Aerospace Engineering
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.
Curriculum Flowcharts
- Aerospace Engineering Curriculum Flowchart – Incoming Fall 2014 or after
- Aerospace Engineering Curriculum Flowchart – Incoming Fall 2013
- Aerospace Engineering Curriculum Flowchart – Incoming Fall 2010 to 2012
- Aerospace Engineering Curriculum Flowchart – Incoming Fall 2009
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.
Program Educational Objectives
Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering (BSAE) degree program are expected within a few years after graduation to have:
- Established themselves as practicing professionals or pursued advanced study in aerospace engineering (or other professional fields of interest),
- Demonstrated their ability to work successfully as a member of a professional team and function effectively as responsible professionals, and
- Engaged in professional service (professional societies and/or community service).
Student Outcomes
The Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering (BSAE) program at The University of Alabama can demonstrate that its graduates have:
- an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering
- an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
- an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health & safety, manufacturability, and sustainability
- an ability to function on multidisciplinary teams
- an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
- an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
- an ability to communicate effectively
- the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context
- a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in, life-long learning
- a knowledge of contemporary issues
- an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice
- a knowledge of aerodynamics, aerospace materials, structures, propulsion, flight mechanics, and stability & control
- design competence that includes integration of appropriate aeronautical or astronautical topics.
Enrollment and Graduation Statistics
The University of Alabama Office of Institutional Research and Assessment maintains annual enrollment and graduate data for the programs in the College of Engineering. Please visit the OIRA Statistical Profiles website to find statistics for student enrollment, degrees awarded and faculty data.
For More Information
For additional information about the aerospace engineering undergraduate program, contact Dr. Tom Zeiler. Schedule a visit to tour the College of Engineering and meet faculty members in the Department of Aerospace Engineering & Mechanics.