Program Overview

Aerospace Engineering Program Overview

The Aerospace Engineering program at UC Berkeley is designed for students who aspire to become leaders in an emerging era of aerospace technologies, including sustainable aviation, autonomous flight, and space exploration. This major combines comprehensive topical coverage, technical rigor, and practical relevance.

Program Details

The aerospace engineering degree program began instruction with an inaugural freshman class in Fall 2022. Current Berkeley Engineering students are not eligible to transfer into the new major. However, there is an Aerospace Engineering minor already available through the Department of Mechanical Engineering.

Career Opportunities

With a UC Berkeley aerospace engineering degree, students can find employment in industry, such as multinational corporations that design and manufacture aerospace systems at scale, or mid-size and small private companies that develop targeted technologies. They can also work in federal government agencies such as NASA, the FAA, or federal defense organizations.

Program Description

Aeronautical engineers generally design aircraft to fly within the Earth’s atmosphere, while astronautical engineers design the technology for spacecraft to fly beyond the atmosphere. The program is designed to provide students with a modern aerospace engineering education that prepares them for a career in this field.

Research Areas

The program covers various research areas, including sustainable aviation, autonomous flight, and space exploration. Students will have the opportunity to work on projects and research in these areas, preparing them for a career in the aerospace industry.

Program Structure

The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in aerospace engineering, including coursework, research, and practical experience. The program is structured to provide students with a strong foundation in the principles of aerospace engineering, as well as the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of interest.