Aerospace Engineering

Aerospace Engineering

WPI’s Aerospace Engineering department 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 on to 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.

An MS in Aerospace Engineering degree program is offered online
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Degree is also offered online.
Area of Study Bachelor Minor Certificate Master PhD
Aerospace Engineering bachelor minor master phd
This degree is also offered Online.
Undergraduate Research Projects Showcase

Undergraduate Research Projects Showcase

A celebration of research, design, and creative theses—a requirement of every graduating senior through the Major Qualifying Project—takes place each spring on campus. Student teams representing all academic departments present their work to their faculty advisors, external sponsors, and the community-at-large, and the public is invited.

BS/MS Option

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.

 

After Graduation

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. 

Meet Our Students

Julia Bigwood '21
Julia Bigwood '21
BS, Aerospace Engineering

An aspiring astronaut––and marathoner––Julia has found success in both her aerospace engineering pursuits and her love of music and theatre[...]

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Mary V.
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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Alumni Success Story

Ryan McDevitt '03 and Matt Shea '03

Ryan McDevitt '03 and Matt Shea '03 grow a satellite propulsion business from seeds planted 20 years ago.

Facts and Figures


#15

Career Outcomes

Poets&Quants (2022)
#4

National Universities Where Grads Are Paid Well

U.S. News & World Report (2021)
13:1

students-to-faculty ratio 

30

current faculty members have won the NSF Career Award during their careers

National Science Foundation (2022)