Aerospace Systems Engineering Degree
B.S. AEROSPACE SYSTEMS ENGINEERING PROGRAM INFORMATION
Degree
Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Systems Engineering
Delivery Format
On campus (some online courses available)
Application Deadline
Rolling
REACH NEW HEIGHTS WITH YOUR UA AEROSPACE ENGINEERING DEGREE
Want to design the systems that power rockets, satellites and aircraft? You can learn to do just that through The University of Akron, the only institution in the U.S. outside of the Air Force Academy to offer a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Systems Engineering. This hands-on program blends aerospace engineering fundamentals with project management, preparing you to build and optimize cutting-edge systems at top aerospace companies in the future.
WHY CHOOSE AEROSPACE SYSTEMS AT UA?
What puts The University of Akron among the best aerospace engineering schools? Built-in co-ops at leading aerospace companies, research and other real-world projects where you’ll gain industry experience and earn a competitive salary while doing it. You’ll benefit from an interdisciplinary curriculum that combines aerospace, mechanical and systems engineering with project management, equipping you with skills to secure high-paying jobs and lead in aerospace, defense and technology.
Real-World Experience
Design, build and test aerospace systems while applying your skills through student design teams, industry-sponsored capstone projects and paid co-ops. With a 100% co-op placement rate, you’ll earn over $45,000 in paid positions while gaining direct experience with top aerospace companies. Such experiences at UA give graduates a competitive edge, leading to careers at top aerospace companies like Collins Aerospace, Lockheed Martin, NASA and SpaceX.
Connections with Industry Leaders
At UA, you’ll learn from expert faculty and local industry professionals, gaining both academic knowledge and real-world insights. Through strong partnerships with top aerospace companies like Lockheed Martin and NASA, you’ll build valuable skills and connections, preparing you for high-paying careers in aerospace, defense and technology. These industry ties also give you access to co-op opportunities and other hands-on experiences that enhance your career prospects.
Accredited and Industry-Driven Curriculum
The University of Akron’s aerospace systems engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), ensuring it meets high industry standards. Blending mechanical, aerospace, industrial and systems engineering, the curriculum provides hands-on learning aligned with evolving aerospace trends. Developed with industry input, it equips you with the knowledge and experience to excel in aerospace, defense and technology fields.
MORE THAN YOUR MAJOR
Build your skills on our award-winning student design teams, including in the Akronauts Rocket Design Team, Zips Aero Design Team or Zips Drone Design Team — and network with industry professionals through the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA).
URBAN CAMPUS ADVANTAGE
UA’s aerospace engineering bachelor’s degree is housed in the heart of Akron, offering state-of-the-art facilities with access to advanced labs, wind tunnels and 3D printing centers. With nearby parks, restaurants and public transit, you’ll experience both a vibrant city and a campus built for your success.
KEEPING YOUR AEROSPACE ENGINEERING DEGREE AFFORDABLE
The University of Akron makes college more accessible, with 94% of first-year students receiving financial aid. You can lower costs through grants, loans and scholarships, including those specific to the bachelor’s in aerospace systems engineering and others considered automatically when you apply.
WHAT WILL YOU STUDY?
UA’s aerospace systems curriculum goes beyond traditional programs, blending aerospace, mechanical, industrial and systems engineering with project management. You’ll design, build and test aerospace vehicles like model airplanes, gliders and drones, while advanced design courses and capstone projects connect you with industry partners for real-world applications. Most classes are held in person, with some upper-level courses offered in the evenings or in a hybrid format for added flexibility.
Specific courses include:
- Avionics I and II
- Aerodynamics
- Aerospace Materials
- Aerospace Systems Engineering I and II
- Model-based Systems Engineering
- Tools for Aerospace Systems Engineering
AEROSPACE SYSTEMS ENGINEERING CAREERS
At UA, you’ll gain the skills to solve complex problems and think across disciplines, preparing you for entry-level aerospace engineering jobs. With a broad engineering foundation, you can also pursue advanced degrees in fields such as mechanical or aerospace engineering, business or medicine.
Our program graduates work at top companies like Collins Aerospace, Lockheed Martin, NASA and SpaceX.
Aerospace systems engineering jobs include:
- Aerospace engineer
- System engineer
- Engineer
- Mechanical design engineer
- Testing engineer
- Aircraft design engineer
- Structural engineer
- Quality engineer
- Flight systems engineer
HEAR IT FROM OTHER ZIPS
"The education I received at The University of Akron taught me how to be resourceful. I can assess, learn and adapt to new situations much more effectively. I was taught something special. Something that lets me rise above."
— Harrison Lewis
B.S. in Aerospace Systems Engineering ‘20
Lockheed Martin
AEROSPACE SYSTEMS ENGINEERING PROGRAM FAQ
The University of Akron is the only institution in the country — outside of the Air Force Academy — to offer a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Systems Engineering. Unlike traditional undergraduate aerospace systems programs, UA’s ASE degree blends aerospace, mechanical, industrial and systems engineering with project management. Through paid co-ops, industry partnerships and real-world design projects, you’ll graduate with the skills and experience to succeed in aerospace systems engineering jobs at leading companies.
To become an aerospace engineer, you need an aerospace engineering bachelor’s degree from an accredited program. At UA, you’ll get that along with hands-on experience designing, building and testing aerospace vehicles like drones, gliders and model airplanes. With a 100% co-op placement rate, access to advanced facilities, labs and wind tunnels, and opportunities to work on industry-sponsored capstone projects, you’ll graduate ready for entry-level aerospace engineering jobs or to pursue advanced degrees.
Aerospace engineering is challenging but rewarding. At The University of Akron, you’ll benefit from small class sizes, hands-on projects and expert faculty who help make complex concepts more understandable. UA’s interdisciplinary curriculum ensures you develop a broad skill set, including soft skills employers value, so you’re ready for the demands of the industry.
Aerospace engineering covers both aircraft and spacecraft design while aeronautical engineering focuses strictly on flight within Earth’s atmosphere. UA’s aerospace systems engineering program goes beyond traditional aerospace engineering, combining aerospace, mechanical, industrial, systems and materials engineering. This broad foundation helps you develop innovative solutions and prepares you for roles like aerospace system engineer, flight systems engineer or mechanical design engineer. Our program graduates work at top companies like Collins Aerospace, Lockheed Martin, NASA and SpaceX.
The aerospace engineering job outlook is strong, with employment of aerospace engineers projected to grow 6% through 2033, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. How much do aerospace engineers make? The BLS reports the median salary for aerospace engineers in 2023 was $130,720.
Yes, aerospace engineering is a great career with high salaries, strong job demand and opportunities for advancement. UA’s ASE degree gives you a competitive edge by combining engineering fundamentals with project management, preparing you for leadership roles in aerospace systems engineering jobs at the most prestigious aerospace companies across the world.
ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
If you meet the minimum requirements to be admitted to UA, you’ll be accepted into the College of Engineering and Polymer Science.
DEPARTMENT FACULTY
The Aerospace Systems Engineering program is embedded in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, together with 3 other programs: Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, and Automated Manufacturing Engineering Technology. Students from these different programs usually interact in classes, projects, and design teams, making an exciting interdisciplinary environment which exposes students to a much broader education and experience. It is not unusual for some students to switch majors after they realize that one of the other programs is what they really like. As a student in the Department, you will work alongside expert faculty who mentor you, connect you with local industry professionals and lead student teams in research and national aerospace competitions. Through hands-on guidance, they will help you build the skills and experience to excel in aerospace systems engineering.
AEROSPACE RESEARCH
Undergraduate research is strongly embedded in our Aerospace program. Students do not just attend lectures; the core of their education comes from a strong experiential learning environment that includes design projects, internships and co-ops, design team competitions, and laboratory research. You will have the opportunity to work alongside renown faculty and their graduate students on the latest aerospace topics such as hypersonic materials, aerospace seals, battery technology, and many others.
STUDENT DESIGN TEAMS
Our student design teams build everything from medical devices to rockets, race cars, drones and more. These student-led teams create innovative prototypes that rank nationally in competitions, offering opportunities for leadership, practical experience and building a strong community that thrives on innovation.
AKRONAUTS
Step into the world of rocketry with the Akronauts, where you’ll be at the forefront of aerospace development. As part of this dynamic team, you’ll design, build and launch rockets that compete in prestigious national competitions like the Spaceport America Cup. From constructing the airframe and designing the motor, to managing avionics and parachutes, you’ll oversee every part of the launch vehicle and gain hands-on experience for a career in the booming space industry.
ZIPS AERO
Join Zips Aero and experience the thrill of creating aircraft from the ground up. This team doesn’t just build planes—they craft award-winning designs that soar in international competitions. You’ll be part of the entire process, from drafting designs to balancing budgets and constructing flight-ready prototypes. You’ll build your engineering skills and work alongside your peers to achieve flight success.
ZIPS DRONE
If drones fascinate you, Zips Drone is the team to join. Members design, assemble and tests drones for both remote control and autonomous flight. Whether it’s acing the VFS Design-Build-Vertical Flight Competition or exploring the frontiers of unmanned aerial vehicle technology, you'll get hands-on experience with structural, aerospace, mechanical, electrical and computer engineering.