Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Aerospace Engineering (B.S. in Engineering)

Do you want to create the planes and spaceships of the future? With an aerospace engineering degree, you could one day design, develop and build the next generation of commercial and military aircraft. You’ll join an incredible cohort of peers and faculty within the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, where your academics can literally take you out of this world.

Pride points

98%

of College of Engineering and Applied Sciences undergraduates participated in experience-driven learning

—2024-25 Career Outcomes Report
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$70K - $80K

median starting salary for recent College of Engineering and Applied Sciences graduates working full time

—2024-25 Career Outcomes Report
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97%

of College of Engineering and Applied Sciences graduates working full time have a job related to their degree

—2024-25 Career Outcomes Report
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Pursue a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering

If your dream is to work as an aerospace, quality or manufacturing engineer at the biggest, most well-known and prestigious aerospace institutions and companies in the world, getting your bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from Western is the first step. 

As you broaden your technical knowledge, you'll experience real-world projects and hands-on experiences right in your classroom using the latest technology to elevate your understanding. Your time at WMU culminates in a Senior Engineering Design project where you will be part of a team completing a project for industry.

Supportive professors who are recognized world-wide for their expertise and research will help you meet the challenges of this rigorous curriculum. And if you are thinking about graduate school, you can save time and money with our accelerated master's program.

By graduation, you'll be ready to take on the evolving challenges in the air travel, space travel, defense and advanced technology industries.

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What you'll learn

Because this is one of only three aerospace engineering programs in Michigan, you’ll have access to a unique and growing field of study. You’ll study aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, flight mechanics, space propulsion and orbital mechanics with experts in the field and can jump start a graduate degree through the accelerated master's program. Professors will encourage you to innovate new processes, methods and even patents in small classes that let you develop creativity and problem solving. Your courses incorporate the latest software and simulations so you launch your career with experience in the latest techniques for your profession.

Browse aerospace engineering coursework
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Cristian Sanchez, B.S.E.'25

The best experience I've had as an aerospace engineering student is the strong bond formed with fellow students. Those moments of collaboration and camaraderie made my time in the aerospace program truly special.
— Cristian Sanchez, B.S.E.'25

Making the most of your learning experience

Professors and advisors will support your participation in real-world experiences that will set you apart when you launch your professional career. Youll make lifelong friends and apply your skills by joining student organizations such as American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) or Western Aerospace Launch Initiative (WALI). Internships and co-ops will all boost the knowledge you build in your coursework. The year long Senior Engineering Design project will team you up with peers and industry to apply your knowledge to a real world project.

Learn more about Experience-Driven Learning
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What scholarships are available for aerospace engineering students?

WMU wants to make your degree affordable so you to get the most of your education. A number of scholarships are available for students enrolled in the aerospace engineering program that will match your interests, career goals and financial or academic needs. 

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Frequently asked questions

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from WMU pursue careers in fields such as commercial and military aircraft, spacecraft, surface vehicles, missiles and other related hardware and systems. They also design and develop hydrofoil ships, deep diving vessels for oceanographic research, automobiles and high-speed rail type machines. Graduates have job titles such as systems engineer, aerospace engineer and flight test control engineer.

Yes, the aerospace engineering program you will learn through hands-on opportunities, including 

  • Professors incorporate hands-on learning into your coursework, including projects in academic labs.
  • WMU’s College of Engineering and Applied Sciences has more than 25 student organizations, including the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), SAE International and the Western Aerospace Launch Initiative (WALI). These organizations allow you to compete and network with peers at other institutions while extending your learning.
  • Many students also complete internships or co-ops during their time in the program.
  • All students complete a Senior Engineering Design capstone project, where you work as a team to address real-world projects. 

Yes, there are a number of scholarships available for students enrolled in the aerospace engineering program at Western. You may also be eligible for additional scholarships from WMU. We encourage you to apply for all scholarships that match your interests, career goals and financial or academic needs. View scholarship information.

As an engineering and applied sciences student, you should possess a strong desire to make a difference in the world and to shape the future. You need an interest in problem-solving and have some technical aptitude and a strong interest in mathematics and the sciences.

View admissions information for first-year students

View admissions information for transfer students

Yes, we welcome students who are interested in transferring to WMU from a community college or other college or university. View transfer information and set-up an appointment to meet with an advisor.

Yes, we offer an accelerated degree program that allows you to complete a master’s degree in aerospace engineering in just one additional year. Weave graduate courses (up to 9 credits) into your WMU undergraduate degree in aerospace engineering, and earn both your bachelor's and master's degrees. Learn more about accelerated master’s degrees at WMU and view the requirements for the accelerated master’s degree in aerospace engineering.

Many students in the aerospace engineering program participate in internships or co-ops during their time at WMU. Check with a faculty member or your academic advisor for more information.