BS Aerospace Engineering

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly SLO) offers a BS in Aerospace Engineering, ABET-accredited program emphasizing a “learn by doing” philosophy and hands-on, laboratory-based education. Students can choose concentrations in either Aeronautics or Astronautics, preparing them for careers in designing, building, and testing aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems.

Facilities & Experiential Learning:

• PolySat Laboratory: Students participate in satellite design, construction, and operation in the PolySat lab, which has launched multiple CubeSats in collaboration with NASA and industry partners. This facility gives students direct experience with real space missions and satellite technology.

• Prototype Vehicles Laboratory: Here, students design, build, and test innovative transportation systems, including aircraft and spacecraft prototypes, applying advanced manufacturing and integration techniques.

• Aerospace Engineering Laboratories: The curriculum integrates extensive lab work, including courses like Experimental Sensors, Actuators and Control (AERO 321), Experimental Stress Analysis (AERO 433), and Aerospace Systems Senior Laboratory (AERO 465), where students use wind tunnels, structural testing rigs, and advanced instrumentation for real-world experiments.

• Industry Partnerships: Cal Poly maintains strong ties with aerospace employers and nearby Vandenberg Space Force Base, providing students with access to internships, industry-sponsored projects, and exposure to current aerospace technologies and practices.

• Capstone Design Projects: All students complete a group-based senior capstone design project, working in teams to conceive, design, build, and test aerospace systems—often for competition or in partnership with industry.

• Student Organizations: Active chapters of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) and the Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE) offer additional opportunities for hands-on projects, competitions, and networking.

• Laboratory-Based Curriculum: From introductory courses like Aerospace Fundamentals (AERO 121) and Introduction to Aerospace Design (AERO 215) to advanced topics such as Aerospace Structural Analysis and Aerospace Gas Dynamics, students consistently apply theory in laboratory and project settings.

Graduates of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo’s BS in Aerospace Engineering program are in high demand, stepping into roles like aerospace engineer, flight systems analyst, spacecraft designer, and propulsion engineer at leading employers such as NASA, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and United Launch Alliance. You’ll be ready to design, build, and test cutting-edge aircraft, spacecraft, drones, and satellites—making a real impact in the aerospace industry and beyond.

Career Preparation & Outcomes:

• University Services for Career Success: You’ll benefit from Cal Poly’s “learn by doing” approach, which means you’ll spend significant time in hands-on labs for aircraft and spacecraft design, flight simulation, propulsion, wind tunnel testing, and more. The university’s dedicated career services and faculty advisors help you find internships and connect you with professional societies like the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) and Sigma Gamma Tau honor society for networking and leadership opportunities.

• Employment Stats & Salary Figures: Cal Poly SLO aerospace engineering graduates report a median starting salary of $85,509—well above the national average for the field. The program awarded over 100 bachelor’s degrees last year, and graduates enjoy a strong job placement rate with top aerospace employers.

• University–Industry Partnerships: Cal Poly’s close ties with industry giants like Boeing, Raytheon, Pratt & Whitney, NASA, and Vandenberg Air Force Base mean you’ll have access to internships, co-ops, and real-world projects that give you a head start in your career.

• Long-Term Accreditation Value: The BS Aerospace Engineering program is fully accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, ensuring your degree is recognized and respected worldwide.

• Graduation Outcomes: You’ll graduate with deep technical skills, hands-on project experience, and the ability to lead in multidisciplinary engineering environments—qualities that make Cal Poly SLO alumni stand out in the job market.

Further Academic Progression: After finishing your BS in Aerospace Engineering at Cal Poly SLO, you can continue your studies through Cal Poly’s blended bachelor’s and master’s programs in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, or pursue graduate degrees at top universities nationwide. This strong foundation also supports your growth into research, advanced certifications, or leadership roles in the aerospace sector.