B.S. in Aerospace Engineering

The design, function and testing of vehicles and devices that operate in an atmosphere, space, or even underwater are included in the field of aerospace engineering and can be found in this curriculum. You’ll be part of learning that involves such things as aerodynamics and propulsion (subsonic, transonic, supersonic and hypersonic aerodynamics, jet and rocket engine design); aircraft and spacecraft structures (materials properties, design of aircraft and spacecraft structure, materials testing and nondestructive evaluation); flight dynamics and control (aircraft and spacecraft flight dynamics, control systems, autonomy); software programming and much more. A wide variety of opportunities awaits the aerospace engineering graduate in research, development, design, production, sales, and management in the aerospace industry, and in many related industries. Some of our graduates have become highly regarded professionals in the aerospace industry. Our department is proud of a strong connection to NASA, which is directly involved in various programs available to our students, including the NASA-supported Iowa Space Grant Consortium (ISGC), part of the agency’s National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program. It provides numerous opportunities for students through NASA internships, fellowships and scholarships, including the opportunity to spend time working and learning in NASA facilities. The ISGC is also highly involved in NASA-supported STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) programs that help encourage young people entering engineering and other fields of study. The Make To Innovate (M:2:I) program is an exciting student program in our department that engages students in hands-on projects that further develop their understanding of engineering fundamentals. Design. Build. Test. Each year a large number of student teams work together to develop and advance projects that include such things as lunar vehicles, satellites, rockets, high altitude balloons, future design of commercial aircraft, and much more. Some of M:2:I’s teams compete in national student competitions and have achieved impressive results.

High school GPA requirement: Equivalent to a minimum 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. For more information on equivalency calculations. Core course requirements: Along with the GPA requirement, students must complete a minimum set of high school core courses, including four years of English (or their native language), three years of science with at least two years of laboratory science in biology, chemistry, and/or physics, three years of mathematics including algebra and geometry, and two years of social studies.