applied mathematics to aerospace engineering grad school

<p>Well, I'm reaching the end of my undergraduate career and find that the last thing I want to do is go to graduate school in mathematics. It's not because I dislike it, but I don't feel like learning more about proofs. I've had my fair share this year and no longer care for them. I did physics and applied math classes, but the ones I hated were specific to Industrial Engineering. I am one class short away from a physics minor, but I am graduating. I took Mathematical Physics, Astrophysics, Quantum Physics I and II, and our three main physics classes core sequence here. So, that is my physics background. I took senior level differential equations and partial differential equations. I'm taking a numerical methods course right now as well. My degree is a bachelor of science in Applied Mathematics/Statistics. I did well in C++/MATLAB and realize coding will probably be part of my life, but I do not want to become a programmer or software engineer as a career.</p>

<p>I'm very fascinated by the aerospace industry and I grew up with my dad working in the industry his entire working life. However, I figured math was for me until I saw what it was all about after taking proofs classes such as Complex Analysis, Real Analysis, and Abstract Algebra (I did well in them and enjoyed them, but I think they're generally useless). I took classes in Operations Research, but I did it only because it was the only thing open that would let me graduate on time. I hated them, although they were relatively easy. </p>

<p>So, really, does anyone have a suggestion on what my options are? Do I have to go back and get an undergraduate degree in aerospace engineering because I lack many prerequisites? </p>

<p>Note: At my school, no other major other than an engineering major can register for engineering classes. Otherwise, I would've taken some.</p>

<p>No you don’t need a second undergraduate degree. An applied mathematics degree should set you up quite well for aerospace engineering, though I’m sure you will need to take some catch-up classes. It sounds like you be interested in the more theoretical side of computational mechanics, be it solids or fluids.</p>

<p>I think it is worth a call to the aerospace department(s) you are interested in getting your graduate degree from so you can see what coursework they want you to take (either there or another school) prior to application and/or that you can makeup your first year of grad school. You might also enjoy orbital dynamics (I.e. make Cassini fly inside Saturn’s rings).</p>

@CalDud what school do you attend?