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The Aerospace Engineering B.S. at UAF is designed to equip students with a robust foundation in aerospace systems, emphasizing areas such as flight theory, thermodynamics, mechanical materials, and circuits. The curriculum is tailored to prepare students for the challenges of the aerospace industry, offering concentrations in Aeronautics, Space Systems - Astronautics, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and General.
Students must complete a minimum of 131 credits, maintaining a grade of C- or better in each course. The program culminates in a capstone project, fulfilled by courses such as EE F481 and EE F482 or ME F486 and ME F487.
Curriculum Breakdown (Years 1–4)
While specific course sequences may vary based on chosen concentrations, the program typically encompasses the following progression:
Year 1: Foundations
Calculus I (MATH F251X), General Chemistry (CHEM F105X and CHEM F105L), Introduction to Engineering and Physics I
Year 2: Core Engineering Concepts
Statics and Dynamics, Thermodynamics, Mechanics of Materials and Fluid Mechanics
Year 3: Specialised Aerospace Topics
Aerodynamics, Propulsion Systems, Flight Mechanics and Control Systems
Year 4: Integration and Application
Capstone Design Project, Advanced Electives in Aerospace Systems, Technical Communication and Engineering Ethics
Accreditation
The Aerospace Engineering program is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), ensuring it meets the quality standards essential for the profession. UAF is ranked #388 among U.S. national universities (U.S. News 2025), #168 for undergraduate engineering
Program Highlights
Tailored Curriculum: From flight theory to circuits, thermodynamics to mechanical materials, the curriculum is designed to prepare students for the challenges of the aerospace industry.
Cutting-edge Facilities: Students have access to advanced technology and state-of-the-art facilities at UAF, fostering an environment conducive to learning and discovery.
Campus Location
UAF is located in Fairbanks, Alaska, offering students a unique learning environment characterised by its remote and extreme conditions. This setting provides unparalleled opportunities for research and practical application in aerospace engineering, especially in areas related to unmanned aircraft systems and arctic operations.
Research & Projects:
You can engage in cutting-edge aerospace-relevant research: rocket launches at Poker Flat, satellite tracking and processing at the Alaska Satellite Facility, and space-physics experiments via the Geophysical Institute. Undergrads join faculty in hands-on national experiments and Arctic-focused aerospace research.
UAF emphasizes hands-on learning through various programs:
Research Opportunities: Students can engage in projects like the AERO F256: Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Design, where multidisciplinary teams design, build, test, and deliver UAS in support of university research missions.
Internships: The Alaska Center for Energy and Power (ACEP) Summer Internship Program offers students the chance to work on energy research projects across the state, mentored by ACEP researchers.
Student Organisations: The Aeronautics Club participates in competitions like the AIAA Design/Build/Fly, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges.
Internships & Student Organisations:
While aerospace-specific clubs are new, campus life features a strong engineering community. Broader groups include Engineers Without Borders, Alaska Native Science & Engineering Society, etc., with many cross-disciplinary experiences. Internships are usually coordinated via UAF’s career center; many students find roles in aerospace startups, satellite firms, NASA, NOAA, or local engineering agencies.
Capestone Project:
In your final year, you'll work in teams on senior capstone design, either in electrical/computer or mechanical engineering tracks (EE F481‑482 or ME F486‑487) to deliver a physical or simulated aerospace system. It demonstrates integration of aerodynamics, control, structures, and systems. It's your chance to build something tangible and multidisciplinary.
UAF's Career Services provides students with resources and guidance to navigate their career paths:
Handshake Platform: Students can discover hundreds of jobs and internships, receive personalized recommendations, connect with employers, and sign up for on-campus interviews.
Advising and Workshops: Career advisors offer resume reviews, practice interviews, and workshops to prepare students for the job market. Campus is located near NASA and polar mission infrastructure, unmatched Arctic aerospace research facilities, and aircraft launch range on campus.
Further Academic Progression: Students can pursue postgraduate programs such as an MS in Aerospace, Astronautics, Aeronautics, MBA in Aviation, or AI & Data Science after a Bachelor’s in Aerospace Engineering.
Median Salary & Outlook:
The strong engineering demand in Alaska and connections with research labs support competitive prospects. UAF alumni earn a median of approximately $48,000/year, and Regional engineering averages suggest $90,000–110,000/year for aerospace & mechanical roles in Alaska and nationally.
10th & 12th-grade transcripts / predicted gradesEnglish test results: IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 79Optional Common App personal essay (up to 650 words)UAF doesn’t require ACT/SAT scores for admission to any undergraduate degree program. Test scores aren’t taken into consideration for UAF scholarships. However, a qualifying score is required for some non-UAF scholarship opportunities, such as the Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS)Letters of recommendation are optionalHighlight 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 UAF Applicant PortalAeronautical & Aerospace EngineerAerospace Engineering TechnicianAirline Flight Control AdministratorAirport EngineerAviation InspectorElectrical EngineerEngineering ProfessorIndustrial EngineerMaterials EngineerMechanical EngineerNuclear EngineerPilotProduct Safety EngineerShip PilotStructural Engineer
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University of Alaska Fairbanks
