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The BS in Aerospace Engineering at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is a four-year, on-campus program designed to prepare students for careers in aircraft, spacecraft, and propulsion system design, as well as space exploration. Students choose from Aeronautics, Astronautics, Jet Propulsion, or Rocket Propulsion options, each providing a rigorous curriculum of engineering fundamentals, hands-on laboratory experiences, and advanced technical electives.
Curriculum structure:
Year 1: You’ll begin with foundational courses in mathematics and science, including MA 241 Calculus and Analytical Geometry I, MA 242 Calculus and Analytical Geometry II, PS 150 Physics for Engineers I, and CHM 140 Chemistry for Engineers. The first year also includes general education courses and an introduction to engineering, laying the groundwork for advanced aerospace topics.
Year 2: The second year introduces core engineering mechanics and technical communication. You’ll take AE 201 Aerospace Flight Vehicles, COM 221 Technical Report Writing, ES 201 Statics, ES 202 Solid Mechanics, ES 204 Dynamics, ES 305 Thermodynamics, and continue with advanced mathematics in MA 243 Calculus and Analytical Geometry III and MA 345 Differential Equations and Matrix Methods. Physics continues with PS 160 Physics for Engineers II, PS 250 Physics for Engineers III, and PS 253 Physics Laboratory for Engineers.
Year 3: This year focuses on specialized aerospace engineering content. Courses include AE 307 Incompressible Aerodynamics, AE 308 Compressible Aerodynamics, AE 313 Space Mechanics, AE 314 Experimental Aerodynamics, AE 315 Experimental Aerodynamics Laboratory, AE 316 Aerospace Engineering Materials, AE 318 Aerospace Structures I, AE 403 Jet Propulsion, AE 413 Airplane Stability and Control, COM 219 Speech, EE 327 Electrical Engineering Fundamentals, EE 328 Electrical Engineering Fundamentals Laboratory, and MA 345 Differential Equations and Matrix Methods or MA 432 Linear Algebra, depending on your chosen option.
Year 4: In your final year, you’ll complete advanced design, analysis, and laboratory courses. Depending on your option, you may take AE 418 Aerospace Structures II, AE 420 Aircraft Preliminary Design, AE 421 Aircraft Detail Design, AE 432 Flight Dynamics and Control, AE 427 Spacecraft Preliminary Design, AE 445 Spacecraft Detail Design, AE 435 Jet Propulsion Preliminary Design, AE 440 Jet Propulsion Detail Design, AE 441 Rocket Propulsion Preliminary Design, or AE 451 Rocket Propulsion Detail Design. All students complete AE 416 Aerospace Structures and Instrumentation, AE 417 Aerospace Structures and Instrumentation Laboratory, AE 442 Experimental Dynamics and Control, and AE 443 Experimental Dynamics and Control Laboratory, alongside approved technical electives and humanities or social sciences electives.
Focus areas: Aerodynamics, aerospace structures, propulsion, flight dynamics, spacecraft systems, jet and rocket propulsion, experimental aerodynamics, engineering design.
Learning outcomes: Graduates are prepared to design and analyze aircraft and spacecraft, conduct laboratory experiments, use industry-standard engineering tools, and work in multidisciplinary teams to solve complex aerospace challenges.
Professional alignment (accreditation): The program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.
Reputation (employability rankings): Embry-Riddle is globally recognized as a leader in aerospace education, with its Aerospace Engineering program consistently ranked among the top in the United States and producing highly employable graduates for the aerospace sector.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s BS in Aerospace Engineering is 129-credit, ABET-accredited program with options in Aeronautics, Astronautics, Jet Propulsion, and Rocket Propulsion. The curriculum is highly structured and supported by advanced, discipline-specific facilities and experiential learning opportunities.
Facilities & Experiential Learning:
Experimental Aerodynamics Laboratory (AE 314/315): Students conduct hands-on experiments using wind tunnels to measure lift, drag, and pressure distributions on airfoils and aircraft models. This lab supports both incompressible and compressible flow studies, giving students direct experience with industry-standard aerodynamic testing equipment.
Aerospace Structures and Instrumentation Laboratory (AE 416/417): This facility is equipped for structural testing of aerospace materials and assemblies, including experiments on elastic tension, compression, shear, torsion, buckling, vibration, fatigue, and fracture mechanics. Students use strain gauges, load cells, and advanced instrumentation to analyze real-world structural behavior.
Propulsion and Power Systems Labs: Courses like Jet Propulsion (AE 403) and Space Propulsion (AE 414) include practical lab components where students work with jet and rocket engine test stands to measure thrust and efficiency, and analyze engine performance in detail.
Electronics and Instrumentation Labs (EE 327/328): Students gain hands-on experience with electric circuits, analog and digital electronics, and instrumentation fundamentals, supporting aerospace systems and control coursework.
Capstone Design and Build Projects: In the final year, students participate in a two-semester senior design sequence (e.g., AE 420/421 for aircraft, AE 427/445 for spacecraft, AE 435/440 for jet propulsion, AE 441/451 for rocket propulsion). Teams design, build, and defend a complete aerospace system—such as an aircraft, spacecraft, or propulsion unit—using CAD/CAM, finite element analysis (FEA), and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools, and must address real-world constraints like cost, manufacturability, safety, and mission requirements.
Data Analysis and Error Interpretation: Laboratory courses emphasize designing experiments, collecting and interpreting data, and performing statistical error analysis, ensuring students are adept at both the technical and analytical aspects of aerospace engineering.
Student Organizations and Competitions: The program encourages participation in AIAA and other aerospace competitions, providing additional opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in real-world, team-based projects.
Graduates of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s BS in Aerospace Engineering are highly sought after for roles such as aircraft systems engineer, avionics engineer, aerospace systems analyst, and flight test engineer at top employers like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, NASA, and Northrop Grumman. Many alumni also pursue advanced degrees or move into leadership positions in the aerospace industry.
Career Preparation & Outcomes:
Program Overview & Structure: The Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering (BSAE) is a 4-year, full-time undergraduate program that equips students to solve complex challenges in aircraft and spacecraft design, propulsion, and systems engineering. The program is the largest of its kind in the U.S., offering hands-on experience from the start through dynamic labs, research projects, competitions, and internships.
Specialized Tracks: Students can choose from four tracks at the Daytona Beach campus:
Aeronautics: Focuses on aerodynamics, wind tunnel testing, aircraft design/analysis, and flight testing.
Astronautics: Covers orbital mechanics, spacecraft controls, rocket propulsion, and structural analysis.
Jet Propulsion: Emphasizes air-breathing propulsion (turbojets, turbofans, ramjets).
Rocket Propulsion: Focuses on launch vehicle and space exploration propulsion.
Facilities & Resources: Students utilize state-of-the-art labs and tools used by aerospace professionals worldwide. The department is known for its modern facilities and strong emphasis on practical engineering.
Career Outcomes: The program boasts a 94% placement rate within one year of graduation, with graduates earning an average starting salary of $77,000 as of 2023. Many students secure internships and full-time roles with leading aerospace and aeronautical companies during their studies.
Rankings & Accreditation: Embry-Riddle’s program is ranked No. 4 nationally by U.S. News & World Report and No. 1 in Florida. It is fully accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.
Diversity & Inclusion: The program enrolls 23% female students and 24% underrepresented minorities, both above the national average for aerospace engineering programs.
Further Academic Progression: Embry-Riddle offers combined and accelerated degree options, enabling qualified students to begin graduate coursework while completing their bachelor’s degree. The rigorous curriculum, industry partnerships, and strong alumni network ensure graduates are well-prepared for master’s or doctoral study and for leadership roles in aerospace engineering.
Official transcripts from Grade 9 to Grade 11th. For 12th Grade your school counselor should send the predictedTwo letters of recommendationSAT and/or ACT standardized test scores are optional for admission but are required for merit scholarship consideration for first-time incoming students. Any student with college credit will be reviewed for merit scholarship based on their transfer GPA and are not required to submit SAT and/or ACT standardized test scoresWhile not required for admissions purposes, students who have AP, IB, dual enrollment or other coursework could be eligible for advanced standing or transfer creditHighlight research experience, science competitions, or unique extracurriculars in your applicationPortfolio, project links, or YouTube channel to enhance your application (optional)Apply via the Embry-Riddle Applicant PortalAerospace EngineerAircraft Design EngineerSpacecraft Systems EngineerPropulsion EngineerFlight Test EngineerAvionics EngineerStructural AnalystSystems Integration EngineerResearch and Development EngineerQuality Assurance Engineer
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Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
