The Department of Aerospace Engineering at Mississippi State University provides an accredited undergraduate curriculum with the mission of preparing students to enter the workplace as qualified entry-level aerospace engineers or to enter any aerospace engineering graduate program adequately prepared for advanced study. This mission is accomplished by a strong foundation in mathematics and physical and engineering sciences upon which student problem solving and application skills are developed. The curriculum stresses analytical and communications skills, with particular emphasis on placed engineering design throughout the curriculum. A capstone design experience in the senior year provides the opportunity to integrate design, analytical, and problem solving skills along with communication skills in a team environment which emulates aerospace engineering practice.

The mission is accomplished by the following learning objectives and outcomes:
  • Provide a strong foundation in the fundamentals of mathematics, basic physical sciences, and engineering sciences.
    • Understand and apply mathematics to the solution of engineering problems
    • Understand and apply basic chemical processes and elements of physics
    • Understand and apply basic concepts of solid and fluid mechanics
    • Understand and apply basic concepts of statistics and probability
    • Understand the variable nature of experimentally-determined values
    Develop analytical and problem-solving skills and proficiency in the use of techniques and tools that implement these skills.
    • Can identify and state problem objectives
    • Can select and apply an appropriate solution strategy
    • Understand the uses and limitations of computer-based analysis methods
    • Have general purpose computer skills in word processing, spreadsheets, and solid modeling
    • Can use aerospace engineering application software
    Develop design skills and integrate design throughout the curriculum.
    • Can recognize and assess aircraft and spacecraft design needs
    • Can understand the behavior of aircraft and spacecraft
    • Are familiar with FAA and military specifications
    • Can design specific components of aerospace systems
    • Can integrate specific components into functional aerospace systems
    • Can apply engineering judgement in evaluating a design
    Develop proficiency in written, oral, and graphic communication.
    • Can compose a concept or idea in clear English with correct grammar and vocabulary
    • Can compose functional letters and reports
    • Can make oral presentations and use multi-media elements
    Introduce and develop an appreciation for the arts, humanities, and social sciences.
    • Can appreciate the impact of aerospace designs on society
    Promote engineering ethics, personal integrity and responsibility, and professionalism.
    • Can act with personal integrity and assume responsibility
    Develop teamwork and leadership skills.
    • Can work in a team environment and exercise leadership skills
    Instill a commitment to lifelong learning.
    • Recognize the changing nature of technology and appreciate the need for continued learning
    Faculty, students, alumni and employers of our graduates determine the mission and objectives of the aerospace engineering program and assess the program effectiveness. Faculty and students assess courses taught each semester. Every year the students participate in graduating senior surveys and some take the Fundamentals of Engineering Examination. At the end of the spring semester, the faculty perform an annual curriculum assessment. At the fall and spring meetings of the departmental Engineering Advisory Committee (EAC), members are informed of program changes that have input in establishing the mission and objectives of the program. Every three years, alumni and employers of our graduates are mailed comprehensive surveys which include proposed changes in the mission and measures of success in meeting the objectives. The faculty complete the assessment cycle with a reevaluation of the departmental mission and objectives with input from all of the constituencies.
    		 
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    MSU is an Equal Opportunity Institution