Expand mobile version menu

What To Learn

High School

What high school courses should you take if you're interested in this career? Get your answers from the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics cluster Engineering and Technology pathway.

Beyond High School

Here's a list of programs that you should consider if you're interested in this career:

Education Level

Education training and experience are required at different levels for success in different occupations.

Bachelor's degree

Aerospace engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or a related field to enter the occupation. Aerospace engineers who work on projects that are related to national defense may need a security clearance. Some types and levels of clearance require U.S. citizenship.

Insider Info

Additional Information

You can prepare yourself for an engineering degree while you're still in high school. Anything related to physics, electronics or computers is helpful.

Your next step is university. Attend one that offers a degree in aerospace engineering or aeronautics engineering. Some schools offer aerospace as a subspecialty within mechanical, industrial or systems engineering programs.

Aerospace engineering involves the study of fluid mechanics (air flow), structures, vehicle performance and propulsion systems. Your role will be to integrate structure, fluid mechanics, propulsion and controls.

If this doesn't appeal to you, but you still want to work in the aerospace industry, consider electrical engineering. Many people who work in aerospace have an electrical engineering background because of all the electronic components in satellites and airplanes.

Another option is to go into mechanical engineering. This will lead you to work on mechanical components, like the landing gear of airplanes or shuttles.

The best way to select your program is to decide what area of aerospace most interests you. Are you a research and development person or would you be more suited to design and manufacturing? Apply to the programs that most closely match your dreams.

Most aerospace engineers have a four-year bachelor's degree in engineering. Pursuing a master's degree or PhD can lead to additional opportunities, such as being in charge of research teams.

"I think, in general, most [aerospace engineers] have bachelor's degrees, but more and more engineers are working towards their master's or have a master's degree," says Wendy Toelle. She's a recruiter for UTC Aerospace Systems through Kenexa.

"I would say most aerospace engineers would just have a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering or electrical engineering, and then they go on to work in the aerospace field," adds Shane Jacobs.

Jacobs earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. He then completed a master's degree and a PhD in aerospace engineering. He now leads a team of engineers at a private aerospace company.

"I was lucky enough and fortunate enough to be able to do my PhD...." says Jacobs. "I wanted to delve kind of deeper into the research side of things and ... get deeper exposure into aerospace -- the nuts and bolts of it."

Extra Requirements

Licensure is not required for entry-level aerospace engineer positions. Experienced engineers may obtain a Professional Engineering (PE) license, which allows them to oversee the work of other engineers, sign off on projects, and provide services directly to the public.

For additional information, visit these websites:

Contact

  • Email Support
  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900
  • North Dakota Career Resource Network
    ndcrn@nd.gov | (701) 328-9733

Support