Hi bentrinh - I want to let you know I work in the admissions office at Embry-Riddle and I'm a graduate of the Daytona Beach campus (just so you know). I want to correct some of what's been said here so you'll be better able to make an informed decision about what's right for you. We are indeed a full-fledged university, in fact US News and World Report has ranked us #1 in the specialty category of “Aerospace/Aeronautical/Astronautical Engineering Programs” at schools where the highest degree is a master’s, Embry-Riddle’s Daytona Beach campus took first place, followed by the U.S. Air Force Academy in second, and Embry-Riddle’s Prescott, Ariz., campus in third.The university, which has one of the largest aerospace engineering programs in the nation, has won the top spot every year since the category was introduced in 2001. Another very important factor to consider as you explore school options is to look for engineering programs that are "ABET accredited," and we have indeed earned that accreditation. It's very important for engineers, so ask about that at any school you look into.
Like all universities, we're engaged in research. Unlike all universities, our undergraduate students are often able to participate in research (at some schools it's only grad students who get that opportunity). So that's a real plus for students who want hands-on real life education. The capstone design project is required of all our engineering majoes (as dictated by ABET) and so provides something really good to put on your resume, gives you an understanding of working with a team and managing projects.
The companies named above (Boeing, Lockheed, Northrop) all recruit our students and attend our career fair every year. United Space Alliance is also a big employer of our grads. You can see the list of companies that attended our last career fair here:
http://www.erau.edu/career/expo/07_exhibitors_daytona.html Our graduates are highly sought after after, particularly in the field of aerospace. It's true that many of our students study flight and other aviation fields, that creates an environment that's valuable for engineers because you're exposed to the actual aircraft and flight performance in your every day studies and interactions with other students. So if you have a question about how something (an engine let's say) actually performs, or maintenance requirements, you can walk right across campus and talk to the faculty and students who actually work on them. Plus, it's nice to be among people who share your interests and passion.
The campus is a residential one with about 4,800 students and we're located in Daytona Beach Florida about five minutes from the beach, we're close to Orlando and Kennedy Space Center.
I looked at the studentreview site referenced above, and I wouldn't trust it. There are better ways to get the real deal (but that's just my opinon).
Do all the research you can, talk to as many people as possible, visit the schools on your short list, ask to speak with current students, faculty and alumni, ask about employers and make the decision that's right for you. Lastly - you may want to look at some of our other programs as you decide. Engineering Physics is pretty specialized and it sounds like something that may appeal to you.
