It is well-established that the engineering workforce in the U.S. aerospace industry has declined, losing 600,000 scientific and technical aerospace jobs between 1989 and 2002. National resources that are designated to aerospace have declined along with graduation rates in science and engineering and there has been a 47% drop in the number of students pursuing aerospace careers. Between 1987 and 1999, the percentage of aerospace workers at or under 30 years of age dropped from 18% to 6.4%. Compounding the situation is the decreasing share of the world aerospace market held by the U.S. and the fact that 26% of the aerospace workforce will be eligible to retire by 2008. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there will be 25,000 new positions for aerospace engineers that will need to be filled between 2004 – 2014.

Entrance Requirements

Entrance requirements are similar to those required by the University Honors College. Those requirements are to:

• Achieve (usually 2 of 3 required):
  1. High school cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.50
  2. High school class rank among the highest 10%
  3. ACT composite score of at least 27 or SAT combined score of at least 1200 (old test)/ 1800 (new test)
• Submit an essay on an assigned subject
• Be interviewed by faculty of The University

Aerospace Systems Engineering Curriculum

Co-Op Students

A total of 139 semester credits are required for the program with two additional hours for students in the Honors College.

BS in Aerospace Systems Engineering, ABET Program Outcomes

1. Apply knowledge of mathematics, science and engineering in a logical and discerning manner.
2. Design and perform laboratory experiments for aerospace systems engineering; know how to analyze and interpret results.
3. Design thermal, fluid, mechanical, control systems, airborne structures and propulsion systems related to aerospace systems engineering to meet specifications within environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability and sustainability constraints.
4. Participate effectively in teams involving several disciplines.
5. Identify, formulate, and solve problems in aerospace systems engineering by applying first principles, including open-ended problems.
6. Develop practical solutions for aerospace systems engineering problems under professional and ethical constraints.
7. Communicate effectively with written, oral, and visual means in a technical setting.
8. Understand the impact of engineering in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context. 
9. Be prepared for a lifetime of continuing education.
10. Know about contemporary issues in engineering.
11. Have an ability to use modern modeling and simulation techniques, and computing tools.

Aerospace Systems Engineering, ABET Undergraduate Educational Objectives

1. Practice the aerospace systems engineering disciplines successfully within community accepted standards.
2. Acquire teamwork and communications skills to develop a successful career in aerospace systems engineering.
3. Fulfill professional and ethical responsibilities in the practice of aerospace systems engineering, including social, environmental and economical considerations.
4. Engage in professional service, such as participation in professional society and community service.
5. Engage in life-long learning activities, such as graduate studies or professional workshops.
6. Develop a professional career in the prevailing market that meets personal goals, objectives and desires.