Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mechanical Engineering: Aerospace Emphasis
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mechanical Engineering: Aerospace Emphasis
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The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mechanical Engineering with an Emphasis in Aerospace is a dynamic and specialized program tailored for aspiring engineers fascinated by the expansive skies and the wonders of aerospace technology. This program includes courses in aerodynamics, propulsion, flight control systems and aerospace design.
GCU invites you to apply to join our vibrant campus community in Phoenix. Earn your BS in Mechanical Engineering degree: aerospace emphasis alongside other students eager to develop technological innovations in the aerospace field. Benefit from lively academic discussions with peers and faculty members who are knowledgeable in their fields. At the GCU campus, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to embrace a healthy school-life balance, with lots of recreational activities, sporting teams and events, and on-campus worship activities to nurture your soul.
Campus: $8,250 per semester [More Info]
Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).
Take the first step toward pursuing your future career by applying to GCU’s BS in Mechanical Engineering: aerospace emphasis. Fill out the form to speak to a university counselor about achieving your professional goals.
In the aerospace engineering courses, you will delve into a diverse range of subjects. The progressive coursework expands on foundational concepts and their practical applications by studying essential skills in scientific methods and processes. Hands-on laboratory experiences can allow you to put theoretical knowledge into practice.
This engineering degree program also includes two capstone courses, which require you to work as part of a group to develop an aerospace engineering design project intended to solve an actual problem in the field. The first capstone course involves the development of the project proposal and the execution of a feasibility study, while the second capstone course will guide you through the implementation and presentation of your applied research project.
Some of the competencies included in the Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering: aerospace emphasis include:
1 Indeed (2022, July 21). Top Careers in Aerospace Engineering. Retrieved Nov. 17, 2023.
2 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023, Sept. 6). What Aerospace Engineers Do. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Nov. 27, 2023.
3 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Aerospace Engineers as of May 2023, retrieved on April 23, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as aerospace engineer, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
4 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2022 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2023, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Aerospace Engineers, retrieved on April 23, 2024.
5 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023, Sept. 6). How To Become an Aerospace Engineer. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Nov. 17, 2023.
6 NASA (n.d.). Engineering. Retrieved Nov. 17, 2023.
If you’re considering becoming an aerospace engineer, you may have some questions. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about this field. If you have questions related to GCU’s BS in Mechanical Engineering: aerospace emphasis, fill out the form on this page to speak to a university counselor.
To become an aerospace engineer, a bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline with aerospace courses is preferred.5 A bachelor’s degree can prepare you to examine specific concepts and skills related to the field. Other engineering degrees without aerospace coursework, such as mechanical engineering and electrical engineering, may also be accepted by some employers.5
Yes, NASA hires aerospace engineers as it is an organization that focuses on the development and advancement of space exploration technology. NASA hires aerospace engineers to research, develop and test their spacecraft and various other technologies. NASA also hires engineers with academic backgrounds in electrical, general and computer engineering.6 GCU’s mechanical engineering aerospace emphasis can provide a pathway toward pursuing a career as an aerospace engineer.
Mechanical engineering aerospace courses can be demanding and may require considerable dedication. The curriculum is intentionally designed not only to develop the technical competencies required for aerospace engineers but also to cultivate crucial qualities like creative problem-solving, analytical reasoning and effective communication skills.5 However, the rigorous coursework can serve as a catalyst for personal growth while striving toward your career objectives. It's important to note that dedicated instructors will provide guidance and support throughout your academic pursuit.
According to the BLS, aerospace engineering had a median annual wage of $130,720 in May 2023.3
The Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with an Emphasis in Aerospace program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the General Criteria and the Mechanical Engineering Program Criteria.
Additionally, GCU is proud to be an institutionally accredited university — a designation that reflects our mission of providing quality education that can prepare you to make an impact on your communities. The Higher Learning Commission has continually accredited GCU since 1968. The College of Engineering and Technology shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.
Throughout the degree program, you will explore a wide range of math and science courses. Chemistry, physics, calculus, circuits and programming all serve a pivotal role in the career of an engineer. In addition to these foundational courses, you will take courses specific to the aerospace emphasis. The program is designed to give you training as a mechanical engineer while taking a specialized set of classes in your junior and senior years that teach skills in the aerospace industry.
Aerospace engineering courses at GCU cover a range of topics, including:
The application of integral, multivariable and vector calculus concepts to practical scenarios
The solutions and qualitative study of linear systems of ordinary differential equations
The fundamental theories of control systems and their applications to flight control
Fluid statics, laminar and turbulent flow, pipe flow, lift, drag and measurement techniques
GCU’s mechanical engineering degree: aerospace emphasis is designed for engineering enthusiasts captivated by aerospace technology. It's a specialized track within mechanical engineering tailored for those eager to explore aircraft and spacecraft design, aerodynamics and materials science specific to the aerospace industry. This program may be ideal if you aspire to work in aerospace engineering, aircraft design or space exploration.
As a GCU student, you will have access to technology and laboratory equipment, such as the technologies found in our Mechanical Materials Lab and Computer-Aided Engineering Lab. With a focus on practical learning, lecture- and lab-based courses, research, and guidance from industry professionals, GCU can offer an immersive educational experience.
As an aerospace engineer, you may have an opportunity to design aircraft as well as other aerospace technology such as missiles or satellites.1 Aerospace engineers may also propose suggestions for efficiency and improvement and may be involved in projects for national security. Typically, aerospace engineers are involved from the research phase all the way through manufacturing and the testing of the technology.1 Those in this role may choose to specialize in a related field such as thermodynamics, flight mechanics or control systems throughout their career.2
A BS in Mechanical Engineering: aerospace emphasis can deliver specialization while offering the opportunity to build a foundation of competencies needed to pursue a variety of careers in engineering.
Some careers that may be related to this type of academic background include:
Aerospace engineer
Architectural and engineering manager
Mechanical engineer
Cost estimator
Median annual wage of aerospace engineers in May 20233
Estimated job growth for aerospace engineers from 2022 to 20324
