If your career goals include working on aircraft and spacecraft, aerospace engineering might be the right field for you. You can learn about all the different factors that affect how and why aircraft and spacecraft work. There is one school in Iowa that offers this degree: Iowa State University in Ames. The cost of tuition here is $3,324 per semester for residents and $9,767 per semester for non-residents. The cost of tuition rises once you hit your senior year. Iowa State University boasts an average class size of 18 students, offering a good balance between peer and professor interaction.
As you prepare to earn your Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, you may wonder what kind of time commitment you are looking at. You need to complete a minimum of 120 credits to graduate; this may take you between four and five years of full-time study.
There are many classes you’re required to take as an engineering student. The curriculum is fairly strict; you have to take classes in a specific order to develop a full understanding of the field. Required courses include Aerospace Design, Incompressible Flow, Aerospace Control Systems, and Aerospace Dynamical Systems.
Throughout the course of your education, you can plan on learning about research in the field. You may even get to conduct research with the assistance of graduate students and professors. Conducting research is typically reserved for junior and senior students that have a strong understanding of the field.
There are many hands-on learning opportunities in addition to research and theory courses. Iowa State University is home to Make To Innovate (M:2:I), a program that allows you to work on hands-on projects as part of an aerospace engineering team.
Tuition costs at Iowa State University vary depending on your major and your residency status. Students in their first two years of school pay $3,324 semester if they are residents and $9,767 per semester if they are non-residents. Tuition increases once you reach your junior and senior year, due to the increased fees and technology required in engineering. Residents pay $4,407 per semester and non-residents pay $10,827 per semester.
Iowa State University also awards a sizable amount of engineering scholarships every year. You typically have to have a GPA of at least 3.0. They recommend applying as soon as possible, since funds are limited. You can also apply for scholarships offered by the Iowa Engineering Society.
After graduating with your degree in aerospace engineering, you probably feel ready to start your career and put your new skills to use. However, you cannot legally work as an engineer just yet. You must get your license from the Professional Licensing Board of Engineers and Land Surveyors. There is no application fee, but you do have to pay a $160 examination fee. Upon passing the Professional Engineer exam, you can begin your career as an engineer.
Getting access to special education opportunities and seminars should be a key part of your career. Attending educational events can make you a great asset to your employer. You can get information on events by joining the Iowa Engineering Society.