Aerospace Engineering for Propulsion: Is It Worth It?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the value of pursuing a degree in Aerospace Engineering for someone primarily interested in propulsion, rather than aircraft or spacecraft design. Participants explore the relevance of the curriculum and the potential benefits of joining professional associations like AIAA.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the necessity of an Aerospace Engineering degree given their focus on propulsion and interest in advanced degrees in plasma physics or nuclear engineering.
  • Another participant shares an example of a friend pursuing a similar path, indicating that while feasible, universities may not specifically cater to such interests.
  • A comparison of curricula is made, with one participant suggesting that their university offers more comprehensive propulsion courses than the one linked by the original poster.
  • There is a brief exchange about the meaning of "EP," with clarification provided that it stands for Engineering Physics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the adequacy of Aerospace Engineering programs for those focused on propulsion, indicating that multiple competing perspectives exist regarding the relevance of the curriculum.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note limitations in the curriculum comparison, suggesting that specific program strengths may vary significantly between universities.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering a career in aerospace engineering with a focus on propulsion, as well as those interested in the intersection of engineering and advanced physics disciplines.

Marioqwe
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Should I get into Aerospace engineering if I am not interested in aircraft/ spacecraft design at all? I am interested in propulsion and I will probably get an advanced degree in plasma physics or nuclear engineering. I am not sure if a degree in aerospace will give me enough background.

Here is the curriculum of the school I'll be transferring to:

http://www.undergradcatalog.registrar.vt.edu/1011/eng/aoe.html

Also, is it worth joining associations such as the AIAA? why or why not?

Thanks.
 
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I have a friend doing exactly the same thing as you want to do. He did his BSAE in propulsion and is doing his BS in EP to get the physics fundamentals, then will be off to do his masters in some advanced physics. Sure its feasible however, I don't know if anyone university really tailors to that kind of interest exactly.

But I took a look at that curriculum and honestly its paltry compared to the propulsion option at my university. We have 1 semester of aerospace propulsion preliminary work, and 2 semesters of propulsion design (both preliminary and detail). Whereas they have 1 semester of design and no propulsion prep courses.

Edit: Oops, they do have a propulsion prep course.
 
What does EP stand for? Electrical Physics? :-p
 
Engineering Physics.
 

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