Are you interested in aerospace engineering? Do you want to pursue a degree in aerospace engineering? If yes, you are in the right place. Aerodynamics, engineering graphics, aircraft structures, and computer-aided simulation are just a few talents you’ll learn at the best aerospace engineering schools. This article discusses the best aerospace engineering schools, whether you want to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree in aerospace engineering.
Top 5 Best Aerospace Engineering Schools
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- California Institute of Technology
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- Iowa State University
Best Aerospace Engineering Schools
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
MIT, rated first in the QS World University Rankings, is one of the best schools to study aerospace engineering. The Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics offers undergraduate and graduate studies in aeronautics and astronautics. The MIT AeroAstro program, founded in 1914, is the nation’s oldest aeronautical engineering program.
Aircraft students at MIT are given a solid foundation in the disciplines necessary to design aerospace vehicles and systems. Throughout their studies, students will learn about aerodynamics, fluid physics, propulsion, structural design and analysis, advanced materials, and dynamics.
The undergraduate Aerospace Engineering curriculum at MIT culminates in a series of aerospace labs and a capstone project that requires students to apply what they’ve learned and integrate different disciplines, such as designing an airplane or spacecraft system.
Bachelor’s students at MIT AeroAstro get a solid foundation in the design and engineering of aeronautical systems and vehicles. Software engineering, aerospace communication, and flying vehicle control are all part of the program. Core courses, advanced electives, and a capstone lab project are all part of the 180-credit degree.
The master’s degree is a two-year program that includes at least 66 credits of coursework and a thesis project. It’s a tough program that needs at least one year of residence, a good GPA, and rigorous math and engineering classes.
MIT offers PhD and ScD programs in aeronautical engineering. Both programs are incredibly demanding and competitive, yet students are given hands-on instruction. MIT’s thesis supervisors form a doctoral thesis committee for each student to provide ongoing advice on their dissertations.
2. Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia Institute of Technology is a public university that focuses on technology. It was established in 1885 in Atlanta, Georgia, and is regarded as one of the best research institutions in the United States, offering over 100 undergraduate and graduate degrees in mechanical engineering, medical sciences, and aerospace engineering. The comprehensive admission procedure at the university has resulted in a vibrant student community of around 39,000 students.
To improve their knowledge of aerospace vehicles and their subsystems, the school offers each engineering student to engage in enrichment activities such as hands-on learning, internships, overseas study, and research. They complete their education with a senior capstone course in one of three areas: rotorcraft, fixed-wing aircraft, or spacecraft.
With over 40 academics on staff and multiple multidisciplinary research partnerships, the school also offers the type of depth that routinely positions it among the top five aerospace educators in the nation.The school’s undergraduate program is ranked second in the US, while its graduate program is ranked fourth, according to the current US News & World Report.
Bachelor’s degree teaches the principles of designing and evaluating the performance of aeronautical vehicles. Students must finish 132 credits as well as a capstone project. Internships, overseas study, co-ops, and research opportunities supplement coursework.
Georgia Tech’s graduate school accepts students who are interested in aeronautical engineering research. You’ll earn 33 credits from a career-focused curriculum while working on advanced research projects. This master’s degree may be completed online by highly educated individuals.
The College of Engineering at Georgia Tech selects academically exceptional and self-motivated individuals to enter the 42-credit Ph.D. program. In preparation for enrolling, prospective students meet with the Associate Chair for Graduate Programs twice a month.
3. California Institute of Technology
US News ranks Caltech’s Aerospace department third in the Aerospace Engineering Graduate School. Caltech’s purpose is to educate and train future leaders in academia, government, and industry to solve fundamental issues that might lead to transformational science and technology in aerospace and related domains.
Caltech’s Department of Aerospace provides an aerospace minor to students interested in learning more about the topic, as well as graduate-level degrees in a variety of specialties, including aeronautics and space engineering. Undergraduates who want to study more about aerospace might pursue an aerospace minor at this university.
Bachelor students may supplement their undergraduate degree with a 27-credit aerospace minor. It is an excellent option if you want to pursue a graduate degree in aerospace engineering or if your job demands fundamental aerospace engineering abilities.
The master’s degree program is a one-year degree program that provides advanced instruction in many fields of aeronautics, such as autonomy and control, fluid mechanics, and structural mechanics. It is a 135-credit, non-thesis program.
Caltech Aerospace’s graduate program favors Ph.D. students. Therefore, this is an excellent choice for individuals with bachelor’s degrees who are sure they want to do PhD-level research. To continue in the Ph.D. program, Ph.D. students must finish the master’s degree curriculum in their first year.
4. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is a private university in Daytona Beach, Florida. The institution focuses on aerospace and aviation and has been the number one undergraduate aerospace engineering program among non-doctoral colleges for 16 years. The university is one of the world’s best aerospace engineering schools. According to the institution, “96% of alumni are employed or have opted to continue their studies within a year after graduation.”
The aerospace engineering degree is a specialized curriculum that permits students to specialize in one of three areas: aeronautics, astronautics, or propulsion. In addition, the institution has various specialized laboratories and simulation facilities to improve learning possibilities. The curriculum also offers the possibility to engage in an expedited MS program.
The BSAE program is offered at the Daytona Beach and Prescott campuses. Students must finish the freshman engineering curriculum at the College of Engineering before deciding on a track in aeronautics, astronautics, or propulsion. The total number of credits for the degree is 129.
The master’s degree is accessible online and at the Daytona Beach location. There are thesis and non-thesis alternatives, each needing 30 credits. Concentration areas include aerodynamics and propulsion, dynamics and control, and structures and materials. The online master’s degree likewise needs 30 credits. However, it only contains a selection of three-credit core courses and electives.
The Ph.D. is completed entirely in person at the main campus in Daytona Beach. Students must complete 42 credit hours, including 18 hours of coursework and 24 hours of dissertation research. Some study fields include computational fluid dynamics, adaptable structures, aeroacoustics, and space mission design.
5. Iowa State University
Iowa State University is a public four-year research university in Ames, Iowa. It was founded in 1858 and is internationally known for its innovation, research, science, and technology expertise. Iowa State University assists its aerospace engineering students in taking flight by teaching them the principles of aeronautical engineering while also offering hands-on projects that enable them to expand their knowledge of the profession.
Iowa State University also offers its students the chance to get real-world experience via its cooperative education program, which alternates students between industrial and academic assignments.
The undergraduate program covers flight dynamics, structural mechanics, aerodynamics, and propulsion instruction. Bachelor’s students must choose an undergraduate minor, such as Non-Destructive Evaluation. In addition, ISU assists students in obtaining internships and co-ops.
ISU provides in-person and online Master of Science (MS) or Master of Engineering (MEng) degrees, as well as concurrent Bachelor of Science/MS and Bachelor of Science/MEng programs for excellent undergraduate students. MEng programs are just for coursework, while MS students do research and produce theses.
The Ph.D. program needs 72 credit hours, including research and classroom. Interdisciplinary courses on the industry’s history, sociology, philosophy, and politics are also necessary. As part of their thesis defenses, PhD students perform original research and present their findings in an open seminar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Do Aerospace Engineers Get Paid?
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual pay for aerospace engineers in the United States was $115,220 in 2015. That is, they get paid $55.39 per hour.
What Steps Do I Need To Take To Become An Aerospace Engineer?
To work as an aerospace engineer, a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or another subject of engineering or science linked to aeronautical systems is necessary. In addition, aerospace engineers who work on national defense programs may be required to get a security clearance.
Is Aerospace Engineering A Good Profession To Pursue?
Yes. We feel that pursuing a career in aeronautical engineering is a decent decision given the income. However, before pursuing a career in aerospace engineering, ensure that you are passionate about the design of airplanes, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles.
Where Do Aerospace Engineers Work?
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, aerospace engineers work in industries that develop or produce airplanes, missiles, national security systems, or spacecraft. Aerospace engineers operate in various settings, including production, analysis and design, research and development, and the federal government.
References
- https://www.collegeconfidential.com/lists/best-colleges-for-aerospace-engineering/
- https://careerkarma.com/blog/best-aerospace-engineering-schools/
- https://blog.collegevine.com/best-colleges-for-aerospace-engineering/
- https://www.applyforajob.org/best-aerospace-engineering-schools/
- https://scholarship-positions.com/career-aerospace-engineering/2014/10/12/
