Bachelor of Science in
Aerospace Engineering
The Aerospace Engineering program equips students to enter the industry prepared to tackle challenges regarding aircraft design and space exploration.
About the Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering
The Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering (BSAE) program at Embry-Riddle equips students with skills to solve even the most complex challenges in aircraft design, propulsion, systems for spacecraft and space exploration.
The Aerospace Engineering department is the largest of its kind in the country, with students benefiting from state-of-the-art resources — the same tools in use by aerospace engineering professionals around the globe. No other Aerospace Engineering program in the United States attracts more students, gaining hands-on experience from the start, with opportunities to participate in various projects, competitions, research and internships.
In aerospace engineering you will have the opportunity to:
- Understand the engineering of mission-oriented vehicles through space vehicle and aircraft design, structures and propulsion
- Utilize practical engineering to balance the theoretical analysis required to understand spacecraft systems
- Develop competency with the same tools in use by aerospace engineering professionals
Aerospace Engineering Career Opportunities
Careers and Employers
With an industry growth of 6% over the next decade, an estimated 3,800 job openings for aerospace engineers are projected each year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Embry-Riddle’s Aerospace Engineering graduates enjoy an extremely high 94% placement rate in the year after graduation. Many students gateway into the industry through internships with aerospace and aeronautical companies like The Boeing Company, Lockheed Martin, NASA, Northrop Grumman and many more.
Aerospace Engineering graduates are employed by the same companies in positions such as Aircraft Systems Engineers, Avionics Engineers, Aerospace Systems Analysts and Flight Test Engineers.
Aerospace Engineering Salary Information
The average reported salary for Embry-Riddle graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering is $77,000 annually as of 2023.
DETAILS
This offering is available at the following campuses. Select a campus to learn more.
About Aerospace Engineering at the Daytona Beach, FL Campus
Embry-Riddle’s Daytona Beach Campus offers combined and accelerated degree programs that allow well-qualified students the chance to begin graduate work in a master’s program while finishing their bachelor’s degree. First-year students must complete the College of Engineering’s Freshman Engineering Program before continuing with their Aerospace Engineering courses.
The program is currently ranked No. 4 in the country by U.S. News and World Report, above some elite Aerospace Engineering programs and No. 1 in the state of Florida. The department strives for diversity, equity and inclusion of all students. Currently we have 23% female students and 24% underrepresented minorities in our B.S. program, which is about 7% and 9% (respectively) higher than the national average for Aerospace Engineering programs.
Tracks/Specialties and/or Certificates
The Daytona Beach Campus offers four track options for the aerospace engineering degree:
- Aeronautics: Focuses on aerodynamics with wind tunnel experience, aircraft design and analysis and the stability, controllability and flight testing of aircraft.
- Astronautics: Focuses on orbital mechanics, spacecraft controls, rocket propulsion and structural analysis.
- Jet Propulsion: Focuses on air-breathing propulsion, including turbojets, turbofans and ramjet engines.
- Rocket Propulsion: Focuses on spacecraft propulsion associated with launch vehicles and space exploration.
Aerospace Engineering Information
- Credits: 129
- Online or In-Person: In-Person
Professional Accreditation
The Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Aerospace and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.
Details about Program Educational Outcomes, Student Learning Outcomes and Enrollment Data can be found on our Aerospace Engineering Program Accreditation Information page.
Helpful Links
- Tour our Daytona Beach, Florida campus
- Discover the Department's Faculty
- Visit the College of Engineering
- Explore the Fields of Study: Aviation & Space & Engineering
- Find Related Clubs & Organizations
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will:
- Have an ability to to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
- Have an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
- Have an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
- Have an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
- Have an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
- Have an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
- Have an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
General Education Requirements
For a full description of Embry-Riddle General Education guidelines, please see the General Education section of this catalog. These minimum requirements are applicable to all degree programs.
| Communication Theory & Skills (COM 122, COM 219, COM 221) | 9 | |
| Lower-Level Humanities (HU 14x) * | 3 | |
| Lower-Level Social Sciences * | 3 | |
| Lower or Upper-Level Humanities or Social Sciences * | 3 | |
| Upper-Level Humanities or Social Sciences * | 3 | |
| Computer Science (EGR 115) | 3 | |
| Mathematics (MA 241 & MA 242) | 8 | |
| Physical and Life Sciences - (PS 150, PS 160 & PS 253) | 7 | |
| Total Credits | 39 | |
| UNIV 101 | College Success | 1 |
| Mathematics | ||
| MA 243 | Calculus and Analytical Geometry III | 4 |
| MA 345 | Differential Equations and Matrix Methods | 4 |
| AOC Specific Math | 3 | |
MA 441 | Mathematical Methods for Engineering and Physics I (Aero, Jet Prop AOC Only) | |
MA 432 | Linear Algebra (Astro, Rocket Prop AOC Only) | |
| Physical Science | ||
| CHM 110 | General Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHM 110L | General Chemistry I Laboratory | 1 |
| PS 250 | Physics for Engineers III | 3 |
| Engineering Core | ||
| AE 201 | Aerospace Flight Vehicles | 3 |
| AE 313 | Space Mechanics | 3 |
| AE 314 | Experimental Aerodynamics | 1 |
| AE 315 | Experimental Aerodynamics Laboratory | 1 |
| AE 316 | Aerospace Engineering Materials | 3 |
| AE 318 | Aerospace Structures I | 3 |
| AE 416 | Aerospace Structures and Instrumentation | 1 |
| AE 417 | Aerospace Structures and Instrumentation Laboratory | 1 |
| AE 442 | Experimental Dynamics and Control | 1 |
| AE 443 | Experimental Dynamics and Control Laboratory | 1 |
| AE AOC Specific Engineering Core | 9 | |
| AE 307, AE 308 & AE 418 (Aero, Jet Prop AOC Only) | ||
| AE 319, AE 323 & AE 429 (Astro, Rocket Prop AOC Only) | ||
| EGR 101 | Introduction to Engineering | 2 |
| EGR 120 | Graphical Communications | 3 |
| ES 201 | Statics | 3 |
| ES 202 | Solid Mechanics | 3 |
| ES 204 | Dynamics | 3 |
| ES 305 | Thermodynamics | 3 |
| EE 327 | Electrical Engineering Fundamentals | 3 |
| EE 328 | Electrical Engineering Fundamentals Laboratory | 1 |
| Total Credits | 67 | |
| Choose one of the following Four Options | 17 | |
| Aeronautics Option | ||
AE 403 | Jet Propulsion | |
AE 413 | Airplane Stability and Control | |
AE 420 | Aircraft Preliminary Design | |
AE 421 | Aircraft Detail Design | |
AE 432 | Flight Dynamics and Control | |
| Astronautics Option | ||
AE 414 | Space Propulsion | |
AE 426 | Spacecraft Attitude Dynamics | |
AE 427 | Spacecraft Preliminary Design | |
AE 434 | Spacecraft Control | |
AE 445 | Spacecraft Detail Design | |
| Jet Propulsion Option | ||
AE 403 | Jet Propulsion | |
AE 413 | Airplane Stability and Control | |
AE 432 | Flight Dynamics and Control | |
AE 435 | Jet Propulsion Preliminary Design | |
AE 440 | Jet Propulsion Detail Design | |
| Rocket Propulsion Option *** | ||
AE 414 | Space Propulsion | |
AE 426 | Spacecraft Attitude Dynamics | |
AE 434 | Spacecraft Control | |
AE 441 | Rocket Propulsion Preliminary Design | |
AE 451 | Rocket Propulsion Detail Design | |
| Technical Electives (See Approved List) ** | 6 | |
| **One of the Technical Electives must be an AE course | ||
| Total Credits | 129 | |
Aeronautics Plan of Study
Students should be aware that most courses in each academic year have prerequisites and/or corequisites (check the Undergraduate Courses section before registering for classes to ensure required sequencing). See the AE flowchart(s) from the department for the recommended plan of study.
NOTE: Students in the Aerospace Engineering program desiring to complete a minor must complete at least six credit hours of coursework applied to the minor that are not specifically required in the student’s degree program.
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Credits | ||
| See the College of Engineering, Engineering Fundamentals Program for course selection | 33 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 33.0 | |
| Credits Total: | 33.0 | |
Aeronautics Option
| Year Two | ||
|---|---|---|
| Credits | ||
| AE 201 | Aerospace Flight Vehicles | 3 |
| COM 221 | Technical Report Writing | 3 |
| ES 201 | Statics | 3 |
| ES 202 | Solid Mechanics | 3 |
| ES 204 | Dynamics | 3 |
| ES 305 | Thermodynamics | 3 |
| MA 243 | Calculus and Analytical Geometry III | 4 |
| MA 441 | Mathematical Methods for Engineering and Physics I | 3 |
| PS 160 | Physics for Engineers II | 3 |
| PS 250 | Physics for Engineers III | 3 |
| PS 253 | Physics Laboratory for Engineers | 1 |
| Credits Subtotal | 32.0 | |
| Year Three | ||
| AE 307 | Incompressible Aerodynamics | 3 |
| AE 308 | Compressible Aerodynamics | 3 |
| AE 313 | Space Mechanics | 3 |
| AE 314 | Experimental Aerodynamics * | 1 |
| AE 315 | Experimental Aerodynamics Laboratory * | 1 |
| AE 316 | Aerospace Engineering Materials | 3 |
| AE 318 | Aerospace Structures I | 3 |
| AE 403 | Jet Propulsion | 3 |
| AE 413 | Airplane Stability and Control | 3 |
| COM 219 | Speech | 3 |
| EE 327 | Electrical Engineering Fundamentals * | 3 |
| EE 328 | Electrical Engineering Fundamentals Laboratory * | 1 |
| MA 345 | Differential Equations and Matrix Methods | 4 |
| Credits Subtotal | 34.0 | |
| Year Four | ||
| AE 416 | Aerospace Structures and Instrumentation * | 1 |
| AE 417 | Aerospace Structures and Instrumentation Laboratory * | 1 |
| AE 418 | Aerospace Structures II | 3 |
| AE 420 | Aircraft Preliminary Design | 4 |
| AE 421 | Aircraft Detail Design | 4 |
| AE 432 | Flight Dynamics and Control | 3 |
| AE 442 | Experimental Dynamics and Control * | 1 |
| AE 443 | Experimental Dynamics and Control Laboratory * | 1 |
| Humanities or Social Sciences Lower or Upper-Level Elective | 3 | |
| Humanities or Social Sciences Upper-Level Elective | 3 | |
| Approved Upper-Level Technical Electives | 3 | |
| Approved AE Upper-Level Technical Electives | 3 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 30.0 | |
| Credits Total: | 129 | |
Technical Electives
Two upper-level Technical Electives needs to be selected from the BSAE Approved Technical Electives list, in the areas of Engineering and Science, maintained by the AE Department. One Technical Elective must be a non-duplicating AE undergraduate or graduate course. The second Technical Elective can be any course on the BSAE Approved Technical Elective list. Proposed courses not on the list may be submitted to the AE Curriculum Committee.
- *
Lecture/Lab courses must be taken at the same time.
Astronautics Plan of Study
Students should be aware that most courses in each academic year have prerequisites and/or corequisites (check the Undergraduate Courses section before registering for classes to ensure required sequencing). See the AE flowchart(s) from the department for the recommended plan of study.
Because of new courses being phased in, this option is recommended for new students only.
NOTE: Students in the Aerospace Engineering program desiring to complete a minor must complete at least six credit hours of coursework applied to the minor that are not specifically required in the student’s degree program.
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Credits | ||
| See the College of Engineering, Engineering Fundamentals Program for course selection | 33 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 33.0 | |
| Credits Total: | 33.0 | |
Astronautics Option
| Year Two | ||
|---|---|---|
| Credits | ||
| AE 201 | Aerospace Flight Vehicles | 3 |
| COM 221 | Technical Report Writing | 3 |
| ES 201 | Statics | 3 |
| ES 202 | Solid Mechanics | 3 |
| ES 204 | Dynamics | 3 |
| ES 305 | Thermodynamics | 3 |
| MA 243 | Calculus and Analytical Geometry III | 4 |
| MA 345 | Differential Equations and Matrix Methods | 4 |
| PS 160 | Physics for Engineers II | 3 |
| PS 250 | Physics for Engineers III | 3 |
| PS 253 | Physics Laboratory for Engineers | 1 |
| Credits Subtotal | 33.0 | |
| Year Three | ||
| AE 313 | Space Mechanics | 3 |
| AE 314 | Experimental Aerodynamics * | 1 |
| AE 315 | Experimental Aerodynamics Laboratory * | 1 |
| AE 316 | Aerospace Engineering Materials | 3 |
| AE 318 | Aerospace Structures I | 3 |
| AE 319 | Aerodynamics | 3 |
| AE 323 | Spacecraft Systems | 3 |
| AE 414 | Space Propulsion | 3 |
| AE 426 | Spacecraft Attitude Dynamics | 3 |
| COM 219 | Speech | 3 |
| EE 327 | Electrical Engineering Fundamentals * | 3 |
| EE 328 | Electrical Engineering Fundamentals Laboratory * | 1 |
| MA 432 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| Credits Subtotal | 33.0 | |
| Year Four | ||
| AE 416 | Aerospace Structures and Instrumentation * | 1 |
| AE 417 | Aerospace Structures and Instrumentation Laboratory * | 1 |
| AE 427 | Spacecraft Preliminary Design | 4 |
| AE 429 | Space Environmental Applications | 3 |
| AE 434 | Spacecraft Control | 3 |
| AE 445 | Spacecraft Detail Design | 4 |
| AE 442 | Experimental Dynamics and Control * | 1 |
| AE 443 | Experimental Dynamics and Control Laboratory * | 1 |
| Humanities or Social Sciences Lower or Upper-Level Elective | 3 | |
| Humanities or Social Sciences Upper-Level Elective | 3 | |
| Approved Upper-Level Technical Electives | 3 | |
| Approved AE Upper-Level Technical Electives | 3 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 30.0 | |
| Credits Total: | 129 | |
Technical Electives
Two upper-level Technical Electives needs to be selected from the BSAE Approved Technical Electives list, in the areas of Engineering and Science, maintained by the AE Department. One Technical Elective must be a non-duplicating AE undergraduate or graduate course. The second Technical Elective can be any course on the BSAE Approved Technical Elective list. Proposed courses not on the list may be submitted to the AE Curriculum Committee.
Footnotes
- *
Lecture/Lab courses must be taken at the same time.
Jet Propulsion Plan of Study
Students should be aware that most courses in each academic year have prerequisites and/or corequisites (check the Undergraduate Courses section before registering for classes to ensure required sequencing). See the AE flowchart(s) from the department for the recommended plan of study.
NOTE: Students in the Aerospace Engineering program desiring to complete a minor must complete at least six credit hours of coursework applied to the minor that are not specifically required in the student’s degree program.
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Credits | ||
| See the College of Engineering, Engineering Fundamentals Program for course selection | 33 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 33.0 | |
| Credits Total: | 33.0 | |
Jet Propulsion Option
| Year Two | ||
|---|---|---|
| Credits | ||
| AE 201 | Aerospace Flight Vehicles | 3 |
| COM 221 | Technical Report Writing | 3 |
| ES 201 | Statics | 3 |
| ES 202 | Solid Mechanics | 3 |
| ES 204 | Dynamics | 3 |
| ES 305 | Thermodynamics | 3 |
| MA 243 | Calculus and Analytical Geometry III | 4 |
| MA 441 | Mathematical Methods for Engineering and Physics I | 3 |
| PS 160 | Physics for Engineers II | 3 |
| PS 250 | Physics for Engineers III | 3 |
| PS 253 | Physics Laboratory for Engineers | 1 |
| Credits Subtotal | 32.0 | |
| Year Three | ||
| AE 307 | Incompressible Aerodynamics | 3 |
| AE 308 | Compressible Aerodynamics | 3 |
| AE 313 | Space Mechanics | 3 |
| AE 314 | Experimental Aerodynamics * | 1 |
| AE 315 | Experimental Aerodynamics Laboratory * | 1 |
| AE 316 | Aerospace Engineering Materials | 3 |
| AE 318 | Aerospace Structures I | 3 |
| AE 403 | Jet Propulsion | 3 |
| AE 413 | Airplane Stability and Control | 3 |
| COM 219 | Speech | 3 |
| EE 327 | Electrical Engineering Fundamentals * | 3 |
| EE 328 | Electrical Engineering Fundamentals Laboratory * | 1 |
| MA 345 | Differential Equations and Matrix Methods | 4 |
| Credits Subtotal | 34.0 | |
| Year Four | ||
| AE 416 | Aerospace Structures and Instrumentation * | 1 |
| AE 417 | Aerospace Structures and Instrumentation Laboratory * | 1 |
| AE 418 | Aerospace Structures II | 3 |
| AE 432 | Flight Dynamics and Control | 3 |
| AE 435 | Jet Propulsion Preliminary Design | 4 |
| AE 440 | Jet Propulsion Detail Design | 4 |
| AE 442 | Experimental Dynamics and Control * | 1 |
| AE 443 | Experimental Dynamics and Control Laboratory * | 1 |
| Humanities or Social Sciences Lower or Upper-Level Elective | 3 | |
| Humanities or Social Sciences Upper-Level Elective | 3 | |
| Approved Upper-Level Technical Electives | 3 | |
| Approved AE Upper-Level Technical Electives | 3 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 30.0 | |
| Credits Total: | 129 | |
Technical Electives
Two upper-level Technical Electives needs to be selected from the BSAE Approved Technical Electives list, in the areas of Engineering and Science, maintained by the AE Department. One Technical Elective must be a non-duplicating AE undergraduate or graduate course. The second Technical Elective can be any course on the BSAE Approved Technical Elective list. Proposed courses not on the list may be submitted to the AE Curriculum Committee.
Footnotes
- *
Lecture/Lab courses must be taken at the same time.
Rocket Propulsion Plan of Study
Students should be aware that most courses in each academic year have prerequisites and/or corequisites (check the Undergraduate Courses section before registering for classes to ensure required sequencing). See the AE flowchart(s) from the department for the recommended plan of study.
Because of new courses (including design courses) being phased in, this option is recommended for new students only.
NOTE: Students in the Aerospace Engineering program desiring to complete a minor must complete at least six credit hours of coursework applied to the minor that are not specifically required in the student’s degree program.
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Credits | ||
| See the College of Engineering, Engineering Fundamentals Program for course selection | 33 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 33.0 | |
| Credits Total: | 33.0 | |
Rocket Propulsion Option
| Year Two | ||
|---|---|---|
| Credits | ||
| AE 201 | Aerospace Flight Vehicles | 3 |
| COM 221 | Technical Report Writing | 3 |
| ES 201 | Statics | 3 |
| ES 202 | Solid Mechanics | 3 |
| ES 204 | Dynamics | 3 |
| ES 305 | Thermodynamics | 3 |
| MA 243 | Calculus and Analytical Geometry III | 4 |
| MA 345 | Differential Equations and Matrix Methods | 4 |
| PS 160 | Physics for Engineers II | 3 |
| PS 250 | Physics for Engineers III | 3 |
| PS 253 | Physics Laboratory for Engineers | 1 |
| Credits Subtotal | 33.0 | |
| Year Three | ||
| AE 313 | Space Mechanics | 3 |
| AE 314 | Experimental Aerodynamics * | 1 |
| AE 315 | Experimental Aerodynamics Laboratory * | 1 |
| AE 316 | Aerospace Engineering Materials | 3 |
| AE 318 | Aerospace Structures I | 3 |
| AE 319 | Aerodynamics | 3 |
| AE 323 | Spacecraft Systems | 3 |
| AE 414 | Space Propulsion | 3 |
| AE 426 | Spacecraft Attitude Dynamics | 3 |
| COM 219 | Speech | 3 |
| EE 327 | Electrical Engineering Fundamentals * | 3 |
| EE 328 | Electrical Engineering Fundamentals Laboratory * | 1 |
| MA 432 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| Credits Subtotal | 33.0 | |
| Year Four | ||
| AE 416 | Aerospace Structures and Instrumentation * | 1 |
| AE 417 | Aerospace Structures and Instrumentation Laboratory * | 1 |
| AE 429 | Space Environmental Applications | 3 |
| AE 434 | Spacecraft Control | 3 |
| AE 441 | Rocket Propulsion Preliminary Design | 4 |
| AE 442 | Experimental Dynamics and Control * | 1 |
| AE 443 | Experimental Dynamics and Control Laboratory * | 1 |
| AE 451 | Rocket Propulsion Detail Design | 4 |
| Humanities or Social Sciences Lower or Upper-Level Elective | 3 | |
| Humanities or Social Sciences Upper-Level Elective | 3 | |
| Approved Upper-Level Technical Electives | 3 | |
| Approved AE Upper-Level Technical Electives | 3 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 30.0 | |
| Credits Total: | 129 | |
Technical Electives
Two upper-level Technical Electives needs to be selected from the BSAE Approved Technical Electives list, in the areas of Engineering and Science, maintained by the AE Department. One Technical Elective must be a non-duplicating AE undergraduate or graduate course. The second Technical Elective can be any course on the BSAE Approved Technical Elective list. Proposed courses not on the list may be submitted to the AE Curriculum Committee.
Footnotes
- *
Lecture/Lab courses must be taken at the same time.
Get Started Now:
Summary
129 Credits
Estimate your tuition by using the Tuition Calculator
View Financial Aid Information
Learn about our General Education
Find out about transferring credits to this degree
Learn more about our Veterans & Military benefits
View our Academic Calendar
Spotlight
About Aerospace Engineering at the Prescott, AZ Campus
The Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering at the Prescott Campus empowers students to excel in various aspects of the field and offers a dynamic learning environment, with high-tech facilities such as the Aerospace Experimentation and Fabrication Building (AXFAB) and state-of-the-art labs.
The Aerospace Engineering program is housed in the Department of Aerospace Engineering in the College of Engineering. First-year students must complete the College of Engineering’s Freshman Engineering Program before continuing with their Aerospace Engineering courses.
Tracks/Specialties and/or Certificates
The Prescott Campus offers two track options for the aerospace engineering degree:
- Aeronautics: Focuses on aerodynamics with wind tunnel experience, aircraft design and analysis and the stability, controllability and flight testing of aircraft.
- Astronautics: Focuses on orbital mechanics, spacecraft controls, rocket propulsion and structural analysis.
Aerospace Engineering Information
- Credits: 129
- Online or In-Person: In-Person
Professional Accreditation
The Aerospace Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org.
Helpful Links
- Tour our Prescott, Arizona campus
- Discover the Department's Faculty
- Explore the Fields of Study: Aviation & Space & Engineering
- Find Related Clubs & Organizations
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will:
- Have an ability to to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
- Have an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
- Have an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
- Have an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
- Have an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
- Have an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
- Have an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
Degree Requirements
The Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering program requires successful completion of a minimum of 129 credit hours. The program may be completed in eight semesters assuming appropriate background and full-time enrollment. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00 is needed for all required AE, EGR, EP, ES, and ME courses, excluding technical electives. The courses necessary to earn this degree are listed below.
Students should be aware that many courses have prerequisites and/or corequisites. Students must have a C or better in all prerequisites for all required AE, EGR, EP, ES, COM 221, ME, and SYS courses.
Program Requirements
General Education
Embry-Riddle degree programs require students to complete a minimum of 36 hours of General Education coursework. For a full description of Embry-Riddle General Education guidelines, please see the General Education section of this catalog.
Students may choose other classes outside of their requirements, but doing so can result in the student having to complete more than the degree's 129 credit hours. This will result in additional time and cost to the student.
| Communication Theory and Skills | 9 | |
| Computer Science/Information Technology Elective | 3 | |
| Mathematics | 6 | |
| Physical and Life Sciences (Natural Sciences) | 6 | |
| Humanities and Social Sciences | 12 | |
3 hours of Lower-Level Humanities | ||
3 hours of Lower-Level Social Science | ||
3 hours of Lower-Level or Upper-Level Humanities or Social Science | ||
3 hours of Upper-Level Humanities or Social Science | ||
| Total Credits | 36 | |
Aerospace Engineering Core (92 Credits)
The following course of study outlines the quickest and most cost-efficient route for students to earn their B.S. in Aerospace Engineering. Students are encouraged to follow the course of study to ensure they complete all program required courses and their prerequisites within four years.
Courses in the core with a # will satisfy your general education requirements.
| AE 302 | Aerodynamics II | 3 |
| AE 318 | Aerospace Structures I | 3 |
| AE 430 | Control System Analysis and Design | 3 |
| CHM 113 | General Chemistry for Engineering # | 3 |
| COM 122 | English Composition # | 3 |
| COM 221 | Technical Report Writing (Must earn a C or better to pass COM 221) # | 3 |
| COM 420 | Advanced Technical Communication I # | 1 |
| COM 430 | Advanced Technical Communication II # | 2 |
| EC 225 | Engineering Economics # | 3 |
| EE 335 | Electrical Engineering I | 2 |
| EE 336 | Electrical Engineering I Laboratory | 1 |
| EGR 101 | Introduction to Engineering | 2 |
| EGR 115 | Introduction to Computing for Engineers # | 3 |
| EGR 200 | Computer Aided Design of Aerospace Systems | 3 |
| or EGR 201 | Computer Aided Design of Mechanical Systems | |
| ES 201 | Statics | 3 |
| ES 202 | Solid Mechanics | 3 |
| ES 204 | Dynamics | 3 |
| ES 206 | Fluid Mechanics | 3 |
| ES 208 | Thermodynamics | 3 |
| ES 320 | Engineering Materials Science | 2 |
| ES 321 | Engineering Materials Science Laboratory | 1 |
| ES 324 | Measurements and Instrumentation | 2 |
| ES 325 | Measurements and Instrumentation Lab | 1 |
| General Education - Humanities or Social Science Lower-Level or Upper-Level Elective # | 3 | |
| General Education - Humanities Lower-Level Elective # | 3 | |
| HU 330 | Values and Ethics (OR Study Abroad in HU/SS Upper-Level) # | 3 |
| or HU 335 | Technology and Modern Civilization | |
| MA 241 | Calculus and Analytical Geometry I # | 4 |
| MA 242 | Calculus and Analytical Geometry II # | 4 |
| MA 243 | Calculus and Analytical Geometry III | 4 |
| MA 345 | Differential Equations and Matrix Methods | 4 |
| Math or Natural Science Upper Level Elective ^ | 3 | |
| PS 161 | Physics I & II for Engineers | 4 |
| PS 250 | Physics for Engineers III # | 3 |
| PS 253 | Physics Laboratory for Engineers # | 1 |
| Total Credits | 92 | |
Astronautics Option (31 Credits)
| AE 313 | Space Mechanics | 3 |
| AE 324 | Experimental Space Sys Engineering | 2 |
| AE 326 | Experimental Space Systems Engineering Lab | 1 |
| AE 414 | Space Propulsion | 3 |
| AE 426 | Spacecraft Attitude Dynamics | 3 |
| AE 427 | Spacecraft Preliminary Design | 4 |
| or AE 420 | Aircraft Preliminary Design | |
| AE 445 | Spacecraft Detail Design | 4 |
| CEC 325 | Fundamentals of Applied Microcontrollers | 3 |
| CEC 326 | Fundamentals of Applied Microcontrollers Laboratory | 1 |
| CS 125 | Computer Science I | 4 |
| EP 394 | Space Systems Engineering | 3 |
| Total Credits | 31 | |
Aeronautics Option (31 Credits)
| AE 301 | Aerodynamics I | 3 |
| AE 314 | Experimental Aerodynamics | 1 |
| AE 315 | Experimental Aerodynamics Laboratory | 1 |
| AE 317 | Aircraft Flight Mechanics and Performance | 3 |
| AE 420 | Aircraft Preliminary Design | 4 |
| AE 421 | Aircraft Detail Design | 4 |
| AE 423 | Airplane Stability, Dynamics, and Control | 3 |
| EGR 310 | Advanced Engineering Computation | 3 |
| ME 309 | Airbreathing and Rocket Propulsion | 3 |
| Astronautics Elective | 3 | |
| Structures Elective | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 31 | |
Technical Electives (6 Credits)
| Technical Electives | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 129 | |
Three Technical Elective credits must be upper-level College of Engineering courses not specifically listed in the student’s degree requirements.
| AE | ||
| Upper-level | ||
| Directed Studies with prior approval from the Aerospace Engineering Department. | ||
| Cooperative Education Courses | ||
| With prior approval from the Aerospace Engineering department. See Career Advisor for more information. | ||
| CEC | ||
| Upper-level, except Directed Studies | ||
| CS | ||
| CS 325 | Programming in ADA | 3 |
| CS 420 | Operating Systems * | 3 |
| EE | ||
| Upper-level, except Directed Studies | ||
| EGR | ||
| Upper-level | ||
| EP | ||
| Upper-level, except Directed Studies | ||
| ES | ||
| Upper-level, except Directed Studies | ||
| MA | ||
| MA 348 | Numerical Analysis I | 3 |
| MA 412 | Probability and Statistics | 3 |
| MA 432 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| MA 441 | Mathematical Methods for Engineering and Physics I | 3 |
| MA 442 | Mathematical Methods for Engineering and Physics II | 3 |
| MA 443 | Complex Variables | 3 |
| ME | ||
| Upper-level, except Directed Studies | ||
| PS | ||
| PS 303 | Modern Physics ** | 3 |
| PS 321 | Classical Mechanics I * | 3 |
| PS 322 | Classical Mechanics II ** | 3 |
| PS 350 | Quantum Mechanics I ** | 3 |
| PS 375 | Planetary Science | 3 |
| PS 420 | Remote Sensing | 3 |
| SE | ||
| SE 300 | Software Engineering Practices ** | 3 |
| SIS | ||
| SIS 365 | Project Management | 3 |
| SYS | ||
| SYS 301 | Introduction to Systems Engineering | 3 |
| SYS 304 | Trade Studies, Risk and Decision Analysis | 3 |
| SYS 415 | Systems Engineering Practices: Specialty Engineering | 3 |
- *
Offered in Fall Only
- **
Offered in Spring Only
- ***
Structures Elective may be satisfied with AE 409, AE 418, ES 322/323, ES 412, ES 414 (or as approved by Department Chair).
- ****
UNIV 101 is taken in excess of degree requirements of meets open elective credits.
- *****
Astronautics Elective may be satisfied with AE 313 (or as approved by Department Chair).
- ^
This course could be filled by any 300/400 level MA/PS/CHM/BIO/WX course (or approved by the department chair).
- #
General Education Course
All Army ROTC students are required to complete SS 321 - U.S. Military History 1900-Present (3 credits) in order to commission.
Aeronautics Option - Suggested Plan of Study
| Freshman Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| CHM 113 | General Chemistry for Engineering | 3 |
| COM 122 | English Composition | 3 |
| Humanities or Social Science Lower-Level or Upper-Level Elective | 3 | |
| EGR 101 | Introduction to Engineering | 2 |
| MA 241 | Calculus and Analytical Geometry I | 4 |
| UNIV 101 | College Success | (1) |
| Credits Subtotal | 15.0 | |
| Spring | ||
| EC 225 | Engineering Economics | 3 |
| EGR 115 | Introduction to Computing for Engineers | 3 |
| Humanities Lower-Level Elective | 3 | |
| MA 242 | Calculus and Analytical Geometry II | 4 |
| PS 161 | Physics I & II for Engineers | 4 |
| Credits Subtotal | 17.0 | |
| Sophomore Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| COM 221 | Technical Report Writing (Must earn a C or better to pass COM 221) | 3 |
| ES 201 | Statics | 3 |
| ES 208 | Thermodynamics | 3 |
| MA 243 | Calculus and Analytical Geometry III | 4 |
| PS 250 | Physics for Engineers III | 3 |
| PS 253 | Physics Laboratory for Engineers | 1 |
| Credits Subtotal | 17.0 | |
| Spring | ||
| AE 317 | Aircraft Flight Mechanics and Performance | 3 |
| EGR 310 | Advanced Engineering Computation | 3 |
| ES 202 | Solid Mechanics | 3 |
| ES 206 | Fluid Mechanics | 3 |
| MA 345 | Differential Equations and Matrix Methods | 4 |
| Credits Subtotal | 16.0 | |
| Junior Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| AE 301 | Aerodynamics I | 3 |
| AE 318 | Aerospace Structures I | 3 |
| EE 335 | Electrical Engineering I | 2 |
| EE 336 | Electrical Engineering I Laboratory | 1 |
| EGR 200 | Computer Aided Design of Aerospace Systems | 3 |
or EGR 201
|
Computer Aided Design of Mechanical Systems | |
| ES 204 | Dynamics | 3 |
| Credits Subtotal | 15.0 | |
| Spring | ||
| AE 302 | Aerodynamics II | 3 |
| AE 314 | Experimental Aerodynamics | 1 |
| AE 315 | Experimental Aerodynamics Laboratory | 1 |
| AE 423 | Airplane Stability, Dynamics, and Control | 3 |
| ES 320 | Engineering Materials Science | 2 |
| ES 321 | Engineering Materials Science Laboratory | 1 |
| Math or Natural Science Upper-Level Elective | 3 | |
| ME 309 | Airbreathing and Rocket Propulsion | 3 |
| Credits Subtotal | 17.0 | |
| Senior Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| AE 420 | Aircraft Preliminary Design | 4 |
| AE 430 | Control System Analysis and Design | 3 |
| COM 420 | Advanced Technical Communication I | 1 |
| ES 324 | Measurements and Instrumentation | 2 |
| ES 325 | Measurements and Instrumentation Lab | 1 |
| Structures Elective | 3 | |
| Technical Elective | 3 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 17.0 | |
| Spring | ||
| AE 421 | Aircraft Detail Design | 4 |
| Astronautics Elective | 3 | |
| COM 430 | Advanced Technical Communication II | 2 |
| HU 330 | Values and Ethics (OR HU/SS Upper-Level Study Abroad) | 3 |
or HU 335
|
Technology and Modern Civilization | |
| Technical Elective | 3 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 15.0 | |
| Credits Total: | 129.0 | |
Astronautics Option - Suggested Plan of Study
| Freshman Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| CHM 113 | General Chemistry for Engineering | 3 |
| COM 122 | English Composition | 3 |
| Humanities or Social Science Lower-Level or Upper-Level Elective | 3 | |
| EGR 101 | Introduction to Engineering | 2 |
| MA 241 | Calculus and Analytical Geometry I | 4 |
| UNIV 101 | College Success | (1) |
| Credits Subtotal | 15.0 | |
| Spring | ||
| EC 225 | Engineering Economics | 3 |
| EGR 115 | Introduction to Computing for Engineers | 3 |
| Humanities Lower-Level Elective | 3 | |
| MA 242 | Calculus and Analytical Geometry II | 4 |
| PS 161 | Physics I & II for Engineers | 4 |
| Credits Subtotal | 17.0 | |
| Sophomore Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| COM 221 | Technical Report Writing (Must earn a C or better to pass COM 221) | 3 |
| ES 201 | Statics | 3 |
| ES 208 | Thermodynamics | 3 |
| MA 243 | Calculus and Analytical Geometry III | 4 |
| PS 250 | Physics for Engineers III | 3 |
| PS 253 | Physics Laboratory for Engineers | 1 |
| Credits Subtotal | 17.0 | |
| Spring | ||
| CS 125 | Computer Science I | 4 |
| EGR 200 | Computer Aided Design of Aerospace Systems | 3 |
or EGR 201
|
Computer Aided Design of Mechanical Systems | |
| ES 202 | Solid Mechanics | 3 |
| ES 204 | Dynamics | 3 |
| MA 345 | Differential Equations and Matrix Methods | 4 |
| Credits Subtotal | 17.0 | |
| Junior Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| AE 313 | Space Mechanics | 3 |
| AE 318 | Aerospace Structures I | 3 |
| EE 335 | Electrical Engineering I | 2 |
| EE 336 | Electrical Engineering I Laboratory | 1 |
| ES 206 | Fluid Mechanics | 3 |
| Math or Natural Science Upper-Level Elective | 3 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 15.0 | |
| Spring | ||
| AE 302 | Aerodynamics II | 3 |
| AE 324 | Experimental Space Systems Engineering | 2 |
| AE 326 | Experimental Space Systems Engineering Lab | 1 |
| CEC 325 | Fundamentals of Applied Microcontrollers | 3 |
| CEC 326 | Fundamentals of Applied Microcontrollers Laboratory | 1 |
| EP 394 | Space Systems Engineering | 3 |
| ES 324 | Measurements and Instrumentation | 2 |
| ES 325 | Measurements and Instrumentation Lab | 1 |
| Credits Subtotal | 16.0 | |
| Senior Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| AE 414 | Space Propulsion | 3 |
| AE 426 | Spacecraft Attitude Dynamics | 3 |
| AE 427 | Spacecraft Preliminary Design | 4 |
or AE 420
|
Aircraft Preliminary Design | |
| COM 420 | Advanced Technical Communication I | 1 |
| ES 320 | Engineering Materials Science | 2 |
| ES 321 | Engineering Materials Science Laboratory | 1 |
| Technical Electives | 3 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 17.0 | |
| Spring | ||
| AE 430 | Control System Analysis and Design | 3 |
| AE 445 | Spacecraft Detail Design | 4 |
| COM 430 | Advanced Technical Communication II | 2 |
| HU 330 | Values and Ethics (OR HU/SS Upper-Level Study Abroad) | 3 |
or HU 335
|
Technology and Modern Civilization | |
| Technical Electives | 3 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 15.0 | |
| Credits Total: | 129.0 | |
Get Started Now:
Summary
129 Credits
Estimate your tuition by using the Tuition Calculator
View Financial Aid Information
Learn about our General Education
Find out about transferring credits to this degree
Learn more about our Veterans & Military benefits
View our Academic Calendar
Spotlight
RELATED DEGREES
You may be interested in the following degrees:
