Program Details
BS in Aerospace and Ocean Engineering, Aerospace Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Aerospace and Ocean EngineeringVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
One or more Transfer Guides are available in the Resource Center for this Institution. If you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college. If there is a program-specific Transfer Guide and a general or general studies Transfer Guide, you are advised to follow the program-specific Transfer Guide. Please see your community college advisor for assistance in selecting the best pathway.
College of Engineering programs are innovative, dynamic, and take an integrated approach to education, research, and service. Students will engage with world-class faculty and participate in hands-on learning experiences that span course instruction, student design teams, internship opportunities, and study abroad programs. Students learn to work across and outside disciplines to solve the world’s most complex problems by creating new knowledge, technologies, and sustainable solutions.
Program Overview & Guidance

| Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Considerations for Selecting Degree | The Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace and Ocean Engineering is accredited by ABET. Students can choose among nine degree tracks: Aero / hydrodynamics, Dynamics, control, and estimation, Energy and the environment, Foundational option, Naval engineering, Propulsion, Space engineering, Structures and materials. Students are encouraged to participate in undergraduate research with faculty at Virginia Tech. Explore possible careers, salaries, and job outlook at https://eng.vt.edu/undergraduate/explore-engineering.html. |
| Considerations When Selecting Courses |
Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year.
|
| Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | Virginia Tech graduation requirements are set based on a student’s entry term to Virginia Tech. |
| Doing More With Your Degree | Students may complete an accelerated Master’s degree in one additional year of enrollment. |
| Program Successes & Highlights | Sixty-one percent of undergraduate AOE students expect full-time employment, most typically in the areas of Aerospace or Shipbuilding Industries, Federal Government Agencies (NASA, DOD, etc.), or Maritime Agencies. The median starting salary of 22/23 AOE graduates was $80,000 (with a median bonus of $5,000). |
Program Credit Requirements

If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:
- Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
- View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.
Applicable Admissions Agreements

The table below lists admissions agreements between Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.
You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

| Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Completion of a transfer-oriented associate degree will satisfy general education requirements of an undergraduate curriculum but may not fulfill specific departmental requirements or prerequisites needed for the major. You enter as a junior with general education requirements met. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | You enter as a junior with general education requirements met. |
| Credit for Prior Learning | Prior learning score requirements: https://www.registrar.vt.edu/Transferable-Credit.html |
| Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information

| College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Is This College Right For Me? | As a student, you will spend only a portion of your time in the classroom but all your time at Virginia Tech will be spent in an environment that promotes learning and growing. You will find a dynamic residential campus and award-winning dining in an environment committed to well-being. From our health and wellness programs to our hundreds of student organizations and clubs, there is something for every interest at Virginia Tech. |
| Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by date of entry to Virginia Tech |
| First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by date of entry to Virginia Tech |
| Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | Students must apply as a transfer student having completed or with the intention of completing the Associate degree from a VCCS campus prior to enrollment |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

| Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Engineering | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Science in Engineering Degree | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Tidewater Community College | Associate of Science - Engineering | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Engineering | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Science in Engineering Degree | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Science in Science Degree Engineering Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science with a Specialization in Engineering | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

| O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17-2011.00 | Aerospace Engineers | Perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. May conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. May recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques. | Architecture and Engineering Occupations |
| 11-9041.00 | Architectural and Engineering Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields. | Management Occupations |
| 11-9041.01 | Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers | Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential. | Management Occupations |
| 25-1032.00 | Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
Cost To Complete

