Program Overview

Aerospace Engineering Program

The Aerospace Engineering program at San José State University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the field of aerospace engineering. The program offers a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering (BSAE) and a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering (MSAE).

Program Description

The MSAE program allows students to specialize in sustainable aviation concepts, aerospace structural design, astrodynamics, space systems engineering, hypersonics, or propulsion. Students have the opportunity to work with faculty and NASA engineers to design, build, test, and launch microsatellites, participate in the design and building of a hypersonic facility, and learn how to use machine learning for structural health monitoring.

Program Requirements

• Admission into the MSAE program
• Course rotation schedule
• Financial aid
• Focus areas
• Forms
• Program educational objectives
• Program outcomes
• Project and thesis
• Syllabi

Research Areas

Students in the MSAE program can participate in research areas such as:

• Sustainable aviation concepts
• Aerospace structural design
• Astrodynamics
• Space systems engineering
• Hypersonics
• Propulsion

Student Opportunities

• Work with faculty and NASA engineers on microsatellite design, build, test, and launch
• Participate in the design and building of a hypersonic facility
• Use machine learning for structural health monitoring
• Optimize spacecraft trajectories
• Explore electric and hybrid propulsion systems for general aviation, commuter, and large air transports
  • Participate in extra-curricular projects such as the High-Altitude Rocket Project (HARP)
  • Present work in professional conferences such as the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics SciTech

Program Structure

• Students select a faculty advisor to structure a program of study that meets individual needs and addresses areas of interest
• Each student completes a thesis or a project that results from an in-depth study of a particular research topic of interest

Program Outcomes

The MSAE program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in aerospace engineering, preparing them for careers in the field. The program outcomes include:

• Ability to design, build, test, and launch microsatellites
• Knowledge of sustainable aviation concepts, aerospace structural design, astrodynamics, space systems engineering, hypersonics, and propulsion
• Ability to use machine learning for structural health monitoring and optimize spacecraft trajectories

Minor in Aerospace Engineering

The university also offers a minor in Aerospace Engineering, which provides students with a foundational understanding of the field.