Why We Love It
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$110,570Potential Avg. Salary*
* Salary & growth data is based on the recent Bureau of Labor and Statistics data published at https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes172011.htm for 17-2011 Aerospace engineers 11/2021. Based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary.
Some people dream of space travel, and others dream of building the technology that makes space travel possible. If you’re part of the latter group, you may want to consider pursuing a bachelor of science in aerospace engineering.
Aerospace engineering programs are focused on teaching students how to innovate on and build aircraft like planes, helicopters, satellites, and even space shuttles.
What is a Degree in Aerospace Engineering?
Each day in the U.S., the FAA now says it provides air traffic services to more than 44,000 flights and more than 3 million airline passengers daily across more than 29 million square miles of airspace, highlighting the scale and complexity of the modern aviation system. More than 370 people have been selected as NASA astronauts since 1959. These amazing technological advances couldn’t have happened if it weren’t for the hard work of the aerospace engineers who worked tirelessly to create and innovate the technology that enables flight and space travel.
Aerospace engineers work for major companies and organizations—such as Boeing and NASA—to bring innovation to the aerospace industry. They also contribute to satellites, launch systems, defense technologies, autonomous aircraft systems, and next-generation propulsion, which broadens the career field well beyond commercial airplanes alone.
In aerospace engineering, you’ll earn the education and credentials needed to succeed in aerospace engineering. Aerospace engineering students engage in intensive study in all of the disciplines that must come together to enable aerospace travel, including mathematics, computer programming, aerodynamics, mechanics, and propulsion. Many programs also emphasize simulation, systems design, testing, and materials performance so students can solve practical engineering problems in both air and space environments.
Aerospace engineering majors take courses in these areas, enabling them to succeed in careers designing, repairing, and innovating on aerospace technology.
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What Courses Would I Take For a Major in Aerospace Engineering?
- Low-Speed Aerodynamics
- Aerospace Materials
- Linear Systems Analysis
- Structural Dynamics
- Flight Dynamics
- Electromechanical Systems
- Flight Control Systems
- Propulsion
What Jobs Can You Get with a Degree in Aerospace Engineering?
The professionals at NASA are always on the lookout for talented aerospace engineers, as are Boeing and Airbus—some of the world’s largest aircraft manufacturers. NASA notes that more than 8,000 people applied when it last opened astronaut applications in 2024, reflecting the continued competitiveness and prestige of aerospace-related careers.
Additionally, some aerospace engineers find jobs in military research or work for the Air Force. As the world becomes more globalized and more companies seek to ship their products and goods across both the country and the world, aerospace engineers will be needed to find innovate ways to build faster, safer, and less expensive aircraft.
The latest BLS outlook supports that demand: employment of aerospace engineers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2024 to 2034, with about 4,500 openings projected each year on average, and the median annual wage reached $134,830 in May 2024.
How Long does it take?
A bachelors in Aerospace Engineering will have a typical length of 4 years in a full time schedule. That said, there are many ways to speed up the timeframe by either taking more units via online coursework, community college, or taking free classes at OnlineDegree.com that could transfer to universities in the US.
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Best Jobs for Aerospace Engineering Degrees
Graduates of aerospace engineering programs find work as aerospace engineers and aerospace engineering technicians with spacecraft and aircraft manufacturing and research companies like NASA, Boeing, and Airbus.
Additionally, their education in mathematics and engineering enables them to pursue careers in other areas of engineering as well, working as mechanical or electrical engineers.
How to save time and money
Our mission is to help you to avoid paying full price for college. We want your Aerospace Engineering degree to be affordable and accessible. Here’s how you could save:
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