Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What's the difference between Aeronautical Engineering, Astronautical Engineering and Aerospace Engineering?
The Space Shuttle waiting to be launched.A: Aeronautical Engineering is a field wherein engineers design aircraft. Aeronautical engineers concentrate on aerodynamics, stability, and control of aircraft as well as traditional engineering concerns. Astronautical engineers share many of the same skills as aeronautical engineers but their concentration is on the design of spacecraft. Astronautical engineers concentrate on attitude and control, orbital mechanics, thermal environment, and space propulsion. Aerospace engineering is a combination of aeronautical and astronautical engineering. At Embry-Riddle, students can choose to either the astronautical option (concentration) or aeronautical option (concentration) depending on their preference.
Q: What's the difference between Aerospace Engineers and Mechanical Engineers?
A: Aerospace engineers have more background in astrodynamics, aerodynamics, and control theory, and specialize in the design of spacecraft and aircraft. Mechanical engineers design many kinds of machines. They have more depth in the thermal sciences, and machine design.
Q: Why should I study Aerospace Engineering (AE)?
A: A degree in aerospace engineering will allow you to work on the design, analysis, and testing of the next generation of aircraft, rocket, spacecraft or aerospace system. Equally important, AE is a great way to develop your creativity and imagination in order to solve future problems. In aerospace engineering you will be working on pushing the frontiers of the application of science and technology to complex engineering products and systems. An AE education also allows you to undertake any endeavor you may decide on in the future. Individuals with engineering degrees are involved in all kinds of careers: medicine, law, business, the arts. You name it, and there are engineers involved. Every door of opportunity can be open to you with an AE education from Embry-Riddle.
Q: Do you have an ME program and how is it different from the AE program?
A: We'll begin accepting students for ME in the fall of 2007. This is a brand new program for us and we're excited about it. Where most ME programs around the country are broad in nature concentrating on Heating and Ventilation, Automotive, and Machines, our programs is focuses toward the Aerospace Industry. We will have two areas of depth that include robotics and propulsion. The robotics area is associated with UAV's and planetary rovers where the propulsion option is associated with jet aircraft engines. The first two years of the ME and AE programs are identical.
Q: Why should I go to Embry-Riddle for Aerospace Engineering?
A: Embry-Riddle has one of the top-rated undergraduate AE programs in the country. Since we focus on undergraduate education, the student will have full-time professors teaching their courses. The AE program involves significant hands-on activities throughout the curriculum. Experience in our laboratories connects theory with the practice. Design projects, worked on in a team environment, are an important component of AE. Graduates understand today's dynamic world and the role the aerospace industry plays in the global society.
Q: What's the difference between Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, and Computer Engineering?
A circuit board that an electrical or computer engineer might use.A: Computer scientists concentrate on the software aspects of computers but still require a substantial knowledge of the underlying hardware. Electrical engineers are the designers of hardware that includes embedded systems, control theory, communications, and digital and linear circuitry. Computer engineers have more software background than electrical engineers and more hardware background than computer scientists. At Embry-Riddle both the electrical engineering and computer Engineering Degree Programs often concentrate examples around aerospace platforms.
Q: Will a co-op or internship in engineering help me get a job?
A: Both co-op and internship opportunities can help students gain employment once they graduate. You can list your internship as actual career experience on your resume and talk about what you learned during interviews. More importantly, cooperative educational experiences bring relevance to your education as you attend school. Multiple co-op and internship opportunities exist for Embry-Riddle engineering students.
Q: Can I have a double major and what are the implications?
A: Some students choose a double major. Common examples include aerospace engineering and aeronautical science. Electrical engineering/ computer engineering often show up as double majors. In any of these examples it will require additional time to complete the requirements of both degrees.
Q: How much do engineers make when they graduate?
A: Engineering salaries vary around the country due to location and market. AE salaries ( for students with a B.S. and experience) are usually around $50k and sometimes in the $60k range to start. Electrical engineering graduates and computer engineering graduates make a little more.
Q: How does ROTC fit into engineering?
A: Many of our engineering students are also in Air Force or Army ROTC. About one fourth of engineering students are in an ROTC program. We're considered an ROTC friendly environment, however completing the requirements for ROTC on top of a rigorous Engineering Degree Program is challenging. It appears that time management may be the most important skill in this endeavor.
Q: Engineering is a challenging major, how are you going to help me succeed?
Image courtesy ESA. An artist's rendering of an inflatable re-entry device designed to keep spacecraft from burning up in the Earth's atmosphere.A: Embry-Riddle engineering faculty are among the best teachers on campus. They come here because they want to teach. Research is not their primary focus. Unlike many other universities, professors -- not graduate students --teach all the engineering and math courses. Engineering courses are relatively small (most have less than 30 students) and many have "hands-on" laboratories so students have an active role in learning. There is plenty of tutoring available from upper-class students. Professors also have at least 10 hours a week of office hours, devoted solely to helping students with assignments or other problems. In addition, advising is taken very seriously at Embry-Riddle. Professors typically contact their advisees multiple times each semester to make sure they are doing well in their classes and are happy with their education as it relates to their future goals.
Q: What does Embry-Riddle offer that makes it worth paying higher tuition than a state institution?
A: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has a reputation for producing graduates that are ready to 'hit the ground running' in the engineering jobs they obtain. Industry representatives are very satisfied with our hands-on curriculum which allows students to practice and verify theoretical methods. Our engineering curriculum also emphasizes development of communication skills, while many Engineering Degree Programs do not. These skills also prove invaluable in post-graduate work.
Q: If I have trouble in my classes, what help can I expect to receive?
A: The fact that Embry-Riddle is a small school with relatively small class sizes means that students have much more face time with their instructors than they would at larger institutions. The faculty is dedicated to helping students succeed, which means they are willing to work with students during their office hours if they are having difficulty grasping the course material. Embry-Riddle also offers tutor labs that allow students additional opportunities to improve their class work.