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 new Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering. Breadcrumb academics majors and minors aerospace engineering major academics-sidebarnav MENU Academic Program Majors & Minors Annual Theme Enrichment Opportunities Internships Study Abroad Scholars Program Service Academy Exchange Program Departments Overview Program Enrichment 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. MathAE201 – Intro to Aero EngME362 – Fluid MechanicsME301 – ThermodynamicsMC306 – DynamicsAE364 – Aerospace StructuresEE301 – CircuitsAE481 – AerodynamicsAE354 – PropulsionAE483 – Aerospace DesignXE472 – Dynamic Modeling and ControlAE380 – Aerospace MaterialsAE498 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 PhysicsFor more informationView the full Aerospace Engineering major curriculum. 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 the Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering or the Center for Applied Engineering.