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The BS in Aerospace Engineering at California State University, Long Beach is a four-year, on-campus program designed for students who want to gain both fundamental and advanced knowledge in aerospace engineering. The curriculum prepares students for careers in the aerospace industry or for graduate study, with a strong emphasis on engineering mathematics, sciences, and hands-on design, as well as essential communication and humanistic studies.
Curriculum structure:
Year 1: You’ll begin your studies with foundational courses such as MATH 122 Calculus I and MATH 123 Calculus II, building your mathematical skills for engineering analysis. You’ll also take PHYS 151 Physics for Engineers I and CHEM 111A General Chemistry, which establish your understanding of core scientific principles. Introduction to Engineering and EGCP 180 Computer Methods in Engineering round out your first year, introducing you to problem-solving and computational tools used in aerospace engineering.
Year 2: In your second year, you’ll deepen your technical foundation with courses like PHYS 152 Physics for Engineers II and CE 205 Statics, exploring the forces that act on structures. You’ll continue with MATH 224 Calculus III and MATH 247 Introduction to Linear Algebra and Differential Equations, which are essential for advanced engineering analysis. This year also includes MAE 205 Materials Engineering and MAE 272 Engineering Graphics, giving you a practical understanding of engineering materials and design communication.
Year 3: Your third year introduces specialized aerospace content, including MAE 330 Thermodynamics and MAE 336 Fluid Mechanics, which are critical for understanding propulsion and aerodynamics. You’ll take MAE 373 Mechanics of Materials and MAE 371 Analytical Mechanics, developing expertise in the behavior of aerospace structures. The curriculum also includes MAE 322 Aerospace Structural Analysis and MAE 350 Aerospace Engineering Fundamentals, providing a comprehensive overview of the field.
Year 4: In your final year, you’ll focus on advanced aerospace topics and design. Courses such as MAE 471 Aerospace Propulsion and MAE 480 Aerospace Design Project I allow you to apply your knowledge to real-world engineering problems. You’ll also study MAE 490 Avionics and MAE 483 Flight Dynamics and Control, preparing you for the complexities of modern aerospace systems. The program culminates with the MAE 481 Aerospace Design Project II capstone, where you’ll work in teams to design and present a comprehensive aerospace system.
Focus areas: Aerodynamics, propulsion, structural analysis, materials science, avionics, flight dynamics, aerospace design.
Learning outcomes: Graduates develop the ability to analyze and design aerospace systems, apply engineering principles to solve complex problems, communicate technical information effectively, and work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams.
Professional alignment (accreditation): The BS in Aerospace Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.
Reputation (employability rankings): California State University, Long Beach is recognized for its strong engineering programs, with the BS in Aerospace Engineering consistently ranked among reputable national platforms and producing job-ready graduates for the aerospace industry.
California State University Long Beach (CSULB) offers a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering, a four-year, 120-unit on-campus program with emphases in both Aeronautics (flight in the atmosphere) and Astronautics (space flight). The program is structured to provide both foundational engineering education and specialized aerospace training, supported by specific facilities and experiential learning opportunities.
Facilities & Experiential Learning
Aerospace Laboratory (AE 481): In your senior year, you’ll take AE 481, a dedicated Aerospace Laboratory course where you conduct hands-on experiments in aerodynamics, propulsion, and structural analysis using specialized lab equipment.
Wind Tunnel Access: Students use wind tunnel facilities for coursework in Aerodynamics I and II (AE 351, AE 352), performing experiments to measure lift, drag, and pressure distributions on aircraft models.
Propulsion Systems Lab: In AE 440, you’ll study and test propulsion systems, gaining practical experience with engines and thrust measurement setups as part of the propulsion curriculum.
Aerospace Structures Labs: Courses like AE 374 and AE 373 include laboratory components where you analyze and test aerospace materials and structural assemblies, applying concepts from mechanics and materials science.
Senior Design Project (AE 490): The year-long capstone project involves team-based design, construction, and testing of aerospace systems—aircraft or spacecraft—often using lab and workshop facilities for prototyping and evaluation.
Computer-Aided Design & Simulation: Throughout the program, you’ll use industry-standard CAD and simulation software for structural analysis, fluid dynamics, and systems modeling, particularly in design and capstone courses.
Student Organizations: CSULB hosts a chapter of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), where students participate in national design competitions, workshops, and networking events, further enhancing practical experience.
Engineering Student Success Center (ESSC): Provides academic advising, tutoring, and support, ensuring students meet critical course benchmarks and have access to resources for academic success.
Graduates of California State University Long Beach’s BS in Aerospace Engineering are prepared for dynamic careers as aerospace engineers, design engineers, manufacturing engineers, and flight systems analysts at leading aerospace companies and government agencies. Many alumni also move into roles in mechanical engineering, project management, and quality assurance, thanks to the program’s strong technical foundation and industry relevance.
Career Preparation & Outcomes:
Personalized Academic Support: All engineering students start in “pre-major” status and receive guidance from the Engineering Student Success Center (ESSC) to ensure timely progress. You must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA and earn a “C” or better in all lower-division courses to advance into the full major, with ongoing degree progress monitored each semester.
Specialized Curriculum & Hands-On Experience: The 120-unit program supplements core mathematics, science, and engineering courses with specialized studies in aerodynamics, aerospace materials and structures, propulsion, space systems, avionics, flight mechanics, and stability & control. You’ll also complete communications and humanistic social studies coursework to become a well-rounded engineer.
Career Outcomes & Industry Connections: Graduates are prepared for roles such as aerospace engineer, design engineer, manufacturing engineer, facilities engineer, safety engineer, and project engineer. The program’s emphasis on teamwork, communication, and real-world problem-solving is highly valued by employers in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing industries.
Program Emphases: Choose between Aeronautics (focused on atmospheric flight) and Astronautics (focused on space flight), allowing you to tailor your education to your career interests.
Accreditation & Lasting Value: The BS in Aerospace Engineering is fully accredited and recognized nationally and internationally, ensuring your degree is respected by employers and graduate schools everywhere.
Further Academic Progression: After earning your BS in Aerospace Engineering at CSULB, you’ll be well-prepared to pursue a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering at CSULB or other leading universities. The rigorous curriculum and hands-on experience also support your growth into advanced certifications or research roles, setting you up for leadership and innovation in the aerospace field.
Official transcripts from Grade 9 to Grade 11th. For 12th Grade your school counselor should send the predictedEarn a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA or "B'" grade according to the CSULB GPA scale Applicants to STEM majors must have at least 3 years of high school mathematicsCSULB has waived the SAT/ACT requirement for all first-time Freshmen applicants. However, if you have taken the test or are planning on doing so, you may have met our English language requirement if you scored at least 550 on the SAT Evidence based Reading & Writing section or ACT 22 or higher in the English sectionPortfolio, project links, or YouTube channel to enhance your application (optional)Apply via the CalState Applicant PortalOne of 72 Boeing Focus Schools, CSULB is in close proximity to Aerospace Corp., Boeing, Honeywell, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, and other major employersAerospace EngineerAeronautical EngineerPropulsion EngineerStructural AnalystFlight Test EngineerSystems EngineerManufacturing EngineerAvionics EngineerQuality Assurance EngineerResearch and Development Engineer
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California State University Long Beach
