Degree Requirements
The BSE in aerospace engineering degree has course requirements in several subjects listed below. Rules for choosing “intellectual breadth electives,” “technical electives,” and “general elective” courses are available here (link to requirements document). Most undergraduate AEROSP courses are offered every semester providing flexibility for students to plan their schedule according to their interests and needs, particularly in the junior and senior years. However, it is important to meet with an academic advisor for planning out the courses that may no be offered each semester and to discuss other options available to you during your undergraduate career.
Course breakdown by subjects
Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, and Engineering (39 Credits)
- MATH 115, 116, 215, and 216
- ENGR 100, Intro to Engr
- ENGR 101, Intro to Computers or
- ENGR 151, Accel Intro to Computers
- CHEM 125/126 and 130, or 210 and 211
- Physics 140 with Lab 141
- Physics 240 with Lab 241
Intellectual Breadth Electives (16 Credits)
Intellectual breadth (16 credits). See the College of Engineering Bulletin for rules in selecting intellectual breadth courses that satisfy this requirement. A 3-credit humanities course and a 3-credit, 300-level or higher humanities or liberal arts course (LAC) are required. The 100-level foreign language credit received by placement exam does not count as intellectual breath.
Related Technical Core (12 Credits)
- ME 240 (4) Introduction to Dynamics and Vibrations
- Engineering Distribution. Select two courses from at the 200 level or higher within a field of Engineering outside of the Aerospace department. The most popular courses used to fulfill this requirement are: MSE 220, MSE 350, EECS 215, EECS 216, EECS 280, EECS 281
Aerospace Science (26 Credits)
- AEROSP 201, Intro to Aerospace Engineering
- AEROSP 215, Intro to Solid Mechanics and Aerospace Structures
- AEROSP 225, Intro to Gas Dynamics
- AEROSP 315, Aircraft and Spacecraft Structures
- AEROSP 325, Aerodynamics
- AEROSP 335, Aircraft and Spacecraft Propulsion
- AEROSP 341, Aircraft Dynamics or AEROSP 343 Spacecraft Dynamics
- AEROSP 350, Introduction to Aerospace Computing
- AEROSP 470, Control of Aerospace Vehicles
Aerospace Engineering (17 Credits)
- AEROSP 200, Introduction to the Aerospace Enterprise
- AEROSP 205, Intro to Aerospace Engr Systems or Aerosp 288: Fundamentals of Product Development
- AEROSP 305, Aerospace Engr Lab I
- AEROSP 405, Aerospace Engr Lab II or AEROSP 388. Aerospace Tools & Methods (MBSE)
- AEROSP 481, Aircraft Design or Aero 483, Space System Design
Technical Electives (9 Credits)
A total of nine credits of technical elective courses is required. The courses must be upper division (300-level or above) courses from engineering, mathematics, physical science, or other courses approved by an academic adviser, that are chosen to satisfy the following constraints:
- A maximum of 2 credits of seminar, such as AE 585, is allowed for technical elective credit.
- A maximum of 3 credits of directed study is allowed for technical elective credit.
- A maximum of 3 credits of AE 390 or AE 490, based on satisfactory completion of flight certification, can be used to satisfy the technical elective requirement.
One course of three or more credits must be advanced mathematics or advanced science; this could include a course in astronomy, biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, or physics.
Other courses can be selected if approved by an academic adviser
Pilot Training Technical Electives
Policy on directed study credit for formal aircraft pilot training activities
Aerospace Engineering students can earn directed study credit based on successful completion of pilot training activities according to the following procedures:
Aero 290:
One AERO 290 credit can be earned with a passing score on the FAA Private Pilot Exam, Aircraft Single-Engine Land (ASEL). This exam is typically taken as part of a ground school course that covers basic knowledge required for a private pilot license.
Students requesting this credit must bring their FAA exam paperwork to the cognizant Aerospace Engineering faculty member for approval. A passing exam score will translate to a grade of “pass” for AERO 290.
Aero 390:
Three AERO 390 credits can be earned by students who obtain FAA-issued license for private pilot, Aircraft Single-Engine Land (ASEL) or helicopters.
More advanced FAA-issued ratings such as instrument, instructor, instrument instructor and multi-engine are acceptable but cannot be used to obtain additional credit.
To earn Aerosp 390 credit, a student must enroll in the course in the semester they will earn the license, bring their pilot’s log book(s), a current medical certificate (Class III or above), and their pilot’s license to the cognizant Aerospace Engineering faculty member for approval. Credit for a pilot’s license is offered to enhance the traditional aerospace curriculum with practical study.
Therefore, the AERO 390 “licensed pilot” credit can only be obtained by students who have declared an aerospace Engineering major. Students eligible for this credit must either obtain their license while a University of Michigan student or maintain currency by completing a documented annual or biennial proficiency check after enrollment as a University of Michigan student.
The cognizant faculty member for pilot training activities is currently Professor Carlos Cesnik. Inquiries should be directed to him.
General Electives (9 Credits)
See College of Engineering Bulletin for rules selecting general elective courses.
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