BS in Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering

The Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering curriculum is designed for students who desire to enter the aerospace or related industry or to pursue advanced studies in these areas. The curriculum provides a broad range of courses in the areas of aerodynamics, aerospace structures and aerospace and aeronautic vehicle design.
Vision
The Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering Program strives to graduate aerospace engineers of the highest quality and to conduct state-of-the-art research.
Mission
The Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering program at The University of Texas at El Paso seeks to prepare students for careers in aerospace engineering and related disciplines. Successful achievement of this objective will be met if:
- The majority of our graduates obtain meaningful employment in the aerospace or related industry after graduation
- After five years most graduates are working in engineering
- After five years most graduates have achieved their initial career goals and advanced their careers, i.e. promotion, pursuit of advanced degree, etc.
- All graduates feel well served by the education they received at UTEP.
The program will consist of a largely common initial two years with the current B.S. in Mechanical Engineering degree program at UTEP but have course, laboratory and project experiences in the last two years of the curriculum that prepare students in:
- Aerodynamics,
- Propulsion,
- Aerostructures,
- Aerospace dynamics and controls, and
- Aerospace systems engineering
Admission Requirements
There are no additional admission requirements to the program above those of admission to the University of Texas at El Paso and to eligible to take MATH 1411 Calculus I or equivalent.
Degree Requirements
The degree requires 128 SCH which includes:
- completion of the university core curriculum (42 SCH)
- 56 SCH of prescribed courses,
- 30 SCH of engineering electives
Degree Plan
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Designated Core | ||
CHEM 1305 & CHEM 1105 | General Chemistry and Laboratory for CHEM 1305 | 4 |
MATH 1508 | Precalculus | 3-5 |
or MATH 1310 | Trigonometry and Conics | |
or MATH 1411 | Calculus I | |
PHYS 2320 & PHYS 2120 | Introductory Mechanics and Laboratory for PHYS 2320 | 4 |
University Core Curriculum(All courses require a grade of C or better.) | ||
Complete the University Core Curriculum requirements. | 42 | |
Aerospace Engineering (Other Requirements) (All courses require a grade of C or better.) | ||
Required Courses: Some of these are included in the core. | ||
MATH 1411 | Calculus I | 4 |
MATH 1312 | Calculus II | 3 |
MATH 2313 | Calculus III | 3 |
MATH 2326 | Differential Equations | 3 |
Math/Science Elective | ||
Select one of the following: (Math courses in this section cannot be used to satisfy other degree requirements) | 3 | |
Matrix Algebra | ||
Applied Analysis I | ||
Linear Algebra | ||
Numerical Analysis | ||
Applied Analysis II | ||
Survey of Modern Physics | ||
Analytical Mechanics I | ||
Probability and Statistics | ||
Science Elective | ||
Select one of the following: | 4 | |
General Chemistry and Laboratory for CHEM 1306 | ||
Introductory Electromagnetism and Laboratory for PHYS 2321 | ||
Math Elective | ||
Select one of the following:(Math courses in this section cannot be used to satisfy other degree requirements) | ||
MATH 3323 | Matrix Algebra | 3 |
MATH 3335 | Applied Analysis I | 3 |
MATH 4329 | Numerical Analysis | 3 |
MATH 4336 | Applied Analysis II | 3 |
STAT 3320 | Probability and Statistics | 3 |
Aerospace Engineering Major | ||
Required Courses: | ||
MECH 1305 | Graphic & Design Fundamentals c | 3 |
MECH 1321 | Mechanics I-Statics c | 3 |
MECH 2103 | Engineering Computations c | 1 |
MECH 2311 | Intro to Thermal-fluid Sci c | 3 |
MECH 2322 | Mechanics of Materials c | 3 |
MECH 2340 | Mechanics II -Dynamics c | 3 |
MECH 2342 | Electro Mechanical Systems c | 3 |
MECH 3352 | Engineering Analysis II | 3 |
AERO 2131 | Aerospace Materials Lab | 1 |
AERO 2331 | Aerospace Materials | 3 |
AERO 3312 | Aerodynamics 1 | 3 |
AERO 3323 | Aerospace Structures I | 3 |
AERO 3343 | Systems Modelling and Control | 3 |
AERO 4322 | Aerospace Propulsion | 3 |
AERO 4364 | Aerospace Communications | 3 |
AERO 4365 | Aerospace Systems Engineering | 3 |
AERO 4366 | Aerospace Senior Design | 3 |
Select two of the following: Laboratory Experience | 2 | |
Mechatronics Lab | ||
Thermo-fluid Lab | ||
Solid Mechanics Lab | ||
Concentration Electives: Must take 3 from one Concentration 1 | 9 | |
Aircraft Concentration: | ||
Flight Dynamics and Controls | ||
Aircraft Design | ||
Aerospace Structures II | ||
Special Topics in Aeronautics | ||
Launch Vehicles and Missiles Concentration | ||
Aerodynamics II | ||
Hypersonic Vehicle Design | ||
Structural Dynamics | ||
Special Topics in Hypersonics | ||
Satellite Concentration | ||
Orbit and Attitude Dynamics | ||
Spacecraft Environments | ||
Space Mission Design | ||
Special Topics in Astronautics | ||
Technical Electives 2 | 6 | |
Total Hours | 128 |
C Course requires a grade of C or better
1 Must declare a concentration and take three classes from the declared concentration area
2 Must be an aerospace class from outside your declared aerospace concentration area or from any MECH 4XXX course. AERO 4329 counts towards Technical Electives.
3 Must be in the last full semester and have a 2.0 GPA or better in major.
University Core Curriculum
The department may make specific suggestions for courses which are most applicable towards your major.
All courses require a C or better
Communication (six hours)
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
The objective of the communication component is to enable the student to communicate effectively in clear and correct prose or orally in a style appropriate to the subject, occasion, and audience. | ||
Select six hours of the following: | 6 | |
For students whose secondary education was in English: | ||
Written and Oral Communication | ||
Writing About Literature | ||
Rhetoric & Composition I | ||
Rhetoric & Composition 2 | ||
Rhetoric, Composition & Comm | ||
For students whose secondary education was not in English: | ||
Expos Engl Compos-Spkr Esl | ||
Res & Crit Writng Spkr Esl | ||
Total Hours | 6 |
American History (six hours)
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
The objectives of the history component are to expand students’ knowledge of the origin and history of the U.S., their comprehension of the past and current role of the U.S. in the world, and their ability to critically evaluate and analyze historical evidence. U.S. history courses (three hours must be Texas history) include: | ||
HIST 1301 | History of U.S. to 1865 | 3 |
HIST 1302 | History of U.S. Since 1865 | 3 |
Total Hours | 6 |
Language, Philosophy & Culture (three hours)
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
The objective of the humanities component is to expand students' knowledge of the human condition and human cultures, especially in relation to behaviors, ideas, and values expressed in works of human imagination and thought. Through study in disciplines such as literature and philosophy, students engage in critical analysis and develop an appreciation of the humanities as fundamental to the health and survival of any society. | ||
Select one of the following: | 3 | |
Intro-African Amer Studies | ||
Latina/o Presence in the U.S. | ||
English Literature | ||
English Literature | ||
Intro to American Fiction | ||
Intro to American Drama | ||
Intro to American Poetry | ||
Making of the "Other" Americas | ||
World History to 1500 | ||
World History Since 1500 | ||
Introduction to Philosophy | ||
Ethics | ||
Introduct to Religious Studies | ||
Seeing & Naming: Conversations | ||
Introduction to Womens Studies | ||
Global Feminisms | ||
Total Hours | 3 |
Mathematics (three hours)
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
The objective of the mathematics component is to develop a quantitatively literate college graduate. Every college graduate should be able to apply basic mathematical tools in the solution of real-world problems. | ||
Select one of the following: | 3 | |
College Algebra | ||
Trigonometry and Conics | ||
Math in the Modern World | ||
Math for Social Sciences I | ||
Calculus I | ||
Precalculus 1,2 | ||
Math for Social Sciences II | ||
Statistical Literacy | ||
Elementary Statistical Methods | ||
1 A higher-level course in the calculus sequence can be substituted. | ||
2 TCCN MATH 1314 will also satisfy this requirement. | ||
Total Hours | 3 |
Life & Physical Sciences (six hours)
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
The objective of the study of the natural sciences is to enable the student to understand, construct, and evaluate relationships in the natural sciences, and to enable the student to understand the bases for building and testing theories. The courses listed are for non-majors; the major courses in the discipline can be substituted for the non-major sequence. A minimum of two semesters of lecture and one semester of laboratory associated with one of the courses, or two semesters of combined (3 credit) lecture-laboratory courses (Only six hours apply toward the required 42.): | ||
Select one of the following: | 1-4 | |
Astronomy Lab I | ||
Elem Astronomy-Solar System | ||
Elem Astr Stars & Galaxies | ||
Introductory Biology Lab | ||
Human Biology Laboratory | ||
Topics in Study of Life I | ||
Organismal Biology Laboratory | ||
Introductory Biology | ||
Human Biology | ||
General Biology | ||
Organismal Biology | ||
Human Anat/Physio Lab I | ||
Human Anat/Physio Lab II | ||
Human Anat/Physiology I | ||
Human Anat/Physiology II | ||
Laboratory for CHEM 1305 | ||
Laboratory for CHEM 1306 | ||
Intro General Chemistry Lab | ||
Intro Organic & Biochem Lab | ||
General Chemistry | ||
General Chemistry | ||
Intro to General Chemistry | ||
Intro Organic & Biochemistry | ||
Environmental Sci. Lab | ||
Non-major Lab for ESCI 1301 | ||
Intro to Environment Science 2 | ||
Intro to Environmental Sci | ||
Laboratory for GEOG 1306 | ||
Physical Geography | ||
Lab for GEOL 1313 | ||
Lab for GEOL 1314 | ||
Principles of Earth Sci - Lab | ||
Laboratory for Geology 1212 | ||
Principles of Earth Sciences | ||
Principles of Earth Science | ||
The Blue Planet | ||
Natural Hazards | ||
Intro to Physical Geology | ||
Intro to Historical Geol | ||
Fundamentals of Nutrition | ||
Wellness Dynamics | ||
Microorganisms and Disease | ||
General Physics I | ||
General Physics II | ||
Laboratory for PHYS 2320 | ||
Laboratory for PHYS 2321 | ||
Introductory Mechanics | ||
Introductory Electromagnetism | ||
Total Hours | 6 |
Political Science (six hours)
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
The objectives of the political science component are to expand students’ knowledge of the origin and evolution of the U.S. and Texas political systems, focusing on the growth of political institutions, and on the constitutions of Texas and the United States; and to enhance their understanding of federalism, states rights, and individual civil liberties, rights, and responsibilities. | ||
Required Courses: | ||
POLS 2310 | Introduction to Politics | 3 |
POLS 2311 | American Gover & Politics | 3 |
Total Hours | 6 |
Social and Behavioral Sciences (three hours)
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
The objective of the social and behavioral science component is to increase students' knowledge of how social and behavioral scientists discover, describe, and explain the behaviors and interactions among individuals, groups, institutions, events, and ideas. Such knowledge will better equip students to understand themselves and the roles they play in addressing the issues facing humanity. | ||
Select one of the following: | 3 | |
Intro-Phys Anth/Archeolog | ||
Intro-Cultural Anthropology | ||
Cultural Geography | ||
Intro to Linguistics | ||
Econ for Engrs & Scientists | ||
Asian American Studies | ||
Interpersonal Communication | ||
Mass Media and Society | ||
Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
Principles of Microeconomics | ||
Introduction to Ed Psychology | ||
Action Research in Classrooms | ||
Introduction to Linguistics | ||
Cultural Geography | ||
Community Service | ||
An Intro. to Linguistics | ||
Lang. Inside & Out: Sel Topics | ||
Introduction to Psychology | ||
Introduction to Sociology | ||
Cultural Geography | ||
Total Hours | 3 |
Creative Arts (three hours)
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
The objective of the visual and performing arts component is to expand students' knowledge and appreciation of the human imagination as expressed through works of visual art, dance, music, theatre and film. Through study in these disciplines, students will form aesthetic judgments and develop an appreciation of the arts as fundamental to the health and survival of any society. | ||
Select one of the following: | 3 | |
Art Appreciation | ||
History of Art I | ||
History of Art II | ||
Chicana/o Fine Arts Appreciat | ||
Dance Appreciation | ||
Intro-Art of Motion Pict. | ||
Music Appreciation | ||
Jazz to Rock | ||
Music, Culture, and Society | ||
Introduction to Theatre | ||
Total Hours | 3 |
Component Area Option (six hours)
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
The objective of the institutionally designated option component is to develop the critical thinking skills and academic tools required to be an effective learner. Special emphasis is placed on the use of technology in problem-solving, communications, and knowledge acquisition. | ||
Select two of the following: | 6 | |
Intro to Global Business | ||
Public Speaking | ||
Business/Profession Comm | ||
Intro-Computational Thinking | ||
Computer Programming Sci/Engr | ||
Eng Innovation and Leadership | ||
Introduction to Leadership | ||
Inquiry in Math & Science | ||
Seminar/Critical Inquiry | ||
Total Hours | 6 |
4-Year Sample Degree Plan
BS Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering(Starting with Calculus)
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN AEROSPACE AND AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING | ||
FRESHMAN | ||
Fall | ||
MECH 1305 | Graphic & Design Fundamentals + | 3 |
RWS 1301 | Rhetoric & Composition I + | 3 |
MATH 1411 | Calculus I + | 4 |
PHYS 2320 | Introductory Mechanics | 3 |
PHYS 2120 | Laboratory for PHYS 2320 | 1 |
UNIV 1301 | Seminar/Critical Inquiry + | 3 |
Spring | ||
MECH 1321 | Mechanics I-Statics + | 3 |
HIST 1301 | History of U.S. to 1865 + | 3 |
RWS 1302 | Rhetoric & Composition 2 + | 3 |
MATH 1312 | Calculus II + | 3 |
CHEM 1305 & CHEM 1105 | General Chemistry and Laboratory for CHEM 1305 + | 4 |
SOPHOMORE | ||
Fall | ||
MECH 2322 | Mechanics of Materials + | 3 |
MATH 2313 | Calculus III + | 3 |
AERO 2331 | Aerospace Materials + | 3 |
AERO 2131 | Aerospace Materials Lab + | 1 |
HIST 1302 | History of U.S. Since 1865 + | 3 |
Science Elective +, 1 | 4 | |
Spring | ||
MECH 2340 | Mechanics II -Dynamics + | 3 |
MECH 2311 | Intro to Thermal-fluid Sci + | 3 |
MECH 2103 | Engineering Computations + | 1 |
MECH 2342 | Electro Mechanical Systems + | 3 |
CE 2326 | Econ for Engrs & Scientists + | 3 |
MATH 2326 | Differential Equations + | 3 |
JUNIOR | ||
Fall | ||
Laboratory Experience 2 | 1 | |
MECH 3352 | Engineering Analysis II | 3 |
AERO 3312 | Aerodynamics 1 | 3 |
AERO Concentration Course | 3 | |
POLS 2310 | Introduction to Politics + | 3 |
Math Elective +,3 | 3 | |
Spring | ||
Laboratory Experience 2 | 1 | |
COMM 1302 | Business/Profession Comm + | 3 |
AERO 3343 | Systems Modelling and Control | 3 |
AERO 3323 | Aerospace Structures I | 3 |
Aero Concentration I 5 | 3 | |
Science/Math Elective +,4 | 3 | |
SENIOR | ||
Fall | ||
Language, Philosophy, and Culture Course + | 3 | |
AERO 4322 | Aerospace Propulsion | 3 |
Aero Concentration III 5 | 3 | |
Technical Elective | 3 | |
AERO 4365 | Aerospace Systems Engineering | 3 |
AERO 4312 | Aircraft Design | 3 |
Spring | ||
AERO 4366 | Aerospace Senior Design | 3 |
AERO 4364 | Aerospace Communications | 3 |
Technical Elective | 3 | |
POLS 2311 | American Gover & Politics + | 3 |
Creative Arts Course + | 3 | |
Notes: | ||
+Grade of C or better required | ||
1. Must be either CHEM 1306 with CHEM 1106, PHYS 2421 or by permission of advisor. | ||
2. From the department approved list of Laboratory Experience courses. | ||
3. Selected from MATH 3323, 3335, 4326, 4329, 4336, STAT 3320. By completing 3 of these electives you may be eligible for a Mathematics minor, interested students· should consult the Department of Mathematics. | ||
4. Approved courses are: PHYS 2325, PHYS 3351, PHYS 4348 or any course listed in NOTE 3 (not already taken). Also, as per the UTEP core curriculum requirements two of your science classes must be in the same area (either PHYS, OR CHEM). | ||
5. Must take at least three classes from one aerospace concentration area. | ||
6. Two technical electives selected from any MECH or AERO 3XXX or 4XXX courses. At least one elective must be at the 4XXX level. | ||
Total Hours | 131 |