What is an Aerospace Engineering Degree?

Whether you want to design aircraft, develop new methods of propulsion or become the first person to explore Mars on foot, you can get there with an aerospace engineering degree from Florida Tech. Here, you'll develop a strong background in engineering and get hands-on experience in fields like aerodynamics and fluid mechanics.

Our aerospace engineering degree program is dynamic and focused. You'll get started right away, taking core courses like Introduction to Aerospace Engineering and Calculus-based Physics as a freshman. Guided by highly qualified faculty who care about your success, you'll hone your strengths and begin specializing as early as sophomore year.

New technical electives allow you to specialize in unique career-track subfields such as systems engineering, nuclear technology and energy engineering, making you a hot prospect in the eyes of future employers.

Advantages

Why Florida Tech:

• Hands-on opportunities in thermal energy, mechatronics, robotics, rocket propulsion and spray compulsion--starting day one
• Personal attention from faculty who have a reputation for excellence in teaching and research
• Proximity to high-tech companies means close involvement with the latest advances in science and engineering
• Capstone student design experience that gives students the opportunity to work in teams in addressing real-world issues through hands-on projects
• Students define career objectives early and choose electives suited to their long-term aspirations

Facilities: The F.W. Olin Engineering Complex has three levels linked by the latest electronic and communications technology which promotes cross-functional learning. A 142-seat multimedia auditorium and 26 specialized research and teaching laboratories support multiple departments within the College of Engineering. A fixture of the F.W. Olin Engineering Complex is the A-frame teaching laboratory, a configuration that promotes cooperative learning by design.
Learning

Clubs and Organizations:

• AIAA Student Chapter
• Sigma Gamma Tau
• ASME Student Chapter
• Pi Tau Sigma
• ASHRAE Student Chapter

Research: Students getting their aerospace engineering degree get involved in research early and often. Undergraduates compete in national competitions, present at conferences, support faculty research efforts, and have co-authored scholarly articles. The hallmark of a Florida Tech engineering degree is Senior Design, which requires that students conceive, design and implement a project; write the description; document the requirements; secure corporate and community support for the project; and present the final outcome of their work. The project simulates a real-world work environment in a variety of engineering and science fields. The students apply theory, think creatively and develop practical skills such as teamwork, professionalism and leadership.

Sample Senior Design Projects

• Formula SAE Car
• Racing Electric Vehicle
• SAE Mini Baja
• Sea Doo Hydrogen Conversion
• PANTHR Rocket
• Zero-E Hydrogen Plane

Internships and Cooperative Learning: Undergraduates getting a mechanical or aerospace engineering degree pursue internships with local industries and government organizations. These internships allow students to work in design and CAD/CAM; understand test, maintenance and operation protocols related to space launch systems and subsystems; and learn technical reporting, communication, team work and leadership skills.
Future Outcomes

Outcomes - Grad School: Graduates have attended universities such as:

• CalTech
• MIT
• Stanford

Outcomes - Career and Salary: In 2009-2010, the average starting salary for aerospace engineering degree graduates was $58,651. (Source: NACE Salary Survey)

Employers that have recruited Florida Tech students for careers and employ our alumni include:

• Boeing
• Lockheed Martin
• Northrop Grumman
• Pratt and Whitney
• GE
• Harris Corporation
• Airbus Consortium