Online Aerospace Engineering Degree

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Carmen Norris
Written By - Carmen Norris

Check MarkEdited By Barani Krishnan

Check MarkReview & Contribution By Amanda Montell

Launch your career sky-high with an Online Aerospace Engineering Degree. Flexible, cutting-edge, and designed for future innovators. Your journey to the stars begins here.

Aerospace engineering pertains to the field of engineering concerned with developing spacecraft and aircraft. Those interested in assessing designs and ensuring products adhere to engineering principles can pursue an online aerospace engineering degree. This program encompasses knowledge of aerodynamics, controls, propulsion systems, and structures. Individuals can cultivate a solid foundation in aerospace engineering and gain practical experience in areas such as fluid and aerodynamics mechanics. Students enrolled in aerospace engineering degree online programs engage in research and design of unmanned aircraft and explore opportunities in building space instruments, satellites, and remote sensing technologies. Aerospace engineers typically hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or a related field in engineering or science pertaining to various aerospace systems. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for this field is projected at six percent, which is as fast as the average for other occupations [1].

Aerospace Engineering - Bachelor

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Southern New Hampshire University

PROGRAM: Find Best Degree

Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with more than 3,000 on campus students, over 170,000 online students, making it one of the fastest growing universities in the nation. Founded in 1932, we’ve been relentlessly reinventing higher education ever since and have gained national recognition for our dedication to helping students transform their lives and the lives of those around them.

We’re proud to provide affordable, accessible education that students can pursue on our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH, or via our innovative online platform.

SNHU has earned the GetEducated.com Best Buy and Best of Business – Best Online Degree awards and is consistently ranked as a top Military Friendly® School by G.I Jobs®.

Find the Best Online Aerospace Engineering Degree Programs

Aerospace Engineering - Bachelor Seal

A bachelor’s program equips students with knowledge, critical thinking skills, a strong work ethic, problem-solving abilities, and effective verbal and written communication techniques. Hence, prospective undergraduates should carefully consider essential factors such as college accreditation, available courses, career prospects, and areas of concentration. Based on several critical components and our proprietary methodology, here is the list of the best online aerospace engineering degree programs:

Univ Address Tuition Grad Rate
University of California 405 Hilgard Ave, Los Angeles, California 90095 $13,747 92%

Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page

What to Expect from an Online Aerospace Engineering Degree Program

The online aerospace engineering degree equips students with the knowledge and skills to tackle the most intricate challenges in propulsion systems, and spacecraft and aircraft design. Generally, a minimum of 120-180 credits is required to complete the degree, typically taking around two years on average. Only a limited number of universities offer a Bachelor’s in aerospace engineering online degree accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology in the United States. Most institutions offer this program online, offline, and hybrid learning formats. Aerospace engineering majors must immerse themselves in substantial design and implementation work alongside their regular coursework. Upon graduation, individuals have numerous career paths to choose from, including engineering design and development roles, management, marketing, scientific research, software development, teaching, etc.

Curriculum and Coursework

An aerospace engineering degrees online program helps individuals prepare to deal with some of the crucial engineering challenges. Students learn to develop new technologies and apply them for defense systems and space, commercial aviation, and specialize in other areas like structural design, systems engineering, aerodynamics, navigational guidance and control systems, etc. Most of the curricula in aerospace engineering are revised to stay current with the advances occurring in technology today, satisfy recent accreditation criteria, and use new methodologies in education.

Aerospace engineering bachelor’s students take up two years of differential equations, chemistry, physics, and calculus and two years of the regular engineering curriculum. The coursework may differ from institution to institution. Here are some examples of courses in a bachelor’s in aerospace engineering:

Aerodynamics

This course helps students study the motion of air, affected by solid objects like airplane wings. It involves studying topics like fluid and gas dynamics. Students also study force and the resulting motion of objects in the air. The student understands the laws of aerodynamics, including lift, thrust, drag, and weight.

Control of aerospace systems

This course helps students understand the principles of manufacturing and maintenance of commercial or military planes, private or military transport, spacecraft, and manufacturing. Students learn about reducing human error by accurately positioning and lifting aircraft components. Additionally, students address research problems related to the simulation and control of civil, mechanical, and aerospace engineering systems.

Thermodynamics

Students learn about the study of relations between work, temperature, heat, and energy through this course. The laws of thermodynamics describing energy systems, including temperature, entropy, work, and heat, are studied. Students understand different thermodynamic systems like refrigerators, air-conditioners, washing machines, etc.

Flight software systems

This course is crucial for understanding the principles of flight software and high-fidelity simulation systems tests. Students also learn to use flight control systems at higher airspeeds, aircraft rapid response, and controls. Students can also gain knowledge of primary flight control surfaces, including elevators or stabilators, rudders, and ailerons.

Aerospace instrumentation and experimentation

Most programs in aerospace engineering will provide a fundamental understanding of mechanical vibration and engineering mechanics. Students get a comprehensive hands-on experimental implementation and device package to enhance their learning of vibration theory. Students can also perform virtual experiments using software like vibration simulation and more. 

Some of the other common courses across various curricula are:

  • Dynamics of Aerospace Systems
  • Statistics
  • Introduction to Engineering Computing
  • Space Flight Dynamics
  • Vibration and Elasticity
  • Aircraft Power and Propulsion
  • Space Systems Design
  • Introduction to Rocket Engineering
  • Aeronautical Systems Design
  • Space Navigation and Guidance
  • Aerospace Electronics and Communications
  • Space Propulsion and Power
  • Structures
  • Foundations of Propulsion
  • Design Synthesis

Students gain much hands-on experience and opportunities to participate in competitions and projects. Individuals are expected to participate in many research activities and projects. They understand how to apply on-the-job engineering principles used by governmental agencies and global companies, enabling them to build a comprehensive professional network.

Learning Outcomes and Skills Gained

Through a bachelor’s in Aerospace Engineering, students learn about structures, materials, design, aerodynamics, control, and the use of technical theory in practice. Students enrolled in this program are trained to evaluate designs and products meeting engineering principles. They can formulate, identify, and solve complex challenges in aerospace engineering. After graduating from this undergraduate program, students will demonstrate skills such as:

  • Analyzing problems in aerospace engineering, interpreting data, and drawing meaningful conclusions.
  • Designing aerospace engineering components, processes, and systems that address cultural, societal, and environmental needs.
  • Solving challenging aerospace engineering problems through directed experimental investigations.
  • Applying science, mathematics, and aerospace engineering fundamentals knowledge to address complex challenges.
  • Understanding the impact of aerospace solutions on cultural, social, and public health and safety domains.
  • Developing sustainable solutions and understanding their environmental and societal impacts.
  • Applying ethical principles to professional practices and roles.
  • Creating effective presentations to communicate technical ideas to diverse audiences using various strategies.
  • Demonstrating proficiency in aerospace structures, navigation and control, aerospace propulsion, aerodynamics, and systems engineering to solve real-world aerospace engineering challenges using current technologies.
  • Adapting to technological advancements and applying them to domain challenges.

Types of Degrees Aerospace Engineering Students Can Obtain

Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering includes learning advanced technologies, including aerostructures, avionics, propulsion, aerodynamics, computational simulation, and materials science, incorporating courses in areas like research and development, productions, and design and manufacture. The most common types of aerospace engineering online degree include a Bachelor of Science or BS in aerospace engineering and a Bachelor of Engineering in aerospace engineering in the United States.

Bachelor of Science or BS in Aerospace Engineering

A Bachelor of Science or BS in Aerospace Engineering helps students learn about designing and manufacturing aircraft. They also gain knowledge of structures and materials, aerodynamics, flight mechanics and controls, and propulsion systems important to this domain. Auxiliary and propulsion systems may also be integral to the curriculum and prepare students to become skilled aerospace engineering professionals.

Bachelor of Engineering in Aerospace Engineering

Bachelor of Engineering in aerospace engineering helps students learn about cutting-edge technology and apply scientific principles to design, service, and develop technologically advanced engineering products globally. It prepares aerospace engineers to become naturally versatile, and graduates of this degree can find employability in public and private sector companies worldwide.

Areas of Specialization for Aerospace Engineering Students

Academic specializations involve developing interests and expertise in focused domains within the aerospace engineering field. Studying specialized topics enhances understanding and complements regular coursework, fostering deeper knowledge and proficiency in specific areas of aerospace engineering. Many of the online aerospace engineering degree programs offer concentrations such as :

Area of Specialization Description Career Options
AerodynamicsThis concentration deals with objects’ forces and resultant motion throughout the air. Here a student understands the different rules of aerodynamics, explaining how airplanes can fly, rocket blast, or other objects surrounded by air. • Wind Tunnel Engineer
• Computational Fluid Dynamics Engineer
• Aerodynamics Analyst
• Flight Test Engineer
Aircraft and spacecraft guidance and controlThis specialization is crucial as it teaches students about different aerospace vehicles and systems of spacecraft. It includes understanding the design and analysis of attitude control and determination systems, spacecraft formation flying, spacecraft trajectory optimization, etc.• Guidance, Navigation, and Control Engineer
• Avionics Engineer
• Flight Control Systems Engineer
• Spacecraft Operations Engineer
Structural MechanicsThe concentration of structural mechanics helps students learn about material behavior under loads, focusing on determining strain and stress distribution in solids when materials are used for engineering structures. Students understand how to determine the strength of structures like bridges.• Aerospace Structural Engineer
• Structural Dynamics Engineer
• Materials Engineer
• Stress Analysis Engineer
Flight Mechanics/ Orbital MechanicsIn this specialization, students learn about the physics of orbital mechanics and focus on a broad research area ranging from aeroelasticity to aircraft trajectory optimization. Students gain an understanding of generating models of flight mechanics simulation for applying a multi-disciplinary design framework of optimization.• Flight Dynamics Engineer
• Orbital Analyst
• Mission Planning Engineer
• Spacecraft Navigation Engineer
PropulsionThrough this specialization, students learn how to design the engineering systems that provide missiles, satellites, spacecraft, and rockets with the intent to accelerate for flight or launch in space. Students may learn about different propulsion systems, including biological and technological options.• Rocket Propulsion Engineer
• Jet Engine Design Engineer
• Thermal Analyst for Propulsion Systems
• Propulsion Systems Integrator

Full-Time and Part-Time Programs

The timeline of a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering may depend on different factors, including whether a student has previous credits or will take a full course load or not. It generally takes four to five years to complete the 120 credits required to graduate from the program. It is common for students to complete the program in six years when taking up part-time. The program can be completed in four years when finished within the standard time frame. Many students pursue a bachelor’s program right after high school; however, some obtain such a degree later in life. These individuals may want to obtain a degree through online or alternative learning modes, helping them balance their work, family, and academic obligations. Here is a summary of the timeline for aerospace engineering degree online applicants:

  • Timeline for full-time programs: average of four years to complete the bachelor’s program
  • Timeline for part-time programs: average of four to six years to complete the bachelor’s program

Accelerated Aerospace Engineering Programs

Accelerated programs are specialized programs with shorter classes, can be taken up online, and can save students years or months of study. Such degrees require some prior college experience or credit that can be assessed or transferred. It differs from other traditional programs in the format and length of the courses, speed, and cost of taking the coursework. The structure of such programs can vary. Students can take up an integrated program with bachelor’s and master’s curricula combined or take up more classes in less time. Here are a few examples of some colleges providing accelerated online aerospace engineering degree programs:

Requirements for Getting into an Online Aerospace Engineering Degree Program

The admission requirements for an online aerospace engineering degree may depend on the institution an individual applies to. Most colleges require applicants to have a high school diploma or GED equivalent with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 out of 4.0. Applicants must be at least 18 years old to apply for a program. In addition, applicants must provide a list of documents, including letters of recommendation, personal essays, and academic backgrounds. International applicants’ academic qualifications must match those of U.S. academic standards and demonstrate proficiency in English to gain admission. There are many online aerospace engineering degree admission requirements that students can find across different programs and colleges, including:

  • Application fee and form
  • Documents of graduation from an accredited high school
  • High school diploma or its GED equivalent
  • Official transcript with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
  • Official transcripts from all previous academic institutions attended
  • Some colleges require ACT and SAT scores
  • International students need to submit minimum scores of TOEFL, IELTS, or other recognized scores

How to Ensure an Online Aerospace Engineering Degree Program Is Accredited

Accreditation is a peer-led process that officially recognizes that an institution provides high academic quality. It is an independent, third-party evaluation that can significantly affect a student’s education, including financial assistance, ability to transfer credits, quality of instructors, etc.

The bachelor’s in aerospace engineering online degree is generally accredited by the Accrediting Board for Engineering and Technology4. ABET’s Engineering Accreditation Commission is entrusted with accrediting bachelor’s level programs. The Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs5 serves as a database provided as a public service, where students can evaluate the organizations conducting accreditation. 
The Council for Higher Education Accreditation 6 is a national body where candidates can find universities and other higher education schools accredited by recognized U.S. accrediting bodies. Most colleges acquire regional accreditation from one of six regional authorities:

To understand more details, refer to the guide to college accreditation.

Where to Find Free Online Courses for Aerospace Engineering Bachelor’s Students

Many free online courses are available for aerospace engineering bachelor’s students. These courses offer insights into various topics within the field of aerospace engineering, allowing students to explore different components and their real-world applications comprehensively. Here are a few free aerospace engineering courses students can pursue:

CourseDescriptionProvided by
Fundamentals of Flight Mechanics7This course teaches participants about airplane conception and validation, applied aerodynamics, aerospace engineering, flight mechanics, and flight dynamics. This course is suitable for anyone interested in learning about the physics of flying and gaining an in-depth understanding of flight mechanics.Coursera
Introduction to Aerospace Engineering and Design8Through this course, participants learn about the fundamental approaches and concepts of aerospace engineering through lectures on astronautics, aeronautics, and design. Participants actively engage with aerospace modules using information technology and various design projects.MIT OpenCourseWare
The Conquest of Space: Space Exploration and Rocket Science9Through this program, participants explore the history of space travel and different fundamentals of aerospace engineering. It includes learning about the history of space exploration and its global political, cultural, and scientific impact.edX

Ways to Pay for an Online Aerospace Engineering Degree Program

When students are accepted into the aerospace engineering degree online, a common worry among applicants is how to pay for college. An aerospace engineering degree in the United States would cost around $8,000 to $45,000, depending on the university. Managing the program’s finances, such as tuition fees, traveling costs, and other program-related costs, could be challenging. It’s crucial to understand what Financial Aid entails. Financial aid refers to various types of college funding that do not originate from family contributions, personal savings, or income. Below are some  financial aid options explained:

Scholarships

These are financial aids, essentially monetary awards that candidates do not need to repay unless they fail to meet the terms and agreements of receiving the award. Scholarships usually come from community groups, individuals, and state governments.

Grants are financial aid given to students based on their merit or capabilities in a particular field. It can come from both government and private sources.

FAFSA

FAFSA is a financial aid that helps prospective undergraduates pay for their college educational expenses by giving them monetary assistance. The free application for federal student aid is a form that will help them understand what aid they are eligible for.

Private Student Loans

Any student could avail of these loans. Financial institutions and banks offer private loans. These are designed for applicants who will not qualify for any other federal aid.

Federal Direct Loans

These loans are of low interest and funded by the federal government. Students will not have to worry about repaying these debts until they are employed or graduate from their programs. Those who are pursuing undergraduate degrees can enroll for these loans.

Federal Work-Study

Federal Work-Study is an option given to financially needy undergraduate students. It allows them to work part-time, helping them to fund their education.

Scholarships for Online Aerospace Engineering Degree Students

Scholarships provide financial assistance to students pursuing degrees based on merit or need. For those enrolled in an online aerospace engineering bachelor’s program, various scholarships are available. These scholarships can significantly reduce educational costs, helping students focus more on their studies and less on financial burdens. Here are a few online aerospace engineering degree scholarships students can apply:

ScholarshipDescriptionAward/AmountApplication Deadline
Lawrence C. Fortier Memorial Scholarship10The Lawrence C. Fortier Memorial Scholarship supports students pursuing aviation-related bachelor’s degrees or higher, either full or half-time. Applicants must submit forms, essays, recommendations, transcripts, and financial need analysis, among other requirements, demonstrating their commitment and passion for the aviation field.VariesMay 1st annually
AIAA Lockheed Martin Marillyn Hewson Scholarship11This scholarship was created to encourage young applicants to study aerospace engineering and pursue a career in the domain of aerospace defense. It is awarded to one female high school senior and university student pursuing an engineering major at an accredited institution.$10,000December annually
Judith Resnik Memorial Scholarship12This scholarship is awarded to one student entering their senior year and majoring in aeronautical, aerospace, or astronautical engineering. They must be Society of Women Engineers members enrolled in an ABET-accredited program with a grade point average of 3.5 or more.$4000February annually

Career Opportunities and Salaries After Graduating with an Online Aerospace Engineering Degree

The bachelor’s in aerospace engineering degree online program helps graduates get job roles in not just the aerospace engineering domain but other engineering areas as well. It also qualifies individuals to work as flight engineers. Here are a few examples of career titles in aerospace engineering:

Here are a few careers for graduates with a bachelor in elementary education degree.

  • Electrical Engineer
  • Mechanical Engineer
  • Civil Engineer
  • Aerospace Engineer
  • Spacecraft Designer
  • Compliance Officer
  • Drafter 

A few other occupations are elaborated below:

OccupationSkills RequiredMedian Annual SalaryJob Growth (up to 2031)Job Description
Aerospace Engineers[1]Analytical, business, critical-thinking, math, problem-solving, and writing skills$126,8806% (faster than average)Aerospace Engineers design mostly spacecraft, satellites, aircraft, and missiles. They also create, devise, and test prototypes to ensure they function according to the design. Aerospace engineers coordinate and direct the manufacturing, testing, and designing of aircraft or related products.
Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians13Detail-oriented, dexterity, strength, and observational skills$70,7404% (as fast as average)These professionals must diagnose electrical or mechanical challenges, examine aircraft parts for defects, and record repair and maintenance work. Many professionals work on various aircraft types, including piston-driven airplanes, helicopters, jets, etc. 
Aeronautical Engineering Director14Critical thinking, interpersonal, resourcefulness, speaking, writing, and more skills.$215,828No Data AvailableAn Aeronautical Engineering Director leads aircraft and helicopter part design and propulsion system development, focusing on aerodynamic efficiency and safety. They establish protocols for workflow optimization and regulatory compliance. By tracking technological advances, they drive innovation to elevate aeronautical product designs.
Mechanical Engineers15Creativity, listening, math, problem-solving, and mechanical skills$96,31010% (much faster than average)Mechanical Engineers design, develop, build, research, and test thermal and mechanical sensors and devices, including engines, machines, and tools. They generally analyze problems to understand how thermal and mechanical devices might help solve particular challenges.
Industrial Engineers16Creativity, critical thinking, listening, math, problem-solving, speaking, and writing skills$96,35012% (much faster than average)Industrial engineers can find ways to reduce waste in the process of production. The device is an effective system that integrates machines, materials, information, workers, and energy to provide a service or make a product.

Certifications and Licensing for Online Aerospace Engineering Degree Graduates

Professional certifications can help students advance their careers faster and become experts in highly specialized industries in their areas of study. Certification assures their professional competence and validates their work experience or professional degree. An individual with an online degree in aerospace engineering can pursue the following certifications:

Certified Professional in Aerospace Quality (CPAQ) 17

The CPAQ certification is offered by the American Society for Quality and is devised to recognize those professionals who have demonstrated experience and knowledge in quality control, quality assurance, and other related domains in the aerospace industry. It assures employers that professionals have met standards in aerospace quality management. 

IRCA Aerospace Certification Scheme18

The ICRA Aerospace Certification scheme is for professionals who want to know aerospace auditing standards. Individuals learn about the effectiveness and complaints of aerospace requirements, such as third-party certification registrations and bodies.

Certified Flight Test Engineer (CFTE) 19

The Certified Flight Test Engineer is a professional certification offered by the Society of Experimental Test Pilots and designed to promote the highest standards of professionalism, safety, and expertise in the domain of flight test engineering. It is awarded to those who have completed a comprehensive examination process, including practical and written components. 
It is common for aerospace engineers to acquire licensure; however, it is not required for entry-level occupations. The professional engineering license allows individuals to apply for higher levels of independence and leadership. Individuals need to meet requirements including an ABET-accredited engineering program, passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, work experience, and more.

Additional Resources for Online Aerospace Engineering Degree Graduates

Many additional resources are available online to help students advance their knowledge beyond their curriculum. However, it can be challenging to discern which resources are ethical and provide accurate information about aerospace engineering. Therefore, students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering online can benefit from joining organizations that offer relevant and reliable data about the field. Here are a few resources students with a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering online can explore:

Title/ResourceDescription
American Institute of Aeronautics and AstronauticsThe American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics aims to shape the future of aerospace and develop professionals in aeronautics and STEM. It provides resources and experiences that assist in professional and personal development by giving members access to a global network of engineers, scientists, and others.
Aerospace Industries AssociationThe AIA advocates for investments and policies that help build capacity, innovate, and increase economic growth. Their advocacy influences the accelerated deployment of innovative technologies, policies enhancing global competitiveness, recruitment efforts supporting a diverse workforce, and effective federal investments. 
International Astronautical FederationThe International Astronautical Federation is a leading organization that advocates globally with different institutions, including space agencies, research institutions, universities, societies, institutes, associations, and more. They encourage the development of astronautics for the dissemination of scientific information related to space.
The Vertical Flight SocietyThe Vertical Flight Society was founded to serve as a technical society for scientists, engineers, and other professionals working to advance vertical flight technology. It provides outreach initiatives, events, meetings, conferences, technical committees, and more.
IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems SocietyThe organization helps to help the fields including systems engineering, development, integration, and operation of complex systems for space, air, ground, or ocean environments. They provide different educational activities, including awards, radar challenges, distinguished lecturer programs, education committees, and more.

FAQs About Online Aerospace Engineering Degree Programs

Can you get an aerospace engineering degree online?

Yes. Aerospace engineering degrees are available online, offering similar coursework to on-campus programs. Online options often come at a lower cost and allow for accelerated completion of coursework, providing flexibility for students to balance their studies with other commitments.

What can you do with an online aerospace engineering program?

Is an aerospace engineering degree hard to complete?

Is an online degree in aerospace engineering worth it?

Is the field of aerospace engineering in demand?

Do Aerospace Engineers get paid well?

Disclaimer:

The average tuition (based on degree type for in-state students), average graduation rates, and rankings are based on data from various sources, including the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), and are variable over time. All rankings and statistics are subject to change. The rankings are solely the opinion of Find Best Degrees (FBD) and are based on our proprietary methodology. They do not represent the views of the institutions or organizations mentioned, nor do they represent any official government census or survey. Furthermore, any views or opinions expressed on this page are of FBD’s researchers and teams. Unless otherwise specified, they do not represent the thoughts and opinions of the individuals, institutions, or organizations mentioned. This page’s content is provided solely for informational purposes, with data drawn from various sources, including IPEDS. FBD and its employees make no guarantees regarding the accuracy or completeness of any information found on this page or by following any link. FBD will not be held liable for any errors or omissions in this material nor any losses, injuries, or damages resulting from the exposure or use of this information. Although the information on this page is/was correct at the time of publication, readers should exercise caution because some or all of the provided information may have changed over time, potentially resulting in inaccuracies. For more information, please read our Terms of Service. Trademarks and logos are the property of their registered owners.