Is an Aerospace Engineering Degree Right for Me?

Aerospace engineering is the field of engineering concerned with developing a craft that flies both within the Earth's atmosphere, like airplanes, and outside the Earth's atmosphere, like spacecraft. As a result, these degrees require intense study in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

Majoring in aerospace engineering can be difficult, but also rewarding. Keep reading to learn more about majoring in aerospace engineering and how to decide if an aerospace engineering degree is right for you.

What Is an Aerospace Engineering Degree?

Aerospace engineering degrees are degrees for students who want to go into aerospace engineering careers. Aerospace engineering degrees are offered at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels.

Bachelor's degrees in aerospace engineering are usually offered as Bachelor of Science degrees and take an average of four years of full-time study to complete. Master's degrees usually take two years of full-time study but accelerated and part-time programs are available.

What Does an Aerospace Engineering Major Study?

Aerospace engineering majors study all facets of aerospace engineering. To do this, they usually spend their first year or two gaining a strong foundation in:

• calculus
• linear algebra
• chemistry
• physics

Once this foundational coursework is complete, aerospace engineering students move on to core courses. These courses often cover topics such as:

• aeronautical engineering
• aerodynamics
• aerospace systems
• astronautics
• avionics
• electrical engineering
• fluid dynamics
• mechanical engineering
• propulsion systems
• robotics
• systems engineering
• thermodynamics

Many aerospace engineering programs offer internships or other opportunities for students to get real-world work experience. Some offer specialized tracks in aeronautics and astronautics.

Why You Should Consider a Degree in Aerospace Engineering

Aerospace engineering degrees can be difficult, as they require a lot of rigorous technical coursework. However, there are many reasons you should consider a degree in aerospace engineering, and we've broken them down below.

Multiple Jobs Are Available in Aerospace Engineering

Aerospace engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and testing aerospace products. Some work specifically with aircraft, while others work specifically with spacecraft.

Many different engineering roles are available in these fields. Some work on aircraft software, while others focus on creating prototypes, and others test the products. This allows aerospace engineering graduates to choose a career that focuses on a specific area of interest.

You Can Work for Renowned Aerospace Companies

Many renowned aerospace companies need aerospace engineers. These include:

• Boeing
• Lockheed Martin
• SpaceX
• government agencies like NASA

Some aerospace engineering degree programs offer internships with these companies. Check with your advisor or program director to learn more.

You May Have the Opportunity to Create Valuable New Technologies

As an aerospace engineer, you may have the opportunity to create new flight and space exploration technologies for the aerospace industry. However, this depends on your specific career path.

However, even if your career doesn't involve designing or creating prototypes for these new technologies, as an aerospace engineer, you'll often still be a part of the process. How cool would it be to look up at the sky and see an airplane, knowing you created a part or software that the plane is using?

Aerospace Engineers Are In Demand and Well-Paid

Even if space exploration isn't super common, people still need to take airplanes to get from place to place. As a result, aerospace engineers and roles in related fields are in high demand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for aerospace engineers are expected to grow by 6% by 2032, which is a faster growth rate than average. The BLS also shows that the median annual salary for aerospace engineers comes in at over six figures.

Aerospace Engineering Degrees Teach Valuable Skills

While aerospace engineers learn a lot of technical skills, they also learn a lot of skills that can help them in other engineering jobs or just in their everyday life. These are often referred to as 'soft skills.'

Soft skills that you might learn in an aerospace engineering degree program include:

• problem-solving skills
• project management skills
• teamwork

This is in addition to basics like computer science, which can be used in professional engineering and other types of jobs.

Job Opportunities for Aerospace Engineering Degree Majors

Aerospace engineers are responsible for overseeing the design, manufacture, and testing of aerospace craft and products. This often includes assessing projects, creating and evaluating designs, and testing and fine-tuning technology.

However, there are many different aerospace engineering jobs available. These include:

• aerospace systems analysts
• aircraft systems engineers
• avionics engineers
• flight test engineers

Leadership and management roles within aerospace engineering are also available, although you may need to obtain a professional engineering (PE) license. This requires completing an ABET-accredited engineering program, gaining engineering work experience, and passing licensing exams.

As we mentioned above, aerospace engineering jobs are available through a variety of private companies and government agencies. This allows you to choose an aerospace engineering career in your particular specialization or area of interest.

Aerospace Engineering Degree: Questions To Ask Yourself

If you're still not sure if a career in aerospace engineering is the right choice for you, there are a few questions you can ask yourself to help with that decision. These include:

• Will a degree in aerospace engineering help me meet my career goals?
• Do I have strong science and math skills?
• Would I be able to complete an internship if required?
• Will a job as an aerospace engineer provide me with the salary needed for the lifestyle I want?
• Are aerospace engineering jobs available near me or will I need to transfer?
• Do I enjoy critical thinking and problem-solving?
• Do I work well both independently and in a team setting?