Aerospace Engineering
Design aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles
What You'll Study
Aerospace Engineering is for those who dream of flight and space. It is highly specialized Mechanical Engineering focused on aerodynamics, propulsion, and lightweight structures for things that fly.
- Aerodynamics
- Flight Dynamics & Control
- Propulsion (Jet/Rocket Engines)
- Orbital Mechanics
- Aerospace Structures
- Thermodynamics
- Avionics
- Space Systems Design
Example Classes
How to Know If You'll Like It
You'll probably enjoy this if...
- ✓You have looked up at the sky/stars and dreamed of going there
- ✓You are excellent at Physics (forces/motion)
- ✓You want to work on high-tech, expensive vehicles
- ✓You are precise and detail-oriented
- ✓You are interested in defense or space exploration
- ✓You are willing to work in a regulated industry
You might not enjoy this if...
- ✕You struggle with Fluid Dynamics (how air moves)
- ✕You want a job in every small town (Aerospace is concentrated in hubs)
- ✕You dislike huge bureaucratic organizations (Boeing/NASA are big)
- ✕You get bored by long design cycles
Self-Check Quiz
Answer these questions honestly to see if this major might be a good fit for you.
Are you obsessed with planes or rockets?
Career Outcomes
Featured In-Demand Careers
Aerospace Engineer
Design aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles, pushing the boundaries of flight and space exploration.
Mechanical Engineer
Design, analyze, and manufacture mechanical systems from consumer products to industrial machinery.
Software Engineer
Design, develop, and maintain software applications and systems. Work with cutting-edge technologies to solve complex problems.
Other Common Career Paths
- •Systems Engineer
- •Propulsion Engineer
- •Flight Test Engineer
- •Avionics Engineer
Industries
Try It First
Test if you like this field before committing to a major:
Build a high-quality paper airplane and iterate the design for distance.
Play Kerbal Space Program to understand orbits, or build a model rocket (Estes kit).
Design a glider in a simulator (like X-Plane or simple apps) and explain the wing choice.
Related Majors
Frequently Asked Questions
It is specialized. ME is broader, but Aero is best if you are 100% sure about flight.
Literally, yes.
USA (Seattle, California, Texas, Florida, DC) and Europe (Toulouse, Bristol) are hubs.
Yes, they hire many Aeros (and MEs/Software).
Deadlines can be tight, but it is very passion-driven.
Ready to Explore This Major?
Get personalized guidance on whether Aerospace Engineering is right for you and how to build a competitive profile.