How to Become an Aerospace Engineer with an Online Degree

From illuminating the dark sides of the moon to first flights to Mars, there are countless jaw-dropping moments in aerospace engineering. Do you want to create the next-generation aircraft or study the largest turbojet in the world? Then become an aerospace engineer! Aerospace engineering centers on developing, testing, and designing spacecraft, aircraft, as well as related equipment and systems. The specialization focuses on issues related to flight, with two overlapping branches: astronautical and aeronautical engineering. However, the career opportunities in this field require a bachelor's and master's degree in aeronautical engineering.

If you have set your sights on how to become an aerospace engineer, then this article has what you need for a successful start. Read on and learn about the education, outlook, as well as the opportunities this field offers.

Article Navigation: Steps to Become an Aerospace Engineer | Degrees | Licensure | Career Overview | Salary & Outlook | Organizations | Conclusion

How to Become an Aerospace Engineer: The Steps

1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering or Related Field

   If you intend to study to become an aeronautical engineer, then earning an undergraduate degree in aerospace engineering or a closely related field like electrical engineering is essential. Also, students must earn this degree from an institution accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). To begin with, students can pursue an associate's or bachelor's degree. Both qualifying them for entry-level careers and opportunities.

2. Earn a Master’s Degree

   Students aiming to work in leadership, design, as well as research must earn their master's degree in aerospace engineering. In short, a master’s degree provides foundational and in-depth information directly related to a student’s discipline. In addition, this degree offers the option to concentrate on different subfields, such as propulsion, material science, or aerodynamics.

3. Gain Experience

   After earning a their degree, then prospective engineers can look for jobs in the industry to gain more experience. However, while in college, students also can start gaining work experience through university partnerships with businesses. Given that fact, look for these partnerships while searching for a degree program. Gaining experience and industry knowledge for four years under the supervision of a licensed professional engineer will help prepare you for your licensing exams. Therefore, becoming a technical specialist is a great place to start gaining this experience.

4. Earn Your License

   Licensure in this field is necessary to be taken seriously as an engineer. Additionally, becoming licensed requires taking the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) examinations. Firstly, students are close to or have just earned their degree must sit for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. Secondly, you must sit for and pass the Principles and Practice in Engineering (PE) exam after earning a bachelor’s degree and gaining four years of supervised work experience. The exam tests students’ knowledge in their particular discipline. Subsequently, engineers must renew their license periodically as decided by their state engineering board.

Aerospace Engineering Degrees

In short, earning an aerospace engineering degree is the core requirement for professionals. Depending on the role, most recruiters employ applicants with associate, bachelor’s, or master’s qualifications.

Associate’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering

Associate programs in this field are typically rigorous and valuable. The curriculum leans toward developing students into highly marketable candidates for entry-level jobs such as aircraft mechanics or electromechanical technicians. These programs generally require a high school diploma, a 2.5 GPA, and an official high school transcript.

Bachelor’s in Aerospace Engineering

Bachelor programs have three common admission requirements. Firstly, applicants need to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Secondly, they need to submit either the ACT or SAT scores. Generally, the ACT composite needs to have a minimum score of 24. Whereas, the SAT needs a minimum score of 1150. However, some colleges do not require test scores in their application processes.

Typical courses offered through a bachelor’s degree generally include the following:

• Materials Science
• Aircraft Structures
• Fluid Mechanics, Statics
• Engineering Design
• Mechanics of Materials
• Gas Dynamics, Thermodynamics
• Aerodynamics, Electrical Circuits
• Instrumentation & Measurements
• Propulsion, Aircraft Design
• Control Systems Analysis
• Experiment Analysis and Design
• Flight Dynamics

Master’s in Aerospace Engineering

There are three typical admission requirements for aerospace engineering graduate programs. Firstly, an applicant needs an undergraduate degree in aerospace or aeronautical engineering from an accredited school. Secondly, they would have needed to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 over the course of their undergraduate studies. Lastly, applicants will need to submit official transcripts from all of their academic work.

Typical courses offered through a master’s degree include the following:

• Engineering Design
• Fluid Instability
• Spacecraft Systems
• Systems Engineering
• Transition and Turbulence
• Advanced Gas Turbines
• Computational Fluid Dynamics
• Robust and Nonlinear Control
• Advanced Composite Materials
• Rotorcraft Mechanics & Control
• Advanced Solid Mechanics

Licensure for Aerospace Engineers

In this field, candidates must acquire a Professional Engineering (PE) license, which aids them to merit higher leadership roles. To earn the PE license, practitioners must meet the specific criteria. Firstly, they must have an undergraduate degree from an ABET-accredited engineering school or program. Secondly, they need a passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination. Thirdly, applicants need to have at least four years of work experience in relevant fields. Lastly, they need earn a passing score on the Professional Engineering (PE) examination. It must be remembered that each state has its own licensing criteria.

Career Overview

What is an Aerospace Engineer?

Aerospace engineers are experts that develop, design, test, research, and oversee the maintenance as well as the manufacture of aerospace systems. In addition to working in labs, they work directly on satellites, spacecraft, and rockets.

There are several branches of aerospace engineering, such as:

• Astronautics
• Astrodynamics
• Aerodynamics
• Aeronautics
• Aircraft Design
• Avionics
• Fluid Mechanics

What Do Aerospace Engineers Do?

Aerospace engineer duties generally include overseeing various departments in aeronautic manufacturing facilities. They also evaluate project plans to see if they are technically and financially feasible. Not to mention, they get to create and build turboprops, jetliners, helicopters, and electric airplanes, to name a few.

What Qualifications Do You Need to Be an Aerospace Engineer?

Firstly, an undergraduate major in this or a related field is required to become an aerospace engineer. Secondly, you might earn a master's degree in aerospace engineering or begin working for another four years under a professional engineer. Afterwards, earning a license is the most crucial qualification to becoming a successful aerospace engineer.

Where Do Aerospace Engineers Work?

Aerospace engineers work in the aerospace sector of government labs, software and system suppliers, corporate laboratories, etc. They offer their expertise in various industries due to their extensive and diversified skill sets.

How Long Does It Take to Become an Aerospace Engineer?

The minimum aerospace engineer requirement for an entry-level role in this sector is a bachelor’s degree, which takes four years to complete. Although, to earn the title of aerospace engineer, not just work in the aerospace field, you need a master’s degree. A master’s degree is another two years of study on average. You will also need 4 years of work experience to sit for your licensing exams. Therefore, it will take 6-10 years to become an aerospace engineer.

Is It Hard to Become Aerospace Engineer?

Aerospace engineering degrees can be challenging, especially at the master’s degree level. The coursework will require you to use and understand complex math and science. Fortunately, the knowledge needed for this career starts with the basics before diving into advanced topics.

Is Aerospace Engineering Worth It?

An aerospace engineering qualification can lead to high-paying careers following graduation. As with many other STEM fields, it offers a rewarding career path. Therefore, it is worth the effort to acquire a bachelor’s and master’s degree as well as the FE and PE licenses.

Is Aerospace Engineering a Good Major?

An aerospace engineering degree is beneficial and required to enter into aerospace careers. Additionally, experts in this field are always in demand globally. Earning an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in this field is ideal. Although, you can also enter into this career with a degree in a related field.

Entry-Level Jobs

• Aircraft Mechanics & Service Technicians

  Annual Salary: $65,550
  Projected Growth: 6%
  Required Education: Associate Degree

  Aircraft mechanics and service technicians repair, diagnose, and revamp aircraft assemblies and engines. For example, they may work with pneumatic and hydraulic systems interpreting specifications, blueprints, or diagrams to inform development or installation activities. Generally, an associate degree and certification are required to become a mechanic, technician, or repairman.

• Electromechanical & Mechatronics Technician

  Annual Salary: $60,360
  Projected Growth: 14%
  Required Education: Associate’s Degree

  These professionals integrate an understanding of mechanical technology with knowledge of electrical and electronic circuitry. They maintain, test, and operate automated, unmanned, robotic systems and other grades of electromechanical equipment.

• Aerospace Engineering & Operations Technologist

  Annual Salary: $73,580
  Projected Growth: 6%
  Required Education: Associate’s Degree

  Aerospace engineering and operations technologists set up, operate, and maintain the equipment used to build, test, manufacture, and sustain spacecraft and airplanes. Also, the components of these mechanical systems depend on their expertise in ensuring the overall safety of the aircraft.

• Aerospace Engineer

  Annual Salary: $122,270
  Projected Growth: 6%
  Required Education: Bachelor’s Degree

  Aerospace engineers create new defense, exploration, communications, and travel technology. In other words, this role involves designing, testing, and producing aerospace devices and components. These professionals must have an in-depth background in chemistry, computer science, physics, and mathematics to function effectively.

• Mechanical Engineer

  Annual Salary: $95,300
  Projected Growth: 2%
  Required Education: Bachelor’s Degree

  Mechanical engineers develop power-generating machinery, including engines, generators, refrigeration systems, air-conditioning, gas, and steam turbines. They also work on devices found inside buildings, like escalators and elevators.

Salary & Outlook

How Much Do Aerospace Engineers Make?

An aerospace engineering salary varies depending on the company for which a specialist works. However, the median annual pay is $122,270 per year. Although, the top 10% makes more than $168,370 per annum, while the lowest percentile still earns just below $77,440 yearly. Overall, it’s a well-paid career.

Projected Growth & Outlook

Is there a demand for aerospace engineers in the future? Yes! There is a vast prospect for professionals in this sector. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, at least 3,800 jobs will be available from now until 2031. A significant fraction of those positions is due to personnel who change careers or leave the workforce due to retirement.

Professional Organizations

The field of aerospace engineering is extensive. Due to this, various associations exist to provide resources to meet the needs of practitioners in this field. By joining a professional association, graduates will access timely information about entry-level jobs and other beneficial resources. A few of these societies include:

• Royal Aeronautical Society
• Aerospace Industries Association
• American Astronautical Society
• American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics

Enroll in an Aerospace Engineering Degree Online Program Today!

Aerospace engineering is an excellent field. At GetEducated, we urge aspiring technicians, designers, technologists, and engineers to find their degrees online! Aerospace engineering degrees are available at multiple schools in flexible formats so that you can follow your passion on your time. Check out GetEducated.com today to find out more!

Sources: 

• https://www.abet.org/
• https://www.nspe.org/
• https://ncees.org/exams/fe-exam/
• https://ncees.org/exams/pe-exam/
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/aircraft-and-avionics-equipment-mechanics-and-technicians.htm
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/electro-mechanical-technicians.htm
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/aerospace-engineering-and-operations-technicians.htm
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/aerospace-engineers.htm
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/mechanical-engineers.htm