General aerospace engineering programs, aeronautical engineering programs, and astronautical engineering programs are the three types of aerospace engineering programs. Students can earn an undergraduate degree, a master’s degree, or a doctorate of philosophy (PhD) through these programs. Students in any of these programs hope to work as engineers who design, test, and supervise the production and manufacturing of aircraft or spacecraft in the future.
There are two types of aerospace engineering programs: aeronautical engineering and astronautical engineering. Aeronautical engineering is concerned with flight technology within the Earth’s atmosphere, while astronautical engineering is concerned with craft that operate beyond the atmosphere. Aeronautical and astronautical engineering are both covered in general aerospace programs. General aeronautical engineering and astronautical engineering programs are more common at colleges and universities than specialty aeronautical engineering and astronautical engineering programs.
Aerospace engineering programs are available at the undergraduate and graduate levels. A general aerospace program is available at many colleges and universities. Graduate students will most likely have more options to specialize in aeronautical engineering, astronautical engineering, or another sub-specialty topic.
Master’s programs in aeronautical engineering or astronautical engineering gear studies can lead to a specialization in either field. Doctoral programs allow students to focus even more on specific sub-areas like flight mechanics, dynamics, and control, fluid dynamics, structural mechanics, propulsion, and power. The theory of deformation and flow, hypersonic flows, non-equilibrium flow dynamics, and optimal aerospace shuttle design are all examples of courses.
Individual aeronautical engineering or astronautical engineering programs are far less common than undergraduate aerospace programs. Aerodynamics and aerospace propulsion are common subjects in undergraduate aerospace engineering programs. Hands-on flight controls and flight mechanics are also included in the courses. Students can also enroll in courses such as space mission design and vehicle design, as well as lab courses such as robotics.
Fluid strength of materials, dynamics, and thermodynamics are some of the other classes. Internships at organizations such as private aerospace companies are also encouraged. Internships are available at some government agencies that deal with aerospace engineering.