Requirements for Aeronautical Engineering

Whether it's a single engine private plane, a giant commercial airliner, or a supersonic fighter plane, the aircraft that carry us from place to place and protect our skies are the work of aeronautical engineers. It's a challenging career, but one of the highest paying engineering specialties, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and expected to show average job growth at least until 2016.

Identification

Aeronautical engineering is the branch of aerospace engineering that deals specifically with aircraft. Aeronautical engineers use mathematics, science and engineering principles to design and develop aircraft along with the manufacturing methods and processes to build them. Aeronautical engineers are also responsible for supervising production and maintenance programs to keep aircraft safe and up to date.

College

The first requirement for aeronautical engineering is a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering from a program approved by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Students take basic courses in calculus, statistics, computer design methods, physics and chemistry. Advanced courses focus on engineering design, methods and analysis with extensive laboratory work.

Graduate School

Within the wider field of aerospace engineering, specialization occurs in graduate school. A master's degree in aeronautical engineering from an ABET-approved program is required for many jobs. In graduate school, students specialize in areas such as aircraft propulsion, structure, avionics, navigation and control, electronics, and safety systems. Earning the master's degree usually takes 2 to 3 years.

Certification

The final step to becoming fully qualified is to be certified as a Professional Engineer. Graduates are certified by passing the aeronautical engineering exam in their specialty administered by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (see link below). Continuing education is a must due to the rapidly changing status of aeronautical technology. About half of all aeronautical engineers work in manufacturing. Others work for consulting and design firms, for the government and in universities. Positions in basic research or teaching usually require a PhD.

Benefits

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Handbook (2008/9 edition) aeronautical engineers were among the highest paying of all engineering specialties. The median salary was $87,610. The lowest 10 percent (mainly entry level positions) earned under $6000, while the top 10 percent earned over $124,000 per year. Aeronautical engineering is also a path into management, especially for those who continue their education by earning an MBA.