Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics

The Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics program at the University of Minnesota is designed to prepare students for a dynamic and rapidly evolving field that encompasses the design, development, testing, and manufacturing of aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems. This comprehensive program combines foundational principles of physics, mathematics, and engineering with specialized coursework in aerodynamics, aircraft structures, propulsion systems, control systems, and materials science. Students gain a solid understanding of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, materials behavior, and system design, enabling them to address complex challenges in aerospace technology. The curriculum emphasizes not only theoretical knowledge but also practical skills through laboratory experiments, projects, and opportunities for internships with industry leaders. The program also offers expertise in mechanics, dynamics, control systems, and computational methods, fostering a well-rounded education that prepares graduates for careers in aerospace industries, government agencies, or academia. Students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities, facilitating hands-on learning and innovative research in areas such as unmanned aerial vehicles, spacecraft systems, propulsion, and aerostructures. The university’s location and connections provide students with valuable networking opportunities and exposure to cutting-edge developments in aerospace technology. Graduates of the program are equipped with the technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and professional experience necessary to excel in designing safer, more efficient, and sustainable aerospace systems. Whether pursuing careers in industry, research, or continued education, students emerge from the program ready to contribute meaningfully to advancements in aerospace engineering and mechanics.

AEM Core

• AEM 2012 - Dynamics (3.0 cr)
• AEM 2301 - Mechanics of Flight (3.0 cr)
• AEM 3031 - Deformable Body Mechanics (3.0 cr)
• AEM 4201 - Fluid Mechanics (4.0 cr)
• AEM 3101 - Mathematical Modeling and Simulation in Aerospace Engineering (2.0 cr)
• AEM 4202 - Aerodynamics (4.0 cr)
• AEM 4301 - Orbital Mechanics (3.0 cr)
• AEM 4501 - Aerospace Structures (3.0 cr)
• AEM 4601 - Instrumentation Laboratory (3.0 cr)
• AEM 4331 - Aerospace Vehicle Design (4.0 cr)
• AEM 4602W - Aeromechanics Laboratory [WI] (4.0 cr)
• AEM 4203 - Aerospace Propulsion (4.0 cr)
• AEM 4303W - Flight Dynamics and Control [WI] (3.0 cr)

Math, Science, and Engineering

• CSCI 1113 - Introduction to C/C++ Programming for Scientists and Engineers (4.0 cr)
• EE 3005 - Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering (4.0 cr)
• EE 3006 - Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering Laboratory (1.0 cr)
• ME 3324 - Introduction to Thermal Science (3.0 cr)
• MATS 2001 - Introduction to the Science of Engineering Materials (3.0 cr)
• or MATS 3011 - Introduction to Materials Science and Engineering (3.0 cr)
• PHYS 2503 - Physics III: Intro to Waves, Optics, and Special Relativity (4.0 cr)
• or PHYS 2303 - Physics III: Physics of Matter (4.0 cr)
• or PHYS 2403H {Inactive} (4.0 cr)
• MATH 2373 - CSE Linear Algebra and Differential Equations (4.0 cr)
• or MATH 2243 - Linear Algebra and Differential Equations (4.0 cr)
• or MATH 2574H - Honors Calculus IV (4.0 cr)

Technical Electives

At least three courses (to total at least 9 credits) are required. These are typically chosen from 4xxx and 5xxx AEM courses that extend material covered in the required courses. They may be from other engineering, math and science disciplines at the appropriate level. One may be a 2xxx or 3xxx math or science course. In particular AST 2001 may be used to complete a minor in astronomy. Details are available from: www.aem.umn.edu/teaching/undergraduate/advising_guide/index.shtml

Upper-division Writing Intensive within the major

Students are required to take one upper-division Writing Intensive course within the major. If that requirement has not been satisfied within the core major requirements, students must choose one course from the following list. Some of these courses may also fulfill other major requirements.

Take 0 - 1 course(s) from the following:

• AEM 4303W - Flight Dynamics and Control [WI] (3.0 cr)
• AEM 4602W - Aeromechanics Laboratory [WI] (4.0 cr)

Requirements

• Completed Application for Admission
• $55 U.S. nonrefundable application fee
  If you apply online, you may pay the fee online using a credit card.
• Secondary school transcript from each secondary school/high school attended
  If you have graduated from high school/secondary school, the final school transcript must include grades through the end of the last year in school (equivalent to the 12th year of high school in the U.S.) and the year of graduation. If you were also issued a graduation certificate or leaving examination results, we must also receive a copy of this document. You may submit these documents online using our Secondary School Document Submission form.
• English proficiency test scores
  If your native language is not English, a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), IELTS (International English Language Testing System), or MELAB (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery) score is required. Official test scores must be sent directly to the University of Minnesota by the testing agency.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Scholarships

• The University of Minnesota offers a limited number of Global Excellence Scholarships for incoming freshmen and transfer international students studying on an F-1 visa and admitted for fall semesters. The Gold Global Excellence Scholarship awards the full difference between resident and non-resident tuition (freshmen only) and the Maroon Global Excellence Scholarship awards 50% of the difference between resident and non-resident tuition (freshmen and transfer students). 
• New international freshman admitted to the University will also be considered for the Undergraduate Research Scholarship. Recipients receive $1,400 for participation in a faculty sponsored University of Minnesota research project and up to an additional $300 in support of supplies and expenses related to their research project.