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Explore top online aerospace engineering courses

Start learning aerospace engineering with flexible, affordable, expert-taught courses and programs with edX.

Key takeaways

  • Entry-level aerospace engineering jobs require an associate or bachelor's degree.
  • Become career-ready by complementing your aerospace engineering education with coursework in artificial intelligence (AI).
  • Complete an internship during your undergraduate or graduate education to strengthen your résumé and stand out from other applicants.

Popular online aerospace engineering courses with certificates

What is aerospace engineering?

Aerospace engineering involves the design, construction, and testing of aircraft and spacecraft. Professionals in this field may specialize in aeronautical engineering or astronautical engineering. Entry-level careers require an associate or bachelor's degree.

More than one-third of aerospace engineers work for aerospace design or manufacturing firms. Other major employers include engineering services firms and federal government agencies.

Why learn aerospace engineering?

  • The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects moderate to strong growth for many aerospace engineering careers.
  • Some positions that require only an associate degree offer a high median salary.
  • Aerospace engineers can explore career opportunities in both the public and private sectors.

Browse online Aerospace Engineering Certificates

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Careers you can pursue with an aerospace engineering background

Earning an associate or bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering may qualify you for careers like those below. These and other roles may also require relevant professional experience.

Aerospace engineer

Aerospace engineers develop and test new planes, spacecraft, and other flying machines.

  • Required education: Bachelor's degree
  • Median annual salary (2024): $134,830

Why learn aerospace engineering online with edX

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Steps to get started in aerospace engineering

Becoming an aerospace engineer requires education and experience. Explore affordable and flexible edX online courses and programs that meet your needs.

1. Take individual courses

edX individual courses provide a low-pressure, cost-effective way to explore aerospace engineering topics and plan your next steps. The featured courses below offer an optional certificate upon completion.

Featured courses


Explore aerospace engineering programs

Frequently asked questions

Can I learn aerospace engineering without getting a degree?

Although you can learn aerospace engineering fundamentals through individual courses, professional certificate programs, and executive education programs, you need a degree to qualify for entry-level jobs. Work with a college career or academic advisor to choose the right major, electives, and internships for your goals.

Will aerospace engineering jobs get replaced by AI?

Trends in the aerospace industry suggest that employers will continue to need human workers to ensure safety, perform testing/maintenance, and keep internal systems secure. If you are concerned about AI's impact on your future career, research edX AI courses and programs to find options that can help you learn the latest AI knowledge and skills.

Which course is best to start learning aerospace engineering?

edX offers many excellent aerospace engineering courses for beginners, such as MITx: Introduction to Aerospace Engineering: Astronautics and Human Spaceflight. You can also learn physics fundamentals before pursuing an edX certificate or bachelor's degree.

What classes do you need to take to become an aerospace engineer?

Typical undergraduate courses include:

  • Introduction to engineering
  • Mechanics and particles of rigid bodies
  • Mechanics of materials
  • Computer-aided engineering

These and other courses may require prerequisites in math, science, or other STEM topics.

Is aerospace engineering a difficult major?

An aerospace engineering course can be challenging, as it may require advanced math or physics. You may find this course difficult if you lack a background in STEM. If you're having trouble in class, contact your college or university's academic success center for tutoring or other services.

How long does it take to become an aerospace engineer?

A typical bachelor's in aerospace engineering takes 4-6 years to earn. Master's degrees take 12-36 months. You may need more time to graduate if you learn on a part-time schedule or need to repeat aerospace engineering courses.

Do I need internships to become an aerospace engineer?

While employers may not require them, internships can provide learners with a competitive advantage when applying for aerospace jobs. Internship programs allow aspiring aerospace engineers to personally connect with industry professionals and gain hands-on experience while they complete their education.