Aerospace Engineering, BS

The Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering program at the University of Alabama is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and Program Criteria for Aerospace and similarly named Engineering Programs.

The University of Alabama’s aerospace engineering program provides our students with the skills needed to be successful in today’s highly competitive and increasingly global workplace.

Given the inherent interdisciplinary nature of aerospace engineering, it is not surprising that graduates from the aerospace engineering program achieve success in a wide variety of fields. While most students graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering (BSAE) degree do pursue careers (or continued graduate studies) related to aerospace engineering, our graduates have also achieved successful careers in computer science, law, business, etc. Aerospace engineering requires the ability to integrate and analyze highly complex systems and, simply put, these skills transcend engineering.

In general, all first year students pursuing a degree from the College of Engineering enroll in the same courses during their first two semesters of study. The first year of study primarily involves math & science courses and courses offered by the Freshman Engineering Program. First-year aerospace engineering students also take AEM 121 Introduction to Aerospace Engineering. The second year of the BSAE degree program provides a foundation for more advanced study by focusing on topics from one of the most fundamental areas of engineering, i.e. engineering mechanics. Second-year aerospace engineering students take courses in statics, mechanics of materials, dynamics, and fluid mechanics. Aerospace engineering students are also introduced to computer programming during their second year of study. The focus in the third year of study is on core aerospace engineering topics: aerodynamics, flight dynamics & controls, structures, and astronautics. The fourth year of study includes an in-depth introduction to propulsion and technical electives that allow students to concentrate in specialized areas of aerospace engineering. Senior-level students also undertake a year-long capstone design project that requires them to apply the knowledge they have acquired throughout the course of their studies toward the creation of an aerospace system.

For more information about when courses are offered, see the 2024-2028 Course Rotation.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
For additional information about the aerospace engineering undergraduate program, contact Dr. Weihua Su. Schedule a visit to tour the College of Engineering and meet faculty members in the Department of Aerospace Engineering & Mechanics.

Program Objectives, Student Outcomes and Statistics

PROGRAM EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering (BSAE) degree program are expected within a few years after graduation to have:

1. Established themselves as practicing professionals or pursued advanced study in aerospace engineering (or other professional fields of interest)
2. Demonstrated their ability to work successfully as a member of a professional team and function effectively as responsible professionals
3. Engaged in professional service (professional societies and/or community service)

STUDENT OUTCOMES

The Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering (BSAE) program at The University of Alabama can demonstrate that its graduates have:

1. an ability to identify, formulate and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science and mathematics
2. an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental and economic factors
3. an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
4. an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental and societal contexts
5. an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks and meet objectives
6. an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
7. an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies