Undergraduate Programs

Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering

Career Focus The Aerospace Engineering degree program prepares its graduates for careers in aircraft and space systems design, analysis and manufacturing.

Aerospace engineering is the application of science and engineering principles to the design, development, and implementation of systems or vehicles that travel above the surface of the earth. These vehicles may include low-speed propeller-powered aircraft, high-speed jet-powered aircraft, remotely piloted vehicles, micro air vehicles, hovercraft, and helicopters, as well as rockets, spacecraft, space stations, planetary rovers, and such specialty equipment as heat shields and other protective and deployment devices. The design of these vehicles and systems is both difficult and challenging because they must operate reliably and efficiently in harsh environments. Aerospace engineering is intimately involved in the design, manufacture, control, and operation of these systems coupled with a consideration of environmental, economical, ethical, and social issues.
AE Program Educational Objectives In collaboration with representatives of the significant constituency groups, including students,
graduates, employers and others, the faculty of the department developed the following two
program educational objectives (PEOs) for mechanical engineering (https://mae.ncsu.edu/about).Within a few years after graduation, alumni of the Aerospace Engineering program will:
1. contribute to solving the engineering challenges that face our society, and
2. lead successful and productive careers in the engineering fields, and/or pursue further study
in engineering or other fields such as medicine, business and law.
Curriculum and Advising
Credit Hours to Graduate 127
Areas Of Study
  • Aerodynamic vehicle design
  • Aerodynamic vehicle performance
  • Aerodynamic structures
  • Air-breathing propulsion
  • Compressible aerodynamics
  • Engineering dynamics
  • Engineering materials
  • Rocket propulsion
  • Stability and control
  • Thermodynamics
  • Wing theory
Senior Design Project 
AE capstone senior design is a two-semester project in which students design and build a number of Aerospace vehicles.

  • Aircraft: Design a novel remotely controlled aircraft and construct and flight-test it at the program’s air field.
  • Spacecraft: Design, construct and test a space system, like a moon rover, satellite, or remotely operated interplanetary probe.
Accelerated Tracks 5-year BS/MS Degree

Direct Path from BS to PhD
Jobs and Salary Aerospace Engineers Occupational Outlook and Salaries – Bureau of Labor Statistics

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Career Focus The Mechanical Engineering degree program prepares its graduates for careers in mechanical and thermal systems design, analysis and manufacturing.

Mechanical engineering involves practical application of mechanical and thermal sciences to research, design, development, testing and manufacturing of a wide variety of products. Mechanical engineers contribute to the fields of transportation, power generation and energy conversion, environmental control and pollution abatement, noise control, and biomechanics. Recent developments have increased interest in such areas as robotics, mechatronics, precision engineering, automated manufacturing systems, combustion and propulsion. Student projects include Mini Baja, Formula Cars, and walking machines.
ME Program Educational Objectives In collaboration with representatives of the significant constituency groups, including students, graduates, employers and others, the faculty of the department developed the following two overall program educational objectives (PEOs) for mechanical engineering (https://mae.ncsu.edu/about).

Within a few years after graduation, alumni of the Mechanical Engineering program will:
1. contribute to solving the engineering challenges that face our society, and
2. lead successful and productive careers in the engineering fields, and/or pursue further study in engineering or other fields such as medicine, business and law.
Curriculum and Advising
Credit Hours to Graduate 126
Areas Of Study
  • Air conditioning and refrigeration
  • Automotive engineering thermodynamics
  • Computer-aided engineering
  • Control engineering
  • Design of machines
  • Electromechanical systems
  • Fluid mechanics
  • Mechatronics
  • Metrology
  • Modern manufacturing processes
Senior Design Project  The ME capstone senior design project is an industry-sponsored project. Students receive training on machining, fabrication and other manufacturing processes. Students design-build-test to given requirements, and compete with other student teams to produce the best product.
Accelerated Tracks 5-year BS/MS Degree

Direct Path from BS to PhD
Jobs and Salary Mechanical Engineers Occupational Outlook and Salaries – Bureau of Labor Statistics

What else adds value to our degrees?

Assistant Dean and CCEE Professor, David Parish, addresses students at the College of Engineering Introduction to the Profession ceremony. Photo by Marc Hall.