Aerospace Engineering

Students working on a small plan at a competition.

Get ready to soar! Whether you dream about building solar-powered planes, designing nanosatellites or putting the first person on Mars, this program is the perfect launchpad.

As an aerospace engineering major, you'll quickly discover that the sky isn't the limit as you explore new ways to solve complex problems.

About the major

Our Aerospace Engineering BS program prepares you to shape the future of flight and space exploration. It includes traditional aeronautics and astronautics applications like subsonic and supersonic aircraft, satellites, space shuttles, and space stations, as well as aerospace-related component development and vehicle and propulsion system design. As an aerospace engineer, you could be part of a team that is the first to:

Launch a rocket putting astronauts on Mars
Design a permanent habitat in space
Develop a shape-changing ultra-high strength material
Build a super-mileage solar-powered aircraft

Curriculum

As an aerospace engineering major, you'll start by building a solid foundation with classes and labs in science and math, including chemistry, physics and calculus. As you move on to specific aerospace engineering courses, you’ll learn more about materials, fluid mechanics, design theory and related topics. Yes, it’s rocket science, but you’ll still have time for a few electives outside of your major as you prepare for a successful career in aeronautics and astronautics.

“The professors are amazing, and are on the cutting edge of research in their field. The opportunities and knowledge you’re able to gain from them at Buffalo is astounding.”

6/17/22

Jimmy Harter
Aerospace engineering student

"The SEAS Professional Development Blueprint has served as an invaluable reference, assisting me in making informed decisions on career preparation and graduate school."

12/14/22

Anoop Kiran
Aerospace engineering student

"There is a sense of camaraderie among the engineering students that makes it feel like you are going to class with 200 friends rather than strangers."

5/31/24

Max Magee
Aerospace engineering student

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Research Opportunities

Our faculty specialize in diverse research areas such as dynamics, control and mechatronics, design and optimization, fluid and thermal sciences, and computational and applied mechanics.

Students doing research in UB's drone research lab.

Even as an undergraduate, you have the potential to conduct and present research on things like space debris removal, hypersonic propulsion systems, satellite control, and drone development. UB has multiple research centers in this area, including the Center for Hybrid Rocket Exascale Simulation Technology, the Center for Space Cyber Strategy and Cyber Security, and the Collaborative Institute for Multisource Information Fusion.

Student Clubs & Ogranizations

American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)

12/6/23

AIAA is a national organization whose goal is to serve the technical needs and to promote the professional development of engineers in the aerospace field.

University at Buffalo Nanosatellite Laboratory (UB Nanosat)

12/7/23

Nanosat is a collaborative organization of undergraduate and graduate students who work with the Air Force Research Lab, NASA, and Moog, Inc. to build satellites from concept to launch.

Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS)

2/28/24

The goal of the University at Buffalo Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (UB SEDS) is to raise interest and awareness of space exploration and development.

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Why study aerospace engineering at UB?

Academic flexibility

Here, you can add complementary minors to your academic journey like Manufacturing and Robotics. You can also double major in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering and complete your bachelor's in 4.5 years.

Our rich aerospace and aviation history

Aerospace engineers from Western New York helped bring Armstrong and Aldrin back from the moon, and Buffalo is home to the oldest Aero Club in the United States.

We have the only data and information fusion institute in the U.S.

Our Collaborative Institute for Multisource Information Fusion is one of only two in the world! Its well-funded research helps better understand space junk, develops navigation for UAVs, and tracks and prevents space-based threats.

Major aerospace companies call Buffalo home

Our region is home to major companies like Calspan, CUBRC, Moog, and Lockheed-Martin, many of which provide internships, co-ops and jobs to UB students.

The Aerospace Engineering BS program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET under the commission's General Criteria and Program Criteria for Aerospace and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.

Employment Outlook

Over the next 10 years, employment demand is expected to increase more than 10% for aerospace engineers.

The median annual earnings for aerospace engineers is $126,827.

Source: Lightcast Job Market Stats

What can I do with an aerospace engineering degree?

At UB, our aerospace engineering alumni have helped improve efficiency for the Federal Aviation Administration, tested aerodynamics of the F-18 and Stealth Bomber, developed power-saving components for NASA, and overseen hundreds of engineers around the world.

Our graduates have been employed by some of the top organizations around the globe, including: