This discussion was created from comments split from: Astrophysics and aerospace engineering.
@boneh3ad and @eyemgh I have been following CC on topics related to Aerospace engineering and I have seen some valuable comments from you both. I thought to ask a question related to this field on this tread.
I recently got accepted at UIUC, UMN (In-state) and OSU in Aerospace Engineering. I have also been awarded type 2 scholarship from AFROTC, 4yr 18K to any public of pvt college. I want to serve if I accept the scholarship.
My questions is what area of Aerospace would you recommend on specializing. My parents want me to do something in combination with computer Sc/Aero (as they believe that is where the $$ is)
I don’t know a lot about various jobs in that field where is the future for the next 30 years. I have taken some engineering classes in local community college during my junior/senior year of school (e.g. Statics/Dynamics).
The others are much better at answering your questions, but…
Keep in mind that most engineering BS programs don’t offer “specialization”, other than being able to pick a few technical electives. They cram a lot of “core” courses into the curriculum. Specialization (in engineering) really happens in grad school (with a few exceptions).
Also, you’ll have a much better idea of what areas in Aero you like, after your junior year.
If by “specialization” you mean earning a minor or 2nd degree, then you have some options. All of those programs offer minors, in CS, math, physics, etc). Some offer “combined/BS-MS” degree programs, where you can earn your BS and a MS(where you would be doing more specialization). UIUC for example offers a 5 year BS-MS program.
UMN is a little different from the others, in that they offer a dual BS degree program with Aero (they don’t recommend the 2nd degree be Mechanical Engineering). Most engineering programs are rather negative on students earning two BS degrees.
https://cse.umn.edu/aem/undergraduate-degree-requirements
Good Luck!
At some schools you can concentrate in Aeronautics or Astronautics. That’s fairly uncommon though.
CS and SE are commanding high salaries right now. The road is littered though with students who were counseled to follow a particular path for money. You’ll get some coding background no matter what you do. If you can’t see yourself typing code lines day in and day out, I’d ignore their advice. It’s far more enjoyable and thus sustainable to do something you’re interested in rather than something that simply pays the best. Coding all hours of the day is not for everyone.
Good luck.
From what I’ve seen, “Aero” majors typically concentrate in aircraft, spacecraft or control systems. So either the physical machines themselves or the electronics that help them fly. And flying through air, with wings that provide lift, drag, etc., is very different than a spacecraft through the vacuum of space.
Many/most schools have a common first year program for all engineering and then a common second year program for all Aero majors. It’s only at that point that you select the 4-6 electives specific to your area of interest. I would suggest you wait until you’re through Statics, Dynamics, Fluids, Controls, and other core coursework to understand which is more attractive to you.
I thoroughly enjoyed the mechanical courses, so went down the path of machine design, vibrations, etc., courses and steered clear of feedback/controls-related courses after the core curriculum. My D is doing the same. But others enjoyed the electronics path.
Engineering is typically one of the higher paying majors and I don’t think the difference in earnings between specialization should override doing what interests you.
From prior to the creation of the new thread the OP said “I want to do dual major if possible”. My question for you is why? There are other options when you bring in a bunch of credit.
You can go deeper in your major or into support classes for your major (for example a Numerical Methods math class). Choosing a minor or a double can force you to take classes that you don’t want to take simply to meet the requirements for the paper. It’s the classes that employers care about, not whether or not you have a dual major.
You can also use your status to get a jump on a MS.
@eyemgh that’s a very good point. I never thought of it that way v/s going path of dual major. I will definitely give it more thought as I start talking to counselors about credit transfer and taking deeper classes in my major before making final decision on the college