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Preparation
 A bachelor's degree in engineering is required for almost all
entry-level engineering jobs. College graduates with a degree in a
physical science or mathematics occasionally may qualify for some
engineering jobs, especially in specialties in high demand. Most
engineering degrees are granted in electrical, electronics, mechanical,
chemical, civil, or materials engineering. However, engineers trained in one branch may work
in related branches. For example, many aerospace engineers have training
in mechanical engineering. This flexibility allows employers to meet
staffing needs in new technologies and specialties in which engineers
may be in short supply. It also allows engineers to shift to fields with
better employment prospects or to those that more closely match their
interests.
Most engineering programs involve a concentration of study in an
engineering specialty, along with courses in both mathematics and
science. Most programs include a design course, sometimes accompanied by
a computer or laboratory class or both.
 Admission
Requirements
 Admissions
requirements for undergraduate engineering schools include a solid
background in mathematics (algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and
calculus) and science (biology, chemistry, and physics), and courses in
English, social studies, humanities, and computer and information
technology. Bachelor's degree programs in engineering typically are
designed to last 4 years, but many students find that it takes between 4
and 5 years to complete their studies. In a typical 4-year college
curriculum, the first 2 years are spent studying mathematics, basic
sciences, introductory engineering, humanities, and social sciences. In
the last 2 years, most courses are in engineering, usually with a
concentration in one branch. For example, the last 2 years of an
aerospace program might include courses in fluid mechanics, heat
transfer, applied aerodynamics, analytical mechanics, flight vehicle
design, trajectory dynamics, and aerospace propulsion systems. Some
programs offer a general engineering curriculum; students then
specialize in graduate school or on the job.
 Co-ops
Internships and Coops
provide students with a great opportunity to gain real-world experience
while still in school. Click here for more
information.
Alternate
Degree Paths
Some engineering
schools and 2-year colleges have agreements whereby the 2-year college
provides the initial engineering education, and the engineering school
automatically admits students for their last 2 years. In addition, a few
engineering schools have arrangements whereby a student spends 3 years
in a liberal arts college studying pre-engineering subjects and 2 years
in an engineering school studying core subjects, and then receives a
bachelor's degree from each school. Some colleges and universities offer
5-year master's degree programs. Some 5-year or even 6-year cooperative
plans combine classroom study and practical work, permitting students to
gain valuable experience and to finance part of their education.
Graduate
Training
 Graduate training is
essential for engineering faculty positions and many research and
development programs, but is not required for the majority of
entry-level engineering jobs. Many engineers obtain graduate degrees in
engineering or business administration to learn new technology and
broaden their education. Many high-level executives in government and
industry began their careers as engineers. It is important to
select a degree program that has been accredited.
Accredited
Programs
 Those interested in a
career in Aerospace Engineering should consider reviewing engineering programs that are
accredited by
ABET, Inc. If you choose to attend a
program that is not ABET accredited, you should be sure that the
university is regionally accredited. The following is a current list of all universities offering accredited degree programs in Aerospace
Engineering. Most offer Bachelor's degrees, but a few offer Master's
Degrees. You may also download
a PDF of this list.
Note: Some resources in this section are provided by the US Department
of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Photos are courtesy of NASA.
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