Aeronautical engineering has become a large part of the technology and engineering sector. Recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that aeronautical engineering is among the highest-paying careers and offers many opportunities. So, learn about the best aerospace engineering school you can attend in Michigan in 2024.
In the last decade, the number of applicants to aerospace engineering schools has almost doubled, making admission very competitive.
If you live in Michigan and want to make aerospace engineering your career, you can take advantage of the top aerospace engineering schools in this article.
These schools offer various degree programs ranging from bachelors to postgraduate degrees. Each program, however, has varying admissions requirements, duration, and curricula. You can select the option that best suits your career aspirations.
Here is an overview of what to expect from this article:
Table of contents
- What Is Aerospace Engineering?
- Who Is An Aerospace Engineer?
- What are the Duties Of an Aerospace Engineer?
- Why Aerospace Engineering Schools In Michigan?
- Aerospace Engineering Degree Program In Michigan
- How Much Does Enrolling In Good Aerospace Engineering School in Michigan Cost?
- How Long Does It Take To Complete Aerospace Engineering Schools in Michigan?
- How Do I succeed in a Good Aerospace Engineering Schools in Michigan?
- How Can I Apply for a Good Aerospace Engineering Program in Michigan?
- Best Aerospace Engineering Schools in Michigan | 2024
- 1. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
- 2. Michigan Technological University
- 3. Michigan State University
- 4. Lawrence Technological University
- 5. Kettering University
- 6. University Of Michigan Dearborn
- 7. Central Michigan University
- 8. University Of Detroit Mercy
- 9. Grand Valley State University
- 10. Easter Michigan University
- How Much Do Graduates From Aerospace Engineering Schools in Michigan Earn?
- What Is the Job Outlook for Aerospace Engineers?
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions On Best Aerospace Engineering Schools In Michigan
- References
- Editor’s Recommendation:
What Is Aerospace Engineering?
Aerospace engineering deals with the design and construction of flying machines. It is one of the most recent branches of engineering. It began in the 19th century with the first motorized flight experiences.
As technology progressed, two specialties emerged in the field. One is Aeronautical Engineering, which includes the design of aircraft such as lighter-than-air craft, gliders, fixed-wing aircraft and aircraft, gyros, and helicopters. The second is astronautical engineering, which focuses on designing and developing spacecraft.
In other words, aeronautical engineers are primarily involved in the design of aircraft that fly in Earth’s atmosphere. On the other hand, astronautical engineers’ work deals with the science and technology of spacecraft that fly out of Earth’s atmosphere, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Who Is An Aerospace Engineer?
Aerospace engineers design or build aircraft, missiles, systems for national defense, or spacecraft.
They work primarily for firms that engage in manufacturing; analysis and design; research and development; and for the federal government.
Also, Aerospace engineers design different types of aerospace products, such as commercial and military flights and helicopters, remotely piloted aircraft and rotorcraft, spacecraft, and military missiles and rockets.
In addition, Aerospace engineers now spend more of their time in an office environment than they have in the past because modern aircraft design requires modern computer equipment and software design tools.
What are the Duties Of an Aerospace Engineer?
Aerospace engineers typically do the following:
- Direct and coordinate the design as well as manufacture and test the aircraft and aerospace products
- Assess proposals for projects to determine if they are technically and financially feasible.
- Determine if proposed projects will result in safe operations that meet the defined goals.
- Evaluate designs to ensure the products meet engineering principles, customer requirements, and environmental regulations.
- Develop acceptance criteria for design methods, quality standards, sustainment after delivery, and completion dates.
- Ensure that projects meet quality standards.
- Inspect malfunctioning or damaged products to identify sources of problems and possible solutions.
Why Aerospace Engineering Schools In Michigan?
A recent study shows that aerospace engineering is a popular major, and Michigan is the 3rd most popular state for students studying this major. 81 of the 6,315 Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering degrees earned last year were given by schools in Michigan.
Aerospace engineering schools in Michigan are among the most prominent and renowned research institutions in the world. They rank in annual publications such as the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, QS World University Rankings, U.S. News & World Report, Washington Monthly, and many others.
Michigan top has a place with well-recognized aerospace engineering schools. These schools have experienced staff and the latest technologies for students to gain knowledge and experience.
Most graduates of these schools work in top aerospace and aeronautic companies like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Airbus, and many more. Others get employed as mechanical engineers in design and development companies.
In fact, after graduation from top aerospace engineering schools in Michigan, you’ll be able to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of safety, welfare, and a global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factor.
Aerospace Engineering Degree Program In Michigan
You can pursue a degree in Aerospace engineering at different study levels, including advanced diploma, bachelor, master’s, or Ph.D. in aerospace engineering departments at many universities and in mechanical engineering departments at others.
However, some departments offer degrees in space-focused astronautical engineering. Other institutions differentiate between aeronautical and astronautical engineering. Whichever is the case, you can continuously pursue a graduate degree in advanced or specialized areas for the aerospace industry.
After your Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, next is to obtain licensure from the Michigan Board of Examiners for Engineers & Surveyors. You may be required to pay a $100 application fee and a $350 examination fee before you take the exams. After passing your Professional Engineer exam, you can legally call yourself an engineer.
Additionally, high school students pursuing an aerospace engineering degree must have a mathematics, physics, computer science, and chemistry background.
How Much Does Enrolling In Good Aerospace Engineering School in Michigan Cost?
The cost of attending an aerospace engineering school in Michigan depends on several factors. First is the school and degree option.
Most aerospace engineering schools in Michigan charge higher tuition for out-of-state students. However, some schools charge flat tuition regardless of residency.
Another critical factor is the number of programs. A school that offers a more significant number of programs is bound to charge more than that with fewer programs.
In summary, per-credit costs for aerospace engineering programs in Michigan typically range from $10,900 to $20,561 per year for students in a standard or full-time program.
Despite the costs, aerospace engineering is generally considered one of the most promising within the engineering field.
How Long Does It Take To Complete Aerospace Engineering Schools in Michigan?
Aerospace engineering schools in Michigan offer a wide range of programs for undergraduate and graduate students. The Undergraduate coursework typically takes about five years, while the postgraduate curriculum takes two to three years.
The training begins with a solid foundation in science and engineering. For two years, you can expect to take lectures and basic engineering drawing classes where you are exposed to basic electrical & electronics engineering, mechanical engineering, ICT, and other content relevant to the engineering field.
Similarly, the graduate programs require 36 to 44 credits and can be completed within 3 to 5 years.
How Do I succeed in a Good Aerospace Engineering Schools in Michigan?
Knowing what to expect from studying at an excellent aerospace engineering school is one of the secrets to success in the profession. The tips below will help you gain admission and graduate with an excellent degree.
- Report to school on time.
- Take good notes during lessons. It is called ”Active learning.”
- Stay organized to avoid falling behind and forgetting when things are due.
- Ensure you keep a detailed calendar with your upcoming exams, assignments, and extracurricular commitments.
- Study in groups to engage in more detailed discussions, exchange perspectives and identify areas of individual weakness.
- Get a good Sleep. According to William Dement (MD, Ph.D. Stanford University), “The average sleep requirement for college students is well over 8 hours.
How Can I Apply for a Good Aerospace Engineering Program in Michigan?
To gain admission into any aerospace engineering program, you’re expected to have studied maths and physics to obtain a place on most aerospace engineering courses, given the critical role both disciplines play.
Some institutions accept chemistry instead of physics, but you’ll generally find physics and maths a safer combination to apply to aerospace degree courses.
Fundamental knowledge of design technology, Information Technology, further maths, statistics, or electronics may boost your admission prospect.
Furthermore, to apply for admission to any of the Aerospace engineering schools in Michigan highlighted in this article, you’d have first to visit your preferred school website to view their requirements.
If you meet your school’s requirements, you can acquire the admission form. Note that you can do that online through the school website or by proceeding to campus.
Best Aerospace Engineering Schools in Michigan | 2024
Below are the top aerospace engineering schools in Michigan. These schools offer Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in aerospace engineering, so you can take your education as far as you want. Our selection of these schools is based on their global reputation, accreditation, acceptance rate, tuition, graduation rate, and other relevant factors.
We got our data from reliable sources, testimonials, interviews, and contacting individual schools. Below is the list of the schools; you’ll have to read further to get information on the various degree programs offered, tuition info, and program options for these schools.
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
- Michigan Technological University
- MS in Instructional Technology
- Lawrence Technological University
- Kettering University
- University Of Michigan Dearborn
- Central Michigan University
- University Of Detroit Mercy
- Grand Valley State University
- Easter Michigan University
1. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
University of Michigan – Ann Arbor is a beautiful choice for Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering students. Located in the city of Ann Arbor, U of Michigan is a public college with a relatively large student population.
For those interested in something more advanced, the U of Michigan also offers two higher degree levels in aerospace and aeronautical engineering, the most popular of which is a Master’s Degree. Students who graduate from this degree report an average early career income of $68,500.
2. Michigan Technological University
Michigan Technological university is one of the best aerospace engineering schools in Michigan. This Michigan University offers 9 Mechanical And Aerospace Engineering Degree programs. It’s a medium sized public university in a remote town. In 2015, 382 students graduated in the study area of Mechanical And Aerospace Engineering, with students earning 242 Bachelor’s degrees, 112 Master’s degrees, 16 Doctoral degrees, and 12 Certificates degrees.
3. Michigan State University
Michigan State University (MSU) is a public research university in East Lansing, Michigan. MSU was founded in 1855 and served as a model for land-grant universities later created under the Morrill Act of 1862. The university was founded as the Agricultural College of the State of Michigan, one of the country’s first institutions of higher education to teach scientific agriculture.
After introducing the Morrill Act, the college became coeducational and expanded its curriculum beyond agriculture. Today, MSU is one of the largest universities in the United States (in terms of enrollment) and has approximately 634,300 living alumni worldwide.
4. Lawrence Technological University
Lawrence Technological University is a private institution that was founded in 1932. It has a Suburban setting, and the campus size is 107 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. Lawrence Technological University’s ranking in the 2024 edition of Best Colleges is #43 of the Best Regional Universities Midwest. Its tuition and fees are $35,280.
5. Kettering University
Kettering is an above-average private university located in Flint, Michigan. It is a small institution with an enrollment of 1,825 undergraduate students. Admissions are somewhat competitive as the Kettering acceptance rate is 70%. Popular majors include Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Chemical Engineering. Graduating 63% of students, Kettering alumni earn a starting salary of $70,700. Kettering University is also among Michigan’s top aerospace engineering schools in 2024.
6. University Of Michigan Dearborn
The University of Michigan–Dearborn (U of M Dearborn, UM-Dearborn, or UMD) is a public university in Dearborn, Michigan. It is one of the two regional campuses of the University of Michigan operating under the policies of the Board of Regents. The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor is located 35 miles to the west; the other regional campus is in Flint, which is located 70 miles to the north.
Enrolled students have full access to the main campus’s library systems, galleries, and sporting events. Graduates are members of the largest alumni organization in the world, the University of Michigan Alumni Association. Faculty and students collaborate across all three campuses in research and scholarly activities, and degrees for all three campuses are conferred by the state-elected Board of Regents.
7. Central Michigan University
Central Michigan University offers 2 Mechanical And Aerospace Engineering Degree programs. It is a large public university in a remote town. In 2015, 54 students graduated in the study area of Mechanical And Aerospace Engineering, with students earning 54 Bachelor’s degrees.
8. University Of Detroit Mercy
Detroit Mercy is one of the best aerospace engineering schools in Michigan. The school is an above-average private Catholic university in Detroit, Michigan. It is a small institution with an enrollment of 2,494 undergraduate students. The Detroit Mercy acceptance rate is 83%. Popular majors include Nursing, Biology, and Business. Graduating 65% of students, Detroit Mercy alumni earn a starting salary of $45,100.
9. Grand Valley State University
Grand Valley State University is a public institution that was founded in 1960. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 21,680. Its setting is suburban, and the campus size is 1,391 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar.
Grand Valley State University’s ranking in the 2024 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities #228. Its in-state tuition and fees are $12,860; out-of-state tuition and fees are $18,296. Grand Valley State University is also one of Michigan’s best aerospace engineering schools.
10. Easter Michigan University
Eastern Michigan University (EMU) is a public research university in Ypsilanti, Michigan. The university was founded in 1849 as Michigan State Normal School. Today, the university is governed by an eight-member Board of Regents whose members are appointed by the governor of Michigan for eight-year terms. The school belongs to the Mid-American Conference and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Since 1991 EMU athletes have been known as “Eagles,” and the school mascot, Swoop, was officially adopted by the university three years later.
EMU comprises seven colleges and schools: College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, College of Education, College of Health and Human Services, College of Technology, an Honors College, and a Graduate School.
How Much Do Graduates From Aerospace Engineering Schools in Michigan Earn?
The median annual salary for Aerospace Engineers is over $100,000 a year. Among graduates of Michigan programs, the lowest 10 percent earn less than $65,620, while the highest 10 percent earn more than $142,210.
What Is the Job Outlook for Aerospace Engineers?
When considering the best aerospace engineering school for you, ensure that you also consider the job outlook for that position.
That being said, technological advancement will play a significant role in the employment of engineers.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for aerospace engineers is expected to grow 2 percent from 2018 to 2028.
Conclusion
Becoming an aerospace engineer is a very profitable career option. A wide range of career opportunities exists for graduates of the best aerospace engineering universities. If you live in Michigan, you can take advantage of the best colleges for aerospace engineers on our list.
Frequently Asked Questions On Best Aerospace Engineering Schools In Michigan
A recent study shows that aerospace engineering is a popular major, and Michigan is the 3rd most popular state for students studying this major. 81 of the 6,315 Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering degrees earned last year were given by schools in Michigan.
Aerospace engineering deals with the design and construction of flying machines. It is one of the most recent branches of engineering and began in the 19th century with the first motorized flight experiences.
To gain admission into any aerospace engineering program, you’re expected to have studied maths and physics to obtain a place in most aerospace engineering schools, given the critical role both disciplines play.
References
- https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/engineering-doctorate-aerospace-aeronautical-astronautical
- https://www.niche.com/graduate-schools/search/best-masters-in-aerospace-engineering-programs/s/michigan/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_aerospace_engineering_schools
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