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Aerospace Engineering Concentration
Key takeaway: An aerospace engineering concentration builds on the engineering core with focused study of aerodynamics, propulsion, flight dynamics, and aerospace structures. You can complete much of an online aerospace engineering degree remotely, though lab-intensive and accredited tracks may require some on-campus or proctored components depending on degree level.
An aerospace engineering concentration is a focused track within a broader engineering program that prepares you to design, analyze, and test aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and propulsion systems. Where the general engineering core teaches you the universal language of statics, dynamics, materials, and systems thinking, the aerospace track narrows that foundation toward vehicles that fly, both inside and beyond the atmosphere.
If you are searching for an aerospace engineering degree online, it helps to understand that “aerospace” is usually delivered as a concentration, specialization, or major track rather than as a stand-alone, fully separate program. That means you complete the shared engineering fundamentals first, then layer aerospace-specific coursework on top. This page explains what that coursework covers, who the concentration fits, and how the online format changes by degree level.
What an aerospace engineering concentration covers
Aerospace engineering sits at the intersection of fluid dynamics, structural mechanics, materials science, and control systems. The concentration teaches you how air and gas move around a body, how that body holds together under extreme loads, how engines and thrusters generate force, and how the whole vehicle stays stable and controllable in flight.
Most programs divide the field into two broad branches. Aeronautical topics deal with flight inside the atmosphere, such as commercial aircraft, drones, and helicopters. Astronautical topics deal with flight beyond the atmosphere, such as launch vehicles, satellites, and spacecraft. Many concentrations let you weight your electives toward one branch while keeping a common core.
What you typically study
| Course Topic | What You Learn |
|---|---|
| Aerodynamics | How air flows over wings and bodies, lift and drag, and subsonic to supersonic flow |
| Propulsion Systems | Jet engines, turbines, rocket motors, and thrust generation principles |
| Flight Dynamics and Control | Stability, control surfaces, autopilot logic, and vehicle maneuvering |
| Aerospace Structures | Lightweight load-bearing design, fatigue, and composite materials |
| Orbital Mechanics | Spacecraft trajectories, orbits, and mission planning fundamentals |
| Aerospace Systems Design | Integrating subsystems into a complete vehicle through a capstone project |
The exact mix varies by school, but nearly every aerospace concentration combines fluid mechanics, structural analysis, and a controls or systems sequence. Upper-level electives often let you specialize further in areas such as computational fluid dynamics, avionics, hypersonics, or space systems.
Who this concentration fits
An aerospace engineering concentration is a strong match if you:
- Are drawn to flight, space exploration, defense, or vehicle design rather than general-purpose engineering.
- Enjoy physics and applied mathematics, especially calculus, differential equations, and fluid behavior.
- Want to work in a sector that overlaps with aviation, satellites, national defense, and commercial spaceflight.
- Like systems-level thinking, where many subsystems must work together under tight weight and safety constraints.
It may be less ideal if you prefer hands-on construction over analysis, or if you want maximum geographic flexibility in your career, since aerospace employers cluster in specific regions. If you are weighing options, compare it against the mechanical engineering concentration, which shares much of the same foundation but spreads across more industries, or the electrical engineering concentration if avionics and control electronics interest you most.
Aerospace engineering degree levels
The concentration appears at several degree levels, and the depth of aerospace-specific content grows as you move up.
- Associate level: An associate degree in engineering rarely offers a true aerospace concentration. Instead, it builds the math, physics, and introductory engineering base you transfer into a bachelor’s program. It is a budget-friendly on-ramp rather than a destination for aerospace work.
- Bachelor’s level: The bachelor’s in engineering is where most aerospace concentrations live. You complete the engineering core, then take the aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, and design sequence, usually finishing with a team capstone. This is the standard entry credential for the field.
- Master’s level: A master’s in engineering lets you specialize deeply in one area, such as propulsion, computational fluid dynamics, or space systems. Graduate study is common in aerospace because many roles involve advanced analysis and research.
For a full map of every path, see the engineering program guide and the engineering curriculum overview.
How the online format works for aerospace
An online engineering degree can deliver a large share of an aerospace concentration through recorded lectures, simulation software, and problem sets. Aerodynamics, orbital mechanics, controls theory, and structural analysis translate well to a remote format because they are math- and software-driven.
The wrinkle is hands-on and accredited content. Wind-tunnel testing, flight labs, and some senior design work benefit from physical facilities, so fully online aerospace tracks are less common than online options in software-heavy fields. Many programs handle this with hybrid models: online theory courses paired with short on-campus residencies, proctored exams, or simulation-based labs. Review the engineering online format guide and the online vs campus comparison to see how schools structure these requirements.
When evaluating an online aerospace engineering degree, pay close attention to accreditation. Engineering programs are typically accredited by ABET, and that accreditation matters for licensure and many employers. The engineering accreditation guide explains what to verify before you enroll.
Questions to ask before choosing this concentration
- How many aerospace-specific courses are required versus elective, and can you weight them toward aeronautical or astronautical topics?
- Is the program ABET accredited, and does that accreditation cover the online or hybrid version?
- How are labs and the senior capstone handled in an online format, and are residencies required?
- What prerequisite math and physics courses do you need before the aerospace sequence begins?
- Which simulation and analysis tools does the program teach, since employers often expect specific software fluency?
Quick Answers
What is an aerospace engineering concentration?
It is a focused track within an engineering program that emphasizes aerodynamics, propulsion, flight dynamics, and aerospace structures. You complete the shared engineering core first, then add aerospace-specific coursework that prepares you to work on aircraft and spacecraft.
Can you earn an aerospace engineering degree online?
Yes, much of the coursework can be completed online, especially the analysis- and software-heavy topics. However, lab-intensive components and ABET-accredited tracks may require proctored exams, simulation labs, or short on-campus residencies, so fully online options are less common than hybrid ones.
What is the difference between aeronautical and astronautical engineering?
Aeronautical engineering focuses on flight within the atmosphere, such as airplanes, helicopters, and drones. Astronautical engineering focuses on flight beyond the atmosphere, including rockets, satellites, and spacecraft. Many concentrations cover both and let you specialize through electives.
What degree level do you need for aerospace engineering?
A bachelor’s degree is the standard entry credential, and it is where most aerospace concentrations are offered. Many roles, especially in research and advanced analysis, favor or require a master’s degree for deeper specialization.
How is aerospace engineering different from mechanical engineering?
The two share a large common foundation in mechanics, materials, and thermodynamics. Aerospace narrows that base toward flight vehicles, adding aerodynamics, propulsion, and orbital mechanics, while mechanical engineering applies the fundamentals across a broader range of industries.
Does an online aerospace degree need to be accredited?
Accreditation, typically through ABET for engineering, is important for professional licensure and is preferred by many employers. Before enrolling in any online aerospace engineering degree, confirm that the specific program and delivery format are accredited.
Next Steps
- Explore aerospace-related roles in the engineering careers guide and review pay context in the engineering salary guide.
- Compare delivery options and accredited online programs across the online colleges hub.
- Consider a related track such as the mechanical engineering concentration.
Back to Engineering Concentrations
Data verified: June 27, 2026. Salary, employment, and tuition figures on this page are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS May 2025; Employment Projections 2024–2034) and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2023 cohort). The source agency and data year are cited inline with every statistic.