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Aerospace Engineering

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Undergraduate Study

The undergraduate curriculum in aerospace engineering leads to the degree Bachelor of Science. The Aerospace Engineering Program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Aerospace and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.

The design, function and testing of vehicles and devices that operate in an atmosphere, space, or even underwater are included in the field of aerospace engineering and can be found in this curriculum. You’ll be part of learning that involves such things as aerodynamics and propulsion (subsonic, transonic, supersonic and hypersonic aerodynamics, jet and rocket engine design); aircraft and spacecraft structures (materials properties, design of aircraft and spacecraft structure, materials testing and nondestructive evaluation); flight dynamics and control (aircraft and spacecraft flight dynamics, control systems, autonomy); software programming and much more. A wide variety of opportunities awaits the aerospace engineering graduate in research, development, design, production, sales, and management in the aerospace industry, and in many related industries. Some of our graduates have become highly regarded professionals in the aerospace industry. 

Our department is proud of a strong connection to NASA, which is directly involved in various programs available to our students, including the NASA-supported Iowa Space Grant Consortium (ISGC), part of the agency’s National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program. It provides numerous opportunities for students through NASA internships, fellowships and scholarships, including the opportunity to spend time working and learning in NASA facilities. The ISGC is also highly involved in NASA-supported STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) programs that help encourage young people entering engineering and other fields of study.

The Make To Innovate (M:2:I) program is an exciting student program in our department that engages students in hands-on projects that further develop their understanding of engineering fundamentals. Design. Build. Test. Each year a large number of student teams work together to develop and advance projects that include such things as lunar vehicles, satellites, rockets, high altitude balloons, future design of commercial aircraft, and much more. Some of M:2:I’s teams compete in national student competitions and have achieved impressive results.

There are many cooperative education and internship opportunities available to the department’s undergraduate students that can place them in real-world work opportunities, while a student, with some of the leading aerospace industry employers or government agencies. The usual four-year curriculum is extended for students who participate in alternating industrial experience periods and academic periods. This arrangement offers valuable practical experience and financial assistance during the college years.

Undergraduate Mission and Educational Objectives

The Department of Aerospace Engineering maintains an internationally recognized academic program in aerospace engineering via ongoing consultation with students, faculty, industry, and aerospace professionals. Results of these consultations are used in a process of continuous academic improvement to provide the best possible education for our students.

Mission statement:

The mission of the aerospace engineering program is to prepare the aerospace engineering student for a career with wide-ranging opportunities in research, development, design, production, sales, and management in the aerospace industry and in the many related industries which are involved with the solution of multi-disciplinary, advanced technology problems.

Program Educational Objectives:

The objectives of the Aerospace Engineering program at ISU are to produce graduates:

  • Who actively contribute to the field of aerospace, related fields or other disciplines;
  • Are critical thinkers and lifelong learners; and
  • Are aware of the societal, economic and environmental impact of their work.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon graduation, students should have:

  • An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
  • An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
  • An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
  • An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
  • An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
  • An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
  • An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.