Numerous aerospace engineering courses are
available online; however, these classes are exclusively for graduate
students who already possess bachelor's degrees in related engineering
fields. These classes are part of programs that lead to master's or
doctorate degrees in aerospace engineering.
Online courses offer students a convenient option for studying at
home, at the office or in the field. Interested students can pursue
graduate degrees or participate in individual classes to enrich their
understanding of a particular aerospace subject. Degrees offered include
the Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) degree, which is typically a
non-thesis program, or the Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering
(MSAE) degree, which does require a thesis. Online Ph.D. programs in the
field are also available. Because aerospace engineers research, design
and oversee the production of complex machines, such as commercial and
military airplanes, spacecraft and missile systems, they often find
employment with governmental agencies, such as NASA, or defense
contractors.
Requirements for Online Courses
Online aerospace engineering students need access to at least a 56kbs
Internet connection to adequately receive audio files, or a high-speed
cable or DSL connection to view video files. Some online programs will
employ Tegrity, a lecture-capturing website that allows students to
replay lectures at anytime and is supported on all platforms except
Linux. Camtasia Relay, an alternative to Tegrity, is suitable for Linux
users but may not be used at certain schools. In order to view lectures,
students will likely need computer software plug-ins, such as VideoLAN
(VCL) or Adobe's Flash Player.
List of Selected Online Aerospace Engineering Courses
Aerospace Mechanics Course
This course discusses the fundamental laws of mass, momentum and
energy and how these laws relate to the deformation and strain placed on
aircrafts. Students learn about linear and nonlinear aircraft and
spacecraft control issues. Principles of equilibrium, geometric
compatibility and composite material behaviors are also covered.
Aerospace Mathematics Course
Students in this course explore mathematical models for designing and
optimizing the aerodynamic and structural stiffness of aircraft wings.
These mathematic models and variations are used to reduce instability
and create steady flight. Online participants also study static
aeroelasticity and structural instability, the principal causes for loss
of wing lift.
Aerospace Environments Course
The various environments that spacecrafts pass through and the
dangers associated with each are central to this course. Topics include
the consequences of working in unfiltered sunlight and solar wind, the
hazards of orbital debris, and the shielding dangers of re-entry through
the upper atmosphere.
Air and Space Craft Design Course
This introductory course explores the design and cost aspects of
reusable high-speed aircraft and space vehicles. Online students will be
expected to design a craft and write a cost analysis proposal to
accompany the design. Candidates study historical designs and design
proofing methods to help them realize their projects.
Space Habitat Course
This class emphasizes the factors affecting living organisms in weak
gravity environments and examines spacecraft design for human occupancy.
Students learn the objectives and challenges associated with human
space exploration and the physiological conditions that must be
considered when designing life support systems for space travel.
Space Flight Course
Vehicular test systems and flight simulations are central to this
introductory space flight course. Topics include celestial mechanics,
transfer and rendezvous, space navigation, trajectory design and orbital
determination. Students also learn about established flight test
practices and the experiences of well-known designers and test pilots.
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