High School

Follow a college preparatory program while in high school. Doing well in mathematics and science classes is vital if you want to pursue a career in any engineering field. The American Society for Engineering Education advises students to take calculus and trigonometry in high school, as well as laboratory science classes. Such courses provide the skills youll need for problem-solving, an essential skill in any type of engineering. Other important classes include computer science, English, and speech.

Postsecondary Training

Aerospace engineers need a bachelors degree to enter the field. More advanced degrees are necessary for those interested in teaching or research and development positions.

While a major in aerospace engineering is the norm, other majors are acceptable. For example, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) recommends a degree in various disciplines, including biomedical engineering, ceramics engineering, chemistry, industrial engineering, materials science, metallurgy, optical engineering, and oceanography. You should make sure the college you choose has an accredited engineering program. ABET sets minimum education standards for programs in these fields. Graduation from an ABET-accredited school is required to become licensed in many states, so it is important to select an accredited school. Currently, almost 90 colleges and universities offer ABET-accredited aerospace engineering programs. Visit ABETs Web site (https://www.abet.org) for a listing of accredited schools.

Some aerospace engineers complete masters degrees and even doctoral work before entering this field. Advanced degrees can significantly increase an engineers earnings. Students continuing to graduate school will study research and development, with a thesis required for a masters degree and a dissertation for a doctorate. About one-third of all aerospace engineers go on to graduate school to get a masters degree.

Other Education or Training

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics offers instructor-led, Web-based, home study training, correspondence courses, conference sessions, and webinars. Topics include guidance and control of hypersonic vehicles, space domain awareness, orbital mechanics and mission simulation, life support systems, aircraft reliability, and advanced solid rockets. The American Society for Engineering Education offers continuing education opportunities for engineers via its annual conference and other events. The National Society of Professional Engineers provides webinars for student members. Past webinars included "The Career Engineering Roadmap," "Get Licensed, Get Ahead," "How to Get Your First Job," and "Engineering Your Career with a High-Quality Social Network Web Seminar." The Society of Women Engineers offers conference sessions, webinars, and other educational resources on leadership, career development, and special issues for women in engineering. Contact these organizations for more information.

Certification or Licensing

Most states require engineers to be licensed. There are two levels of licensing for engineers. Professional Engineers (PEs) have graduated from an accredited engineering curriculum, have four years of engineering experience, and have passed a written exam. Engineering graduates need to start the licensure process before they have four years of experience. Those who pass the Fundamentals of Engineering examination after graduating are called Engineers in Training (EITs) or Engineer Interns (EIs). The EIT certification usually is valid for ten years. After acquiring suitable work experience, EITs can take the second examination, the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam, to gain full PE licensure.

Many states have imposed continuing education requirements for re-licensure to ensure that aerospace engineers are kept up to date on their quickly changing field.

Take as many math and science classes as possible and participate in internships and other experiential opportunities to gain experience in the field.

Aerospace engineers should enjoy completing detailed work, problem-solving, and participating in group efforts. Mathematical, science, and computer skills are a must. Equally important, however, are the abilities to communicate ideas, share in teamwork, and visualize the forms and functions of structures. Curiosity, inventiveness, and the willingness to continue to learn from experiences are excellent qualities for this type of work.