Five starsTrusted by 70,000+ Future Students

Subject guide

Aerospace Engineering

You're looking towards the stars and beyond, with your sights set on pursuing a career in aerospace engineering. It's an incredibly rewarding and challenging field that blends principles from various branches of engineering, such as electrical and mechanical, to design and develop aircraft and spacecraft. Embarking on this journey in higher education requires dedication, but your ambition is the rocket fuel that will see you reaching the heights of success. So strap in and prepare for launch, for your future in aerospace engineering starts right here and right now. The education you seek is closer than you think.

Find school options
Aerospace Engineering study and career guide

Aerospace Engineering

If you're captivated by the mysteries of the universe and the marvels of human flight, Aerospace Engineering could be the ideal path for you to shape a promising future. As an exhilarating branch of engineering focused on the design, development, and application of aircraft and spacecraft, this field offers dynamic and highly rewarding career opportunities. By immersing yourself in higher education, you will lay a solid foundation of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and innovative thinking required in this rapidly evolving field. Your curiosity and dedication can propel you into this thrilling discipline, mandating precision, proving hypotheses, and constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Along the way, our mission is to guide you, providing accurate and reliable information to help you find the educational institutions and programs that align with your aspirations and needs.

Explore this subject within Science & Engineering.

Aerospace Engineering Program goals

You're setting a course for your future, and as part of that journey, you're considering an education in Aerospace Engineering. An eagle soaring through the sky, a satellite charting the vast sea of stars, a jet breaking the sound barrier - these could all be part of your story. By studying an Aerospace Engineering program, you'll aim to gain technical skills and in-depth knowledge in design, development, analysis and technology related to aircraft and spacecraft. It also strives to instill critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and an understanding of global and societal issues in the aerospace industry.

  • Gain an in-depth understanding of aerospace systems and technology.
  • Develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Understand and navigate the regulatory and compliance issues in the aerospace industry.
  • Foster a global perspective and an awareness of the societal impact of aerospace engineering.
  • Prepare for successful careers in the aerospace industry or related fields.
Aerospace Engineering Program goals illustration

What are the Student Learning Outcomes

As you embark on studying a program in Aerospace Engineering, you're setting forth on an exciting journey of discovery and innovation. This rigorous field of study, which blends applied physics, mathematics, and engineering principles, can equip you with a solid foundation to innovate, design, and enhance aircraft and spacecraft. Upon completion, you're expected to have developed an extensive knowledge of core aerospace engineering principles, strengthened analytical thinking, and honed problem-solving abilities with real-world applicability. Aside from technical knowledge, you'll gain valuable interpersonal skills, including teamwork and communication, which are essential to work in diverse professional settings.

  • Learn and apply fundamental principles of aerospace engineering, including aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science
  • Develop strong problem-solving skills, with emphasis on analyzing and interpreting data to design aircraft and spacecraft
  • Develop effective interpersonal and communicative skills for work in diverse teams and environments
  • Utilize industry-standard software and tools for design and simulation tasks
  • Understand and apply ethical standards in engineering practices, acknowledging the environmental and societal impacts of aerospace technology
What are the Student Learning Outcomes illustration
Photo by This is Engeneering on Unsplash

What experience do I need to be able to apply for Aerospace Engineering

If you're considering a higher education program in Aerospace Engineering, it's important to note that prior experience and background knowledge in specific areas will greatly bolster your success. A strong foundation in physics, mathematics, and computer programming is typically desired, as these topics form the backbone of Aerospace Engineering principles. Those who thrived in these subjects in high school or who have work experience in fields related to these areas might find the transition into Aerospace Engineering more manageable. The ability to think abstractly, solve complex problems, and work collaboratively are also highly beneficial. Although it's challenging, an Aerospace Engineering program can be an incredibly rewarding and exciting pathway towards a career in a technologically forward field.

  • A solid understanding of Physics, particularly principles related to force, motion, and energy.
  • Proficiency in advanced Mathematics, including Calculus and Algebra.
  • Experience with Computer Programming and digital modeling.
  • The ability to think abstractly and solve complex problems.
  • Experience working collaboratively on projects, demonstrating skills in teamwork and communication.
What experience do I need to be able to apply for Aerospace Engineering illustration

Aerospace Engineering careers

If you're completing your postgraduate studies in Aerospace Engineering, you're about to step into a world of numerous exciting career opportunities. This field is broad and allows you to apply your skills and knowledge in diverse industries. You could work on designing and developing aircraft and spacecraft, improving the efficiency of air travel, or even venturing into state-of-the-art satellite technology. Jobs in Aerospace Engineering usually involve complex problem-solving skills and creativity, as you contribute to major technological advancements in the field. It's an ever-evolving industry, rich in both challenges and rewards.

  • Aerospace Engineer: Design, develop, and test aircraft and aerospace products.
  • Flight Engineer: Monitor and handle in-flight aircraft systems.
  • Astronautical Engineer: Design and develop satellites and other spacecraft technologies.
  • Aerospace Project Engineer: Oversee the execution of aerospace projects, ensuring they meet quality, scheduling, and budgetary standards.
  • Systems Engineer: Design and manage complex systems and processes for aerospace applications.
  • R&D Specialist: Work on research and development initiatives in the aerospace industry, possibly creating new technologies.
  • Air Traffic Controller: Manage the movement of aircraft, ensuring safe takeoffs, flights, and landings.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians was $79,830 in May 2024. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $50,050, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $113,970.

Source

As a post graduate in Aerospace Engineering, you have a broad range of exciting careers you can embark on. You might find yourself designing cutting-edge aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, or missiles. If research appeals to you, you could work in a laboratory, developing new technologies for use in aviation, defense systems, or space exploration. Commercial companies, defense contractors, and government agencies are always on the lookout for expertise in this field. Additionally, post graduates often step into roles as Project Engineers or Systems Engineers, overseeing technical staff and ensuring successful project outcomes. Academic careers are also a possibility, with many aerospace engineers becoming lecturers or researchers at universities. Importantly, each of these potential career paths promises the chance for you to make meaningful contributions to the further development of aerospace technologies.

Ready to compare Aerospace Engineering programs?

Share your study preferences once. We’ll use them to find relevant school options.

Find school options