Best Online Aerospace Engineering Degree Programs for 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What can I expect from an online aerospace engineering degree?

The best online aerospace engineering degree programs follow the same academic standards and accreditation benchmarks as traditional on-campus programs. Approval from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) ensures that students study essential areas such as aerodynamics, propulsion systems, flight mechanics, orbital physics, and structural analysis. Many programs include the same capstone design courses and advanced materials labs as their campus-based counterparts.

Course delivery often blends scheduled virtual lectures with on-demand modules that cover theoretical foundations and applied mathematics.

Learners complete virtual labs and simulation-based experiments, some of which are controlled remotely through university facilities. Select programs provide access to high-fidelity test rigs and design trainers, helping to replicate the kinds of hardware interactions found in traditional lab environments.

Students work in collaborative settings that reflect real-world aerospace workflows. Interaction with instructors and graduate teaching assistants is organized through small-group reviews, discussion forums, and team-based design projects. These experiences reinforce systems-level thinking and help students build both technical and communication skills.

Most programs culminate in a specialization track and offer training in industry-standard tools such as computer-aided design (CAD), computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and finite element analysis (FEA). With a strong emphasis on design integration and simulation, these programs prepare graduates to enter aerospace, defense, or research organizations with practical, job-ready skills.

Where can I work with an online aerospace engineering degree?

Top online aerospace engineering programs are designed to align with the specific demands of aerospace environments that require both analytical precision and strong systems integration skills.

The following sectors and settings represent the most common and in-demand environments for aerospace engineers today:

• Aerospace product and parts manufacturing: Large employers such as aircraft, satellite, and propulsion firms hire aerospace engineers for design, testing, and production engineering. This sector employed approximately 26,400 aerospace engineers as of May 2023.
• Architectural, engineering, and related services: Consulting and engineering services firms support aviation, defense, and infrastructure projects through systems integration, simulation analysis, and cross-disciplinary technical support.
• Federal agencies and space programs: Organizations like NASA, the Department of Defense, and national research labs offer roles in mission design, propulsion analysis, and research. Programs such as NASA’s Pathways internships often lead directly to full-time positions.
• Scientific research and development services: R&D organizations focused on autonomous systems, green propulsion, or orbital mechanics employed around 5,770 aerospace engineers in 2023.
• Navigation, sensor, avionics, and control instrument manufacturing: Companies in this field build systems for drones, spacecraft, and satellites, employing roughly 3,750 aerospace engineers nationwide.

These roles are found in a wide range of settings, from classified military labs and university-affiliated research centers to aerospace corridors in California, Texas, Florida, and the Mid-Atlantic region. Online graduates with industry-aligned training are often recruited into these environments for their adaptability, technical depth, and ability to contribute from day one.

How much can I make with an online aerospace engineering degree?

Graduates from accredited online aerospace engineering programs can expect salaries that align with national benchmarks for the profession.

The figures below represent typical annual earnings across the primary employment fields for aerospace engineers:

• Scientific research and development services: Engineers in this area earned approximately $148,530 in 2024, the highest among reported industries (Bureau of Labor Statistics [BLS], 2024).
• Federal government: Professionals employed by federal agencies reported average salaries of about $140,710, reflecting the demand for aerospace expertise in public-sector missions and oversight (BLS, 2024).
• Aerospace product and parts manufacturing: Engineers working in this field earned roughly $134,950, with opportunities to increase income through specialization and experience (BLS, 2024).
• Engineering services and consulting: Typical earnings in professional, scientific, and technical services reached approximately $130,410 (BLS, 2024).
• Overall salary range: Entry-level engineers typically earn less than $85,350, while the top 10% of earners make over $205,850 (BLS, 2024).

Strong compensation across sectors highlights the continued demand for aerospace engineers and the financial viability of entering the field through a well-structured online degree.

List of Online Aerospace Engineering Degree Programs for 2025

1. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University delivers an ABET-accredited online Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering through nine-week accelerated terms. With one of the highest job placement rates in the field, and over 94% of graduates employed or in graduate school within a year, the program stands out for its strong outcomes, expert faculty in flight dynamics and thermofluids, and flexible pacing for working professionals.

• Program Length: 4 years full-time
• Tracks/concentrations: Core Aerospace Engineering curriculum with elective focus options in flight‑dynamics, propulsion, orbital systems
• Cost per Credit: $503 per credit (undergraduate online)
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120
• Accreditation: ABET/EAC, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Stanford University

Stanford University currently has no online bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, but it does provide a graduate certificate and a part-time online MS in Aeronautics and Astronautics through its Honors Cooperative Program (HCP), ideal for professionals studying areas like propulsion and fluid dynamics without committing to a full degree. Stanford’s online graduate programs are delivered by the same faculty as its on-campus offerings and carry the same academic recognition.

• Program Length: Certificate can be completed in 1–2 years part-time
• Tracks/concentrations: Fluid Mechanics, Propulsion, Dynamics and Control, Space Systems
• Cost per Credit: Approximately $1,456
• Required Credits to Graduate: 12–15 units (certificate); 45 units (master’s)
• Accreditation: WASC (institutional); program adheres to Stanford Engineering standards

3. University of Southern California

While University of Southern California undergraduate engineering programs remain fully on-campus, they do carry a fully online MS in Aerospace Engineering and a Graduate Certificate in Astronautical Engineering through its DEN@Viterbi platform. DEN@Viterbi consistently ranks among the top online graduate engineering programs, and students benefit from USC’s leadership in astronautical research and industry ties with NASA, SpaceX, and Northrop Grumman.

• Program Length: 1–2 years part-time
• Tracks/concentrations: Spacecraft Propulsion, Space Systems Design, Dynamics and Control, Safety of Space Systems
• Cost per Credit: Approximately $1,456
• Required Credits to Graduate: 12–15 units (certificate); 30–45 units (master’s)
• Accreditation: WASC

4. University of Washington - Seattle

University of Washington - Seattle delivers a fully online Master of Aerospace Engineering (MAE) through its Department of Aeronautics & Astronautics, with flexible evening classes tailored for working professionals. Known for its strong research partnerships with Boeing and NASA, the program stands out for its applied focus and the option to earn professional certificates in aerospace control systems, composites, and modern structural design.

• Program Length: Approximately 3 years part-time
• Tracks/concentrations: Controls, Fluids, Structures, Composites
• Cost per Credit: Not publicly listed
• Required Credits to Graduate: 45 (MAE); 16 (certificate)
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

5. University of Colorado Boulder

University of Colorado Boulder offers an on-campus ABET-accredited B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, but its Professional Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering Sciences (MSAES) is available 100% online. Widely recognized for its nationally ranked aerospace department, the program stands out for its flexible format, world-class faculty, and technical depth in high-demand areas such as astrodynamics, bioastronautics, and remote sensing.

• Program Length: Approximately 2 years part-time
• Tracks/concentrations: Astrodynamics & Satellite Navigation, Autonomous Systems, Bioastronautics, Fluids/Structures/Materials, Remote Sensing & Earth/Space Science
• Cost per Credit: Although not publicly listed, it’s aligned with Colorado resident graduate tuition
• Required Credits to Graduate: 30
• Accreditation: WASC

6. Mississippi State University

Mississippi State University delivers its ABET-accredited Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering on-campus and offers a fully online Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering for professionals seeking advanced technical training. The program is distinguished by its access to nationally recognized research facilities, customizable thesis and non-thesis tracks, and a history of strong industry placements across the defense and space sectors.

• Program Length: Approximately 2–3 years part-time (master’s)
• Tracks/concentrations: Fluid Dynamics, Structural Mechanics, Controls, Propulsion, Autonomous Systems
• Cost per Credit: $581 + $25 instructional support fee
• Required Credits to Graduate: 30 (master’s)
• Accreditation: ABET; SACSCOC

7. Liberty University

Liberty University offers a fully online Bachelor of Science in Aviation, combining virtual coursework with flight training through FAA-approved affiliates. Though aviation-focused, the program covers core concepts in aerodynamics and propulsion relevant to aerospace engineering. Liberty’s School of Aeronautics has won the Loening Trophy four times and also offers online master’s and doctoral degrees in aeronautics and aviation.

• Program Length: 120 credits (typically 3–3.5 years)
• Tracks/concentrations: Aviation (pilot focus), Aviation Management, Maintenance Management
• Cost per Credit: $390 full-time, $455 part-time; military rate $250 (AY 2025–26)
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. Purdue University

Purdue University only offers a fully online Master of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics (MSAAE), taught by internationally recognized faculty and supported by research in propulsion, space systems, and autonomous vehicles. As part of a top-ranked engineering college, the program is widely respected for its technical rigor, industry relevance, and ability to accommodate working professionals without compromising academic quality.

• Program Length: 30 graduate credit hours, typically completed in 1–2 years
• Tracks/concentrations: Aerodynamics; Aerospace Systems; Astrodynamics & Space Applications; Autonomy & Control; Structures & Materials; Propulsion
• Cost per Credit: $1,139 (Indiana resident); $1,459 (non-resident)
• Required Credits to Graduate: 30 credits (MSAAE)
• Accreditation: ABET; Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

9. University of North Dakota

University of North Dakota delivers a hybrid Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering that combines online coursework with required summer lab residencies. Housed within the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences, it is the only aerospace engineering program of its kind in the region. The curriculum emphasizes applied design, flight dynamics, and space systems, supported by access to advanced aerospace facilities and a strong focus on regional industry needs.

• Program Length: Approximately 4–5 years, including summer labs
• Tracks/concentrations: Aerosystems Design, Flow Physics, Flight Dynamics and Control, Space Systems
• Cost per Credit: In-state rate for all online students
• Required Credits to Graduate: 128
• Accreditation: HLC; ABET accreditation pending for Aerospace Engineering

10. Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia Institute of Technology confers an ABET-accredited Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering that is delivered exclusively on campus. For those seeking flexible graduate study, its online Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering (MSAE) is supported by the Guggenheim School’s deep research partnerships with NASA and industry leaders, particularly in propulsion, space systems, and autonomous flight.

• Program Length: Up to six years to complete
• Tracks/concentrations: Thesis and non-thesis options
• Cost per Credit: $1,138 (based on $3,415 per three-credit course)
• Required Credits to Graduate: 33 (MSAE)
• Accreditation: ABET; SACSCOC

How long does it take to complete an online aerospace engineering degree?

Completion times vary depending on course load, transfer credit, and whether students choose a standard or accelerated path. Online programs offer enough flexibility to support different pacing needs while maintaining structured degree progress.

The following outlines typical completion times for online bachelor’s degree students:

• Full-time: Most students complete their degree in 4 years by taking a standard course load of 15 to 16 credits per semester. Some schools offer summer courses or accelerated formats that may shorten this timeline to 3.5 years or less.
• Part-time: Students balancing work or family responsibilities often finish in 5 to 6 years. Flexible scheduling and year-round enrollment can help minimize delays.
• Accelerated pathways: Some schools offer combined BS/MS or BS/MEng tracks, allowing qualified students to earn both degrees in as few as 5 years. These programs are also a good entry point for students beginning to evaluate MEng vs MS options.
• Transfer credits and prior learning: Approved transfer credits or prior learning assessments can reduce total completion time by up to one year.
• Maximum federal aid timeframe: Students using financial aid typically must complete a 4-year degree within 6 years to maintain eligibility.

Just as with the best online counseling psychology degree programs, students pursuing aerospace engineering online should carefully evaluate whether they need a traditional, part-time, or accelerated path, since the chosen format has a direct impact on overall time to completion.

These timelines help students plan realistically based on their goals, availability, and long-term academic strategy.

Salary expectations are an equally important consideration for students. The chart below shows the median annual salaries of aerospace engineers as of 2024.

How does an online aerospace engineering degree program compare to an on-campus program?

Online aerospace engineering programs offer a learning experience that matches the academic quality of traditional programs, provided they are properly accredited and delivered by established institutions. While the format differs, core expectations around learning outcomes, design proficiency, and assessment remain consistent across both formats.

According to the Job Outlook 2024 survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), 87.4% of employers who monitored degree format hired candidates from online programs. The survey also found no difference in starting salaries, reinforcing that online degrees are widely accepted in the aerospace field.

Campus-based programs still have an edge in areas like access to in-person lab facilities, direct faculty interaction, and informal peer collaboration. In contrast, online programs rely on high-fidelity simulations, scheduled virtual reviews, and occasional on-site sessions to deliver hands-on learning. Some institutions also embed industry-sponsored projects or local lab partnerships to enrich remote study.

As with the best online gunsmith trade school programs, the credibility of an online aerospace engineering degree ultimately depends on accreditation, curriculum quality, and employer recognition—factors that now often level the playing field with traditional on-campus study.

Students choosing between formats should evaluate each program’s delivery method, required residencies, and career placement track record. For those comparing engineering pathways, a fast-track online software engineering degree may offer different scheduling or project-based advantages not available in aerospace programs.

What is the average cost of an online aerospace engineering degree?

Online aerospace engineering programs are priced based on factors like institutional control, delivery format, and tuition structure. Public universities tend to offer lower rates, while private and research-driven institutions reflect higher instructional and technology costs.

Below is a breakdown of current tuition ranges across different program types:

• Public In-State: $370–$620 per credit. A full program typically costs $44,000–$74,000 depending on credit requirements.
• Public Out-of-State or Flat-Rate Online: $650–$950 per credit. Estimated totals range from $58,000–$78,000.
• Private or Specialized: $1,000–$1,400 per credit. These programs often total $84,000–$126,000.
• Additional Costs: Students may need $1,000–$2,500 for remote lab access, engineering software, or compatible hardware.

Just like with the best online DBA in management degree programs, tuition varies widely based on the type of institution and the resources included, making it essential for students to weigh cost against long-term career return on investment.

When reviewing programs, prospective students should weigh cost against delivery quality, lab integration, and access to tools that reflect current aerospace workflows.

What are the financial aid options for students enrolling in online aerospace engineering degree programs?

Even the best online aerospace engineering programs can represent a significant investment. Fortunately, students have access to multiple funding options designed to support both traditional and distance learners in the field.

Students enrolled in online aerospace engineering programs can apply for a range of targeted scholarships and funding sources designed to support their academic and career goals:

• Federal Grants and Loans: Completing the FAFSA gives students access to federal aid, including Pell Grants of up to $7,395 and low-interest Direct Loans, which are applicable to accredited online programs.
• NASA Space Grant Consortium Scholarships: These state-administered awards offer up to $8,500 for upper-level students conducting aerospace research. Many participating universities extend eligibility to online students.
• AIAA Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships: The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics awards $2,000–$10,000 annually to students in ABET-accredited aerospace programs, including those enrolled online.
• Vertical Flight Foundation Scholarships: The VFF Scholarships range from $3,000–$6,000 for students pursuing rotorcraft or eVTOL engineering. Online bachelor’s and graduate students are eligible.
• Women in Aerospace Foundation Awards: Up to four $5,000 scholarships are awarded each year to women in their junior or senior year of an aerospace program, with online students fully eligible.

Many of these scholarships are not only merit-based but also aligned with national efforts to expand and diversify the aerospace talent pipeline.

What are the prerequisites for enrolling in online aerospace engineering degree programs?

Top online aerospace engineering programs maintain selective admissions standards to ensure students are prepared for the technical rigor and design-intensive focus of the field.

The following list outlines the most common academic and technical requirements that applicants are expected to meet:

• Academic Foundation: High school diploma or GED that includes 4 years of mathematics through precalculus or calculus, and at least 3 years of lab science, typically physics and chemistry.
• Math Readiness: Completion of Calculus I and II, or qualifying scores on placement exams, to ensure fluency in differential and integral calculus.
• Science Background: Calculus-based Physics I with lab is typically required; some institutions may also expect college-level chemistry.
• GPA Benchmarks: A 3.0 core GPA is standard for incoming freshmen, while transfer students are generally expected to show a 3.0 average in their most recent academic work.
• English Proficiency: International applicants must submit TOEFL iBT scores of at least 79 or IELTS scores of 6.0 or higher.
• Technical Setup: Students must have broadband internet access, a webcam, and a laptop capable of running software for CAD, CFD, and proctored exams.
• Placement and Exams: Institutions may use ALEKS, SAT, ACT, or internal math assessments to determine course placement, particularly in areas that align with engineering or air martial training requirements.

Just like admissions standards for the best online floor installer trade school programs, aerospace engineering prerequisites emphasize both academic preparedness and technical readiness to ensure students can succeed in a demanding, hands-on field.

These prerequisites are designed to ensure students can engage fully with remote labs, simulation tools, and collaborative design projects from the first semester onward.

What courses are typically in online aerospace engineering degree programs?

Aerospace engineering coursework is designed to build expertise in the principles, systems, and tools used in aircraft and spacecraft design. Whether at the undergraduate or graduate level, students progress through a sequence that blends theoretical foundations with applied technical skills.

The following courses represent the foundational and advanced topics students are most likely to encounter:

• Aerodynamics: Covers subsonic and supersonic flow, boundary-layer behavior, and wind tunnel methods for analyzing wings and airfoils.
• Propulsion Systems: Focuses on thermodynamics, gas dynamics, and the design and performance analysis of jet and rocket engine cycles.
• Structures and Materials: Introduces elasticity, thin-walled structures, composite materials, and finite element analysis for aerospace components, and may briefly touch on fabrication concepts such as requirements to become a welder in advanced manufacturing contexts.
• Flight Mechanics and Stability: Examines rigid-body dynamics, performance envelopes, and control principles for both atmospheric and space vehicles.
• Orbital Mechanics: Explores two-body motion, orbital transfers, and trajectory design for satellites and interplanetary missions.
• Computational Methods: Applies numerical integration, CFD, and optimization techniques to accelerate modeling and system-level trade studies.
• Capstone Design: Integrates analysis, CAD, testing, and teamwork into a final project focused on aircraft, spacecraft, or propulsion system development.

These subjects provide the technical foundation for solving real-world aerospace challenges and prepare students to meet high standards in design, analysis, and innovation.

What types of specializations are available in online aerospace engineering degree programs?

Online aerospace engineering programs allow students to customize their academic experience around specific areas of interest. These specializations support career growth in both established and emerging sectors across aviation, defense, and space systems.

The following are among the most commonly offered specializations in online aerospace programs:

• Aerodynamics and Fluid Mechanics: Emphasizes advanced CFD tools, wind tunnel testing, and high-speed flow regimes.
• Propulsion and Combustion: Covers jet, rocket, and hybrid engine systems, including coursework in hypersonic propulsion.
• Structures, Materials, and Aeroelasticity: Focuses on composite airframes, fatigue analysis, and vibration suppression in aerospace components.
• Flight Dynamics, Guidance, and Control: Includes topics such as stability analysis, autopilot systems, and autonomous flight algorithms.
• Space Systems and Astrodynamics: Offers training in orbital mechanics, spacecraft subsystems, and mission trajectory design.
• Hypersonics: Explores Mach-5 and above aerothermodynamics, thermal protection, and high-speed propulsion systems.
• Autonomous and Uncrewed Vehicle Systems: Integrates robotics, AI, and aerospace engineering for UAV and drone development.
• Rotorcraft and VTOL Engineering: Provides instruction in rotor dynamics, vertical-lift aeromechanics, and electric VTOL applications, with some crossover in design theory shared with fields like becoming an electrician or other hands-on technical trades.

Many programs offer flexible elective groupings that allow students to combine specializations, helping them build a competitive edge in multidisciplinary design and innovation.

How to choose the best online aerospace engineering degree program?

Selecting an online aerospace engineering program involves more than comparing tuition or rankings. The best options meet high academic standards, align with your technical interests, and support your long-term career goals.

Use the following benchmarks as a checklist when evaluating programs:

• ABET Accreditation: Confirm accreditation with the official ABET program search to ensure the degree meets national engineering education standards.
• Specialization Options: Choose a program that offers targeted concentrations in areas like propulsion, space systems, or hypersonics that reflect your intended career path.
• Faculty Expertise: Review faculty bios and research portfolios to confirm instructors have both academic credentials and industry-relevant experience.
• Laboratory Access and Software: Ensure the program includes access to necessary software licenses, remote lab tools, and platforms used in CFD, FEA, or CAD.
• Cost Transparency: Compare total program cost using College Scorecard data rather than relying solely on advertised per-credit rates.
• Student Support and Retention: Look for programs with strong online retention rates, responsive advising teams, and career services designed for remote learners.
• Industry Partnerships: Prioritize schools that facilitate internships, research collaborations, or capstone sponsorships with aerospace employers.
• Flexible Delivery: Select programs with rolling admissions, accelerated terms, or credit-transfer options that match your pace and schedule.

Taking time to evaluate these areas will help you confidently narrow your list to programs that combine academic rigor with long-term professional value.

What career paths are available for online aerospace engineering degree graduates?

An online aerospace engineering degree opens the door to a wide range of technical roles across flight, space, and defense systems. These roles reflect how graduates apply their training in real-world design, analysis, and development environments.

The following are some of the most in-demand career paths aligned with core aerospace disciplines:

• Aerodynamics Engineer: Refine airframe shapes using CFD tools and wind tunnel data to improve lift-to-drag ratios.
• Propulsion Engineer: Design and test jet, rocket, and hybrid engines, optimizing for thrust, efficiency, and emissions.
• Flight Dynamics / GNC Engineer: Develop guidance, navigation, and control systems to ensure stability and precise maneuvering for crewed and autonomous vehicles.
• Structures / Stress Engineer: Evaluate composite materials and airframe components for fatigue, aeroelasticity, and crashworthiness.
• Flight Test Engineer: Plan and execute ground or flight test operations and analyze data to guide design improvements.
• Satellite or Spacecraft Systems Engineer: Integrate propulsion, power, and thermal systems to meet mission objectives in orbit or deep space.
• Systems Integration Engineer: Oversee compatibility across avionics, structures, and propulsion systems throughout development and testing phases.
• UAV / eVTOL Development Engineer: Combine electric propulsion, autonomy, and lightweight materials to develop next-generation unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

These roles demonstrate the wide reach of aerospace engineering and how graduates can contribute directly to the future of flight and exploration.

What is the job market for online aerospace engineering degree graduates?

Demand for aerospace talent continues to outpace many other engineering fields, driven by commercial space growth, defense modernization, and rapid advancements in autonomous flight systems.

Federal data projects that aerospace engineering roles will grow 6% from 2023 to 2033, slightly above the national average. Approximately 4,200 aerospace engineering job openings are expected annually due to retirements and workforce transitions (BLS, 2025).

Support roles such as aerospace technologists and technicians are projected to grow 8% over the same period, adding around 1,100 openings per year (BLS, 2025). Graduates from online programs that emphasize hands-on simulation tools and multidisciplinary design are well-positioned for these roles, especially in hybrid and uncrewed aircraft development.

The commercial space industry remains one of the fastest-growing sectors. Over the past five years, employment in this area has risen 18%, with average salaries reaching $135,000. By 2024, the global space economy was valued at $613 billion, reinforcing demand for aerospace engineers across satellite, launch, and systems integration fields (Space Foundation, 2025).

In parallel, the U.S. commercial drone market is expanding at a compound annual growth rate of 15.9%, supporting increased hiring for aerodynamicists, flight control engineers, and UAV specialists (Grand View Research, 2025).

Much like guides that outline how to become an auto mechanic, clear training pathways and credential benchmarks are helping shape entry points into aerospace roles that require both technical expertise and cross-system fluency (Deloitte, 2025).

The global space economy shows promising growth thanks to recent commercial efforts. As of 2024, the biggest players in this growing market are shown in the following chart.

Here’s What Graduates Have to Say About Their Online Aerospace Engineering Degree

How do online aerospace engineering programs build industry connections?

Many online aerospace engineering programs incorporate dedicated initiatives to connect students with industry leaders and cutting-edge research opportunities. These programs often facilitate virtual career fairs, alumni mentorship networks, and guest lectures by professionals from leading aerospace companies, enabling students to build robust networks that can open doors to internships and employment. In addition, many institutions establish strategic partnerships with top-tier companies and research centers, including opportunities to engage in collaborative projects and webinars. Prospective students can further explore programs offered by affordable engineering colleges that emphasize industry connectivity as a key component of their curriculum.

Other Things You Should Know About Online Aerospace Engineering Degree Programs

Can you take aerospace engineering online?

Fully online aerospace engineering programs are more commonly available at the graduate level. Many top universities now deliver master’s degrees in areas like propulsion, orbital mechanics, and autonomous systems through asynchronous online formats that support working professionals. These programs often carry the same faculty, curriculum, and accreditation as their on-campus counterparts.

Undergraduate options are more limited. Most bachelor's programs in aerospace engineering are still offered on campus, though a few schools provide hybrid formats with online lectures and short, required lab residencies. Students looking for flexibility should explore these evolving pathways carefully, especially if access to labs or regional accreditation is a priority.

Can online students participate in internships or co-ops?

Yes, many online aerospace engineering students can participate in internships or cooperative education (co-op) programs, depending on their school’s structure and industry partnerships. These opportunities are typically arranged through the university’s career services or engineering department and may be available locally or remotely.

Some online programs are designed with built-in support for experiential learning, offering credit-eligible internships or capstone projects aligned with aerospace employers. Students should confirm that their program allows flexibility for scheduling and location, especially if they plan to gain hands-on experience while completing coursework.

What can you do with an aerospace engineering degree outside of NASA?

Aerospace engineering graduates often build careers in private industry, defense contracting, and commercial spaceflight, including roles with the following major employers:

• Boeing: Careers in commercial aircraft development, systems integration, and flight testing.
• Lockheed Martin: Roles in advanced defense technologies, including missile systems and stealth aircraft.
• SpaceX: Opportunities in propulsion engineering, launch operations, and spacecraft design.
• Raytheon: Positions in aerospace defense systems, avionics, and radar technologies.
• Blue Origin: Work in reusable launch vehicles, engine testing, and aerospace manufacturing.

These employers offer diverse paths for graduates aiming to work on cutting-edge projects in aerospace and beyond.

How competitive are online aerospace engineering programs?

Online aerospace engineering programs are moderately competitive, particularly at the graduate level where applicants are often expected to have strong academic records in STEM fields and relevant professional experience. Admissions typically assess prior coursework in calculus, physics, and engineering fundamentals, along with GRE scores if required.

Because fewer institutions offer online aerospace programs compared to other engineering disciplines, available seats may be limited. Programs from top-tier universities can be more selective, especially when designed for working professionals seeking advanced specialization in fields like propulsion, flight systems, or spacecraft design.