BS Aerospace Engineering

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Program Overview

The BS Aerospace Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology is designed for students who want to build the technologies behind aircraft, spacecraft, rockets, and autonomous flight systems. Over four years, students develop strong engineering fundamentals while gaining expertise in aerodynamics, aerospace structures, propulsion, flight dynamics, and control through classroom learning, laboratories, and an industry-focused capstone design experience.

Curriculum structure

Year 1 : Students establish a solid foundation in engineering, mathematics, physics, and chemistry while developing essential technical skills. Key courses such as Foundations of Engineering, Introduction to Computer Aided Design, Calculus, University Physics, and College Chemistry prepare students for advanced aerospace engineering studies.

Year 2 : The second year strengthens engineering analysis through subjects including Programming and Software Tools, Engineering Materials, Engineering Thermodynamics, Dynamics, and Manufacturing Practice. Students also continue advanced mathematics and mechanics, building the analytical skills required for aerospace system design.

Year 3 : Students begin specialized aerospace engineering study with Aerodynamics I, Aerodynamics II, Dynamic Systems and Control, Flight Structures Analysis, Aerospace Propulsion, and Instrumentation and Measurements Laboratory. Practical laboratory experiences help connect engineering theory with real aerospace applications.

Year 4 : The final year focuses on advanced aerospace technologies through Aerospace Vehicle Flight Performance, Space Flight Dynamics, Aircraft Flight Dynamics, Aerospace Engineering Laboratory, and technical electives. Students complete Senior Capstone Design I and Aerospace Systems Design, working in multidisciplinary teams to develop aircraft or spacecraft designs that reflect real industry practice.

Focus areas : Aerodynamics, Aerospace Structures, Aerospace Propulsion, Flight Dynamics and Control, Space Flight Dynamics, Aerospace Systems Design, Computational Engineering, Engineering Laboratories, Aircraft Design, Spacecraft Design.

Learning outcomes : Apply engineering, mathematics, and science principles to aerospace systems, analyze and solve complex engineering problems, design aircraft and spacecraft components, conduct engineering experiments and interpret data, develop innovative aerospace solutions, communicate effectively in multidisciplinary teams, and prepare for professional engineering practice or graduate study.

Professional alignment (accreditation) : The BS Aerospace Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET under the General Criteria and Program Criteria for Aerospace and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.

Reputation (employability rankings) : Missouri University of Science and Technology is widely recognized for its engineering education, with graduates sought by aerospace, defense, and government employers. The university emphasizes hands-on engineering education, industry collaboration, and an ABET-accredited curriculum that prepares graduates for careers in the aerospace industry and advanced study.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BS Aerospace Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology emphasizes hands-on learning from the first year through access to advanced laboratories, research facilities, and multidisciplinary design projects. Students apply classroom concepts in aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, controls, and flight mechanics while working with modern engineering equipment and industry-standard software. Throughout the program, students gain practical experience by completing laboratory courses, participating in team-based aircraft and spacecraft design projects, conducting research alongside faculty, and engaging with student engineering organizations that compete in national aerospace competitions. Students enhance their learning through the following opportunities:

Aerospace Engineering Laboratory : Perform experiments in aerodynamics, propulsion, flight dynamics, and aerospace systems using specialized laboratory equipment.
Wind Tunnel Facilities : Conduct aerodynamic testing and airflow analysis for aircraft and aerospace component design.
Propulsion Laboratory : Study propulsion systems, engine performance, combustion processes, and propulsion testing.
Structures and Materials Laboratories : Evaluate aerospace materials, structural behavior, fatigue, and failure using advanced testing equipment.
Controls and Flight Dynamics Laboratory : Analyze aircraft stability, flight control systems, sensors, and dynamic response through practical experiments.
Senior Capstone Design Project : Work in multidisciplinary teams to design, analyze, and present a complete aerospace engineering project that reflects real industry practice.
Research Opportunities : Participate in faculty-led research in aerodynamics, hypersonics, autonomous systems, advanced manufacturing, composite materials, propulsion, and space systems.
Engineering Design Teams : Join organizations such as Missouri S&T Design Teams and student chapters of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) to gain project-based engineering experience.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BS Aerospace Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology are well prepared for careers in the aerospace, defense, aviation, and advanced manufacturing sectors. The program combines rigorous engineering education with hands-on design experiences, enabling students to solve complex engineering challenges and transition confidently into professional practice or graduate study. Typical career paths include Aerospace Engineer, Flight Test Engineer, Propulsion Engineer, and Space Systems Engineer.

Career services : Students receive career support through Missouri S&T's Career Opportunities and Employer Relations (COER) office, which provides career advising, resume and interview preparation, career fairs, employer networking events, on-campus recruiting, internship and cooperative education (co-op) opportunities, and access to Handshake for job and internship listings.
Employment statistics and salary : Missouri S&T consistently reports strong career outcomes, with engineering graduates achieving high placement rates shortly after graduation. Aerospace engineering graduates earn competitive starting salaries, with outcomes supported through the university's annual career reports and employer recruitment activities.
University–industry partnerships : The aerospace engineering program maintains strong connections with leading employers including Boeing, NASA, Rolls-Royce, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, General Electric Aerospace, RTX (Raytheon), and the U.S. Department of Defense. These relationships support internships, cooperative education experiences, senior design projects, research opportunities, and graduate employment.
Long-term accreditation value : The program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET, ensuring graduates meet internationally recognized standards for professional engineering practice and supporting eligibility for Professional Engineer (PE) licensure pathways where applicable.
Graduation outcomes : Graduates pursue careers in aircraft design, spacecraft development, propulsion systems, flight testing, defense technologies, satellite engineering, research and development, and government space agencies, while many continue into leadership and technical specialist roles throughout their careers.

Further Academic Progression : After completing this bachelor's degree, students can continue with advanced study through a Master of Science (MS) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Aerospace Engineering or related disciplines such as Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Robotics, Computational Engineering, Materials Science, or Space Systems Engineering. Graduates are also well prepared for research-focused programs and specialized professional certifications that support careers in advanced aerospace design, space exploration, and engineering innovation.