Each student is assigned a faculty advisor who remains the same for the full undergraduate program, unless the student requests a change. A certain degree of specialization is available to undergraduate students through the proper choice of electives, as are opportunities for undergraduate research, depending on the student's abilities and career objectives. Students should consult with academic advisors for the availability of courses and recommended course sequences.

Educational Objectives

The undergraduate aerospace engineering degree program will:

  1. provide students with a comprehensive education that includes in-depth instruction in aerodynamics, aircraft and spacecraft structures (including structural dynamics and aeroelasticity), flight and orbital mechanics and controls, and design of aerospace systems;
  2. prepare students for careers in aerospace engineering by emphasizing aerospace vehicle, analysis, and problem solving, by providing methods to deal with open-ended problems and design, including costs, manufacturing, and maintenance, and by fostering teamwork, communication skills, and individual professionalism; and
  3. provide adequate research and independent study opportunities that cultivate lifelong learning skills and nourish creative talents.

Requirements

A grade of C or better is required in each 1000 and 2000 level mathematics and physics course; a course with a D or F grade must be repeated the next semester the student is in residence. A 2.0 or higher overall grade point average is required to schedule COE 2001 or AE 2020. No more than two D grades are permitted in AE and COE courses listed by number in the sophomore, junior, and senior years. Courses in which a D was earned may be repeated at any time with the approval of an advisor.