Individuals who want to work in the aeronautical engineering field can pursue a four-year bachelor's degree that offers online courses. A bachelor's degree is required to land an entry-level role in this field. No institutions at the time of publication offered a four-year aeronautical engineering degree that was completely online, according to Education-Portal.com, but some do offer a hybrid of on-site and online classes. Still some schools such as Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University offer a two- to three-year master's degree that is completely online in this industry. A master's degree program requires students to complete at least 36 credit hours and prepares students to become research and development engineers as well as practical engineers in aeronautics.
Before choosing to complete online aeronautical engineering classes, students must make sure they have access to a computer with high-speed Internet. Students also should be comfortable with using instant messaging and web-based tutorials. Although some online programs allow students to complete tests and assignments independently, others require students to take examinations at a specified location under the supervision of a proctor.
To get into a four-year aeronautical engineering program online, students should submit a high school diploma or GED. They also must have a strong background in the sciences, which include chemistry and physics, as well as math classes such as geometry, trigonometry and calculus. Master's degree programs require students to have a bachelor's degree program in the field.
When selecting an online aeronautical engineering program, students should make sure their program of choice is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (see Resources). Graduation from an accredited school is required for students who need to be licensed because they offer their services directly to the public. Licensure also involves completing four years of work experience and passing a state test.
Courses in an online aeronautical engineering program cover topics such as aviation law, structural dynamics, engineering acoustics, advanced flight mechanics and computer-aided design in aviation. Students also study aviation economics and business communications. Other online classes cover advanced aircraft performance, aviation simulation system and advanced rotorcraft operations. Master's degree students at schools such as the University of Houston in Texas also have the option of completing a research thesis on a specific topic in the aeronautical engineering field.