Aerospace Engineering, BS

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.