Aerospace Engineering

WPI’s Aerospace Engineering program embraces the science and technologies that create, develop, and improve aircraft and spacecraft. Using state-of-the-art equipment and facilities including wind tunnels, vacuum chambers, and controls instrumentation, students develop a sound understanding of the technical concepts relevant to aerospace engineering and design.

Our curriculum focuses on the broad engineering principles needed to develop the specialized skills required for aeronautical and astronautical careers. Faculty mentorship is ever present as students navigate an academic path toward achieving their personal and career goals.

Students routinely meet our high standards of excellence as they prepare to take on leadership roles in the world-leading U.S. aerospace industry. Graduates go onto rewarding careers as aerospace (or related) engineering professionals in industry or government, or pursue advanced degrees. Their technological, communication, and teamwork capabilities enable them to quickly move into leadership roles in business and society.

Contact

Location:

Higgins Laboratories

Phone:

508-831-5221

Fax:

508-831-5680

aerospace@wpi.edu

Area of Study	Bachelor	Minor	Certificate	Master	PhD
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Aerospace engineering students may opt to earn an advanced degree in accelerated time with WPI's BS/MS degree option. Interested students should speak with the Aerospace Engineering program for guidance on requirements. Students must complete the online graduate application in their junior year (choose the BS/MS program and then Aerospace Engineering on the application) so they can be admitted and double count credits for the BS and MS in senior year.

Learn More

Aerospace program graduates find a robust job market for the comprehensive hands-on technical, science, social science, and engineering skills they have. Grads often find careers in industries where aerospace is essential – like NASA and the U.S. Government.

Career Development Center Profile

Matthew E.

Senior, BS in Aerospace Engineering

A dynamic on-campus IQP along with numerous student leadership roles are preparing this WPI senior to make his mark in the aerospace industry.

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Mary V.

BS in Aerospace Engineering; Minors in Astrophysics and Computer Science

Mary traveled to the Albania Project Center with 23 other students to complete her IQP. Her project, which she collaborated on with three students from different majors, involved the production of a documentary about the Drin River in Albania, with the intent to raise awareness about the pollution problems it faces. The students approached the project through research, interviews with stakeholders, and collaboration with their sponsor, Water Supply and Sewerage Association of Albania (SHUKALB). The project culminated with the students collecting footage, editing it into a documentary, and adjusting the process based on feedback from viewers.

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Admissions and Registration Information

Undergraduate Admissions Information

Graduate Admissions Information

View Current Catalog and Calendar

Course Registration Information

Facts and Figures

31

current faculty members have won the NSF Career Award

National Science Foundation (2018)

13:1

student-to-faculty ratio

News

WPI professor Nikhil Karanjgaokar conducts an experiment to observe how waves move through granular materials immersed in liquid, which could be used for shock protection.

Press Release Research

WPI Researcher Works to Make Police, Soldiers Safer

October 08, 2019

Daily Herd

Impact Before and After Graduation

May 13, 2019

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Media Coverage

WPI Researcher Working to Make Police, Soldiers Safer

WBUR interviewed Nikhil Karanjgaokar, assistant professor of aerospace engineering, who’s aiming to create a bulletproof vest in which the materials inside the vest could instantly change properties, providing greater shock protection at the exact point of impact. “You just feel safe knowing that know matter what sort of impact comes your way you’re protected,” he said.

WPI Professor Wins NSF Grant for Work on Materials that May Lead to Improved Bullet-Proof Vests

ASEE First Bell included research conducted by Nikhil Karanjgaokar, assistant professor of aerospace engineering, in this article. He is aiming—in part—to create a bulletproof vest in which the materials inside the vest could instantly change properties, providing greater shock protection at the exact point of impact. The work is being funded by a five-year, $500,000 Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER) award from the National Science Foundation.