Choosing a Course in Aerospace Engineering Colleges

Aerospace Engineering has always been a fascinating course, but also one of the most challenging ones in the engineering field. It combines the specialties of engineering the latest technologies, and aerospace, which involves spacecraft. This field involves the designing and building of spacecraft and aircraft that have to be efficient and reliable with the appropriate technology that would allow it to be used in outer space.

Several students consider this as a good career, but most do not know the requirements, preparations, and even the possible alternate careers that they could hold when graduating from Aerospace Engineering Colleges.

Preparing for an Aerospace Engineering Degree

Aerospace Engineering Colleges do not only look for a perfect set of transcript records or an outstanding GPA. In particular, there are two skills that one has to have in order to make it in Aerospace Engineering, and colleges expect a student to already possess these before stepping into the university campus.

• Strong mathematical skills

• Since the course is heavily reliant on technicalities and mathematical equations, a strong background in and passion for this field would be very valuable. This is because the mathematics in Engineering starts with Calculus, and a mastery of pre-calculus topics is necessary in order to have a good grasp of the subject. However, those who do not have this prior knowledge are still privy to taking the course, especially if their passion is in this field.

• Communication skills

• While some would be skeptical about the importance of English when one is trying to get into Aerospace Engineering colleges, it has proven to be very important, especially when entering the Engineering program. A background in communication would help future engineers in communicating their ideas to the clients, and this should be an ingrained skill. Some colleges even value a strong background in writing compositions as preparation that should be done during high school.

• Background in chemistry and physics

• Aerospace engineering is not just about mathematics in measurements—it will also be dealing with space and scientific methods. This means that a good mastery of chemistry and physics early on would be helpful because these are the basic but major courses that will be dealt with during the start of the program.

Best Schools for Aerospace Engineering

Once a student decides to take a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, colleges where they can take up the degree are the next in line for consideration.

Specializations in Aerospace Engineering

There are several specializations that students can take in Aerospace Engineering Colleges. The three major programs that most students choose from are Aeronautical Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering, and Automotive Engineering.

These courses are preparatory programs that allow students to get a grasp of basic engineering principles involved in manufacturing airspace vehicles and systems. These programs will enable them to design, build, and test prototypes and airspace testing and equipment maintenance.

These specializations also aim to equip the students with particular qualifications to ensure that even without formal prior training, the students would be able to take on entry-level jobs or enter higher forms of education, such as 2-year associate degrees or training in engineering technology.

Job outlook for Aerospace Engineers

In general, careers for engineers are continually blooming, according the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Even though the growth of employment is relatively slow compared to other occupations, with only a 5% growth within a 10 year period until 2018, this is dependent on the specialty of engineers.

Aerospace engineering is one of the specialties that have been predicted to slow down in demand, mostly because of a decrease in travel and construction of commercial aircraft. However, given that those who have been employed between the 10-year timeframe of 2002 to 2012, the job opportunities for aerospace engineers will have a major surge because of the retirees.

With more programs that aim to incorporate different skills into students’ curriculum, other employment opportunities in manufacturing and engineering have become available to graduates of Aerospace Engineering Colleges.