Aerospace Engineering (Astronautics)
Program Overview
Aerospace Engineering (Astronautics), BSE
Program Description
The Bachelor of Science in Engineering program in aerospace engineering provides students with an education in technological areas critical to the design and development of aerospace vehicles and systems. The astronautics concentration curriculum covers:
- attitude determination and control
- elective topics in aeronautics
- gas dynamics
- orbital mechanics
- rocket propulsion
- space environment
- space structures
- telecommunications
Students in the astronautics concentration culminate their major study with a capstone design project that incorporates the multiple disciplines involved in the creation of a space-going vehicle.
Program Learning Outcomes
Students in the program are expected to attain the following outcomes:
- an ability to identify, formulate and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science and mathematics
- 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
- an ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences
- 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
- 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
- an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
- an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies
Accreditation
Accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the General Criteria and the Aerospace Engineering Program Criteria.
At a Glance
- College/school: Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering
- Location: Tempe
- Second language requirement: No
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
- First required math course: MAT 265 - Calculus for Engineers I
- Math intensity: Substantial
Curriculum
View 2025 - 2026 curriculum. View curriculum archives.
Concurrent Program Options
Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Accelerated Program Options
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
Admission Requirements
- General university admission requirements: All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
- Additional requirements: The admission standards for majors in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering are higher than minimum university admission standards. International students must meet the same admission standards, with the possible additional requirement of a minimum English language proficiency test score.
Tuition Information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Change of Major Requirements
Admission requirements for many majors in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering are higher than university admission standards.
Transfer Options
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.
Program Learning Outcomes
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:
- Apply principles of mathematics and science to solve complex engineering problems
- Apply engineering design to a student project with consideration of public welfare/other factors
- Develop and conduct engineering experiments, and analyze and interpret data
Global Opportunities
With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, aerospace engineering students are able to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships across the world, increasing their professional network.
Career Opportunities
The majority of students who enter the field of aerospace engineering desire to work on the design and analysis of aerospace vehicles. Most graduates are employed in the aerospace industry or in government positions related to aerospace. Specific careers in aerospace engineering include:
- aeronautical and space systems integration
- configuration development
- material and structural design
- propulsion engineering
- space mission design and analysis
- vehicle and component analysis using computer-aided tools
- vehicle design and performance
- wind tunnel and flight testing
Professional Licensure
ASU programs that may lead to professional licensure or certification are intended to prepare students for potential licensure or certification in Arizona. Completion of an ASU program may not meet educational requirements for licensure or certification in another state.
