Professional Component

The aerospace engineering curriculum is designed to ensure that the Program Educational Objectives are achieved.

Mathematics and Basic Sciences (31 to 32 hours) – Students are required to take: two years of mathematics (4 semesters, 16 credit hours); two semesters of physics (8 credit hours, including lab experience); one semester of chemistry (4 credit hours, including lab experience); and one semester of a science elective (3 credit hours without a lab component or a 4 credit hour course with a lab component). This requirement meets or exceeds EAC/ABET guidelines that programs must have one year of mathematics and basic sciences, some with lab experience.

Engineering Topics (60 hours) – Students are required to take: the freshman-level Introduction to AE course (2 credit hours); freshman-level engineering graphics (3 credit hours); materials science and engineering (3 credit hours); electrical engineering and lab (3 credit hours); and aerospace engineering courses (49 hours, including 6 hours of capstone design experience). This requirement exceeds EAC/ABET guidelines that the programs have one and one-half years of engineering topics, consisting of engineering sciences and engineering design appropriate to the student's field of study.

General Education Component (40 to 41 hours) – Students are required to take: two English courses (6 credit hours) in literature; 6 credit hours of humanities/modern language electives; 6 credit hours of social science electives; a required 3 credit hour course selected from a list of courses in history, public policy, political science, and international affairs; a 2 credit hour course in health and performance science; a 2 credit hour course in technical communications; a 3 credit hour course in economics; a 3 credit hour course in computer science; and 9 or 10 hours of free electives. This requirement exceeds EAC/ABET guidelines that the program includes a general education component that complements the technical content of the curriculum and is consistent with the program and institution objectives.

Design Content – Students are required to complete two semesters (AE 4350, AE 4351: 6 hours) of capstone design aimed at design of a complete aircraft system starting with a design specification. Students are also exposed to preliminary design in the course titled Introduction to Aerospace Engineering (AE 1350). We also offer a number of electives that provide students with the opportunity to participate in national design competitions in the areas of aircraft, engines, space vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and engines. These electives are available at the freshman (AE1355), sophomore (AE2355), junior (AE 3355), and senior (AE 4355) level. Credit earned in these courses may be counted towards the free elective hours (9 to 10) available in the program. Finally, beginning in fall 2002, the students will have a choice between two capstone design projects – aircraft design, spacecraft/aerospace vehicle design. Each of these projects will involve two semesters (6 credit hours) of course work.