Program Overview
Details: Aerospace Engineering, Major
Major
Aerospace Engineering
The Bachelor of Science (BS) in aerospace engineering will prepare you for a high-paying career designing or analyzing aircraft and spacecraft. You'll have access to some of the best aerospace facilities in the country—and the chance to work and research with faculty and industry professionals on campus and throughout Wichita, the world's “Air Capital.”
Admission to the Program
To be admitted into the aerospace engineering program, you must first be admitted to Wichita State.
Inside the Program
Successful NASA Career Started at Wichita State
When he was a high school student considering where to go to college, Alex Kanelakos looked for the best opportunity to get an education that provided real, hands-on work in his field.
He chose WSU when he learned about its relationship with NASA. To say it worked out well for him is an understatement.
After graduating in 2007, Alex immediately got a job at NASA. He now carries one of the heaviest responsibilities at mission control: training space station crew members for space walks in giant swimming pools, then monitoring them in space.
Curriculum
You'll start by developing a solid background in math, science and general engineering. Then, you'll move on to aerospace courses covering:
- aerodynamics – fluid effects on a flight vehicle
- propulsion – systems associated with producing force or motion
- stability and control – vehicle behavior and systems required to control it
- structures – structural components of the flight vehicles
Optional tracks in applied propulsion and space systems are available for students majoring in Aerospace Engineering.
A departmental honors track is also available for this major.
Careers
WSU's vast industry connections—and experience-based learning for every major—give aerospace engineering students the chance to grow their professional network, build a resume and earn a paycheck, all while still in school, leading to dream careers with employers like:
- Boeing (space, commercial and military)
- Airbus, Cessna/Textron Aviation and Spirit AeroSystems
- NASA and SpaceX
- NASCAR
- U.S. Military
Similar Programs
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering (Minor)
- Electrical Engineering
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Bachelor of Science (BS) in aerospace engineering is designed to prepare students for high-paying careers in designing or analyzing aircraft and spacecraft. The program offers access to top-notch aerospace facilities and opportunities to collaborate with faculty and industry professionals in Wichita, known as the world's "Air Capital."
Careers:
WSU's aerospace engineering students gain experience at Airbus, a leading aerospace company, right on campus. The program emphasizes applied learning, with every degree incorporating a guaranteed applied learning or research experience. Graduates can pursue careers with employers such as:
- Boeing (space, commercial and military)
- Airbus, Cessna/Textron Aviation and Spirit AeroSystems
- U.S. Military
Other:
The curriculum covers:
- Aerodynamics – fluid effects on a flight vehicle
- Propulsion – systems associated with producing force or motion
- Stability and control – vehicle behavior and systems required to control it
- Structures – structural components of the flight vehicles An optional track in applied propulsion is available for Aerospace Engineering majors. A departmental honors track is also available for this major. WSU's strong industry connections provide students with opportunities to grow their professional networks, build resumes, and earn paychecks while still in school.
