just had the curiosity cause I’ve gotten accepted to one school so far for aerospace engineering. Wanted to know the difference between the two because I’m most likely stopping at a bachelors of science.
No practical difference that I have discovered (and I spent 40+ years in Navy and Lockheed Martin tactical aviation program management, including much detailed systems, aero and mechanical engineering).
aeronautical science? Is this combined with flight training? If so, it’s a degree that prepares you to work in the aviation industry (as a pilot, manager, etc). It’s NOT engineering.
It could be combined with primary flight training, but I’ve not seen it as such.
Embry Riddle has an Aero Science degree. It is different from engineering
http://daytonabeach.erau.edu/degrees/bachelor/aeronautical-science/index.html
When I asked someone this question recently I was told that they are virtually the same. They said that the difference is that aerospace engineering involves “near space” (or maybe they said near space and space) while aeronautical involves only the atmosphere as high as planes fly.
Take it for what it is worth.
One is an engineering degree and would be ABET accredited. You would then be able to take the FE exam and the PE exam. The other is not…
Major aerospace/defense corporations are not very FE/PE concerned or oriented.
Or cost oriented. I could not resist.
@IowaParent15: That may be true . . . and, of course, it results in FAR higher compensation at all professional levels (I couldn’t resist either), which is an substantial advantage.
Do you mind sharing what school offers this “aeronautical science” degree? We could give you a real, factual answer that way.
Aeronautical Science is a major offered at Embry-Riddle (as well as FIT) and is intended for pilots. It is not, in any way shape or form, a substitute for an engineering degree (nor was it intended to be). Aero Science is essentially a “crash course” (no pun intended) major on everything related to aeronautics, but at a lesser depth. It covers things like flight physiology, weather, weight and balance, aerodynamics, crew resource management, etc.
The running joke we had at Riddle was that this major was offered so the pilots could check off the “I have a college degree” box when applying for jobs. Joking aside, the actual curriculum is very applicable to pilots, but not very applicable if you decide to change careers at a later point in time.
Aeronautical science isn’t offered every where but for the places that do have it I’m guessing from your responses it prepares you for flying.
Correct. In fact, the flight training is usually integrated into the program.