2026 Aerospace Engineering Degree Coursework Explained: What Classes Can You Expect to Take?

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Many students struggle to understand what specific classes they will encounter in an aerospace engineering degree program and how these courses build the necessary skills for the workforce. According to the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of aerospace engineers is projected to grow 3% from 2022 to 2032, highlighting steady demand for qualified graduates. The curriculum typically combines core engineering principles with specialized topics, ensuring students develop expertise in areas like aerodynamics, propulsion, and structural analysis. This article clarifies the typical coursework involved and explains how these classes prepare students for academic success and career readiness in aerospace engineering.

Key Benefits of Aerospace Engineering Degree Coursework

Aerospace engineering coursework develops advanced analytical and problem-solving skills essential for designing and testing aircraft and spacecraft, aligning with a 6% industry growth projection through 2031.
Students gain hands-on experience with simulation software and materials science, enhancing technical proficiency sought by employers and increasing salary potential by up to 15% compared to general engineering roles.
The curriculum emphasizes teamwork and communication, preparing graduates for multidisciplinary projects and leadership roles that contribute to higher employability and career advancement.

What Types of Class Do You Take in a Aerospace Engineering Degree?

Aerospace engineering degree programs are structured to provide a comprehensive curriculum that balances scientific theory with practical application. Approximately 70% of these programs integrate hands-on projects alongside traditional coursework to build both technical knowledge and real-world experience. This approach benefits students navigating the aerospace engineering degree coursework overview.

The curriculum generally includes several key categories:

Core Foundational Classes: These courses develop essential analytical and scientific skills through mathematics, physics, materials science, and engineering principles foundational to aerospace applications.
Specialization or Elective Courses: Students focus on areas such as aerodynamics, propulsion systems, and control theory, allowing customization of their study path to align with specific aerospace interests.
Research or Methods Coursework: Emphasizing experimental techniques, data interpretation, and computational modeling, these classes equip students to tackle complex aerospace problems using scientific methods.
Practicum, Internship, or Capstone Experiences: These practical components provide real-world industry exposure, teamwork development, and opportunities to apply classroom knowledge to aerospace engineering challenges.

Prospective students seeking flexible options might also explore accredited EdD programs designed for accelerated learning paths. Understanding the blend of core and elective classes in aerospace engineering can help learners prepare effectively for the varied demands of careers in this cutting-edge field.

What Are the Core Courses in a Aerospace Engineering Degree Program?

Core classes in an aerospace engineering degree program build essential skills and knowledge that form the foundation for success in this complex field. These courses integrate theoretical concepts with practical applications, preparing students to address real-world aerospace challenges effectively. Incorporating aerospace engineering core coursework helps students gain the technical proficiency and analytical abilities demanded by the industry.

Below is an overview of typical core courses and their focus areas.

Introduction to Aerospace Engineering: Provides a broad overview of aerospace systems and their applications, helping students understand the scope and diversity of the field.
Aerodynamics: Explores the principles of airflow and its influence on aircraft and spacecraft performance, emphasizing fluid dynamics and lift.
Propulsion Systems: Covers the fundamentals of engines and thrust production, allowing students to analyze and design propulsion mechanisms.
Structural Mechanics: Focuses on materials behavior and stress analysis under various loads, critical for ensuring aerospace structural integrity.
Flight Dynamics and Control: Examines the motion, stability, and control of aircraft, developing skills in system modeling and control techniques.
Materials Science: Studies the properties and applications of materials used in aerospace design, integrating knowledge critical for innovation and durability.
Computational Methods: Introduces numerical modeling and simulation tools that support problem-solving and design optimization.
Professional Practice: Emphasizes ethics, communication, and project management to prepare students for collaborative and professional engineering environments.

For those interested in advancing their qualifications in related areas, many students explore specialized fields or programs such as CACREP accredited online masters counseling programs, which exemplify how professional preparation can extend beyond engineering. Understanding these essential aerospace engineering classes gives a clearer idea of the comprehensive education needed for a fulfilling career in this dynamic industry.

What Elective Classes Can You Take in a Aerospace Engineering Degree?

Elective courses provide aerospace engineering students the flexibility to focus their studies on areas that align with personal interests or future career plans. Nearly 70% of students in this field choose electives to gain deeper knowledge in specialized topics or cutting-edge technology. Below are some popular elective options that students often pursue.

Advanced Propulsion Systems: This course dives into the engineering behind jet engines and rocket motors, emphasizing energy transformation and improving fuel efficiency. It prepares students for roles in powerplant design and aerospace propulsion research.
Spacecraft Dynamics and Control: Students study satellite motion, orientation control, and orbital mechanics, which are essential for work in space mission design and satellite operations.
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD): Focused on numerical simulation techniques, this course enhances skills necessary for analyzing airflow over aircraft surfaces, crucial for aerodynamic optimization and innovation.
Materials Science for Aerospace: This class explores advanced lightweight composites and metal alloys used to maximize strength while reducing weight, key for aircraft and spacecraft structural performance.
Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS): Covering drone design, operation, and legal requirements, this course reflects the rapid growth of unmanned technologies in both commercial and defense sectors.

Breakdown of Private Fully Online Nonprofit Schools

Source: U.S. Department of Education, 2023

Are Internships or Practicums Required in Aerospace Engineering Programs?

Practical experiences play a crucial role in aerospace engineering education by connecting theoretical knowledge with real-world applications. These experiences help students acquire essential industry-relevant skills. Approximately 70% of aerospace engineering students engage in internships or cooperative education programs, underscoring their widespread value. Key aspects of internships and practicums include:

Program Requirements: While not universally mandatory, many programs strongly recommend or require practical experience to fulfill degree criteria. Some demand a minimum of around 400 internship hours to earn academic credit.
Duration and Timing: Internships typically span 8 to 16 weeks, often scheduled during summer or co-op terms, providing immersive exposure to aerospace projects.
Experience Types: Tasks often involve designing parts, testing prototypes, or analyzing flight-related data, giving students hands-on involvement with aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems.
Skill Development: Participants enhance technical abilities such as software usage, materials analysis, and project management, while refining problem-solving and teamwork skills.

Is a Capstone or Thesis Required in a Aerospace Engineering Degree?

Capstone projects and theses serve as key assessments to confirm students' command of aerospace engineering principles and applied skills. Roughly 70% of undergraduate programs include some senior project, showing a strong emphasis on hands-on learning and comprehensive knowledge integration.

Below is a breakdown of what these culminating experiences typically involve.

Capstone projects: Usually team-oriented, these projects require students to tackle practical engineering problems, often designing prototypes or running experiments. The focus is on collaboration, project planning, and effective communication.
Theses: These are individual research endeavors demanding in-depth study of a specific topic, data analysis, and original contributions to the field. They generally take longer and suit those aiming for research or advanced academic paths.
Time commitment: Both options demand a significant investment during the final academic year, sometimes spanning multiple semesters, to ensure thorough development and refinement of work.
Skill development: Capstones build teamwork and hands-on design skills, whereas theses hone analytical thinking, technical writing, and independent research abilities.
Career alignment: Choosing between a capstone and thesis often depends on professional goals-industry roles typically benefit from capstone experiences while research careers and graduate studies lean toward thesis work.

Is Aerospace Engineering Coursework Different Online vs On Campus?

Aerospace engineering coursework largely remains consistent whether completed online or on campus. The curriculum, learning objectives, and academic standards are designed to align with industry expectations across both formats. Students cover essential topics such as aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, and materials regardless of delivery mode. This ensures that both online and on-campus students achieve comparable knowledge and skills.

The primary differences lie in how instruction and interactions are conducted. Online programs use video lectures, virtual labs, and digital assignments, offering greater flexibility in scheduling. On-campus students benefit from in-person lectures, hands-on labs, and direct collaboration with peers and faculty. Access to physical resources like research facilities and workshops is more immediate on campus, while online learners utilize remote labs and virtual support. Assessments also differ, with online courses relying on online quizzes and proctored exams, whereas on-campus evaluations often include face-to-face tests and group projects. Practical work is adapted for online students through simulations or partnerships with local facilities.

How Many Hours Per Week Do Aerospace Engineering Classes Require?

Most aerospace engineering students allocate between 15 and 25 hours per week to their coursework. This time typically includes attending lectures, completing readings, working on assignments, participating in group projects, and engaging in hands-on activities such as labs or simulations. Lectures usually account for 3 to 5 hours weekly, while readings and reviewing class materials often take 5 to 7 hours.

Assignments and problem sets, essential for mastering technical concepts, may require 4 to 8 hours, and collaborative work adds an additional 2 to 4 hours. Applied learning efforts, including lab work and design projects, often demand extra time, particularly in advanced stages of the curriculum.

Factors influencing the aerospace engineering class weekly time commitment include multiple aspects worth considering:

Enrollment status: Full-time students dedicate more weekly hours than part-time students, reflecting heavier course loads and more intensive study.
Course level: Upper-level and advanced courses generally necessitate more study and project time compared to introductory classes, intensifying the hours devoted to each subject.
Format: On-campus courses often involve scheduled in-person labs and structured sessions, whereas online courses offer greater schedule flexibility but require strong self-discipline for time management.
Credits per term: The total number of credits a student takes directly impacts weekly hours; higher credit loads mean more assignments and study time.
Practicum or project requirements: Intensive capstone projects, internships, or other practical experiences significantly increase time commitment during specific terms.

The hours per week required for aerospace engineering coursework reflect rigorous academic demands but also prepare students for professional challenges ahead. For those balancing studies or considering related fields, exploring other degrees can be valuable; for example, prospective students interested in therapy fields might look into marriage and family therapy online programs accredited.

How Many Credit Hours Are Required to Complete a Aerospace Engineering Degree?

The total credit hour requirements for aerospace engineering degrees significantly influence program length, student workload, and graduation planning. These requirements vary depending on the degree level and individual program structures, which affects how students allocate time and effort throughout their studies. Understanding typical credit distributions can help students manage their academic path effectively.

Here is a summary of common credit-hour components in aerospace engineering degree programs:

Core Coursework: Undergraduate aerospace engineering degrees usually require about 60 to 80 credit hours of foundational courses covering fluid dynamics, materials science, thermodynamics, and structural analysis. These courses form the technical backbone of the skill set needed in this field.
Electives: Typically, students complete 15 to 30 credit hours of electives, which offer opportunities to deepen knowledge in specialized topics or explore related fields. This flexibility helps tailor the degree to individual interests and career goals.
Experiential Learning: Practical experience components such as labs, internships, design projects, or senior capstones often account for 10 to 15 credit hours. These elements provide essential hands-on skills and professional readiness, bridging classroom learning with real-world applications.
Graduate-Level Credits: Master's and doctoral aerospace engineering programs usually require between 30 and 60 credit hours. Requirements depend on whether students choose thesis or non-thesis tracks, with a stronger emphasis on research and specialization at the graduate level.

Prospective students should consider these typical credit hour distributions when planning how to meet aerospace engineering degree credit hour requirements efficiently. As part of this planning, researching what degrees make the most money may help align educational decisions with long-term career objectives.

How Does Aerospace Engineering Coursework Prepare Students for Careers?

Aerospace engineering coursework equips students with the essential skills, knowledge, and applied learning experiences needed for successful careers in the field. By combining technical theory with hands-on projects, students develop competencies that directly prepare them for real-world engineering challenges. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of aerospace engineers is projected to grow 3% from 2022 to 2032, reflecting steady demand and emphasizing the value of specialized training and practical experience.

Career skills developed through aerospace engineering degree courses: Coursework builds a solid foundation in aerodynamics, propulsion, and structural analysis through both lectures and laboratory work. These skills help students think critically and solve complex problems essential for advanced aerospace projects.
Applied projects enhance problem-solving abilities: Hands-on experience through design and testing projects encourages creative solutions to engineering issues. This practical exposure ensures graduates can confidently tackle challenges in professional settings.
Experience with CAD and aerospace simulation software: Familiarity with industry-standard tools like computer-aided design and simulation platforms prepares students to efficiently perform workplace tasks. These technologies are integral to modern aerospace engineering roles.
Team collaboration on complex engineering challenges: Collaborative coursework fosters communication and teamwork abilities, which are crucial in engineering projects involving multiple disciplines and stakeholders.
Employment opportunities and salary growth for aerospace engineers: A degree in aerospace engineering opens doors to a variety of career paths with competitive salaries. The steady market growth encourages continuous development and advancement within the profession.

Students interested in starting their journey with foundational education might also consider pursuing an associates degree as a cost-effective stepping stone before advancing to more specialized aerospace engineering programs.

How Does Aerospace Engineering Coursework Affect Salary Potential After Graduation?

Completing aerospace engineering coursework significantly impacts earnings by equipping graduates with skills and experiences that employers value highly. In 2023, the median annual salary for aerospace engineers in the U.S. was around $122,000, with those possessing specialized knowledge or certifications often earning more. This connection between education and salary is driven by both technical proficiency and practical experience.

The following factors show how coursework can influence salary potential:

Development of In-Demand Technical Skills: Rigorous study in areas like propulsion, aerodynamics, and avionics builds expertise that sets graduates apart, making them attractive hires who can command higher salaries.
Completion of Advanced and Specialized Courses: Engaging in elective or graduate-level classes focused on cutting-edge aerospace technologies helps students develop unique competencies that often lead to premium pay.
Leadership and Management Training: Coursework involving project management or systems engineering prepares students for supervisory roles, opening pathways to better-paying positions beyond purely technical jobs.
Applied Learning Experiences: Hands-on projects such as internships, capstone design projects, or practicums develop problem-solving skills and real-world insights, which correlate with faster career progression and salary growth.
Preparation for Professional Certifications: Classes aligned with licensure exams or industry credentials validate expertise and compliance with standards, thereby improving job prospects and increasing earning potential.

These academic components collectively strengthen graduates' qualifications, enabling them to secure higher wages and more advanced roles in the competitive aerospace sector.

What Graduates Say About Their Aerospace Engineering Degree Coursework

Nova: "The aerospace engineering degree program was a significant investment, with costs that initially made me hesitant. However, the on-campus experience, complete with hands-on labs and expert faculty interactions, made every dollar worth it. This coursework profoundly shaped my engineering skills and directly contributed to landing my dream job in spacecraft design."

Cian: "Taking the aerospace engineering coursework online offered me the flexibility I needed while balancing family life. Though the tuition fees were competitive, the convenience and quality of instruction exceeded my expectations. This degree has opened doors in the aerospace industry, allowing me to apply advanced concepts confidently in my professional role. "

Kaelix: "The cost of the aerospace engineering degree was reasonable compared to similar programs, and the rigorous curriculum demanded a lot of dedication on campus. Reflecting on that experience, I realize how essential this challenging coursework was in building my analytical and problem-solving skills, which remain invaluable in my career."

Other Things You Should Know About Aerospace Engineering Degrees

What types of laboratory work are integrated into aerospace engineering courses?

Laboratory work in aerospace engineering programs typically involves hands-on experiments and simulations related to aerodynamics, propulsion, materials testing, and structural analysis. These labs allow students to apply theoretical concepts in wind tunnels, engine test stands, and computer-simulated flight environments, helping bridge classroom learning with practical engineering skills.

How do aerospace engineering programs incorporate software and computational tools?

Students in aerospace engineering often learn to use specialized software for computer-aided design (CAD), computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and finite element analysis (FEA). Coursework includes training on these tools to model aircraft structures and simulate airflow, enabling students to tackle complex design and testing challenges digitally before physical prototyping.

Are mathematics courses outside of engineering subjects required?

Yes, aerospace engineering programs require advanced mathematics courses beyond basic calculus, including differential equations, linear algebra, and numerical methods. These classes provide the essential mathematical foundation needed to solve complex engineering problems involving fluid dynamics, orbital mechanics, and control systems.

Do aerospace engineering courses cover regulatory and safety standards?

Many aerospace engineering curricula include instruction on industry standards, safety regulations, and certification processes. Understanding these guidelines is crucial for ensuring aircraft and spacecraft designs meet governmental and international safety requirements, preparing students for real-world compliance challenges.