Aeronautics and astronautics deals with the design, analysis, and performance of air and space vehicles and a broad spectrum of related engineering science, such as aerodynamics, structural mechanics, automatic controls, flight mechanics, space dynamics, propulsion, plasma dynamics, and related topics.
Program of Study: Major: Aeronautics and Astronautics
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering (BSAAE) provides students with a thorough understanding of how to design, develop, test, and build aircraft, rockets, spacecraft, and satellites. Aerospace technology also has “earthbound” applications like making race cars more aerodynamic or designing autonomous underwater vehicles. The BSAAE degree provides a solid foundation in engineering fundamentals, lab work, and project experience with a real-world focus on teamwork, problem solving, leadership, and creativity.
This program of study leads to the following credential:
Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering degree
Admission Requirements
Engineering Undeclared Students
See section on College of Engineering Admission for additional details on Direct-to-College admission and placement process for Engineering Undeclared students. The deadline to submit a request for placement in an engineering major occurs annually on July 1.
If the number of Engineering Undeclared students requesting the major exceeds the department capacity for such students, a matching process is implemented. Factors considered include performance in prerequisite courses, quality of overall academic record, content of personal statement, applicable work or extracurricular activities, and other special circumstances as disclosed by the applicant.
Engineering Undeclared students in good standing with respect to the continuation criteria described below may request placement into an engineering major after completion of minimum requirements as specified below:
ENGR 101
English composition
MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126 (or MATH 134, MATH 135, MATH 136)
CHEM 142 (or CHEM 143 or CHEM 145)
PHYS 121 (or PHYS 141)
One course from list of approved courses on the College of Engineering website. Students are encouraged to choose a course required for graduation in the majors they are considering.
Minimum 2.0 grade in each course used to satisfy a placement requirement.
Minimum 12 credits as a matriculated UW student. Some departments require more credits. See department websites for details.
Students in good standing who do not meet the placement requirements by July 1 will be placed into a major on a conditional basis pending the completion of all placement requirements. Additional advising resources will be available to these students. See section on College of Engineering Continuation Policy for Engineering Undeclared Students for additional details.
Other Current UW Students and Transfer Students
Current UW students without Engineering Undeclared status and transfer students may apply. Admission is capacity-constrained.
Admission is for autumn quarter only. Application deadline: April 5
Minimum course requirements for application: MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126 (or MATH 134, MATH 135, MATH 136), CHEM 142 (or CHEM 143 or CHEM 145), PHYS 121, PHYS 122 (or PHYS 141, PHYS 142), A A 210, 5 credits English composition completed prior to application deadline. MATH 207 (unless MATH 135 was completed), MATH 208 (unless MATH 136 was completed), MATH 224, PHYS 123 (or PHYS 143), A A 260, CEE 220, ME 230, and AMATH 301 completed with a minimum 2.0 grades prior to autumn quarter.
Minimum 60 credits completed by application deadline
Grade requirements: Minimum 2.0 grade for each course required for application; minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA in courses required for application.
Factors evaluated for admission include performance in prerequisite courses, quality of overall academic record, demonstrated ability to handle rigorous course load, record of honors, content of personal statement, applicable work or extracurricular activities, and other special circumstances as disclosed by the applicant.
Continuation Policy
All students must make satisfactory academic progress in the major. Failure to do so results in probation, which can lead to dismissal from the major. For the complete continuation policy, please contact the departmental adviser or see department website for more details.
Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering degree
Completion Requirements
180 credits
General Education Requirements
Basic Skills
Written and Oral Communication (12 credits)
English Composition: 5 credits from the University list
Writing: 7 credits met by coursework in the major
Reasoning (RSN) (5 credits): met by program requirements
Diversity (DIV) (5 credits): may also apply to an Areas of Inquiry requirement. Of Special Note: For students admitted to the University prior to autumn quarter 2023, the DIV requirement is 3 credits.
Areas of Inquiry
Arts and Humanities (A&H) and Social Sciences (SSc) (24 credits)
A&H (10 credits)
SSc (10 credits)
Additional credits in A&H or SSc to bring total to 24 credits
Natural Sciences (NSc) (49 credits)
Mathematics (18-24 credits) complete one of the following:
MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126, MATH 207, MATH 208, MATH 224
Additional Natural Sciences courses (4-11 credits) to reach 49 credits (consult department for list of approved courses)
Major Requirements
89 credits
Engineering Fundamentals (16 credits): A A 210, A A 260, CEE 220, M E 230.
Departmental Core (73 credits): A A 301, A A 302, A A 310, A A 311, A A 312, A A 320, A A 321, A A 322, A A 331, A A 332, A A 395; either A A 410 and A A 411 or A A 420 and A A 421; A A 447, A A 460, AMATH 301; 15 credits of senior technical electives. With approval, 3 credits of the latter may be chosen from another area of engineering.
Minimum 1.7 grade in each 300- and 400-level A A course applied to major requirements
Minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA for courses applied to major requirements
Program of Study: Minor: Aeronautics and Astronautics
Program Overview
The minor in Aeronautics & Astronautics provides opportunities to STEM students who want to learn about aerospace design, constraints, criteria, analysis, and synthesis. The A&A Minor helps students prepare for diverse career paths by strengthening problem solving skills and the ability to contribute in multidisciplinary team environments.
This program of study leads to the following credential:
Minor in Aeronautics and Astronautics
Minor in Aeronautics and Astronautics
Completion Requirements
Minimum 32 credits to include:
Core (24 credits): A A 210; A A 260; A A 310; A A 311; CEE 220; M E 230
Electives (minimum 8 credits): Selected from an approved list of upper-division electives. Minimum one course taken at the 400 level. See adviser for approved list.
Minimum 16 credits taken in residence through the UW
Minimum 16 credits taken within the Aeronautics and Astronautics Department
Minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA in courses applied to the minor
Learning Objectives and Expected Outcomes: The goals and objectives of the undergraduate program are to provide a challenging and comprehensive education, to develop necessary functional skills and an understanding of the societal context in which engineering is practiced, to provide a solid foundation in the engineering sciences related to aerospace engineering, to provide a systems perspective, to develop engineering creativity through design experience, and to prepare graduates to succeed in engineering careers and lifelong learning.
Graduates of aeronautics and astronautics are skilled in engineering fundamentals, engineering design, laboratory skills, synthesis of various engineering disciplines, and working in a team environment. Graduates are highly regarded by employers in aeronautics, astronautics, energy systems, and related fields. They develop interpersonal skills and a desire for life-long learning that helps them succeed in their chosen careers. Graduates have been successful and valued at local, national, and international industries, as well as at government organizations and institutions of higher learning.
Instructional and Research Facilities: Visit the department web page to view current research activities. Undergraduates are encouraged to participate in research activities.
Honors Options Available: With College Honors (completion of Honors core curriculum and Departmental Honors requirements). With Honors (completion of Departmental Honors requirements in the major). See adviser for requirements.
Research, Internships, and Service Learning: Internships are arranged individually. See adviser for details.
Department Scholarships: Scholarships are limited and are usually reserved for students who have junior and senior standing in the department. Deadline for scholarship applications is April 1.
Student Organizations/Associations: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) student chapter. Sigma Gamma Tau
Program of Study: Doctor Of Philosophy (Aeronautics And Astronautics)
Program Overview
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a research-based engineering degree that prepares students to conduct advanced, original research and to fill leadership roles in academia, industry, and research institutions specializing in aeronautics and astronautics. Expected Time to Degree: 4-6 years
This program of study leads to the following credentials:
Doctor Of Philosophy (Aeronautics And Astronautics And Astrobiology)
Doctor Of Philosophy (Aeronautics And Astronautics)
Admission Requirements
Contact department for requirements.
Doctor Of Philosophy (Aeronautics And Astronautics And Astrobiology)
Completion Requirements
90 credits
For students who are admitted after completing a bachelor's degree:
Graduate Fundamentals (36 credits):
Three Analytical Courses: 500-599 -level coursework in AMATH
Five Core Courses: 500-599-level coursework in A A department
Two Breadth Courses: 500-500-level coursework in A A department
Qualifying Exam
Doctoral Coursework (9 credits): selected in consultation with faculty supervisor
General Exam
Dissertation
A A 800 (minimum 27 credits)
Final Exam
Additional coursework as needed to reach required total credits
For students who are admitted after completing a relevant master's degree and who are explicitly granted "post-master" status:
Graduate Residency Credits (minimum 9 credits): selected in consultation with faculty supervisor.
Qualifying Exam
Doctoral Coursework (minimum 9 credits): selected in consultation with faculty supervisor.
The MAE is a part-time degree program for working professionals seeking application-oriented engineering skills and experience to advance a career in the aerospace industry. Courses are offered in the evening with the option to participate completely online. Expected Time to Degree: 3 years
This program of study leads to the following credentials:
Master Of Aerospace Engineering
Master Of Aerospace Engineering (Composite Materials And Structures)
Master Of Aerospace Engineering (Composite Materials And Structures) (fee-based) (online)
Master Of Aerospace Engineering (Composites) (fee-based) (online)
Master Of Aerospace Engineering (Controls) (fee-based) (online)
Master Of Aerospace Engineering (fee-based) (Online)
Master Of Aerospace Engineering (fee-based) (Online)
Master Of Aerospace Engineering (Fluids) (fee-based) (online)
Master Of Aerospace Engineering (Propulsion And Plasma And Power) (fee-based) (online)
Master Of Aerospace Engineering (Structures) (fee-based) (online)
Program of Study: Master Of Science In Aeronautics And Astronautics
Program Overview
The MSAA is a research-based degree intended to equip aerospace engineers with deep knowledge of fundamental science and advanced methods necessary for potential further study or for advancing a career in industry. Expected Time to Degree: 2 years
This program of study leads to the following credentials:
Master of Science in Aeronautics & Astronautics (Controls)
Master of Science in Aeronautics & Astronautics (Flight Sciences & Control)
Master of Science in Aeronautics & Astronautics (Fluids)
Master of Science in Aeronautics & Astronautics (Plasmas)
Master of Science in Aeronautics & Astronautics (Structures)
Master of Science in Aeronautics & Astronautics (Controls)
Completion Requirements
45-48 credits, depending on credential.
Below are the common requirements applying to all credentials in the overarching degree program. Specific requirements vary by credential; see additional requirements section below for details.
Analytical Coursework (14-15 credits)
Core Coursework (14-25 credits)
Breadth Coursework (0-6 credits)
Thesis (minimum 9 credits)
Additional Completion Requirements
Credential-specific requirements - this credential requires 45 total credits.
Analytical (14 credits):
AMATH 510, AMATH 561, AMATH 582
Core (13 credits): AA 516, AA 547, AA 548, AA 583
Core Selectives (3 credits): Course list maintained internally by the program.
Breadth Electives (6 credits): Two AA classes from outside area, must be drawn from different AA options; course list maintained internally by the program.
Master of Science in Aeronautics & Astronautics (Flight Sciences & Control)
Completion Requirements
45-48 credits, depending on credential.
Below are the common requirements applying to all credentials in the overarching degree program. Specific requirements vary by credential; see additional requirements section below for details.
Analytical Coursework (14-15 credits)
Core Coursework (14-25 credits)
Breadth Coursework (0-6 credits)
Thesis (minimum 9 credits)
Additional Completion Requirements
Credential-specific requirements - this credential requires 48 total credits.
Master of Science in Aeronautics & Astronautics (Fluids)
Completion Requirements
45-48 credits, depending on credential.
Below are the common requirements applying to all credentials in the overarching degree program. Specific requirements vary by credential; see additional requirements section below for details.
Analytical Coursework (14-15 credits)
Core Coursework (14-25 credits)
Breadth Coursework (0-6 credits)
Thesis (minimum 9 credits)
Additional Completion Requirements
Credential-specific requirements - this credential requires 45 total credits.
Analytical (15 credits):
AMATH 501, AMATH 503
Choose one from AMATH 581, AMATH 582, AMATH 584
Core (9 credits): AA 504, AA 507, AA 543
Core Selectives (6 credits): Course list maintained internally by the program.
Breadth Electives (6 credits): Two AA classes from outside area, must be drawn from different AA options; course list maintained internally by the program.
Master of Science in Aeronautics & Astronautics (Plasmas)
Completion Requirements
45-48 credits, depending on credential.
Below are the common requirements applying to all credentials in the overarching degree program. Specific requirements vary by credential; see additional requirements section below for details.
Analytical Coursework (14-15 credits)
Core Coursework (14-25 credits)
Breadth Coursework (0-6 credits)
Thesis (minimum 9 credits)
Additional Completion Requirements
Credential-specific requirements - this credential requires 45 total credits.
Analytical (15 credits):
AMATH 501, AMATH 502, AMATH 503 OR
AMATH 581, AMATH 582, AMATH 584
Core (16 credits): AA 405, AA 556, AA 557, AA 558, PHYS 543
Core Selectives (Permission required to replace any core requirement with a core selective): Course list maintained internally by the program.
Breadth Electives (6 credits): Two AA classes from outside area, must be drawn from different AA options; course list maintained internally by the program.
Master of Science in Aeronautics & Astronautics (Structures)
Completion Requirements
45-48 credits, depending on credential.
Below are the common requirements applying to all credentials in the overarching degree program. Specific requirements vary by credential; see additional requirements section below for details.
Analytical Coursework (14-15 credits)
Core Coursework (14-25 credits)
Breadth Coursework (0-6 credits)
Thesis (minimum 9 credits)
Additional Completion Requirements
Credential-specific requirements - this credential requires 45 total credits.
Core (12 credits): AA 530, AA 532, AA 540, AA 553 OR ME 588
Core Selectives (3 credits): Course list maintained internally by the program.
Breadth Electives (6 credits): Two AA classes from outside area, must be drawn from different AA options; course list maintained internally by the program.