Aerospace Engineering Sciences

Overview

In particular, this involves providing students with an interdisciplinary systems perspective of aerospace engineering. The curriculum accomplishes these goals by: 

• providing a strong basis in mathematics, science, and engineering fundamentals; 

• extending these fundamentals to advanced topics in aerospace engineering; 

• complementing the engineering education with sufficient exposure to the humanities and social sciences; and 

• beginning and ending in major design experiences that stress an interdisciplinary systems perspective. 

Students in the Aerospace Engineering Sciences program of the University of Colorado at Boulder are also encouraged to consider a technical minor or double major in electrical engineering, computer science, applied math, engineering physics, astrophysical and planetary sciences, or atmospheric and oceanic sciences. In most cases, the junior- and senior-level courses required for the above-mentioned minors can be applied to the professional area elective requirements. 

For students having sufficient ability and interest, planning for graduate study should begin by the start of the junior year. Such a plan should consider the foreign language requirements of appropriate graduate schools and an advanced mathematics program. Students who wish to combine the business and aerospace engineering sciences curricula are advised to consider obtaining the BS degree in aerospace and a master’s degree in business rather than a combined BS degree.

Program Educational Objectives

During their first few years after the completion of their degrees, graduates of the Ann and H.J. Smead Aerospace Engineering Sciences Department will have:

• established themselves in professional careers or received a graduate degree,

• demonstrated ethical leadership, project management and/or innovation, and 

• played significant roles in the research and development of engineering systems and products.

Student Outcomes

Upon graduation, students are expected to be able to:

• Identify, formulate and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science and mathematics.

• Apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental and economic factors.

• Communicate effectively with a range of audiences.

• Recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental and societal contexts.

• Function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks and meet objectives.

• Develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.

• Acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.