The BS in Engineering with an Aerospace Specialization at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore is a four-year, on-campus program that combines a rigorous engineering core with focused study in aerospace systems. This program is ideal for students who want a broad engineering foundation while developing expertise in areas such as fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, space navigation, and space systems design.
Curriculum structure:
Year 1: You’ll begin with general education and foundational courses, including English, arts and humanities, social and behavioral sciences, and mathematics and physical sciences required for engineering majors. These courses build your analytical, communication, and scientific skills essential for upper-level engineering study.
Year 2: The second year focuses on core engineering courses, introducing you to engineering fundamentals and preparing you for advanced topics. You’ll continue with mathematics and science courses that support your understanding of engineering principles.
Year 3: You’ll start your aerospace specialization with courses such as ENAE 342 Fluid Mechanics and ENAE 345 Thermodynamics, gaining a strong foundation in the behavior of fluids and energy systems as they relate to aerospace applications.
Year 4: The final year includes advanced aerospace topics like ENAE 389 Space Navigation and Guidance and ENAE 412 Space Systems Design, where you’ll learn about spacecraft navigation, control, and the design of integrated aerospace systems. You’ll also complete core engineering requirements and may participate in a capstone project.
Focus areas: Fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, space navigation, space systems design, engineering fundamentals.
Learning outcomes: Graduates develop the ability to apply core engineering principles to aerospace systems, analyze and design fluid and thermal systems, and solve complex problems in space navigation and system integration.
Professional alignment (accreditation): The program is accredited by ABET, ensuring it meets national standards for engineering education.
Reputation (employability rankings): UMES’s engineering program is recognized for its comprehensive curriculum and offers strong preparation for careers in aerospace, government, and industry
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) offers a Bachelor of Science in Engineering with a specialization in Aerospace, delivered as a four-year, on-campus program. This ABET-accredited program provides a rigorous foundation in engineering principles with focused coursework and hands-on experience in aerospace systems.
Facilities & Experiential Learning:
Specialized Aerospace and Engineering Laboratories: UMES has newly designed and equipped labs supporting hands-on work in fluid dynamics, aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials testing. These labs are used for experiments, data analysis, and design projects, giving students direct experience with industry-relevant equipment and software.
Computer Science and Engineering Lab Facilities: The program includes access to computer labs for simulation, modeling, and computational analysis, essential for modern aerospace engineering tasks.
Small Class Sizes and Faculty Mentorship: Students benefit from close interaction with faculty who have expertise in aerospace, mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering, ensuring personalized guidance on research projects and laboratory work.
Research and Industry Engagement: Opportunities exist for students to participate in research projects and internships with industry or government partners, fostering real-world skills and professional networking.
Student-Centered Environment: The department emphasizes a supportive learning atmosphere, with access to dedicated computing resources and encouragement to join engineering student organizations and extracurricular activities.
Graduates of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s BS in Engineering – Aerospace specialization are prepared for dynamic roles as aerospace engineers, flight systems analysts, propulsion specialists, and design engineers with top employers in aviation, defense, and space technology. You’ll gain the technical, analytical, and teamwork skills to design, test, and manage advanced aerospace systems—making you a valuable contributor in the fast-growing aerospace sector.
Career Preparation & Outcomes:
University Services for Career Success: You’ll benefit from personalized academic advising, hands-on laboratory experiences, and access to professional development resources through the Department of Engineering. The curriculum includes 48 credit hours of core engineering courses and 17 credit hours of aerospace specialization, ensuring you develop both broad and focused expertise.
Employment Stats & Salary Figures: While specific UMES employment data is not published, aerospace engineers nationally earn a median salary of $130,720 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023), and the program’s rigorous, ABET-accredited curriculum positions you for competitive starting salaries and strong job placement.
University–Industry Partnerships: The program’s hands-on approach and faculty connections help you access internships and research opportunities with regional aerospace and engineering firms.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: The BS Engineering program (with Aerospace specialization) is fully accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, ensuring your degree is widely recognized and respected.
Graduation Outcomes: You’ll graduate with a solid foundation in core engineering, mathematics, and physical sciences, plus advanced skills in aerodynamics, propulsion, flight dynamics, and aerospace systems design. The program requires a total of 124 credit hours, including general education, engineering core, and aerospace specialization courses.
Further Academic Progression: After completing your BS in Engineering – Aerospace at UMES, you’ll be well-prepared to pursue a master’s in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or related fields. The program’s strong technical foundation also supports your growth into research, advanced certifications, or leadership roles in the aerospace and engineering industries.
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