aerospace engineering student working in lab

Aerospace Engineering Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Be in demand for aerospace and unmanned aerial vehicle-related companies.

Gain access to aerospace companies to launch your career as an aerospace engineer. You'll be at the forefront of modern technology with this bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering.

Program type:
Major
Format:
On Campus or Online
Est. time to complete:
4-5 years
Credit hours:
128

Why earn an Aerospace Engineering bachelor's degree?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 15
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

 

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

In UND’s Aerospace Engineering degree program, you will gain hands-on experience from the first courses your take. You'll receive core engineering knowledge in mechanical systems as applied to the aerospace applications and complement this knowledge with your choice of electives. You'll design a system or fabricate a component in at least one engineering course each year. Your classes will emphasize teamwork and collaborative problem solving, along with evolving mandatory skills in today’s engineering workplace.

Gain valuable exposure and insight in UND's Aerospace Engineering program. You will:

  • Experience hands-on learning from the start when you complete a design project and test a prototype during your first semester.
  • Engage with experts from the John D.Odegard School of Aerospace Studies on aviation, aviation support systems and space studies.
  • Get on-the-job experience as an entry-level engineer in our co-op program. Work for companies such as Northrop Grumman, Honeywell Aerospace, Cirrus Aircraft, Bell Textron, and NASA while being paid.
  • Work on wind-tunnel experiments, space hardware design, rapid prototyping and other projects.

Aerospace Engineering Degree Online or On-Campus

  • Study at the only aerospace engineering program in North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, and Idaho.

     

  • Join student groups such as Advanced Rocketry Club, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Robotics Club, Society for Women Engineers and Engineers Without Borders.

  • Participate in extracurricular experiences through variety of projects. You'll learn leadership, communication, teamwork and lifelong skills necessary for success in a diverse global marketplace.

  • Use professional engineering software for CAD, CFD, and FEA to perform engineering design and analysis.

  • Learn in manufacturing labs to fabricate and build components for aerospace systems, such as airframes, UAVs, robots, and rockets.

  • Work with faculty on world-renowned research projects.

What can you do with an Aerospace Engineering degree?

6%

Expected growth for demand for aerospace engineers in the U.S. to 2032

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

131K

Median salary for aerospace engineers, 2023

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Aerospace engineering is a highly specialized field and has a strong demand globally due to the increasing interest in space exploration, development of new aircraft and advancement in aerospace technology. You will be in demand by aerospace and UAV companies including:

  • Northrup Grumman
  • General Atomics
  • Lockheed Martin
  • Collins Aerospace
  • Boeing
  • Raytheon
  • Cirrus Aircraft
  • Blue Origin
  • NASA

Those with an Aerospace Engineering degree often go on to careers in today's fastest-growing industries including:

  • Aircraft Manufacturing
  • Aerospace Product and Sub-system Manufacturing
  • Rocketry Equipment, Materials, and Testing
  • Commercial Spacecraft and Airline Development
  • Measurement and Control Instrumentation
  • Research and Development at National Labs or NASA
  • National Defense and Military Equipment
  • Satellite Development

Aerospace Engineering Degree Jobs

Popular job titles for aerospace engineering degree holders include:

  • Aerodynamics Engineer
  • Aerospace Design Engineer
  • Aerospace Engineer
  • Aerospace Systems Engineer
  • Astronautics Engineer
  • Avionics Engineer
  • Design Engineer
  • Flight Test Engineer
  • Guidance Navigation and Control Engineer
  • Mission Analysis Engineer
  • Propulsion Engineer
  • Structural Engineer

Aerospace Engineering Degree Courses

ME 466. Aerodynamics. 3 Credits.

This is a course on the fundamentals of aerodynamics for engineers. The course will cover a review of fluid mechanics including inviscid, incompressible, and compressible flows. The course topics include parameters for airfoils and wings, incompressible flow over airfoils and wings of infinite and finite span, shock and expansion waves, quasi-one-dimensional compressible flow through nozzle, subsonic compressible flow over airfoils, supersonic flow over thin airfoils, introduction to viscous flow, and laminar and turbulent boundary layers. Prerequisite: ME 341 with a grade of C or better and ME 306. S.

ME 464. Computational Fluid Dynamics. 3 Credits.

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is an introductory course focused on the numerical solution of partial differential equations (PDEs) using finite difference and finite volume methods. The course topics include the governing equations in fluid dynamics, classification of PDEs, boundary and initial conditions of PDEs, numerical discretization methods, analysis of numerical methods, model equations for incompressible and compressible flows, numerical methods suitable for model equations, and numerical linear algebra. Advanced topics in grid generation and turbulence modeling, important to practical applications of CFD, will also be discussed. Prerequisite: ME 341 with a grade of C or better, ME 306, and MATH 266. On demand.

ME 429. Introduction to Finite Element Analysis. 3 Credits.

Finite element analysis is introduced as a design tool. Emphasis is given to modeling techniques and element types. Matrix methods are used throughout the class. Prerequisite: ENGR 203 with a grade of C or better. On demand.

ME 446. Gas Turbines. 3 Credits.

General principles, thermodynamics, and performance of gas turbine engines. Design consideration of engine components. Prerequisite: ME 341 with a grade of C or better. On demand.

SPST 500. Introduction to Orbital Mechanics. 3 Credits.

This course introduces students without much background in either mathematics or physics to the problems faced everyday by orbital analysts as they track the 7000 satellites which orbit the earth. The course gives the students an ability to converse, as managers and co-workers, with those individuals who are calculating these difficult orbits. This appreciation is important in both the civilian and military sides of the space program. On demand.

ME 487. Engineering Design. 2 Credits.

The first course of a two-course sequence in Engineering Design, students will establish important features of the machine or system to be designed, perform market analysis, establish design objectives, explore alternatives, conduct research, specify constraints. Prerequisite: ME 322, ME 323, ME 323L, ME 474 or any one elective from the thermal science group. Corequisite: ENGR 460, ME 301, and ME 483. F.

Online Aerospace Engineering Degree

1#

best online college in North Dakota

Forbes

160+

online programs

Earn your online Aerospace Engineering degree while you continue to live and work in your own community.

You’ll receive the convenience of online learning with the personal contact and connection of being with classmates. Our online tools offer ways of communicating across distances, connecting to others and their ideas, and presenting information.

Compare the cost of UND’s online Aerospace Engineering degree. You’ll find it’s one of the most affordable accredited degree programs in the nation for aerospace engineering.

Campus Visit

While the majority of your courses are offered online, you’ll come to campus to complete portions of the program. Here, you’ll extend and apply the knowledge you’ve learned online through hands-on activities. Our students find tremendous value in having the opportunity to personally interact with their instructors and fellow students.

SUMMER LAB REQUIREMENTS

Flexible Online Aerospace Engineering Classes

With asynchronous classes, you do not attend class at a set time. If you need to balance work, family, and other commitments, this flexible format allows you to learn anywhere at any time.

Depending on your instructor, you’ll learn online through:

  • Lesson modules
  • Streaming video content
  • Virtual libraries
  • Posted lectures
  • Online simulations

There will be times when you interact with your instructor and classmates through online discussion boards, polls, and chat rooms.

Your learning revolves around materials that can be accessed on your own time within a set time frame. However, this is not a self-paced course. You’ll have structure and deadlines.

Engineering Club for Online Students

The Society of Distance Engineering Students is a club for online engineering students. You'll have the chance to meet and work with students who study online and those who attend classes on UND's campus. Even though you might be far apart, you can still study and work together easily.

What to expect with UND's Aerospace engineering online degree?

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs.

No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

  • Same degree: All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
  • Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
  • Real interaction: You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
  • Your own academic advisor: As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
  • Free online tutoring: We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
  • Unlimited academic coaching: Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
  • Full online access: Dig into virtual research at UND's libraries. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
  • 24/7 technical support: UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
  • Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

  • Affordability
  • Student satisfaction (retention rate)
  • Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
  • Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)

FAQs

Yes, aerospace engineering is in high demand. Employment of aerospace engineers is projected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Approximately 3,800 openings are projected each year.

Compare our online and on campus costs. You'll find we are one of the most affordable aerospace engineering colleges in the Midwest. Our online students pay the same affordable tuition rate regardless of their legal residency.

UND is committed to assisting students in funding their education, providing over $105 million in financial aid annually. A range of financial aid options offered by UND, including scholarships (merit-based), grants (need-based), and loans, help students alleviate college costs.

An Aerospace Engineering degree can be challenging, but it's a journey that varies for each student. With a strong commitment and persistent effort, the complexities and rigorous aspects of the program can be successfully managed and mastered. Successful students should be good at math and science, as well as be motivated to solve complex problems.

Yes, UND offers an online Aerospace Engineering degree. While most courses are offered online, students do need to come to campus for condensed summer labs for a few portions of the program, allowing them to extend and apply their knowledge through hands-on activities.

Through an aerospace engineering degree, students can acquire a diverse set of skills, including but not limited to aerodynamics, structural analysis, propulsion systems, guidance and navigation, avionics and mission analysis. These skills are crucial for designing and analyzing aerospace systems.

Leaders in Engineering

Helping you fulfill your aspirations is our highest priority. We'll work with you to design a custom educational plan that meets your goals.

Explore More Options

Looking to connect with the college or find a similar degree?

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience.

By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies, Privacy Information.