The undergraduate curriculum in aeronautics begins with studies in the basic sciences. Students learn to apply engineering concepts in laboratory experiments and aerospace system design problems. The curriculum moves on to dynamics and principles of automatic control. In the third year, students take advanced physics and math subjects. This curriculum constitutes the core courses at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Students also develop oral and writing skills and the social context in which engineering is practiced.
Aerospace and aeronautical engineering is for students who have ability in analytical thought and technical concepts. Those who practice in the field help to design, test and develop spacecrafts, missiles and airplanes. These skills are useful in overseeing the building, repairing and maintaining the aircraft and their systems. Aerospace students are familiar with fluid mechanics, the systems the control the aircraft, mathematics, materials science and noise control.
Generally, schools do not offer an associate degree for aerospace and aeronautics engineering. Most students who enter the field do so as candidates for a Bachelor of Engineering degree. Some students stay on to pursue a Masters of Engineering in Aerospace and Aeronautics. Master's programs can take up to three years to complete after the undergraduate degree. A related degree is the Master of Science in Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering. This is a more technical and science-intensive degree.
Aerospace engineers are among the highest-paid engineers according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The median salary for the field was over $92,000 in 2008. The employment outlook for this profession is good and is projected to increase at a rate of 11 percent through 2018. A bachelor's degree can lead to work as an airline pilot, a flight instructor or flight operations manager. A graduate degree can lead to work as a director of airport operations, aerospace consultant or an aviation safety manager.