Program Overview

Overview of the Aerospace Engineering Program

The Department of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Maryland features state-of-the-art laboratories, including hypersonic wind tunnels and a neutral buoyancy facility. The faculty and students contribute to key research areas by examining structural mechanics and composites, rotorcraft, space systems, and more.

Subdisciplines

Students in Aerospace Engineering can choose between five subdisciplines to tailor their interests and learning experiences:

• Aerodynamics
• Flight Dynamics and Control
• Propulsion
• Materials and Structures
• Systems Design

Aerospace Curriculum

All first-year Clark School students participate in Keystone courses to begin their engineering experience. Class activities include building a prototype over-sand vehicle and testing it on a 60-foot course. Working in teams to complete a hands-on engineering project in year one builds fundamental skills and knowledge used throughout the engineering journey.

Students take at least one aerospace course every semester. ENAE100 and ENAE200 provide a practical introduction to aerospace engineering, research experience in faculty laboratories, and useful academic tools and resources.

All students will also complete a two-term aeronautics or astronautics senior design project. These projects require students to orally present and defend their design contributions at Preliminary Design Review (PDR) and Critical Design Review (CDR) milestones.

CDR’s are evaluated by faculty as well as members of the Advisory Board and other invited aerospace professionals. The senior capstone classes participate in national design competitions such as NASA’s Revolutionary Aerospace Systems Concepts (RASC-AL), AIAA’s Design Build Fly, and the Department of Energy's Collegiate Wind Competition.

Aerospace Curriculum by Year

First Year

• Calculus I
• Chemistry
• Introduction to Engineering
• Aerospace Seminar I
• Calculus II
• Physics I
• Mechanics I
• Aerospace Computing

Second Year

• Calculus III
• Physics II
• Mechanics II
• Intro to Aerospace Systems
• Linear Algebra
• Differential Equations
• Physics III
• Thermodynamics
• Aerospace Seminar II

Third Year

• Aerodynamics I
• Dynamics
• Flight Software
• Instrumentation Lab
• Structures
• Control Systems
• Technical Writing
• Aerodynamics II
• Space Flight Dynamics

Fourth Year - Air Track

• Structural Vibrations
• Aircraft Dynamics/Control
• Aircraft Propulsion
• Aircraft Design I
• Aero Project Lab
• Tech Elective
• Aero Elective
• Aircraft Design II

Fourth Year - Space Track

• Structural Vibrations
• Space Navigation
• Space Propulsion
• Spacecraft Design I
• Aero Project Lab
• Tech Elective
• Aero Elective
• Spacecraft Design II

The University also requires General Education requirements, usually taken one per semester over four years.

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering degree program at the University of Maryland is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the General Criteria and the Aerospace Engineering Program Criteria.