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Program Overview:
WPI’s B.S. in Aerospace Engineering is a hands-on, project-based program that prepares students for careers in aircraft and spacecraft design, propulsion systems, and aerospace research. The curriculum blends rigorous instruction in math, physics, and engineering with immersive team-based design and research projects.
Curriculum Structure:
First Year:
Students begin with foundational courses such as Calculus I–IV and General Physics I & II. This year builds a strong analytical base in mechanics, thermodynamics, and mathematical modeling—essential for all aerospace studies.
Second Year:
Core courses introduce Statics & Dynamics, Aerodynamics, Orbital Mechanics, and Engineering Experimentation. Students start applying theoretical knowledge to aerospace-specific topics and gain early exposure to design techniques.
Third Year:
This phase includes advanced coursework in Structural Mechanics, Flight Dynamics & Control, Propulsion, and Spacecraft Systems Design. Students also begin the Major Qualifying Project (MQP), working in teams to tackle real-world aerospace engineering challenges.
Fourth Year:
Students choose advanced electives such as Mission Design, Satellite Systems, High-Speed Aerodynamics, or Spacecraft Control. The year culminates in the completion and presentation of the MQP, a key milestone in WPI’s hands-on learning model.
Focus Areas:
Aircraft Design, Spacecraft & Mission Planning, Orbital Mechanics, Propulsion, Structural Dynamics
Learning Outcomes:
Graduates will be able to solve complex engineering problems using mathematics and physics, design and analyze aerospace systems, conduct experimental testing, and lead collaborative design projects.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
The program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, ensuring it meets national standards in aerospace engineering education.
Reputation (Employability Rankings):
WPI is renowned for its strong industry connections and real-world project experience. Graduates are frequently recruited by NASA, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and other top aerospace organizations.
At WPI, you won’t just study aerospace engineering—you’ll practice it. The university’s signature project-based curriculum ensures that every student applies classroom theory to real-world challenges early and often. Whether you're designing a propulsion system, building flight-ready prototypes, or analyzing spacecraft data, WPI sets you up for hands-on, interdisciplinary experience that mirrors what engineers actually do.
Here’s how the program builds your technical and professional skills:
Career Development Centre (CDC):
WPI's CDC provides comprehensive support to students, including:
Personalized career counseling
Résumé and cover letter assistance
Interview preparation
Networking events with employers and alumni
Access to job and internship postings
Employers often recruit WPI students through on-campus interviews and career fairs, seeking candidates for full-time positions, internships, and co-op opportunities.
Career Outcomes: Graduates of WPI's Aerospace Engineering program have secured positions at leading organizations such as NASA, Amazon Robotics, and various aerospace companies. The average starting salary for graduates is competitive, reflecting the program's strong reputation in the industry.
Further Academic Progression: Students can pursue postgraduate programs such as MS in Aerospace, Astronautics, Aeronautics, MBA in Aviation, or AI & Data Science after a Bachelor’s in Aerospace Engineering.
WPI uses a test-optional admissions policy; applicants are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores. Scores may be submitted if desired to enhance the application, but they will never disadvantage applicants. WPI superscores the SAT; for the ACT, they use the highest composite score.From 2021–2024, WPI was test-blind (did not consider scores at all), but has since reverted to its standard test-optional policy.International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency unless they have attended instruction in English for ≥2 years in an approved region. Recommended minimum scores: TOEFL iBT ≈ 90 (min subscores ~20), IELTS 7.0 (min band 6.5), Duolingo 125, or PTE 61.Letters of recommendation required: one from a math or science teacher plus a counselor or additional academic recommender.Common Application is required. Includes the WPI short-answer supplement in addition to the standard personal statement.Interviews are optional and not required; rarely conducted, and do not affect admission decisions.Recommended high school coursework: four years of math (including pre-calculus or higher), three+ years of lab science (especially physics, chemistry, biology), strong academic rigor, extracurricular involvement in STEM or project-based activities.Prior aerospace-specific or astronomy coursework not required; strong foundations in calculus and physics are expected. Competency may be assessed via placement or prior coursework, but students often begin major-related classes early.Degree requires completion of 120 credit hours, including humanities, social science, and math/science core. Aerospace electives include courses like Aircraft Design, Astronautics, Structural Dynamics, and more.WPI’s project-based learning model includes IQP (Interactive Qualifying Project) and MQP (Major Qualifying Project), which are integrated into the curriculum and essential for engineering students.Applicant evaluation is holistic, considering academic accomplishment, project work, research, creative input, and contributions beyond test scores. The institution has reduced bias and encourages submissions of makers’ portfolios, coding samples, etc.Aerospace Engineer – designs and develops aircraft and spacecraftAerodynamics Specialist – analyzes airflow and performance of vehiclesFlight Test Engineer – plans and conducts tests on aircraft and systemsPropulsion Engineer – works on engines and propulsion systemsStructural Engineer – ensures strength and durability of aerospace structuresAvionics Engineer – designs electronic systems for aircraft and spacecraftManufacturing Engineer – oversees production of aerospace componentsSystems Engineer – integrates complex aerospace systems and subsystemsQuality Assurance Engineer – monitors compliance with safety and standardsGraduate Student – advances study in aerospace engineering or related fields
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