Aeronautical Engineering Degrees - Video
Aeronautical Engineering, a term that is sometimes used interchangeably with aeronautics, is a subset of rocket science or flight technology that deals with the design of aircrafts that do not leave the Earth's atmosphere.
Description of Degree Program
Aeronautical engineering is an area of aerospace engineering that involves the design of aircrafts that stay within the Earth's atmosphere. This is distinguished from astronautical engineering, which involves crafts that operate outside of the Earth's atmosphere. Some colleges offer broad programs in aerospace engineering that cover both aeronautical and astronautical components. Concepts remain similar throughout these programs with an option for students to choose specialties. Undergraduate degree programs often times lead to advanced degree programs for those wishing to work in more technical areas of the field. Students in Aeronautical Engineering degree programs will focus their coursework on mathematical and scientific principles.
Skills Developed and Coursework
Undergraduate and advanced degree programs are similar with regard to coursework. Advanced programs will go more in-depth within each course, where an undergraduate degree covers broader topics. In addition to learning fundamental engineering principles, students will study aerodynamics, structural design, physics, control systems and robotic systems. Students will be able to apply engineering science principles to lab experiments and aeronautical design. Upon completion of an Aeronautical Engineering degree program, students will have adequate knowledge to work in designing automobiles, ships, trains, submarines, energy systems and aircrafts. They will also have basic knowledge in stability and control, the preliminary design of aircrafts, structures and aircraft propulsion.
Career Options
Aeronautical Engineering graduates will have many career options. Some of these options can be found in commercial and military aircraft engineering, air telecommunications, research, or military and government service. Specific job titles include aeronautical engineers and aeronautical drafters. Drafters are charged with preparing engineering drawings and plans for the manufacturing of aircrafts and relevant parts. Engineers stick to testing, developing and designing aircrafts. They can also configure new technologies used in aviation, structural design and defense systems. Aeronautical Engineering can be a very specialized field. Graduates may have the option to work specifically in areas of commercial aircrafts, helicopters, military crafts, control systems or celestial mechanics.