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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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

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.

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Check out accelerated master's requirements

Where you'll be after graduation

When you graduate from the aerospace engineering program, you'll be ready to take on a range of responsibilities as a In roles such a systems engineer, aerospace engineer or flight test engineer. Recent WMU graduates with degrees in construction engineering are working for companies including Williams-International, Boeing, Parker Hannifin, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin and U.S. Air Force.

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Making the most of your learning experience

At WMU, you’ll gain hands-on experience and work with expert faculty. Internships and co-ops will boost the knowledge you build in your coursework. Beyond the classroom, you’ll compete in engineering challenges and connect with industry professionals by joining student organizations such as American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) or Western Aerospace Launch Initiative (WALI). Your Senior Engineering Design project will team you up with peers to apply your knowledge to a real industry project.

These experiences will help you stand out as you prepare for a successful career in aerospace engineering.

Learn more about Experience-Driven Learning
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Members of the AIAA Pegasus advanced rocketry team display some of their rockets.

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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Review WMU aerospace scholarship information

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.

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As an engineering and applied sciences student, you should enjoy solving problems using math and science and possess a strong desire to make a difference in the world. Once you successfully complete pre-engineering requirements, you’ll apply to the upper-level professional program where you’ll dive deeper into your specific major.

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.

Yes! Many students in the aerospace engineering program participate in internships or co-ops during their time at WMU. They are great ways to gain experience. Internships are paid positions in your field. Co-ops are also paid positions and also offer an opportunity to earn credits toward your degree. 

As a WMU College of Engineering and Applied Sciences student, you'll also have access to many career development opportunities to be ready to land an internship or co-op.

Your professors and academic advisor can provide more information.

Western gives you options for receiving academic support in aerospace engineering. Check with your professors or instructors during office hours to ask questions about your courses or find tutoring via the Bronco Study Zone.

Aerospace engineering and mechanical engineering are closely related majors. Mechanical is a broad engineering program that can lead to careers in automotive, robotics, manufacturing, medical devices and consumer products. The aerospace engineering major is a specialized area that typically leads to careers in commercial aircraft, military aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, rocket systems or flight testing.

As a pre-engineering student, you'll spend time exploring many areas of study. Your academic advisor and professors will help your find your ideal path.