Discussion Overview
The discussion centers around selecting a graduate school for Aerospace Engineering, with a focus on programs that could lead to a career at NASA. Participants compare various institutions, highlighting their strengths and considerations for spacecraft design and space systems.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Exploratory
Main Points Raised
- One participant expresses a desire to attend the best school for working at NASA, specifically comparing Purdue and Georgia Tech.
- Another participant suggests considering Embry-Riddle as a viable option.
- NC State is recommended by a participant, providing a link to their graduate program overview.
- The University of Maryland is mentioned, along with several links to their aerospace resources.
- It is noted that both Purdue and Georgia Tech have strong programs, and that the choice of school may be less important than individual performance and coursework.
- A participant points out that the choice of NASA sector may influence which schools are preferred by different locations or divisions within NASA.
- Suggestions include MIT, Cornell, and the University of Maryland, emphasizing the need to focus on a specific engineering program, particularly Dynamics, for a career at NASA.
- The University of Texas and Texas A&M are mentioned, with a note about their proximity to Johnson Space Center and the cultural aspects of attending A&M.
- Additional schools mentioned include the University of Colorado and the University of Michigan, with a participant sharing their experience of hiring practices in a small aerospace company.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants present multiple competing views on which graduate schools are the best for Aerospace Engineering, with no consensus reached on a single preferred institution.
Contextual Notes
Participants highlight the importance of individual performance and specific program focus, suggesting that the reputation of the school may vary in significance depending on personal goals and NASA's hiring preferences.
Who May Find This Useful
Individuals considering graduate studies in Aerospace Engineering, particularly those interested in careers at NASA or in related aerospace fields.