<p>I am currently a Mechanical Engineering major but I really like aerospace. Since my school doesn't offer aerospace (it does offer some related courses in the ME department), I plan get a Master's or PhD in aerospace. However, it seems that most positions for aerospace engineers are only open to US citizens. Should I not consider getting an aerospace degree?</p>
<p>You don’t need a degree in aerospace to get a job in the aerospace industry. Many different knowledge and skills are required in aerospace. I was a civil engineering major and ended up doing aerospace structural analysis my whole career.</p>
<p>You are correct that many jobs in the aerospace field are limited to US citizens. From my experience, it wasn’t so much from a security clearance issue as much as it was an International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR) issue. A lot of the technology used in the aerospace industry has some military significance even if it is a commercial project. A lot of companies will not want to hire someone that is restricted in what areas they can work.</p>