The aerospace engineering program is concerned with the design and construction of various types of fixed-wing and rotary-wing (helicopters) aircraft used for air transportation and national defense. It is also concerned with the design and construction of spacecraft, the exploration and utilization of space, and related technological fields. Aerospace engineering is characterized by a very high level of technology. The aerospace engineer is likely to operate at the forefront of scientific discoveries, often stimulating these discoveries and providing the inspiration for the creation of new scientific concepts. Meeting these demands requires the imaginative use of many disciplines, including fluid mechanics and aerodynamics, structural mechanics, materials and aeroelasticity, dynamics, control and guidance, propulsion, and energy conversion.

Aerospace engineers conceive, design, develop, test, and supervise the construction of aerospace vehicle systems such as commercial and military aircraft, helicopters, and other types of rotorcraft, as well as space vehicles and satellites, including launch systems. Aerospace engineers are employed by aerospace companies, airframe and engine manufacturers, government agencies such as NASA, the military services, and research and development organizations.