BS Aerospace Engineering

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

California State Polytechnic University Pomona

Program Overview

The BS in Aerospace Engineering at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona) is a four-year, on-campus program that prepares students for careers in the aerospace industry or for graduate study. The curriculum emphasises hands-on learning and covers the design, analysis, and operation of aircraft and spacecraft, with tracks in Aeronautics or Astronautics.

Curriculum structure:

Year 1: You’ll take foundational courses such as ARO 101L Introduction to Aeronautics, ARO 102L Introduction to Astronautics, MAT 114 Analytic Geometry and Calculus I, PHY 151 General Physics, and CHM 121 General Chemistry, along with general education requirements.
Year 2: Core engineering modules include ARO 201L Aerospace Statics, ARO 202L Aerospace Dynamics, ARO 2150L Aerospace Computations, ARO 204L Aerospace Materials, ARO 2091L Aerospace Laboratory I, and ARO 2092L Aerospace Laboratory II. You’ll also study thermodynamics and computer-aided design.
Year 3: Specialised courses include ARO 3111 Gas Dynamics and High-Speed Aerodynamics, ARO 3120 Aircraft Jet Propulsion, ARO 3281 Aerospace Structural Analysis and Design, ARO 3191 Space Environment, ARO 4020 Numerical Methods, and ARO 4070 Trajectory Design. Emphasis area selection (Aeronautics or Astronautics) shapes your technical electives and design focus.
Year 4: Advanced modules and design projects include ARO 4050 Aerospace Systems Engineering, ARO 4060 Aerospace Vehicle Design I, ARO 4080 Aerospace Vehicle Design II, and technical electives such as ARO 4160 Computational Fluid Dynamics or ARO 4170 Finite Element Analysis. Aeronautics students focus on aircraft design, while astronautics students select launch or space vehicle design.

Focus areas: Aerodynamics, propulsion, aerospace structures, flight dynamics and controls, astronautics, systems engineering, aerospace design, laboratory skills.

Learning outcomes: Graduates will be able to analyse and design aerospace vehicles and systems, apply systems engineering and problem-solving skills, conduct laboratory experiments, and work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.

Professional alignment (accreditation): Accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

Reputation (employability rankings): Cal Poly Pomona’s Aerospace Engineering program is nationally ranked and recognized for its “learn by doing” approach, strong industry connections, and success in student design competitions

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At California State Polytechnic University Pomona, the BS in Aerospace Engineering program is designed to provide students with hands-on, practical experiences that are essential for a successful career in the aerospace industry. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and tools that enhance their learning and allow them to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. The program emphasizes experiential learning through various projects, internships, and collaborative opportunities that prepare students for the challenges of the aerospace field.

Here are some key aspects of experiential learning in the Aerospace Engineering program at Cal Poly Pomona:

- Aerospace Engineering Laboratories: Students work in specialized labs equipped with advanced technology for testing and research, including wind tunnels and propulsion systems.
- Capstone Design Projects: In their senior year, students participate in team-based projects where they design, build, and test aerospace systems, fostering collaboration and innovation.
- Internship Opportunities: The program encourages students to gain industry experience through internships with leading aerospace companies, providing valuable networking and professional development.
- Software Proficiency: Students learn to use industry-standard software such as MATLAB, SolidWorks, and ANSYS for design, analysis, and simulation of aerospace systems.
- Field Trips and Industry Visits: The program includes organized trips to aerospace companies and research facilities, allowing students to see real-world applications of their studies and meet industry professionals.
- Student Organizations: Involvement in clubs like the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) and the Cal Poly Pomona Rocketry Team provides additional hands-on experience and leadership opportunities.
- Research Opportunities: Students can engage in faculty-led research projects, contributing to advancements in aerospace technology and gaining valuable research experience.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Choosing to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering at California State Polytechnic University Pomona opens the door to a world of exciting career opportunities. Graduates from this program often find themselves in roles such as aerospace engineer, systems engineer, and project manager, contributing to innovative projects in the aerospace sector. The demand for skilled professionals in this field is strong, making it a promising choice for your future:

- University Services for Employment: Cal Poly Pomona offers robust career services, including resume workshops, interview preparation, and job fairs specifically tailored for engineering students. The Career Center also connects students with internships and co-op opportunities that provide real-world experience.

- Employment Stats and Salary Figures: According to recent data, graduates from the aerospace engineering program have a high employment rate, with many securing jobs shortly after graduation. The average starting salary for aerospace engineers in California is around $80,000, with potential for growth as you gain experience.

- University–Industry Partnerships: Cal Poly Pomona has established partnerships with leading aerospace companies such as Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and Lockheed Martin. These collaborations often lead to internship opportunities and projects that allow students to work on cutting-edge technology.

- Long-term Accreditation Value: The aerospace engineering program is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), ensuring that your degree meets the highest educational standards and is recognized by employers worldwide.

- Graduation Outcomes: The program boasts a strong track record of graduates who go on to work in prestigious organizations, with many also pursuing advanced degrees in engineering or related fields.

Further Academic Progression: After completing your BS in Aerospace Engineering, you have several options for further studies. Many graduates choose to pursue a Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or related disciplines, which can enhance your expertise and open doors to advanced positions in research and development. Additionally, you might consider specialized certifications or even a Ph.D. if you're interested in academia or high-level research roles.

Additional Information & Requirements

Official transcripts from Grade 9 to Grade 11th. For 12th Grade your school counselor should send the predicted
Yes, you may submit such test scores. However, it will NOT be used for admission purposes. If admitted, these scores maybe used for first year course placement.
GPA weighting: Approved honors, IB, and AP courses can earn weighted points (A=5, B=4, C=3), with limits on eligible courses and a maximum of 8 extra points per applicant; eligible college courses also receive extra points.
Apply via the Cal State Applicant Portal
Non-California residents may be eligible for admission to the CSU by earning a 3.00 or greater “A-G” GPA.
For international applicants, students must meet CSU eligibility and testing requirements, obtain an F-1 student visa, purchase university health insurance, submit proof of measles and rubella immunization, and provide certification of financial eligibility or an affidavit of financial support.
Applicants must complete the required college-preparatory courses with a grade of C or higher before high school graduation, including 4 years of English, 3 years of mathematics (algebra, geometry, and intermediate algebra), 2 years of social science, 2 years of laboratory science, 2 years of the same foreign language, 1 year of visual or performing arts, and 1 year of elective coursework from the listed subject areas.
Cal Poly Pomona’s impacted majors include Aerospace Engineering, Animal Health Science, Animal Science, Architecture, Biology, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Psychology, Sociology, and Undeclared; applicants to an impacted program are encouraged to select an alternate major on their admission application.