Undergraduate Programs

The School of Aeronautics and Astronautics undergraduate program normally begins in the second year, after completion of the common First Year Engineering Program.

AAE is among the top aerospace engineering programs in the nation and was ranked No. 3 in the last U.S. News and World Report rankings of aerospace undergraduate programs.

The sophomore year sets the foundation of basic engineering, including statics, dynamics, elementary structures, thermodynamics, and a broad introduction to the design of both aircraft and spacecraft.

In the junior year, students learn about aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, dynamics, and control systems. Some courses in the junior year are available in both aeronautical and astronautical versions, and students choose the version of primary interest.

In the senior year, students pursue, in consultation with their academic advisor, a specialization area. This is commonly chosen from the disciplines of:

All students must complete a team-based senior design project, which integrates the technical disciplines and leads to a preliminary design of an aerospace system. Students may elect either aircraft or spacecraft versions of the senior design project.

Students successfully completing the curriculum will be awarded the B.S. AAE degree.

The BS program in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Program Criteria for Aerospace and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.

Gambaro Graduate Program of Aeronautics and Astronautics

The School of Aeronautics and Astronautics graduate school offers both master's degrees and Ph.D.s in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering.

The regulations governing the various programs of the School are covered in the present document and are supplemental to the regulations of the Graduate School of Purdue University. The students are advised to review the University regulations listed in the Graduate School Bulletin.

These regulations deal with procedural matters associated with meeting degree requirements. Since academic integrity is the foundation of all scholarship, it is expected that all study and research will be pursued with the highest standards of ethical conduct. Lapses in academic integrity will not be tolerated by the faculty or student body.