Students pursuing the aerospace engineering program will develop in-demand skills in the fundamental science and technologies to create, develop, and improve aircraft and spacecraft.
Full Time
Rolling AdmissionBachelor of Science
131
Minor
18
CETA's project-based curriculum will prepare you to master specialized skills that are essential to creating, developing, and improving aircraft and spacecraft.
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Apply today.
Questions?
Contact Program Director Paul Slaboch for more information.
The aerospace engineering program exposes students to different aspects of the aerospace industry. Students will have the opportunity to explore which part of engineering complements their passions, interests, and skillset.
On the aeronautics side, the coursework focuses on aerodynamics, aerospace structures, propulsion systems, aircraft stability and control, and hands-on labs to help put these theories into practice. In their 4th year, students learn how to bring all of their knowledge together to design an entire aircraft from a blank piece of paper. This is followed in the second semester by a group design project that includes building and testing part of their design. Many students also join the AIAA Student Club and the annual design-build-fly (DBF) competition to build their own remotely piloted vehicles.
On the space system side, the coursework involves orbital mechanics and orbit determination, reentry dynamics, satellite maneuvering, and rocket propulsion systems. During their 4th year, students have the option to select a design project that is space based rather than aircraft based. For hands-on projects, we have students that participate in the NASA sponsored Rock-On and RockSat projects to build a payload for a sounding rocket. Students participate in cubesat development with our High Altitude Ballooning (HAB) platform that can send our payloads to above 100,000 ft for testing purposes. There is also a student-run Rocketry Club that allows students to build and fly rockets of various sizes and develop payloads for those rockets.
By graduation, students will be able to apply the fundamentals of engineering analysis and design to the formulation and solution of emerging technical problems within their discipline of choice.
Our program offers industry-standard equipment and collaborative spaces for students to engage in hands-on learning. These resources include:
Pratt & Whitney Turbomachinery Laboratory: Equipped with wind tunnels for testing speed, movement, and airflow.
Large-scale turbomachinery cascade tunnel
Boundary layer tunnel
Low-speed tunnel with 6-axis force balance
Water table
Materials and structures testing equipment
Controls instrumentation
Thermal/fluids experimental setups
UHart also shares close ties with Pratt & Whitney, and NASA. Many of our distinguished faculty have conducted research projects at NASA research centers.
The minor in aerospace engineering provides students matriculating into other degree programs at the University of Hartford with an introduction to the discipline of aerospace engineering. The minor in aerospace engineering consists of three required courses and three courses from the list below for a total of 18 credits.
For more information, and to see a complete list of degree requirements, visit the Course Catalog.
The Aerospace Engineering program seeks to prepare our graduates for productive, rewarding careers in the engineering profession. During their careers, our alumni
1. will become successful practicing engineers in a wide range of aerospace engineering fields and will advance professionally by accepting responsibilities and, potentially, pursuing leadership roles (PEO1);
2. will advance their knowledge of engineering, both formally and informally, by engaging in lifelong learning experiences (PEO2); and
3. will, as contributing members of multidisciplinary engineering teams, successfully apply the fundamentals of engineering analysis and engineering design to the formulation and solution of emerging technical problems (PEO3).
The student learning outcomes of the aerospace engineering program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering degree will prepare graduates of the program to attain the program's educational objectives.
Student outcomes (1) through (7) are articulated as follows:
(1) an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
(2) an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
(3) an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
(4) an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
(5) an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
(6) an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
(7) an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
Connecticut ranks fourth nationally in terms of Aerospace & Defense (A&D) workers, offering an overwhelmingly positive career outlook for aerospace students. Numerous industry leaders such as Lockheed Martin, Sikorsky, Kaman Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, Collins Aerospace, Raytheon Technologies, and more are within 50 miles of Hartford, CT, providing a solid industry network for UHart graduates to pursue.
BS in Aerospace Engineering, 2025
Coming out of high school, I didn’t have the best time management or study habits. After about a year, I made a lot of changes in order to be prepared for taking on an engineering major. The CETA program has transformed me into a better student as each semester goes on.
Mechanical Engineering truly embodies the spirit of creativity and innovation as it is one of the broadest areas of study in engineering. This diverse program encompasses key aspects of engineering that deal with the application of mechanics to the design of machines.
The civil engineering program prepares you for careers in various areas such as structural, geotechnical, transportation, environmental, water resources, and construction engineering.
The Construction Management and Technology undergraduate program offers technical experience and foundational learning to prepare you to work in the construction industry. The program will provide students with a solid education that includes management, technology, and Barney School of Business finance courses.