DRAFT - Aerospace Engineering Major - Standard - SO

Two people look through a cockpit window

Aerospace Engineering

Major

Aerospace Engineering at USMA equips future Army leaders with advanced knowledge in aerodynamics, propulsion, and flight systems to design and analyze cutting-edge air and space technologies. This rigorous program blends hands-on research, state-of-the-art labs, and leadership development to prepare graduates for careers in aviation, defense innovation, and beyond.

Offered by the Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering.

Aerospace Engineering: Where Mission-Driven Innovation Takes Flight

Aerospace Engineering at West Point blends rigorous engineering science with real-world, mission-focused applications. You’ll master the fundamentals - aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, flight mechanics, and controls - while learning to design, test, and sustain air and space systems that strengthen national defense and save lives.

The West Point Advantage

At the United States Military Academy, Aerospace Engineering is more than a major. It’s a leadership crucible. You’ll gain deep technical competence alongside ethical decision-making, systems thinking, and operational judgment. The program integrates hands-on labs, team design projects, and field testing with leadership experiences to prepare you for high-stakes environments where clarity, character, and technical excellence matter.

Integrated military focus

  • Apply aerospace principles to Army aviation, autonomous systems (UAS), and air-ground integration.
  • Translate performance, survivability, and reliability metrics into plans that commanders can use.
  • Consider logistics, maintainability, and lifecycle impacts from day one - because readiness is a design requirement.

Hands-on labs and design

  • Validate lift, drag, and control concepts with real data; iterate designs based on measured performance.
  • Analyze and test airframe components for fatigue, impact, and thermal loads; explore composites and lightweight design.
  • Compare turbojet/turbofan/propeller systems, fuel choices, and efficiency; model mission range and endurance.
  • Simulate stability, guidance, and autopilots; conduct flight test profiles to evaluate handling qualities.
  • Partner with Army labs and industry to prototype solutions - e.g., UAS payloads, rapid runway repair concepts, or rotorcraft upgrades.

Ethics, safety, and innovation

  • Balance capability and risk, ensuring safety margins and compliance with standards and rules of engagement.
  • Explore autonomy, AI-enabled control, and novel materials with rigorous testing and transparent validation.
  • Make engineering choices that protect Soldiers, civilians, and the mission.

Mentorship that accelerates your trajectory

  • Learn from seasoned engineers and Army aviators who connect theory to field realities.
  • Build relationships with research centers, test organizations, and acquisition programs.
  • Receive coaching that elevates your communication, teamwork, and decision-making - so you deliver results under pressure.

The Foundation to Solve Tomorrow’s Challenges

West Point’s approach ensures you graduate ready to innovate, inspire, and succeed in:

Army aviation and flight operations

  • Serve in aviation with the technical fluency to collaborate with test pilots, maintenance leaders, and program managers.
  • Enhance fleet readiness by applying performance data to safety, sustainment, and modernization decisions.

Research, development, and test

  • Innovate in UAS, rotorcraft, and fixed-wing systems - from airframes and propulsion to sensors and autonomy.
  • Contribute to testing and evaluation using data-driven methodologies to improve reliability and mission effectiveness.

Space, air, and missile defense integration

  • Apply orbital mechanics and space systems concepts to space operations and joint targeting.
  • Support integrated air defense through modeling, simulation, and systems engineering for complex, contested environments.

Systems engineering and acquisition

  • Lead cross-functional teams to deliver capability on time and within budget, from concept to fielding.
  • Drive lifecycle outcomes by integrating maintainability, training, and logistics into design decisions.

Operational planning with engineering expertise

  • Advise commanders on aircraft performance, payloads, and airspace constraints for joint missions.
  • Integrate technical data into contingency plans for disaster response, reconnaissance, and humanitarian operations.

Information for Future Cadets

Resources for Current Cadets

Aerospace Engineering: Mission to Master the Skies

Aerospace Engineering at West Point is more than a degree. It’s a launchpad for future military aviators, engineers, and leaders in cutting-edge technology. 

What makes this major unique? It’s the fusion of advanced engineering education with West Point’s unparalleled leadership development. You’ll learn from distinguished military and civilian faculty who bring real-world aerospace experience and a passion for teaching. Every course is designed to sharpen your technical expertise while building your ability to lead in complex, high-stakes missions.

Core Foundation

The major begins with a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, and engineering principles. These courses develop your understanding of aerodynamics, propulsion, and structural mechanics while reinforcing analytical and problem-solving skills:

  • ME311 – Fluid Mechanics
  • ME314 – Thermodynamics
  • ME315 – Mechanics of Materials
  • ME316 – Dynamics
  • ME319 – Heat Transfer
  • ME320 – Mechanical Engineering Laboratory

Complementary courses in calculus, differential equations, and general physics ensure you have the tools to tackle advanced aerospace challenges.

Advanced and Applied Courses

West Point’s Aerospace Engineering curriculum emphasizes innovation and application. You’ll explore aircraft design, propulsion systems, and space technologies that prepare you for leadership in military aviation and beyond:

  • AE401 – Aerodynamics
  • AE402 – Aircraft Performance
  • AE403 – Aerospace Structures
  • AE404 – Propulsion Systems
  • AE405 – Flight Mechanics
  • AE406 – Aerospace Design Project

These courses reflect West Point’s nationally recognized engineering programs—designed to prepare cadets for leadership in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Hands-On Learning

At USMA, learning is active and immersive. You’ll work in state-of-the-art labs, conduct wind tunnel experiments, and apply your knowledge to real-world aerospace challenges. Honors students can pursue:

  • AE491 & AE492 – Individual Research I & II

Whether you’re analyzing supersonic flow or designing next-generation aircraft, you’ll be guided by faculty who are accessible, invested in your success, and committed to your growth as an engineer and leader.

Electives and Specialization

Customize your academic journey with electives that align with your interests and career goals. Choose from topics such as:

  • AE410 – Spacecraft Design
  • AE411 – Hypersonic Aerodynamics
  • AE412 – Rotorcraft Performance
  • AE413 – Advanced Propulsion
  • AE414 – Unmanned Aerial Systems

These options allow you to specialize in areas critical to military readiness, aerospace innovation, and future defense technologies.

Learn More

Aerospace Engineering: Beyond the Classroom

At West Point, the Aerospace Engineering major is more than a rigorous academic program. It’s a gateway to real-world impact, leadership development, and national recognition. You’ll engage in hands-on learning, advanced design projects, and prestigious enrichment programs that prepare you to lead in aviation, space systems, and military technology.

Internships

Gain practical experience through internships with Army research labs, aviation units, and defense technology organizations. These opportunities connect classroom knowledge to military applications, from aircraft performance to space operations.

Experiential and Hands-On Learning

Aerospace Engineering brings classroom concepts to life through immersive labs, simulations, and design projects. Whether you’re analyzing aerodynamics or building propulsion systems, you’ll gain practical experience that builds confidence and competence.

  • Conduct wind tunnel testing and flight simulations using advanced software and equipment.
  • Design and prototype aerospace systems for military and defense applications.
  • Present your research and network with professionals at national and international engineering and defense conferences.

Research and Facilities

While completing your degree, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in research with MAE and the Center for Applied Engineering. Work alongside faculty mentors on projects such as hypersonic flight, rotorcraft performance, and unmanned aerial systems. Your contributions advance Army readiness and aerospace innovation.

Scholarships, Honors, and Recognition

Aerospace Engineering majors are eligible to participate in the West Point Scholars Program, which provides personalized support for competitive national scholarships, such as:

  • Rhodes Scholarship
  • Marshall Scholarship
  • Fulbright Fellowship
  • Gates Cambridge Scholarship

The West Point Technical Scholars Program (TSP) mentors and guides cadets in pursuit of undergraduate and postgraduate scholarship as they seek national and international honors for their performance. With over 240 scholarships and fellowships awarded, TSP continues to produce innovative leaders prepared for future challenges.

West Point also celebrates academic excellence and leadership through:

  • Honor societies:
    • Tau Beta Pi
    • Phi Kappa Phi
  • Aerospace honors program: Conduct independent research and graduate with distinction.
  • Departmental awards: Earn recognition for academic excellence and leadership in engineering.

Learn More

Aeronautical Engineering is 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 project-based learning, and high-quality instruction.