The U.S. Naval Academy has a unique academic program that is focused on STEM subjects in order to meet the highly technical needs of the United States Navy. Aerospace Engineering (EAS) major has two tracks: aeronautics and astronautics.
What is the difference between Aeronautics and Astronautics?
Aeronautics is focused on flying crafts (including manned and unmanned) that stay within the Earth's atmosphere. Whereas astronautics is focused on flying crafts (manned and unmanned) that leave and operate outside of the Earth's atmosphere.
Students will take two courses that introduce the fundamentals of both tracks, and then will choose which one they wish to focus on.
What will I learn while studying Aerospace Engineering at the U.S. Naval Academy?
Students who major in EAS at the U.S. Naval Academy will learn about a wide range of engineering fundamentals like aerodynamics, structural design, and more. Both tracks will give students the chance to work in a modern lab facility, conduct experiments, and run tests on flight simulators.
Aerospace engineering students will complete a capstone project that involves design, construction, and operation of an aircraft or a spacecraft (depending on which track they chose). These capstone projects can range from designing an unmanned aircraft or small satellites and payloads launched into the Earth's orbit.
These projects are often done in collaboration with the Naval Research Laboratory, NASA, and other relevant agencies.
Does the U.S. Naval Academy offer unique opportunities for EAS majors?
EAS students will have the chance for a variety of summer internships with large corporations such as Boeing and Lockheed Martin. They can also work with government agencies like NASA, interacting closely with experienced aerospace engineers and test pilots.
Upon graduation, EAS graduates may enter the U.S. Navy Test Pilot School, Navy Space Cadre, or find work in other offices that are focused on improving and testing different aspects of naval aviation.
Do you have what it takes to major in Aerospace Engineering at the U.S. Naval Academy?
To find out more about how to qualify for the U.S. Naval Academy and to see how to major in Aerospace Engineering, request for information or visit their website.
