Degree Overview: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree in Aerospace Technology
Majors Overview August 11, 2014Receive information about a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Aerospace Technology and its coursework, career choices, job and wage outlook, and continuing education choices.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree Programs in Aerospace Technology
Students enrolled in Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree programs in Aerospace Technology and Aviation Technology complete coursework with a primary focus on aviation electronics, aerospace engineering and aircraft, flight safety. Course topics feature flight theory, instrument operation, navigation, and aerodynamics.
Students can expect to become adept at developing, maintaining, troubleshooting and repairing aviation systems. Specializations in professional flight or management, administration are featured in some programs.
Students also examine the impact of construction, engineering, human factors, and environmental hazards on flight safety, in addition to the impact on flight operations by airport management and air traffic control. Flight labs may provide a practical grasp of flight mechanics. Admission to the program will require students to have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Coursework
It may take students between 120 and 138 semester hours to complete program coursework. Programs usually provide hands-on experience working with flight mechanics, aviation computer systems and aerospace electrical components. Students enrolled in some programs are expected to minor in related fields such as mathematics or engineering. Core coursework may include topic areas such as:
•Airline management
•Aircraft materials
•Flight electronics
•Air traffic control
•Propulsion
•Aerospace controls
•Flight theory
•Airport design
•Aviation laws
•Aerospace safety
Career Choices
Those who complete a bachelor’s degree program may seek entry-level careers with airports, airlines, aviation maintenance companies, government agencies, or aircraft manufacturers. They can choose from popular career options such as:
•Aviation repair supervisor
•Airline operations coordinator
•Aircraft maintenance manager
•Flight safety specialist
Job and Wage Outlook
In 2012, aerospace engineering and operations technicians brought home an average annual wage of $61,530 (BLS). Over the 2010-2020 decade, little or no employment growth has been predicted for these professionals (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Continuing Education Choices
Graduates from the bachelor’s degree program can seek continued education by enrolling in certificate programs where they can develop their knowledge and skills in topic areas such as engineering mechanics, aerospace structures and aviation control systems. Individuals can enhance their career prospects by earning master’s or doctoral degrees in flight test engineering or aerospace engineering.