Aerospace Engineering Bachelor's Degree

Aerospace engineers use creative problem-solving and mechanical expertise to create out-of-this-world solutions. They work to design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems, and can specialize in areas such as propulsion systems, structural design, and system engineering.

Earn your bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering. Gain hands-on experience through collaborative coursework in structures, materials, gas dynamics, space science, and orbital mechanics. Study with our world-class faculty in innovative classrooms and labs where you learn by doing. Design, construct, and test real products—like the three satellites already built by Michigan Tech engineering students.

At Michigan Tech, hands-on education is your way into the aerospace industry. In addition to your coursework, collaborate with our industry-proven faculty on research projects for the Michigan Tech Aerospace Engineering Research Center (MARC), develop solutions for exploration in Planetary Surface Technology Development Lab (PSTDL), or study next-generation thruster systems in the Ion Space Propulsion Lab. In addition, you can begin production of your big ideas by participating in Senior Design, a capstone course where you can develop, design, and test your own working prototype to meet project needs.

  • No. 13
    Best Public College for Engineering in America (Niche)
  • No. 2
    Best Public School for Internships (The Princeton Review)
  • No. 3
    Best Public College in the US for High Salaries (The Wall Street Journal)
  • No. 9
    for Career Placement (The Princeton Review)

Engineering Enterprise Concentration

You can pursue an Enterprise concentration by taking part in Michigan Tech's award-winning Enterprise Program. Work on real projects, with real clients, in an environment that’s more like a business than a classroom. Choose from among 26 Enterprise teams on campus to invent products, provide services, and pioneer solutions. All Enterprise teams are open to all majors, including aerospace-specific teams like the Aerospace Enterprise, Aeronautics and Rocketry Enterprise or Multiplanetary Innovation Enterprise. Tackle real-world design projects for industry sponsors or take part in a national competition (or both). This concentration can add courses in business and entrepreneurship.

Tomorrow Needs Aerospace Engineers

As an aerospace engineer, you will design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and other technologies. You will create and test prototypes—focusing in areas like aerodynamic fluid flow, structural design, navigation and control, and propulsion and combustion. 

Your work as an aerospace engineer can vary from project to project and may include:

  • Coordinating and directing the design, manufacture, and testing of aircraft and aerospace products
  • Assessing project proposals to determine whether they are technically and financially feasible
  • Evaluating designs to ensure that products meet engineering principles, customer requirements, and environmental regulations
  • Developing criteria for design, quality, completion, and sustainment after delivery
  • Inspecting malfunctioning or damaged products to identify sources of problems and possible solutions

At Michigan Tech, our strong industry partnerships and programs make all the difference. Collaborate with industry on real engineering problems through our Enterprise Program and Senior Design course. Distinguish yourself with industry co-ops and internships. Employers will value your ability to perform on the job from day one.

Get Career Ready

Graduate with a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering from Michigan Tech. You will be well prepared to transition to an entry-level job in industry. For students who plan to pursue an advanced degree—desirable for mechanical engineering research positions—our bachelor's degree also provides excellent preparation for graduate school.

Explore Career Opportunities for Aerospace Engineers:

  • Aerospace Engineer
  • Aeronautical Engineer
  • Astronautics Engineer
  • Avionics Engineer
  • Aircraft Designer
  • Spacecraft Designer
  • Inspector and Compliance Officer
  • Flight Test Engineering

$76,293 mean entry-level salary
Figures from Payscale.com, accessed November 2024

Michigan Tech has a really unique educational structure: it's hands-on, not hand-holding.

Sam Baxendale ‘17 with Oculus-ASR, a student-built nanosatellite
Sam Baxendale ’17
former Aerospace Enterprise team member

Ready to take the next step?

Learn more about studying aerospace engineering at Michigan's flagship technological university.

 

"As an engineer, I’m an optimist. We can invent things that allow us to do things that now seem impossible."Paul van Susante, assistant professor, director of the Planetary Surface Technology Development Lab, and MINE faculty advisor

Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

In Michigan Tech's Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, we discover and design innovative solutions in rocket, plane, and automobile manufacturing; energy and climate infrastructure; robotics and automated manufacturing; and much more. With challenging coursework, wide-ranging options for specialization, and state-of-the-art facilities, our students become effective engineers and future leaders. Join one of the largest mechanical and aerospace engineering departments in the nation that still fosters meaningful student-faculty interactions in the classroom, the laboratory, and the field.

  • Apply your knowledge and skills in four semesters of mechanical and aerospace practice courses. 
  • Receive personal attention and support in the Lagina Student Success Center. 
  • Collaborate with industry-proven faculty on research projects, working in over 50,000 square feet of department labs and centers.
  • Specialize your education with over 30 cross-disciplinary technical electives. 
  • Develop real solutions in an industry-sponsored Senior Design capstone project.
  • Join one of 10 department-advised Enterprise teams, such as Aeronautics and Rocketry, Advanced Motorsports, or BoardSport Technologies.

MTU engineering

Real Engineering. Meaningful Work.

Michigan Tech’s College of Engineering is committed to inspiring students, advancing knowledge, and innovating technological solutions to create a sustainable, just, and prosperous world. With an entering engineering class of about 1,000 students, 18 degrees to choose from, and 160+ engineering faculty alone, our students take part in a world-class education with the trusted reputation of Michigan Tech.

Collaborate and innovate as part of Michigan Tech’s discovery-based learning environment. Explore the endless possibilities of your engineering education in Engineering Fundamentals. Work closely with world-renowned faculty as a research assistant or develop real solutions with industry partners on an Enterprise team or Senior Design capstone project. 

Join the pack and find the support you need. Map your academic career with the help of an academic advisor. Transition to University life with the support of the Waino Wahtera Center for Student Success or receive academic support in any of the Learning Centers across campus. 

Study abroad, with engineering opportunities ranging from a few weeks to a full year. Focus on problems facing disadvantaged communities in countries around the world. Michigan Tech’s Global and Community Engagement program offers a range of options.

A degree in engineering from Michigan Tech can take you anywhere. After graduating, 95 percent of our alumni find successful employment within six months. Tech engineers work at NASA, Whirlpool, General Motors, Dow, Lockheed Martin, and beyond. With multiple annual Career Fairs and one-on-one advising from Career Services, you can find an internship, co-op, or full-time job where your engineering expertise can make a difference.

Tomorrow Needs Every Engineer

Michigan Tech engineers are at the forefront of change. Using creative ideas and technologies to solve problems in healthcare, energy, transportation, space exploration, climate change, and beyond, Tech engineers are prepared to help people and their communities adapt toward an equitable future. Become an engineer who is ready for what tomorrow needs.

College News

"The addition of this new degree is in recognition of the expertise of our faculty, growing research in the areas of aerospace and space technology and engineering, and a tremendous amount of student interest."Jason R. Blough, chair and distinguished professor, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering