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4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
Lawrence Technological UniversityThe Minor in Aeronautical Engineering at Lawrence Technological University is an 18-credit program designed for Mechanical Engineering majors who want to expand their expertise in the science and technology of flight. This minor provides focused, upper-level coursework in aerodynamics, propulsion, and aircraft structures, making it ideal for students aiming for careers or graduate study in the aerospace sector.
Curriculum structure:
Year 1: As a Mechanical Engineering student, you’ll start with foundational courses such as MCS 1414 Applied Calculus I and PHY 2423 Physics I, building the mathematical and scientific base needed for advanced engineering topics. You’ll also take EGE 1001 Introduction to Engineering, which introduces you to the fundamentals of engineering problem-solving and design.
Year 2: You’ll progress with core engineering courses like EGE 2123 Statics and EGE 3023 Thermodynamics, which are prerequisites for the aeronautical minor. During this year, you may begin your minor coursework with courses such as AER 3203 Aerodynamics, where you’ll study the principles of airflow over aircraft surfaces and their impact on lift and drag.
Year 3: Your focus shifts to specialized aeronautical engineering topics. You’ll take AER 3303 Aircraft Structures, which covers the analysis and design of structural components in aircraft, and AER 3403 Propulsion, where you’ll explore the operation and performance of engines and propulsion systems used in aviation. These courses provide hands-on experience with industry-standard analysis tools and design projects.
Year 4: In your final year, you’ll complete the minor by choosing from advanced electives such as AER 4103 Flight Dynamics or AER 4203 Aerospace Materials, allowing you to tailor your studies to your interests within the field. Alongside your Mechanical Engineering senior project, you’ll integrate your aeronautical knowledge into multidisciplinary design challenges, preparing you for aerospace careers or further study.
Focus areas: Aerodynamics, aircraft structures, propulsion systems, flight dynamics, aerospace materials.
Learning outcomes: Develop the ability to analyze aerodynamic performance, design aircraft structures, evaluate propulsion systems, and apply engineering principles to solve complex problems in aeronautics.
Professional alignment (accreditation): The minor is embedded within Lawrence Technological University’s ABET-accredited Mechanical Engineering program.
Reputation (employability rankings): Lawrence Tech is recognized for its strong engineering curriculum and industry-focused education, with graduates contributing to major aerospace and automotive projects.
Lawrence Technological University’s Minor in Aeronautical Engineering is designed to give mechanical engineering students focused, practical experience in the field of aerospace. The program leverages LTU’s specialized facilities to provide hands-on learning and exposure to industry-standard tools and environments.
Facilities & Experiential Learning:
Applied Research Center (ARC): Home to LTU’s Blue Devil Motorsports teams, including SAE Aero Design, the ARC houses a dedicated wind tunnel used for aerodynamic testing and student projects related to aircraft design and performance.
Wind Tunnel: Located within the ARC, this facility allows students to conduct experiments on airflow, lift, drag, and other aerodynamic properties, directly supporting coursework in aerodynamics and fluid dynamics.
Center for Innovative Materials Research (CIMR): This state-of-the-art lab is connected to the Engineering Building and is equipped for research, development, and testing of advanced carbon-fiber composites and other aerospace materials. Students gain hands-on experience working with materials used in modern aircraft structures and propulsion systems.
Johnson Controls Vehicle Engineering Systems Laboratory: Features a unique 4x4 chassis dynamometer and supports research in vehicle systems, which is relevant for understanding propulsion and control systems in aeronautical engineering.
Advanced Engineering Laboratories: LTU provides access to cutting-edge labs for structural mechanics, propulsion, noise and vibration, and control systems, enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world engineering problems.
Team-Based Projects: Through participation in SAE Aero Design and other student engineering teams, students use these facilities to design, build, and test model aircraft, gaining practical skills in project management and collaborative engineering.
Graduates who add the Minor in Aeronautical Engineering to their Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at Lawrence Technological University (LTU) gain a specialized edge for careers in the aviation and aerospace industries. This minor opens doors to roles such as aeronautical engineer, propulsion systems analyst, flight test engineer, and design engineer—giving you the technical foundation to work for leading employers in commercial aviation, defense, and space exploration.
Career Preparation & Outcomes:
Specialized Curriculum: The minor consists of 18 credits focused on the mechanics of air travel, including courses in aerodynamics, propulsion systems, and fluid dynamics. You’ll go beyond the basics, exploring the science behind how aircraft soar and the technologies shaping the future of flight.
Legacy & Industry Reputation: LTU has a decades-long history in aeronautics education and research, ensuring your minor is recognized and valued by employers.
Hands-On Learning: The curriculum is designed to complement your mechanical engineering degree, offering both theoretical and practical learning in areas such as structural mechanics, control systems, and noise/vibration analysis.
Versatile Career Preparation: By combining this minor with your major, you’ll be prepared for a wide range of roles in aircraft design, analysis, and testing. LTU’s strong industry connections help you access internships and job opportunities with companies like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and NASA.
Eligibility: The minor is open to students earning a BS in Mechanical Engineering at LTU. If you already have a mechanical engineering degree, you may pursue a graduate certificate in aeronautical engineering.
Further Academic Progression: After completing your minor in Aeronautical Engineering at LTU, you’ll have a strong foundation for pursuing a master’s in aeronautical or aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or related fields. The minor’s blend of theory, practice, and industry relevance will also support your growth into specialized certifications, research roles, or leadership positions in the rapidly evolving aerospace sector.
Official transcripts from Grade 9 to Grade 11th. For 12th Grade your school counselor should send the predicted500 word essay – Sample topics include information about your career goals, why you are choosing a particular major, or why you are choosing to apply to Lawrence Tech (optional)Letters of recommendation are optionalLawrence Tech has adopted a test-optional policy. This means that prospective students can choose whether or not to include their ACT or SAT scores as a part of their applicationHighlight research experience, science competitions, or unique extracurriculars in your applicationPortfolio, project links, or YouTube channel to enhance your application (optional)Apply via the CommonApp or the LTU Applicant PortalAeronautical EngineerAircraft Design EngineerFlight Test EngineerPropulsion EngineerStructural Analysis EngineerAvionics EngineerSystems Integration EngineerUAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) EngineerAerospace Project ManagerAerospace Research and Development Engineer
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