Individuals who aspire to become aerodynamics engineers are typically required to complete some form of postsecondary education at a four-year college or university. In order to gain acceptance into such a school, students are first required to complete a high school diploma program. High school students might consider taking advanced math and science classes to prepare for an eventual degree program in aerospace engineering. They are also often required to have a strong grade point average and standardized test scores before they can gain acceptance into a university with an aerospace engineering degree program.
A bachelor's degree program in aerospace engineering should provide students with a fundamental understanding of aerospace principles and concepts. The first two years of an undergraduate program might focus on basic concepts of physics, chemistry, engineering and mathematics. The second two years of such a program should focus more on the theory and design of aerospace engineering. Courses might cover topics such as aerodynamics, aircraft design, aircraft structures, controls and aerospace systems.
Many professional aerospace engineers also have a graduate degree in the field. Such two-year programs often allow students to focus on a particular specialization in the field, such as aircraft systems engineering, aerospace structures or aerodynamics. Students focusing on aerodynamics at the graduate level learn how to apply the concepts of aerodynamics to actual aircraft designs. Courses might cover topics such as analytical mechanics, computer methods in aerospace engineering, engineering thermodynamics and engineering fluid mechanics. Graduate programs in the field should also provide students with the practical and research skills necessary to earn a job in the field.
Aspiring aerospace engineers should also complete a degree program that is approved by an accrediting body. For example, they might consider enrolling in a four-year degree program that is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission. Accreditation is designed to ensure that degree programs meet a professional standard. Students who complete an accredited degree program in aerospace engineering can prove that additional level of competence when seeking employment, licensure or certification.