Aerospace Engineering Major Aerospace Engineering Major Aerospace Engineering blends the theory, technology, and practice of flight within the Earth’s atmosphere, with elective opportunities in spacecraft and launch vehicle science and technology. This dynamic field focuses on the design, development, and testing of both aircraft and spacecraft, equipping future Army leaders to advance aviation technology and play a crucial role in our nation’s aerospace defense. Offered by the Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering. Breadcrumb academics majors and minors aerospace engineering major academics-sidebarnav MENU Academic Program Majors & Minors Enrichment Opportunities Internships Study Abroad Extracurricular Opportunities Service Academy Exchange Program Scholars Program Departments Overview Courses Enrichment Accreditation What is Aerospace Engineering?Aerospace Engineering is a dynamic and innovative field focused on the design, development, testing, and implementation of defense systems. It combines principles of mechanical engineering, mathematics, and other disciplines to solve complex problems in aviation and space technology. More than just a technical major, Aerospace Engineering at West Point equips cadets with the skill set to support the U.S. Army’s mission, advance national defense capabilities, and beyond. Why study Aerospace Engineering?Choosing to study Aerospace Engineering offers an exceptional combination of academic training and real-world application. Cadets engage in hands-on learning while collaborating with experienced faculty and industry leaders. The program emphasizes leadership development, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, preparing graduates to tackle complex problems in aviation and aerospace. As a future Army leader, you’ll be at the forefront of innovation! Fly High with Aerospace Engineering!Discover more: LTC Drew Curriston, AE Program Director or CPT Daniel Eichner, Head DAC Required CoursesAE287 or SP471 – Intro to Aeronautics or AstronauticsME202 CADMA364 – Eng. Math AE201 – Intro to Aero EngME362 – Fluid MechanicsME301 – ThermodynamicsMC306 – DynamicsAE364 – Aerospace StructuresEE301 – Circuits AE481 – AerodynamicsAE354 – PropulsionAE483 – Aerospace Design XE472 – Dynamic Modeling and ControlAE380 – Aerospace Materials AE498 or XE485 – AE Design or Eng Capstone IAE400 – Aerospace Eng SeminarAE473 – Stability and ControlAE499 or XE495 – AE Design or Eng Capstone II Elective Choices (Choose 1 of 8)AE287 – Intro to AeronauticsAE388 – VTOL AeronauticsAE389 – IND Study in Aerospace EngAE489 – ADV IND Study in Aerospace EngEE381 – Signals and SystemsME480 – Heat TransferSP471 – AstronauticsSP472 – Space Physics Majors can take part in the exciting Academic Individual Advanced Development (AIAD) program, a unique USMA-led enrichment experience. In this program, cadets work side-by-side with world-class engineers and researchers, gaining hands-on experience in facilities, learning innovative methods, procedures used to design, test, and enhance Army systems.To learn more about enrichment for this area of study, visit Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering or the Center for Innovation and Engineering. Aeronautical Engineering has been a longstanding part of the ABET Accredited and U.S. News nationally ranked USMA Mechanical Engineering Program. The new program will expand both academic courses offered and new facilities to meet ABET Criteria for the Aerospace Engineering major and will continue to focus on academic excellence through experiential classrooms, laboratory and projects-based learning, and high-quality instruction.