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The University of Kentucky offers the only undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering program in the state. Housed within the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering in the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering, the program is led by faculty with expertise in areas such as controls, propulsion, and hypersonics. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in aerospace principles, preparing them for careers in the design, analysis, and operation of aircraft and spacecraft systems.
Curriculum Breakdown (Years 1–4)
The Aerospace Engineering program at UK follows a structured curriculum that integrates foundational engineering courses with specialized aerospace topics. While specific course sequences may vary, the program typically encompasses the following progression:
Year 1: Foundations
Engineering Exploration, Fundamentals of Engineering Computing, Calculus and Physics and General Chemistry
Year 2: Core Engineering Concepts
Statics and Dynamics, Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics and Materials Science
Year 3: Specialized Aerospace Topics
Aerodynamics, Propulsion Systems, Flight Mechanics and Control Systems
Year 4: Integration and Application
Capstone Design Project, Advanced Electives in Aerospace Systems, Laboratory Work and Technical Communication
Accreditation
The Aerospace Engineering program at UK is seeking accreditation from the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. Once accreditation is received, it will apply retroactively to students who have completed the program.
Program Highlights
Unique Offering: UK provides the only undergraduate Aerospace Engineering degree in Kentucky.
Expert Faculty: Led by faculty with reputable research and expertise in aerospace applications.
Campus Location
The University of Kentucky is located in Lexington, Kentucky, offering students a vibrant campus experience in a city known for its rich history and innovation. The campus provides state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced laboratories and research centers, fostering an environment conducive to learning and discovery.
UK emphasizes hands-on learning through various programs:
Cooperative Education (Co-ops): Structured, paid experiences where students engage in hands-on work within a professional setting. These real-world experiences are invaluable for developing technical and professional skills, gaining industry insights, and making meaningful contributions to employers.
Internships: Opportunities to gain practical experience in aerospace-related fields, enhancing employability upon graduation.
NASA Internships: Through the Kentucky Space Grant Consortium, students can participate in NASA Center Internships (NCI) and Kentucky Aerospace Internships (KYAI), gaining practical experience in their fields under the mentorship of workforce professionals.
Aerospace Engineering Certificate: An additional credential that allows students to specialise in areas like propulsion, aerodynamics, or controls. The certificate requires a GPA of 2.5 for acceptance and includes an approved aerospace educational experience.
Their Engineering Career and Co-op Centre offers comprehensive services to support students' career aspirations:
Career Counselling: Personalised guidance to help students identify career paths and opportunities.
Resume and Interview Workshops: Training sessions to prepare students for job applications and interviews.
Job and Internship Fairs: Events connecting students with potential employers across various industries, as there are 79 Aerospace-related employers in Kentucky. The median salary for their students is $130,720 annually, and students were placed in organisations such as e.g. Spacex, OneWeb, and Telesat.
Co-op and Internship Programs: Structured programs providing practical work experience, enhancing employability upon graduation.Their
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.
10th & 12th-grade transcripts / predicted gradesEnglish test results: IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 71CommonApp personal essay (uo to 650 words)Letters of recommendation are optionalScores from the ACT or the SAT I are not required for admission purposes, but students may submit them to illustrate their academic journeyIf you cannot take or choose not to submit ACT or SAT scores with your admission application, admission into the Pigman College of Engineering as a first-time freshmen student is based on meeting one of the following: 3.0 unweighted high school GPA and calculus on transcript, 3.3 unweighted high school GPA and pre-calculus on transcript, 3.65 unweighted high school GPAThe minimum entry requirements for admission into the Pigman College of Engineering as a first-time freshmen student are both: ACT math score of 25 or higher, or the SAT equivalent of 590 or higher, and an Unweighted high school + GPA of 3.0 or higherHighlight 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 UK Applicant PortalNumber 1 Only Aerospace Engineering program in KentuckyAt the national level, aerospace is one of the healthiest industrial segments of the US economyAeronautical & Aerospace EngineerAerospace Engineering TechnicianAirline Flight Control AdministratorAirport EngineerAviation InspectorElectrical EngineerEngineering ProfessorIndustrial EngineerMaterials EngineerMechanical EngineerNuclear EngineerPilotProduct Safety EngineerShip PilotStructural Engineer
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