A degree in aerospace engineering trains students to study, design, and test spacecraft, airplanes, and associated systems like satellites and missiles, preparing them for employment in the field.
Students are also frequently taught the principles of mathematics, physics, aerodynamics, propulsion, and flight mechanics to perform such duties correctly.
It’s critical to understand a skilled professional’s criteria and costs if you’re pursuing aeronautical engineering.
You need substantial on-the-job training, a degree, and a license to become an Aerospace Engineer.
Knowing each step might help you navigate your professional path efficiently if you’re thinking, “How long does it take to become an Aerospace Engineer.”
This article addresses the question: how long does it take to become an Aerospace Engineer? Continue reading to find out more about the procedure and time frame.
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What is an Aerospace Engineer School like?
Aerospace engineering, as previously said, focuses on developing and constructing airplanes and spacecraft.
The first steam-powered airship rose to the skies in 1852, marking the beginning of the field.
However, the brothers Orville and Wilbur Wright’s achievement in developing an engine that could take off, fly, and land on its power marked the first significant steps in the field.
However, aerospace engineers are also in charge of creating technology for weather forecasts, television broadcasts, and mobile phones, in addition to working on aircraft, rockets, shuttles, and similar objects.
The best place for students to start is by obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace engineering.
The College of Science and Engineering at Houston Baptist University is where students can earn a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering.
Students majoring in Aerospace Engineering collaborate with their peers and lecturers to develop and construct airplanes and spacecraft.
The first two years of Aerospace Engineering cover fundamental knowledge and skills in mathematics (such as calculus and linear algebra), physics, basic engineering, and computer programming.
Engineering majors and students can put this knowledge and skills to the test through a series of Aerospace Engineering projects.
In their second year, students majoring in Aerospace engineering also study principles related to Aerodynamics, propulsion, and flight mechanics.
Students studying for a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering acquire crucial ideas in embedded systems, control systems, and communication systems in their junior and senior years.
Knowing each step might help you navigate your professional path efficiently if you’re thinking, “How long does it take to become an Aerospace Engineer.”
Advanced elective courses in digital forensics and cybercrime, wireless and mobile security, reverse engineering, and access control logic are available to Aerospace Engineering students.
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Is Attending Aerospace Engineer School Worth it?
For aerospace engineers, there is a high demand in the market for qualified experts with both classic and developing themes in the field, so a graduate engineering degree is precious.
Employers in Aerospace Engineering seek applicants with a potent blend of technical, problem-solving, and communication skills because their field prides itself on outstanding performance.
Engineers can get more general knowledge and delve deeper into technological expertise by earning a master’s degree.
How long does it take to become an Aerospace Engineer? Statistically, the number of graduate students who have received a master’s degree has doubled in the last two decades.
With the BLS showing that the unemployment rate for professionals with a master’s degree is lower than the national average, a master’s degree is also a strong indicator of future job security.
What Schooling Do you need to Become an Aerospace Engineer?
Here are some of the schools that help you become an aerospace engineer:
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Students interested in earning a degree in aerospace and aeronautical engineering might consider the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
MIT is a private, non-profit university situated in the sizable city of Cambridge. MIT is a top college, ranking first out of 2,241 institutions nationwide, according to Best Colleges.
In the most recent year for which we have data, there were around 130 MIT graduates with this degree in aerospace and aeronautical engineering.
Students majoring in aerospace and aeronautical engineering who graduate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology earn $20,724 more than the average student majoring in aerospace engineering.
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2. Stanford University
Stanford University is one of the best universities in the US to earn a degree in aerospace and aeronautical engineering.
The University is a private, non-profit institution with a sizable student body in the major suburb of Stanford.
Also, Stanford is a fantastic university, earning a Best Colleges ranking of 2 out of 2,241 institutions nationally.
3. The University of Southern California
One of the best universities in the country to earn a degree in aerospace and aeronautical engineering is the University of Southern California.
Private, not-for-profit, and situated in Los Angeles, USC has a sizable student body.
USC is a top university, ranking 18 out of 2,241 institutions globally, according to Best Colleges.
4. The University of Michigan
Check out the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor if you’re a student interested in aerospace or aviation engineering.
The public institution known as U-M is situated in the medium-sized city of Ann Arbor and has a sizable student body.
U-M is a fantastic university, earning a Best Colleges ranking of 25 out of 2,241 institutions nationwide.
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5. Georgia Institute of Technology
Located in Atlanta, Georgia Tech is a sizable public university.
According to Best Colleges, Georgia Tech is a fantastic university, coming in at 26 out of 2,241 institutions nationwide.
The most recent data available indicates that 338 students at Georgia Tech received degrees in aerospace and aeronautical engineering.
Graduates at Georgia Institute of Technology’s Main Campus who major in aerospace and aeronautical engineering make $8,468 more than the average graduate in this industry when they enter the workforce.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Licensed Aerospace Engineer?
How long does it take to become an Aerospace Engineer? The completion of a four-year aerospace engineering bachelor’s degree.
But some colleges and universities also provide a five-year curriculum that enables students to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree simultaneously.
How long does it take to become an Aerospace Engineer? A two-year full-time commitment is required for students interested in pursuing a master’s degree in aerospace engineering.
How long does it take to become an Aerospace Engineer? On the other hand, a postgraduate degree (Ph.D.) takes three to five years to accomplish.
A Ph.D. candidate at Georgia Tech’s Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering must complete 42 credits.
ABET-Accredited Bachelor’s Program
How long does it take to become an Aerospace Engineer? ABET-accredited 4-year bachelor’s degree is typically required for aerospace engineer jobs.
In addition to science fields like physics, chemistry, geology, biology, or meteorology, this degree could be in aeronautical engineering.
A profession in aerospace engineering could potentially be attained with a degree in experimental psychology or mathematics.
Several colleges and institutions collaborate with nearby businesses or governmental organizations like NASA to offer internships, apprenticeships, or other programs.
The student gains additional training and experience as a result of this.
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Master’s or Doctorate Degree
Due to the high competition for engineering and aerospace technology jobs, several students decide to pursue graduate studies.
A post-graduate degree would be ideal for individuals hoping to advance in leadership or research.
How long does it take to become an aerospace engineer? Some bachelor’s programs allow students to complete a fifth year to get their bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
How long does it take to become an aerospace engineer? The duration of other master’s degree programs is two years. An extra two to four years are often needed to earn a Ph.D.
After high school, one can anticipate spending two to ten years in college or university to pursue a career in the aerospace sector.
Although it may seem like a lot, the US Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that demand for these positions will increase over the next ten years.
Making the necessary preparations to pursue a career as an aircraft engineer could prove to be a wise investment.
How Much Does it Cost to become a licensed Aerospace Engineer?
According to Career Igniter (2020), tuition for aeronautical engineering in the United States can range from less than $8,000 per year at public schools to more than $45,000 at in-state private colleges or universities.
Attending a private school outside of the state can exceed $45,000, with public school tuition increasing to over $27,000.
In-state students would pay an average of $10,500 per year for aeronautical engineering degrees, while out-of-state students would be required to pay an average of $36,500 per year.
The cost of attendance for the 2019–20 academic year was predicted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) (2019) to be $73,160.
In-state students at the Georgia Institute of Technology (2019) paid $31,572, while out-of-state students shelled out $52,684 for the academic year 2019–20.
Freshmen paid $28,832 for their first two semesters and $49,944 for their second.
In general, domestic and EU students must pay at least £9,250 in tuition per year in the UK (University of Liverpool, 2020).
The cost of tuition in Wales can reach £9,000. Universities in Northern Ireland can cost as much as £4,275 for domestic students, while those from other parts of the U.K. should budget £9,250 annually.
How long does it take to become an Aerospace Engineer? Additionally, the first year of an aeronautical engineering bachelor’s degree program in the United Kingdom can cost up to £15,000 for international students.
The costs for the second, third, and fourth years will be £15,400, £15,800, and £16,200. (Kingston University London, 2020).
All engineering students in France, one of the founding nations of Airbus, spend about €601 for a school year.
The government finances undergraduate education in a public college or university, which explains the low cost of tuition.
However, because they are not included in France’s subsidy, non-EU students must pay greater tuition.
Consequently, they must budget at least €2,770 for a year of study in the nation.
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Salary and Job Outlook for Aerospace Engineers After Study
Salary
According to CollegeGrad (2020), aerospace engineers may expect an entry-level income of $69,041 annually.
An experienced aeronautical engineer might earn $112,143 per year, however. Consequently, aeronautical engineering is currently among the highest-paying engineering specialties.
Aerospace engineers can relocate to New York to earn the greatest salary attainable. Aerospace engineers in the state make an average of $54.23 per hour.
That equates to a yearly wage of $112,792.
Job Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there were 67,200 employed aerospace engineers in 2018.
The projected rate of job growth until 2028 is 2%. Even though this is slower than usual, those who want to work as aerospace engineers still have a bright future.
Aerospace engineers are working hard to innovate, particularly regarding the industry’s current trends. One of them is the potential for a zero-fuel plane.
Aerospace companies need talented engineers and other professionals to make it a reality.
The sector is also looking for individuals who can contribute to developing cutting-edge space propulsion technology.
Conclusion
It is quite interesting to choose a career path that requires little time to complete, such as Aerospace engineering.
It takes about 4-5 years to become a certified aeronautical engineer, although you can still engage by furthering at the master’s level just to become a master in your field.
However, how long it takes to become an aerospace engineer is a question most likely asked by people aspiring to become one.
This career path is just for a few years and also creates room for those who chose this career path to engage in other activities.
It is crucial to follow the right procedures, make a goal-setting strategy, and be committed to realizing your ambition of being an Aerospace Engineer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become an aerospace engineer? Although studying electrical engineering can be challenging in those 4-5 years, the effort may be worthwhile.
This can be the best career route to consider if your interests are in mathematics and how it can be used to address problems and discover answers for your community in daily life.
Knowing each step might help you navigate your professional path efficiently if you’re thinking, “How long does it take to become an aerospace engineer?”
You must also have a solid foundation in mathematics and science to pursue a degree in electrical engineering (especially physics).
Don’t be discouraged; many courses will begin with a few foundational modules to ensure this prior knowledge is up to the necessary level.
Aerospace engineering offers a wide range of job opportunities in India.
With the increased use of electricity and electrification, there is an increasing need for more electrical engineers.
Aerospace engineers get a relatively high wage compared to various other professions.
An aerospace engineer can earn $89,880 a year based on the national average for the United States.