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How do I Earn an Aeronautical Degree?

Patrick Wensink
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Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 6,075
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Aeronautics is the study of airplane and helicopter design. Many people who work in this exciting industry trained specifically for it by getting an aeronautical degree. In order to get this degree, you must choose what specialization you want to go into and take a variety of math and science courses. In addition, it is helpful to find an internship to find the best fit for your skills and interests.

The first step you must take to get an aeronautical degree is to choose what kind of specialization you want to work on. Traditionally, there are two paths you can take, either pursuing an aeronautical engineering degree or pursuing an aeronautical science degree. Both degrees focus on the technical aspects of flight, but they train students for different futures.

An aeronautical science degree prepares you for a career in the pilot's seat. With this aeronautical degree, you must study technical fields such as avionics, flight physiology, aeronautical operations and navigation. Many of these degrees have a required amount of flight training time required in order to earn a pilot's license. This type of degree is ideal if you plan on becoming a commercial pilot, an air traffic controller or a flight instructor.

If your career goals are aimed at being behind a computer screen and not an airplane's yoke, you must prepare with an aeronautical degree in engineering. This path will teach you how to design and build aircraft ranging from small propeller planes to jets to spacecraft. To earn a degree in this field, you must earn high marks in classes such as thermodynamics, propulsion, structural dynamics, flight design and aircraft electronics. This coursework will help you understand how airplanes are constructed and how they achieve flight. With this understanding, you will be prepared for a career as an airplane designer, a flight engineer or an airplane mechanic.

The path of earning an aeronautical degree can be difficult, especially choosing a specialization. In order to make clearer sense of your options and what areas of this field you excel in, it is helpful to hold several internships. Taking a job with an engineering firm or at an airfield can help you see how the day-to-day life of this career works and can give you insight into how well you fit the job. Many internships also lead to discovering a career that is different from your original plan, so they are a helpful part of earning a degree.

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Patrick Wensink
By Patrick Wensink
Patrick Wensink, a bestselling novelist and nonfiction writer, captivates readers with his engaging style across various genres and platforms. His work has been featured in major publications, including attention from The New Yorker. With a background in communication management, Wensink brings a unique perspective to his writing, crafting compelling narratives that resonate with audiences.

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Discussion Comments
By hamje32 — On Feb 01, 2012

@everetra - I agree. My friend is an aviation mechanic but he is preparing for an engineering career in aviation. As part of his preparation he is taking courses in higher math and sciences at the local community college in the evenings.

I am surprised at how rigorous the math requirements are for an aerospace engineering degree. He is taking calculus 3. I didn’t even think there was a calculus 3. I never got beyond pre calculus. Clearly this guy is very smart and determined too.

By everetra — On Jan 31, 2012

Obviously your best bet would be to target aeronautical colleges if you are choosing any one of these specializations, either as a scientist or an engineer.

You could probably get some training in a regular university but I believe the dedicated colleges will provide you with superior training and preparation. Where I live, we have what I believe is one of the nation’s best schools of aeronautics and technology.

Our town is also a hub to one of the biggest commercial airlines in the country, so there are a lot of aviation type jobs in our area. I can’t overemphasize what the article says about doing well in the sciences and higher math.

The requirements are very stringent. You can’t just pass these courses – you need stellar grades. After all, this is flight training we’re talking about. They only want the best.

Patrick Wensink
Patrick Wensink
Patrick Wensink, a bestselling novelist and nonfiction writer, captivates readers with his engaging style across various...
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