Aeronautical Engineering Universities: Aeronautical Colleges
If you are interested in a career in the aerospace industry, you will need to enroll in an aeronautical university or college to complete specialized training in the field. Aeronautical engineering degree programs include advanced courses in the field of science and technology, research, design, manufacturing, and maintenance of aircraft, space satellites and other equipment used in the aerospace industry. Aeronautical engineers are trained to design, build, repair and troubleshoot different types of equipment and apply both technical and analytical expertise to solve equipment or machine problems.
Aeronautical Engineering Colleges
Aeronautical engineering colleges offer both classroom and hands on training in avionics, mechanics and several other specialized fields. Most colleges and universities give students a chance to complete courses in the following areas of study:
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- Fluid Mechanics
- Solid Mechanics
- Mathematics
- Materials Science
- Noise Control
- Functional Airborne Vehicle Development
Students who complete their training at an aeronautics school are well-prepared for careers in the following fields:
- Weapons Systems
- Fighter Jet Production
- Helicopter Production
- Commercial Aircraft Maintenance
- Guidance System Research and Aircraft Design
- Astronautical Engineering
Types of Courses Available at an Aeronautical College
Many colleges and universities that offer degree programs and training programs require students to complete the following types of specialized courses during the junior and senior year:
- Aerodynamics
- Aerospace Structures
- Aircraft Structures
- Airplane Stability
- Electrical Engineering
- Experimental Aerodynamics
- Space Systems Engineering
- Spacecraft Controls
- Spacecraft Dynamics
- Thermodynamics
- Aircraft Design
- Control Systems Analysis
- Turbine and Rocket Engines
- Space Mechanics II
Master's degree and advanced degrees at an aeronautical university typically require students to take even more specialized courses in the field of finite aerospace applications, composite materials, elasticity, rocket engine propulsion systems, turbulence and nondestructive testing amongst others.
Attending an Aeronautical University
The curriculum at an aeronautical university typically covers the fields of operation, research, manufacturing, engineering, marketing and management of modern aircraft and support systems.
Aeronautical engineering universities and institutes offer a variety of training and degree programs for students who wish to become aeronautical engineers, aeronautical mechanics or technicians. Some programs available require in-residence study, while others are offered just like regular degree programs and may include an internship component. Since a good portion of an aeronautical university involves hands-on applications, experiments and projects, students may be required to complete a certain number of training hours or coursework at a dedicated facility.
Some universities and colleges have very large research and development facilities on campus, and give students a chance to work side by side with professionals and instructors, or complete a work study program on site or off site.
Aeronautical Engineering Degree Programs
Aeronautical engineering colleges and institutes typically offer several types of training and degree programs. Students interested in attending an aeronautical college or university to obtain a degree may choose from the following types of programs at the associate or bachelor's degree levels:
- Aviation Business Administration
- Aviation Maintenance
- Aviation Maintenance Science
- Professional Aeronautics
- Technical Management
- Aerospace Engineering
- Aerospace Studies
- Applied Meteorology
- Aviation Environmental Science
- Aviation Maintenance Science
- Computer Engineering
- Computational Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
Students interested in completing a master's aeronautical engineering degree program may choose from the following educational tracks:
- MSAE/MA in Aerospace Engineering
- Master of Science in Aeronautics
- Master of Aeronautical Science
- Master of Science in Logistics & Supply Chain Management
- Master of Science in Technical Management
- Master of Science in Space Education
Doctoral degrees are also available at some colleges and universities. Students who have successfully completed a master's aeronautical engineering degree program may choose to complete a Doctor of Philosophy in Aviation or a Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering Physics.
Careers after an Aeronautical Engineer School
Most students are fully trained to work as an aeronautical engineer or aerospace engineer. They are responsible for designing, building, testing and researching different types of aviation equipment, aircraft and missiles, and for evaluating different materials used in aircraft design.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for aerospace engineers was $94,780 in May 2009 and most worked in the aerospace product and parts manufacturing industry, architectural and engineering service industry, for the Federal Executive Branch, and in the field of scientific research and development services.
