# Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering

**Source**: https://admissions.purdue.edu/majors/aeronautical-astronautical-engineering/
**Parent**: https://admissions.purdue.edu/academics/majors/

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# Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering

Tackle real-world challenges in the design and development of aircraft, spacecraft and space systems. From the skies to deep space, this is where bold engineers are built.

Jump to:

- [Careers](#Careers)
- [Connect](#Connect)
- [Transfer](#Transfer)

Choose a link:

Jump to:

Careers 

Connect 

Transfer

## Program Summary

As an aeronautical and astronautical engineer, apply your understanding of basic physical phenomena to the design, development, analysis, testing and production of aircraft, missiles and space vehicles. Aeronautics focuses on aircraft for military or civilian markets, while astronautics specializes in rockets, spacecraft and global space and international systems.

From the fundamentals of engineering science to full system design, gain hands-on experience bringing big ideas to life in the largest academic propulsion lab in the world. Design courses in aircraft and spacecraft integrate many engineering fields to provide a mastery of complete flight systems, preparing you for a career in aerospace engineering, space exploration and beyond.

- [Explore Plan of Study](https://catalog.purdue.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=18&poid=32503)

### Quick Facts

- **Degree:** Bachelor of Science
- **Location(s):** West Lafayette
- **College/School:** [Engineering](https://engineering.purdue.edu/Engr)

- [Request Information](https://apply.purdue.edu/register/form?id=e76823a3-0564-4abe-ad59-8e1263a99a4b)

## Why Purdue?

#3

Undergraduate program in the U.S.

U.S. News & World Report, 2024

96%

Average placement rate

in industry or graduate school

## applying

## **Applying to E****ngineering** **in West Lafayette**

To study aeronautical and astronautical engineering at Purdue, you will apply to the first-year engineering program. All engineering students in West Lafayette build a foundation for success by completing core first-year engineering curriculum before transitioning to a specialty major in the second year. Core curriculum includes courses in math, chemistry, physics, computer programming and communication skills, as well as introductory engineering coursework that explores career options to help you identify which specialty major is the right fit.

The priority application deadline for first-year engineering is Nov. 1. Applications received after Nov. 1 for this competitive major will be evaluated based on available space.

## **Possible Careers**

With a degree in aeronautical and astronautical engineering, our students thrive in aviation, defense, space exploration — even automotive industries with careers such as:

- Aerospace engineer
- Defense contractor engineer
- Intelligence or surveillance systems engineer
- Mission operations engineer
- Orbital analyst
- Propulsion engineer
- Quality assurance/test engineer

## Internships and Graduate Hires

With hands-on experience and world-class instruction, our graduates launch careers at top companies including:

- Senior propulsion engineer, Blue Origin
- Director of engineering, NASA Johnson Space Center
- Brigadier General, U.S. Space Force
- Manager of propulsion fluids analysis, Space X
- Chief technology officer, Eve Air Mobility
- Chief astronaut trainer, Virgin Galactic
- Manager of aerothermal performance, Northrop Grumman

## ******High School Course Recommendations******

You should pursue the most rigorous high school curriculum available to you. Succeeding in challenging courses will make you a stronger candidate for Purdue’s competitive admission process and better prepare you for college success.

[Minimum high school coursework](https://admissions.purdue.edu/become-student/course-requirements/) (many applicants exceed these minimums):

- Math – 4 years
- English – 4 years
- Lab science – 3 years
- Social studies – 3 years
- World language – 2 years

In addition to meeting or exceeding the minimum high school course requirements, our holistic review process places particular emphasis on key academic courses such as:

- Calculus (if available at high school)
- Four years of laboratory sciences, including:
  - Biology
  - Chemistry (expected)
  - Physics (if available at high school)

## Connect

### College of Engineering

Explore nearly 20 majors in one of the best engineering schools in the country for academics and career preparation.

- [Learn More](https://www.purdue.edu/futureengineers/)

### Contact

**Office of Future Engineers**\
[(765) 494-3975](tel:7654943975)\
[future-engineers@purdue.edu](mailto:future-engineers@purdue.edu)  \

- [Email](mailto:future-engineers@purdue.edu)

### Visit

Experience for yourself all that Purdue has to offer with opportunities to explore in-person or virtually.

- [Schedule a visit](https://admissions.purdue.edu/visit/index.php)

### Apply

Ready to take the next step? Apply to begin your journey at Purdue in engineering.

- [Apply Now](https://admissions.purdue.edu/apply/)

Meet Our Students

Abigail Mizzi

For Abigail Mizzi, Purdue’s College of Engineering felt like home from the start. After visiting through the Women in Engineering program, she found instant support — and even more once she enrolled. From study groups to student orgs to faculty mentors, Abigail found her people. “Every community I’ve joined here at Purdue has just been phenomenal.”

Meet Our Students

Thendral Kamal

Thendral Kamal came to Purdue wanting to be one of the few people from India to fly to the stars. She is following in the footsteps of her heroes, including another Purdue graduate of Indian descent: Sirisha Bandla.

Meet Our Students

Angie Zhang

Angie Zhang came to Purdue with a clear career path, but her first year didn’t go as planned. She lost her scholarship and hit a low point. But she didn’t give up. With grit, support and hard work, Angie turned it around and was named one of Aviation Week Network’s top people in aviation under 30.

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## ******Transfer to****** Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering

Purdue admits to individual majors. Transfer students must meet Purdue’s [overall transfer criteria](https://admissions.purdue.edu/transfer/index.php), as well as any major-specific requirements. Before you apply, check the [closed programs page](https://admissions.purdue.edu/apply/closedprograms.php) to confirm this major is open to transfer students. If it is, refer to the information below for major-specific transfer criteria.

- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- For detailed admissions requirements to transfer into any of Purdue’s engineering majors, review our engineering transfer criteria.

- [Learn More](https://admissions.purdue.edu/become-student/transfer/engineering-transfer-criteria/)

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[View All Majors](https://admissions.purdue.edu/academics/majors/)