Aerospace Engineering

What is Aerospace Engineering?

Aerospace engineering covers a wide realm of engineering disciplines which culminate in the research and design of air and space vehicles.

What do Aerospace Engineers do?

Aerospace engineers design, model, analyze, simulate, and test aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, missiles, and rockets, as well as their associated components. Engineers may also be engaged in research in fields such as rocketry, aircraft safety, robotics, and the development of new aerospace materials.

Aerospace Engineering at UIUC

The first two years of the Aerospace Engineering (AE) undergraduate program consist primarily of the engineering core curriculum, including classes such as calculus, physics, engineering graphics, thermodynamics and mechanics. Introductory classes in AE are also taken, including a freshman seminar taught by a faculty member. This course provides an overview of the department and a substantive introduction to aerospace design.

During the junior and senior years, four major fields of study are covered:

Aerodynamics and Propulsion: This field examines the movement of vehicles and how such movement is affected by different media. A related research topic is the development of electric propulsion systems for spacecraft.
Dynamics and Control: This field examines how a system's performance can be improved by using information about its current state. A current research topic is the design of alternative control methods for future tailless stealth aircraft.
Structural Dynamics and Mechanics: This field is concerned with the performance of materials and structures in air and space. A major area of research is the development of lightweight composite materials.
Design: This field focuses on system engineering, conceptual design, and technical communication skills. Students are split into teams which work to design either an aircraft or space vehicle. Students often interact with engineers in industry or NASA on these projects. Design teams may also submit their work to national competitions.

A large number of hours are also left open for students to explore other technical areas within AE or other departments. A total of 134 hours are required for graduation.

Career Opportunities

A wide variety of employment opportunities are available to students with a bachelor of science degree in AE. Aerospace corporations, such as Boeing and Lockheed Martin, hire AE students for their knowledge in vehicle design. Auto manufacturers such as General Motors and Ford often seek aerospace engineers to improve automobile aerodynamics. AE students may also find positions in the robotics industry where experience with dynamics and control is valuable. In addition, there exists the possibility of employment in government-supported research units such as NASA. A good number of students also go on to receive their masters or doctoral degrees while conducting research with a leader in their chosen field. Current areas of research include solid rocketry, electric propulsion, race car wing aerodynamics, aircraft icing and safety, computational fluid dynamics, and finite element analysis, to name a few.

Students may also participate in summer internships or cooperative education programs within aerospace corporations or NASA. Such experience is of great value when seeking permanent employment after graduation.

Why Aerospace Engineering?

Almost everyone is familiar with some aspect of aerospace engineering, such as the space program or commercial and military aircraft. In addition to these, the field contains a wide variety of opportunities in both research and design. The undergraduate program in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering at UIUC is one of the best in the nation. By completing a course of study through this program, a student is well-prepared to engage in a most challenging and rewarding career.

Department Contact Information:

Department of Aerospace Engineering
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
306 Talbot Laboratory, MC-236
104 South Wright Street
Urbana, Illinois 61801-2935

Telephone: 217-333-2651
Fax: 217-244-0720
Web page: http://www.ae.uiuc.edu

Engineering Guide | Tau Beta Pi | College of Engineering