Academics

If your dream is to participate in the future of the machines, the systems and the technology of our future in air and space, MIT's Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics may well be the place to make that vision an exciting reality.

Our mission is to prepare engineers in the fundamental principles and disciplines necessary for success and leadership in the conception, design, implementation, and operation of aerospace and related engineering systems. Aero-Astro graduates are prepared for careers in aircraft and spacecraft engineering; space exploration; air and space-based telecommunication industries; teaching; research; military service; and in many related technology-intensive fields.

Undergraduate Program

Aero-Astro offers a comprehensive undergraduate curriculum that prepares students for the careers in the aerospace industry, or to continue in advanced study. Freshmen who plan to major in Aeronautics and Astronautics are invited to participate in departmental activities, including the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program and student-run aerospace-themed groups.

Undergraduates normally enter the department as sophomores and take the sequence Unified Engineering I-IV. This subject introduces students to basic engineering science disciplines, applying them to laboratory experiments and aerospace system design problems including an annual design contest. In the first semester of junior year, students take subjects on Dynamics and Principles of Automatic Control. These sophomore-junior subjects, together with three advanced physics and math subjects, constitute the department's core curriculum. Beyond this, students select four subjects in three of six professional areas of interest. Together with a partner, students propose and perform an original experiment during the two-semester Experimental Project Laboratory. In their senior year, students participate in a Capstone Subject that involves either an aircraft or space vehicle design project. In addition to the formal subjects, students study written and oral communication skills and teamwork; the social, economic, and political context in which engineering is practiced; professional responsibilities such as ethics; and computer use in engineering practice. Students also must satisfy MIT's General Institute Requirements and take four elective subjects.

The department's Summer Internship Program offers undergraduates the opportunity to build on their technical background, and strengthen the professional and personal skills and attributes employers seek when making hiring decisions.

Research

Aero-Astro student teams are involved in the development of very significant projects. For example, our prizewinning Aerial Robotics Club's autonomous helicopters have competed in the International Aerial Robotics Competition. The MIT Rocket Team is developing a radical new type of rocket engine with the goal of becoming the first amateur group to launch a rocket into space.

The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program at MIT allows students to work with faculty on research projects for pay or credit.

Post Baccalaureate Opportunities

Typically, more than half of the students who major in the department go on to graduate school. Aero-Astro offers a number of exciting graduate programs and degrees.