Aerospace engineering is for people who want to work on aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, rockets, and the systems that make flight possible. It’s one of the most technical engineering majors, and it blends physics, design, and problem-solving at a very high level.
You’ll spend time on math, physics, and complex engineering models. You’ll also do design projects where you work in teams and learn how to build and test systems. The work is detailed because aerospace has strict safety standards and tiny errors can become big problems fast.
What you’ll learn
- How lift, drag, and propulsion make flight work
- How structures handle stress, vibration, and extreme conditions
- How control systems keep vehicles stable and on course
- How materials perform under heat and pressure
- How to model systems using engineering software
Common classes
- Calculus, differential equations, and advanced physics
- Statics, dynamics, and strength of materials
- Aerodynamics
- Propulsion
- Flight mechanics and control systems
- Structures and materials
- Senior design capstone (often team-based)
Skills you’ll build
- Engineering modeling and simulation
- Systems thinking and design tradeoffs
- Testing, data analysis, and documentation
- Team collaboration and technical communication
- Careful attention to safety and reliability
What you can do with this major
Aerospace engineers work in aviation, space, defense, and manufacturing. Some grads also move into related fields like mechanical engineering, robotics, or energy systems.
- Aerospace engineer
- Flight test engineer
- Propulsion engineer
- Structures engineer
- Avionics or systems engineer
- Satellite systems engineer
- Manufacturing or quality engineer
Careers and job outlook
This field values strong technical skills and real experience. Internships, co-ops, and student engineering teams can make a huge difference. If your program offers design-build-test projects or industry partnerships, that’s a big green flag.
How to choose a program
- Look for robust labs, wind tunnels, and hands-on design projects
- Check for accreditation that supports engineering career paths
- Ask about internships and connections to aerospace employers
- See whether the program emphasizes aircraft, space systems, or both
Now that you have an idea of what you'll learn with this major, you can explore colleges below and start building your list.
