Aerospace engineering -- enlighten me

[Anonymous]

Could you compare programs at Va. Tech vs. Maryland? What other universities would you recommend (not including MIT, CalTech -- the super powerhouses)? Is there a pecking order and does it matter for undergrad engineering? If it matters, in what way?

[Anonymous]

Purdue - Neil Armstrong was from Purdue School of Aerospace engineering.

[Anonymous]

Purdue

[Anonymous]

OK -- well, thanks for the Purdue suggestions. Could anyone define the difference in the programs at UMd and Va.Tech?

And for those who shouted out for Purdue -- could you please explain why you think it matters -- specifically what would Purdue get for a student that Va.Tech or UMd. wouldn't (either in terms of the substance of the curriculum, internships, or employment).

[Anonymous]

I work at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center and I can tell you that there are a lot more collaborations between GSFC and UMD than GSFC with VaTech. The students at UMD have access to more collaborative programs than those at VaTech. I can't tell you much about the programs at each school, but I think this is relevant.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I work at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center and I can tell you that there are a lot more collaborations between GSFC and UMD than GSFC with VaTech. The students at UMD have access to more collaborative programs than those at VaTech. I can't tell you much about the programs at each school, but I think this is relevant.

thanks for the info. Is that true for the average UMd. student (in aeroE) or just a very select few? Here in FCPS, the school system as a whole touts that it has X, Y, and Z programs... but really, the vast majority of kids (even the high achievers) don't have access to X, Y or Z. So, I just want to know if it is realistic and if it is substantive.

[Anonymous]

http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-engineering-schools/aerospace-rankings

[Anonymous]

What exactly does he want to learn within engineering? Does he want to limit his studies specifically to AE? I'm thinking a broader degree applicable to multiple fields would be a good way to go if AE jobs become scarce due to industry and defense funding.

[Anonymous]

Isn't AE really dependent on federal funding for the most part - either directly or indirectly?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Isn't AE really dependent on federal funding for the most part - either directly or indirectly?

Not if you are designing airplanes for Boeing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Isn't AE really dependent on federal funding for the most part - either directly or indirectly?

Not if you are designing airplanes for Boeing.

Isn't that also subsidized by the government because the US wants to stay competitive in the global commercial airplane market?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Isn't AE really dependent on federal funding for the most part - either directly or indirectly?

No, NASA employee here. In addition to Federal programs, Aerospace Engineering encompasses a wide range of projects including many private funded projects. From commercial air flight, to commercial satellite systems, commercial weather monitoring systems and many other applications, there are many applications of aerospace engineering that are not funded through the federal government or may be partnered with the federal government, but are still privately funded.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I work at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center and I can tell you that there are a lot more collaborations between GSFC and UMD than GSFC with VaTech. The students at UMD have access to more collaborative programs than those at VaTech. I can't tell you much about the programs at each school, but I think this is relevant.

thanks for the info. Is that true for the average UMd. student (in aeroE) or just a very select few? Here in FCPS, the school system as a whole touts that it has X, Y, and Z programs... but really, the vast majority of kids (even the high achievers) don't have access to X, Y or Z. So, I just want to know if it is realistic and if it is substantive.

The programs are available to those in the right classes or who qualify for the right programs/projects. For example, there are a number of internships that are posted. While the internships are available to any college student who applies, due to proximity, housing, and ease of coordinating and transportion, a larger number of UMD candidates apply and are accepted than from other schools. Many students from other schools would need to find housing nearby to commute to the program. Occasionally the program can find guest housing and I've seen posts asking for GSFC employees who are willing to host visiting interns for X weeks (usually 10 weeks), but there are not that many slots for them.

Additionally there are opportunities that come up during the school year that are often tied to certain classes, so if you aren't enrolled in those classes, you may not even see the opportunity. Also, many of the professors have research or other collaborative ties to GSFC themselves. If you are working with a professor who has stronger ties to the center, then you're likely to see more opportunities. If you work with a professor who has fewer ties, you might see fewer opportunities. So, it varies, but I do notice that a lot more opportunities here at GSFC are fulfilled by UMD students than students from other institutions. It's sometimes a bit of a chicken and egg situation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Isn't AE really dependent on federal funding for the most part - either directly or indirectly?

No, NASA employee here. In addition to Federal programs, Aerospace Engineering encompasses a wide range of projects including many private funded projects. From commercial air flight, to commercial satellite systems, commercial weather monitoring systems and many other applications, there are many applications of aerospace engineering that are not funded through the federal government or may be partnered with the federal government, but are still privately funded.

Aren't these regulated by the government and limited in the number of systems allowed?

[Anonymous]

Missouri Science and Technology -- lots of grads working at Boeing
University of Washington - ditto