collageDream of working at NASA or ISRO? Discover the best MS programs in aerospace or aeronautical engineering. Chat with us for admission help.
Differences between Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering
Aeronautics is the science of building or flying aircraft while aerospace is regarded as the branch of technology and industry that comprises both aviation and space flight. Aeronautical engineers work with aircraft that stay within the earth’s atmosphere (airplanes and helicopters). On the other hand, aerospace engineers can be both aeronautical and astronautical engineers.
Astronautical engineers work with aircraft that function outside the earth’s atmosphere. This includes rockets, satellites, and other and spacecraft. A degree in aerospace engineering will cover them both of these domains.
Aerospace engineering involves the designing and building of both aircraft and spacecraft. A bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering would include both the specializations. A bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering will focus on those vehicles that fly within the Earth’s atmosphere.
Qualifications
Eligibility Criteria
Aerospace engineering
Aerospace Engineers require a Bachelor’s degree to enter this field. Some university programs offer 5-year programs which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and also a master’s degree at the same time. The ABET usually accredits all Aerospace Engineering programs.
High school students who are interested in studying aerospace engineering should take courses in chemistry, physics, and mathematics, including algebra, trigonometry, and calculus. You will usually need three A levels, which includes maths and or physics. You will also require five GCSEs A-C, including maths, English, and science. You need to check with universities for exact entry details, as level 3 vocational qualifications in engineering may also be accepted.
Aeronautical engineering
To become an aeronautical engineer, a candidate must complete a bachelor’s degree program, in aerospace or aeronautical engineering. The program has to be approved by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Programs can take 4-5 years to complete.
Students wishing to pursue this program needs to begin their education by enrolling in core courses in mathematics, chemistry, and physics. Additionally, these programs require students to complete introductory labs in which they test the engineering principles that are applied to flight and propulsion.
Once you are done with the core requirements, it is essential to take up challenging classes which cover topics that include aerodynamics of airplane bodies to electrical systems in cockpits. After you are done with the fundamentals of flight and stability control, you need to focus on aircraft sensors and electrical components, along with wing structure and flaps. Programs also provide training in power generation for aircraft, which includes combustion engine design.
When you are in the senior years of a bachelor’s in aerospace/aeronautical engineering, you need to take part in lab and design courses. These courses often require in-depth research into several issues that range from construction materials to wing design.
While completing their assignments, students may also be responsible for simulating flight and modifying certain areas. Applying the knowledge, you can make changes in the models, test designs, and prepare class presentations.
Graduates must take two examinations and accrue four years of work experience to become licensed professional engineers (PEs) in their state. They can use the title of EIT, or engineer in training, after passing the first Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, which can be taken any time after graduation. EITs must also complete a minimum of four years’ on-the-job training, after which they take the PE exam to become professional aeronautical engineers.
A mechanical Engineer can go for further studies in aerospace or related fields. You can pursue your career as an Aerospace or Aeronautical Engineer even with a mechanical engineering degree. In most of the colleges, aerospace engineering is usually a specialization of mechanical engineering. The reverse can also be true. Studying aerospace engineering doesn’t lock you into only aerospace jobs. You can still get mechanical engineering jobs and even other field jobs.
Skills Required
Aerospace engineering
To be a good aerospace engineer, you’ll need:
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Good communication skills
- Proficient in mathematics and IT
- Knowledge of computer-aided design (CAD) and manufacturing (CAM) software
- Excellent technical knowledge
- The ability to plan meticulously, prioritize and manage projects effectively
Aeronautical engineering
- Strong mathematical, analytical and problem-solving skills
- Technical expertise
- Project and time management skills
- Communication skills, both verbal and written
- Creativity and innovative thinking
- Attention to every specific detail
- A keen awareness of safety issues
- The ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
- A commitment to keeping up to date with technical developments
MS Degrees in Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering
Aerospace engineering:
Aerospace engineering majors learn how to use math and science to design and develop aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles. They also study such topics as aerodynamics, orbits, launch, flight controls, and engines.
Aeronautical Engineering
The core subjects of Aeronautical Engineering are as follows:
- Fluid Dynamics
- Materials sciences
- Structural Analysis
- Propulsion
- Automatic Control and Guidance
- Aircraft Performance and Aircraft Structures
Requirements to Study
MS in Aeronautical Engineering
A bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, in aerospace engineering or a related discipline (such as aircraft or mechanical engineering).
MS in Aerospace Engineering
A bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, in aerospace engineering or a related discipline (such as aircraft or mechanical engineering).
Duration
Aerospace Engineering
A bachelor’s degree requiring four years of study is the minimum necessary to enter this field. Colleges and universities also offer graduate programs where students can obtain masters and doctoral degrees. The master’s program usually takes two years. An additional two to four years is needed to earn a doctorate.
Aeronautical Engineering
To become an aeronautical engineer, one needs to go for a four year Bachelor of Science degree in aerospace engineering from a university program that is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). You need to take courses in mathematics, computer design, and physics.
The duration of your Masters in Aeronautical Engineering degree will usually vary depending on which university you study, but often, they are one or two years long. Many schools provide the opportunity to progress straight to a Ph.D., that extends the years of study by at least a few years.
Cost
Master’s program in Aerospace/ Aeronautical engineering
The average annual out-of-state cost for a bachelor program in Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering is $45,496 with an estimated average four-year degree total cost of $181,984.
The approximate tuition fees for each of the countries are as follows:
USA: 48,000 EUR/year ($54722.98) UK : 25,000 EUR/year (£22130.00) Canada: 15,000 EUR/year ($22700) Australia: 30,000 EUR/year (47713.50 AUD) Sweden: 15,000 EUR/year (154318.06 KR) Italy: 3,900 EUR/year Germany: 140 EUR/year Ireland: 14,000 EUR/year
Where to Study
Russia is considered to be the best country for studying masters or graduation in Aeronautics and Aerospace Engineering. As a developed country in every aspect, Russia offers many benefits to students. It is renowned for the best quality international education for decades. Georgia Institute of Technology is considered to be one of the best aerospace engineering universities. Also, Massachusetts Institute of Technology is regarded as a renowned university when it comes to aerospace engineering.
Best aerospace/aeronautical engineering schools are as follows:
USA
California Institute of Technology Massachusetts Institute of Technology Stanford University Georgia Institute of Technology. University of Michigan–Ann Arbor Purdue University–West Lafayette Texas A&M University–College Station Princeton University
Canada
Brandon University Concordia University Royal Military College of Canada. Royal Military College of Canada Ryerson University. Ryerson University
UK
The University of Cambridge Imperial College London Bristol University The University of Southampton The University of Bath. The University of Leeds. The University of Glasgow
Australia
The University of Melbourne The Monash University The University of Sydney. The University of NSW. Australian National University
Germany
FH Aachen. RWTH Aachen University. Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin) Bremen University of Applied Sciences. The Technical University of Brunswick. Technical University of Darmstadt (TU Darmstadt)
Sweden
KTH Royal Institute of Technology
Ireland
The University of Limerick Institute of Technology, Carlow
Italy
University of Bologna Politecnicio Di Milano
New Zealand
Air New Zealand Aviation Institute Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology
Scope and Career Prospects
Aerospace engineering
Employment of aerospace engineers is usually projected to grow 6 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Aircraft are being redesigned to cause less noise pollution and have better fuel efficiency, which will help sustain demand for research and development.
With a masters in aerospace engineering, one can get one of the job roles:
- Aerospace engineer
- CAD technician
- Design engineer
- Maintenance engineer
- Manufacturing systems engineer
- Materials engineer
- Mechanical engineer
- Aeronautical engineering
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is always a demand for both aeronautical engineers and aerospace engineers, which is growing at an average rate. It estimates that the job outlook for the aircraft industry will continue growing over the next decade.
Aeronautical engineers are needed to develop new products and redevelop current products as new rules and regulations call for quieter, more fuel-efficient aircraft. Ongoing space exploration efforts, both by governments and private organizations, have created an increased need for experienced engineers.
Considered as one of the most technologically advanced branches of engineering, Aeronautical Engineers is always in demand. Aeronautical engineers are required in public and private Airline Services and also in aircraft-manufacturing units. Usually, in the beginning, the engineers are hired as Junior Engineers or graduate engineer trainees. After assessing their performance, they are promoted to a suitable designation in an organization.
Countries like the United States of America, France, UK, and Germany hire many Aeronautical Engineers. The salary of these engineers is offered based on their experience, skills, city of employment, and type of employer.
Top Recruiters
Aeronautical Engineering
- Boeing
- NASA
- ISRO
- Air India
- Airbus
- DRDO
- National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL)
- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
- Jet Airways
- Spicejet
Aerospace engineering
- Boeing
- Honeywell Aerospace
- Airbus
- CAE Inc
- Lockheed Martin Corp
- Raytheon
- Leonardo
- Northrop Grumman
- United Technologies (UTC)
- GE
- Safran
- Rolls Royce
- Meggitt PLC
Types of Jobs
Aeronautical engineering
Aeronautical Engineers not only work for the aviation industry, but they also work in Defense sector like Air Force. They implement scientific and technological principles to research, design, construct, and then test the performance of the civil, military weapons, along with testing aircraft and missiles. Maintenance of the same also falls under their job responsibility. These engineers make use of software like Computer-Aided Design (CAD) to develop the aircraft or related avionics. This branch also requires specialization in Mechanical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, and other similar fields.
Aerospace engineering
Aerospace engineers can specialize in designing different types of aerospace products, such as commercial and military airplanes and helicopters; remotely piloted aircraft and rotorcraft; spacecraft, including launch vehicles and satellites; and military missiles and rockets.
The commonly offered job profiles offered to Aeronautical and Aerospace engineers are:
- Aircraft Engineers
- Thermal Design Engineer
- Aircraft Production Manager
- Aerospace Design Checker
- Aerospace engineer
- CAD technician
- Design engineer
- Maintenance engineer
- Manufacturing systems engineer
- Materials engineer.
- Mechanical engineer
collage