Build a future working with aircraft, spacecraft, rockets, unpiloted aerial and space robotic platforms, and more. In this program, you'll have opportunities for advanced education and creative research. These are essential skills for careers in teaching, research, or design. Through your study, you'll also find opportunities to contribute to the body of knowledge in the field. When you graduate, you'll be ready to design and analyze the systems used in aerospace, aeronautics, and astronautics.
Program Highlights
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¹ÏÉñÍø's Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering has close ties with: NASA Langley Research Center, Air Force Research Laboratory, Naval Research Laboratory, and other government agencies and local industries
Careers
Check out these ideas from ¹ÏÉñÍø's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the . A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians
Operate, install, calibrate, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
Assemble, fit, fasten, and install parts of airplanes, space vehicles, or missiles, such as tails, wings, fuselage, bulkheads, stabilizers, landing gear, rigging and control equipment, or heating and ventilating systems.
Aviation Inspectors
Inspect aircraft, maintenance procedures, air navigational aids, air traffic controls, and communications equipment to ensure conformance with Federal safety regulations.
Aerospace Engineers
Perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. May conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. May recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques.
Requirements
The applicant must have earned an undergraduate degree from an accredited university in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, engineering mechanics, or a closely related discipline, such as physics or mathematics, and must also meet ¹ÏÉñÍø’s general requirements for admission. Applicants with degrees in disciplines other than aerospace engineering or mechanical engineering are required to complete up to three leveling courses. A remedial study plan will be designed for the applicant by the GPD in order to prepare the student for graduate work in the shortest possible time. The selected courses are subject to satisfying the prerequisites listed in the catalog. If an applicant already has a minor in aerospace engineering or mechanical engineering, then no leveling courses are necessary.
Featured Courses
Cost of Attendance
We believe in providing students with transparent and accessible information about the cost of attendance.Â
Review the estimated tuition rates for the 2024-25 academic year (subject to change). Non-resident rates are charged for anyone who is not a current Virginia resident, including international students.
Ways to Fund Your Degree
There are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ¹ÏÉñÍø, including scholarships, assistantships, and student loans. For more details about financial aid at ¹ÏÉñÍø, visit the Financial Aid Office page.