Aerospace Engineering (BSAE)

The aerospace program is designed to prepare those students interested in the design and operation of aircraft and space vehicles for entrance into a professional career. The curriculum, based on a sound foundation in mathematics, physics, chemistry and the engineering sciences, places emphasis on such basic aerospace disciplines as aerodynamics and fluid mechanics, orbital mechanics, and solid and structural mechanics, as well as such integrating disciplines as design, experimental methods and systems analysis. By choosing suitable elective courses students may earn a concentration in the following areas:

  • Bioengineering
  • Computational Engineering
  • Control and Mechanical Systems
  • Design and Manufacturing
  • Energy
  • Materials
  • Thermal and Fluid Sciences

The aerospace engineering program uses laboratories in Fitzpatrick Hall of Engineering and in the Hessert Laboratory for Aerospace Research. The Hessert laboratories contain superior facilities for instruction and research.

Students are encouraged to participate in the activities of the student chapter of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and to enter the national student paper competition conducted by the parent institute and other aerospace extracurriculars such as ND Rocketry; Design, Build, Fly; and IsishSAT. Outstanding achievement in the aerospace program is recognized by membership in Sigma Gamma Tau, the national aerospace honor society.

Further details about the standard aerospace program, the Rome Program and electives can be found on the department website at ame.nd.edu.

To earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering, students entering the university in the Fall of 2025 must complete the following courses. The most current information for the degree program course requirements is available in the AME Undergraduate Handbook on the department website, ame.nd.edu.

University Core Curriculum Requirements 126
College of Engineering Requirements33
Aerospace Engineering Core Requirements
Design and Experimental 20
Introduction to Design Thinking in Engineering
AME Laboratory I
and AME Laboratory 1L
AME Laboratory II
and AME Laboratory 2L
Design Tools 1
Design Tools 2
Computing, Numerical Methods and Data Science in Engineering
Aerospace Design I
Aerospace Design II
AE Foundational 15
Mechanics I
Mechanics II
Solid Mechanics
Aerospace Structures
Design and Analysis of Space Structures
Aerodynamics and Fluid/Thermal Sciences18
Thermodynamics
Fluid Mechanics
Compressible Aerodynamics
Theoretical and Experimental Aerodynamics
Heat Transfer
Gas Turbines and Propulsion
Dynamics and Control12
Differential Equations, Vibrations, and Control I
Differential Equations, Vibrations, and Control II
Orbital and Space Dynamics
Aerospace Dynamics
Electives3
One Professional Development Elective 2
Total Hours127
1

Note the Liberal Arts 1, 2 and 3 requirements will be covered by the College of Engineering Requirements and the Aerospace Engineering Requirements.

2

A list of approved professional development courses is available in the AME Undergraduate Handbook on the department website.