Aerospace engineering is one of the most lucrative industries in the world. The best online aerospace engineering associate degrees can help you kickstart a career in this field. Aerospace engineers get paid well and enjoy good job satisfaction compared to other careers. To help you select the right associate degree for you, we’ve prepared this guide.
This article explores the best online associate degrees for students who would like to kick start a career in aerospace engineering. We’ve provided you with a breakdown of some online aerospace engineering associate degrees, schools, and courses. We’ve also included some aerospace engineering associate degree jobs you can access with this type of degree.
Where Can I Get an Aerospace Engineering Associate Degree Online?
Some of the best schools to get an aerospace engineering associate degree online include Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, South Seattle College, and Montgomery College. All these institutions have been accredited by relevant regional bodies, and prepare students with some of the requirements to become aerospace engineers.
What Schools Offer the Best Aerospace Engineering Associate Degrees?
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- Campbell University of Art And Culture
- South Seattle College
- Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology
- Montgomery College
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Aerospace Engineering Associate Degree?
The admission requirements for an online aerospace engineering associate degree will depend on the institution you are applying to. Most schools require you to have a high school diploma or GED equivalent and a high school cumulative GPA of 2.0 out of 4.0. In some cases, you must be at least 18 years old.
In addition, you’ll need to provide a list of documents of your academic background, letters of recommendation, and sometimes a personal essay. For international students, your academic qualifications must be equivalent to the USA academic documents, and you must demonstrate English proficiency to get admitted.
Online Aerospace Engineering Associate Degree Admission Requirements
- Graduation document from an accredited high school
- High School Diploma or GED Certificate
- Transcript with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
- Official transcripts of all academic institutions you have attended before
- International students must have a minimum overall TOEFL score of 500 (paper-based), 60 (Internet-based), 5.5 IELTS, ACCUPLACER ESL 259, or Cambridge 160
- Pay the application fee
How to Get an Aerospace Engineering Associate Degree Online
You get an aerospace engineering associate degree online by fulfilling all of the graduation requirements set by the institution offering the program. Most associate degree programs will require you to complete 60-90 credits over two years. This may include 36 general education credits, 9 concentration credits, 9 support credits, and 6 elective credits.
Students will also be required to maintain a GPA of 2.25 throughout all the courses. An associate degree will give you a wide range of technical skills and a strong foundation in aerospace engineering. You will then be able to transfer credits to an accelerated bachelor’s degree to continue your education.
Aerospace Engineering Degree Requirements
- Complete minimum number of credits, usually 60, divided into 36 general education courses, 9 aviation area of concentration, 9 program support and 6 electives
- Obtain a minimum GPA of 2.25 across all courses
- Pay all remaining tuition and fees
Best Online Aerospace Engineering Associate Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Campbell University of Art And Culture | Associate Degree in Aerospace Engineering | International Accreditation Organization (IAO) |
| City Liviona Central University | Associate Degree in Aerospace Engineering | International Accreditation Organization (IAO) |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University | Associate in Science in Aeronautics | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) |
| Hadley University | Associate Degree in Aerospace Engineering | North American Distance Learning Association (NADLA) |
| Montgomery College | Engineering Science Degree, Aerospace Engineering Area of Concentration Associate of Science Degree | Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) |
| San Diego Mesa College | Associate of Science Degree in Engineering | Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) |
| Seminole State College of Florida | Aerospace Engineering Pathway Associate in Arts | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) |
| South Seattle College | Mechanical, Industrial and Aeronautical Engineering Associate of Science | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) |
| Tacoma Community College | Associate of Science in Mechanical, Civil, Aeronautical, Industrial and Material Science Engineering | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) |
| Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology | Associate of Applied Science Aviation Maintenance | Engineering Accreditation Commission/Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology ETAC|ABET |
Best Schools for Aerospace Engineering: Top Online Aerospace Engineering Associate Degree Programs
The best schools for aerospace engineering associate online degrees are well equipped to offer high-quality instruction through online classes. They have also customized programs to help students specialize in areas they find most interesting. Having listed the top 10 online programs in the preceding section, let’s get more details about each of them below.
What Is an Online Aerospace Engineering Associate Degree?
An online aerospace engineering associate degree is a program that offers the foundational knowledge on how to design, build and test aviation devices. Students will learn the foundation of aerospace engineering and be able to transfer credits to a bachelor’s degree afterward.
An online associate program is also a more flexible and cost-effective degree option for those who work and have families. It offers the same requirements, courses, and credibility as a traditional on-campus degree, but can be completed from anywhere with an Internet connection.
Online vs In-Person Aerospace Engineering Degrees
Both online and in-person aerospace engineering degrees are a good choice if you’re interested in pursuing a career in aerospace engineering. The difference between the two programs is where the classes and learning experience take place. Online degree programs are designed for distance learning anywhere in the world, whereas in-person programs are done on-campus.
To help you make an informed choice, we have broken down the benefits of both online vs in-person aerospace engineering degrees below.
Top 5 Benefits of an Online Associate Degree in Aerospace Engineering
- You enjoy more flexibility. An online associate degree gives you access to adaptable class schedules and convenience when completing assignments. This means you can customize your learning schedule to compliment your work or home life.
- It is more affordable. Online schooling is typically less expensive than its on-campus counterpart. There are no transportation costs, or additional fees that come with on-campus learning.
- You cultivate self-motivation. By successfully attaining an online associate master’s degree, you will have demonstrated that you can motivate and discipline yourself to completing projects. That’s a valuable soft skill that many employers seek when hiring and could give you a competitive advantage in the job market.
- It is less rigorous yet rewarding. It’s no secret that engineering programs are very challenging and time-consuming. However, with an online associate degree, you can obtain substantial training to become an entry-level aerospace technician or engineer.
- You improve your virtual communication skills. As the world moves forward, we continue to embrace virtual environments to do business. The exposure you acquire by undertaking an associate degree in aerospace engineering makes you a more effective communicator through an online platform.
Top 5 Benefits of an In-Person Associate Degree in Aerospace Engineering
- Access to facilitates. On-campus studies give your access to facilities and resources that online students cannot access. Aerospace engineering is a technical field that requires access to resources to enhance learning, an advantage on-campus students enjoy.
- Structured learning. While many students would like to study at their own pace through online courses, many others lack the self-motivation to complete studies in a massive online environment. A more structured learning process with active guidance from a professional and study partners would easily motivate these students to complete their studies.
- Hands-on experience. Aerospace engineering requires hands-on experience for full comprehension of how things work. While some students are better visual learners, a lot goes into acquiring skills to design, build and test aviation devices. An online course however comprehensive cannot provide full technical instruction to students.
- Learning on campus offers a challenge. The on-campus experience allows you to learn with your peers which introduces a sense of competition. You have to work harder and explore more to match your colleagues. Studying aerospace engineering in such an environment makes you better.
- Greater access to programs. There are more programs available to students that prefer on-campus study over online degree courses. For engineering courses, it is much easier to pursue different areas of specialization on campus, because only a few are offered online.
What Types of Online Associate Degrees Can You Get in Aerospace Engineering?
You can either get an Associate of Science (AS) degree or an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Aerospace engineering. Both degree programs are designed for students who want to take their first step towards a degree in aerospace engineering.
Is It Better to Get an Associate of Science Degree or Associate of Applied Science Degree in Aerospace Engineering?
It is better get an Associate of Applied Science degree over an Associate of Science degree in aerospace engineering. An AAS degree is designed to prepare students who graduate to move into the workforce. Students will have gained all the essential skills, hands-on experience, and knowledge for entry-level jobs as they begin a carer in aerospace engineering.
If you’re looking to continue your education with a bachelor’s and an advanced degree, an AS in Aerospace Engineering might be for you. The Associate of Science degree is set up for students to continue learning by having access to transfer credits that can be applied to future programs.
How Much Does an Aerospace Engineering Associate Degree Cost?
The average cost of an aerospace engineering associate degree is around $11,391. Certain institutions may charge more depending on the state, and whether it’s a private or public school. In addition, if you are eligible for a scholarship, you can take advantage of numerous engineering scholarships offered by universities and colleges.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Aerospace Engineering Associate Degree Online?
It takes 2 years, on average, to get an aerospace engineering associate degree online. However, online engineering degrees can take less time or more time to complete depending on the institution, the schedule, and on whether it’s a self-paced degree.
The total credits required for completion are distributed across several semesters. In most cases, institutions require about 60 credits spread across 4 semesters at 15 credits per semester. Others, like South Seattle College, have 9 quarters at 15 credits per quarter.
Are Online Aerospace Engineering Degrees Respected?
Yes. Online aerospace engineering degrees from reputable institutions such as Embry-Riddles and Vaughn College are respected in the aerospace industry since they were designed by schools dedicated to aviation training. In addition, more people are embracing distance learning.
Is Aerospace Engineering Hard to Learn Online?
Yes, aerospace engineering is a hard discipline to learn online. Through an online program, some of the hands-on practical skills that come with aerospace engineering may not be achieved properly. Courses that involve building, designing, and testing may lack the depth in comparison to an on-campus degree.
Aerospace Engineering Bootcamp vs Online Aerospace Engineering Associate Degree: Which Is Better?
An online aerospace engineering associate degree is better for those looking to get a broad education with a strong foundation. Students learn about various aspects of the field of aerospace engineering and learn specialized skills over time. A bootcamp is short, focuses on one aspect, and prepares you with a basic skill to be used in the workforce.
To help you decide which is a better option for you, we have created a list outlining the benefits of both sides, below.
Top 5 Benefits of an Online Aerospace Engineering Associate Degree
- Flexibility. An online degree is more flexible than a Bootcamp because it spans 2 years with evenly distributed credit requirements. Students have had the freedom to learn at their own pace unlike in bootcamps where learning is intensive.
- Access from any location. An online associate degree in aerospace engineering allows you to access your resources from any location. Bootcamps on the other hand might necessitate traveling to the training center unless an online platform is available.
- Registration by career bodies. Most professional organizations provide licensing of practice to their professionals once they attain the prerequisite education level. However, most agencies don’t consider bootcamp graduates as qualified to be registered as professionals.
- It opens the door for further studies. An online aerospace engineering degree is for students looking to get into the aerospace industry. It lays the foundation for further studies and you can transfer credits when leveling up your education. A bootcamp only equips you with skills but doesn’t contribute to your academic portfolio.
- Manageable learning curve. Bootcamps have steep learning curves that beginners might find challenging. However, an online associate degree will provide the necessary foundational knowledge to the student.
Top 5 Benefits of an Aerospace Engineering Bootcamp
- More Affordable. Bootcamps are significantly cheaper than associate degrees. The cost of running online training platforms is minimal in bootcamps, hence students enjoy affordable programs.
- Faster Completion. Bootcamps are designed to offer an accelerated and intensive learning environment for students. Within a few months, a student can graduate and join the job market.
- Better skill development. Aerospace engineering bootcamps provide students with the skills necessary in the job market. Meanwhile, an online student with an associate degree will spend a lot of time in general education and theory.
- You learn to collaborate. A bootcamp gives you an environment to work as part of a team with diverse backgrounds. Through collaboration in an intense learning environment, you also grasp the principles of working together to solve challenges.
- Build a network. While an online associate degree will mostly be an exchange between you and your professor, a bootcamp puts you in contact with a community of peers with whom you have similar or adjacent ideas. There you can create good networks that could initiate better opportunities in future.
Why You Should Get an Aerospace Engineering Associate Degree Online
You should get an aerospace engineering associate degree because it gives you the flexibility to learn at your own pace over two years, it is much cheaper than on-campus enrollment, and it installs self-motivation, especially among dedicated students.
Also after completion of an associate degree, you can transfer credits to advanced levels of education and continue with your education. Alternatively, you can access jobs in the aviation industry and start working immediately.
What Courses Do You Take in an Online Associate Degree Program in Aerospace Engineering?
The courses you take in an online associate degree program in aerospace engineering include thermodynamics, general physics, calculus, general chemistry, and mechanics of materials. All these courses provide a good background for aerospace engineering studies and future job prospects.
Thermodynamics
Thermodynamics involves the study of solid, liquid, and vapor, their properties, characteristics and basic equations, and the fundamental laws of energy. One of the main goals of this course is to enable students to understand and describe thermodynamic concepts which are crucial for aerospace engineering.
General Physics
In general physics, students tackle various topics including mechanics, heat, electricity, and magnetism. They will also learn about wave, optics, and modern physics, all of which play integral roles in the design and development of aerospace devices.
Calculus
Calculus is one of the most crucial early courses for any associate engineering program. It provides students with a good foundation necessary for studying and modeling real-world challenges. With these fundamental skills, students can apply logical thinking to aerospace engineering problems.
General Chemistry
In this course, students will learn about the competition of matter, chemical reaction, equilibrium, and electrochemistry and how it applies to engineering. The course aims to enable students to solve chemical problems involving thermodynamics, kinetics, and equilibrium.
Mechanics of Materials
In this course, students learn about deformable solids in relation to changes in stress or temperature using numerical models. The course aims to enable students to analyze material due to loading, compute stresses and deformation, and explain stability and bulking among other things fundamental for the design of an aircraft.
Continuing Education Paths for Online Aerospace Engineering Associate Degree Graduates
Upon graduation from an online aerospace engineering associate degree, students can either seek admission to a higher degree level a provisional institute or a partnering institution where they can transfer credits. Normally, the next level of education is the Bachelor’s of Science in Aerospace Engineering and many institutions admit students transferring credits from other accredited institutions.
Related Online Aerospace Engineering Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Aerospace Engineering Associate Degree Programs
The things you should look for in an aerospace engineering associate degree program are accreditation, the reputation of the college, availability, and quality of facilities and resources, cost of tuition and the number of credits that can be transferred. Below we’ve listed why these factors are important.
The Reputation of the Institution
The reputation of an institution is important because it represents the perceived excellence of its students and offers a competitive advantage in the job market. When selecting a college, check for its reputation because it can help you secure job opportunities in the future.
Accreditation
Undertaking an aerospace engineering degree is no small feat. It requires dedication and investment of time and resources. Accredited programs will have better overall graduation rates, care, and quality of education. Having an accredited program will also help you be recognized as a professional by employers after graduation.
Quality of Facilities
The quality of facilities and resources available in an institution often determine if your education requirements will be met. For instance, to become a skillful avionics equipment mechanic, you must work on aircraft parts and systems and diagnose malfunctions before course completion. If your school doesn’t have the proper facilities your needs will not be met.
Cost of Tuition
When selecting an associate degree, you’ll have to choose a program with affordable tuition costs. The cost should go along with your ability to pay through work, work-study, loans, and grants. Finding a cost-effective program can help decrease financial burdens through your program.
Transferability of Credits
Associate degrees usually give you a starting point when pursuing a career. In aerospace engineering, you’ll need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree to work in certain specializations. It’s a good idea to see how many transferable credits you can use as you continue your education.
What Is the Most Affordable Online Aerospace Engineering Associate Degree?
The most affordable online aerospace engineering associate degree is offered by Hadley university. The tuition rate is $9,600 which is significantly cheaper than most associate degrees. Nevertheless, when selecting a program based on affordability, make sure you’re selecting a high-quality program.
Can I Get an Aerospace Engineering Associate Degree Online for Free?
No, you can’t get an aerospace engineering associate degree online for free. However, you can find various free introductory courses for aspiring aerospace engineers that will provide foundational education. For instance, EdX offers free aerospace engineering courses.
Salary and Job Outlook for Online Aerospace Engineering Associate Degree Graduates
With an associate degree in aerospace engineering in hand, you might want to skip further education and instead dive into the job market so you can start earning. So in the next section, we cover the salary and job outlook for an aerospace engineering associate degree to help you make informed decisions on your career path.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With an Aerospace Engineering Associate Degree?
It is not hard to get a job at the entry-level with an aerospace engineering associate degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 4,000 job openings will be available every year and the projected job growth rate is 8%. Industry companies require an aerospace engineer to have a bachelor’s degree to be hired for larger more primary roles.
What’s the Average Online Aerospace Engineering Associate Degree Salary?
The average salary of an aerospace engineer is $85,895 according to PayScale. With an online associate degree, you can secure a low-level job in the aerospace industry for instance an aviation technician. However, if you upgrade your education, you can potentially earn the average salary for engineers.
What Jobs Can You Get With an Online Aerospace Engineering Associate Degree?
The jobs you can get with an online aerospace engineering associate degree revolve around the aerospace and aviation industry. They include an aircraft designer, a military aerospace engineer, an inspector and compliance officer, an aerospace technician, and a drafter. Let’s find out what each of these jobs entails.
Aerospace Engineering Degree Jobs
- Aircraft designer
- Military aerospace engineer
- Inspector and compliance officer
- Aerospace technician
- Drafter
Potential Careers With an Online Aerospace Engineering Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With an Online Aerospace Engineering Associate Degree?
You can make between $60,000 and $90,000 per year with an online aerospace engineering associate degree. One of the highest-paying jobs you can attain is the military aerospace engineer which pays between $80,000 and $90,000. On the lower end of the spectrum is a drafter who makes an annual salary of $60,000.
Highest-Paying Online Aerospace Engineering Associate Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Aerospace Engineering Associate Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Military Aerospace Engineer | $122,270 |
| College Professor | $79,640 |
| Inspector and compliance officer | $71,162 |
| Aerospace and Avionics Technician | $65,550 |
| Drafter | $60,290 |
Best Jobs for Online Aerospace Engineering Associate Degree Grads
The best online aerospace engineering associate degree jobs from the list above will be broken down into general job outlook, the number of jobs available, and the highest paying states for each role to help you make an informed career decision.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is an Online Aerospace Engineering Associate Degree Worth It?
Yes, an online aerospace engineering associate degree is worth it because it creates a foundational guide to a successful career in aerospace engineering. This type of program takes an average of 2 years to complete, and the career prospects afterward can lead to a lucrative and highly rewarding career.
If you want to make the best out of your education and working opportunities, it’s recommended to continue your education with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering. This will provide you with better knowledge, skills, and experience as you work your way to becoming a master of aerospace engineering.
Additional Reading About Aerospace Engineering
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Online Aerospace Engineering Associate Degree FAQ
Yes, you can get an aerospace engineering degree online. Aerospace engineering is a technical field that requires practical experience. Most intuitions don’t offer a fully-fledged course online. Rather, they might offer hybrid programs which have a good combination of in-person training and online courses.
It takes 4 years to become an aeronautical engineer. If you start with an associate degree and then do a bachelor’s degree it will take on average 4 years with credit transfer. You can also continue with an advanced degree which may add another year or two.
It depends on your preference. If you want to work in the aircraft building space, then aerospace engineering is the right course for you. However, if you’re looking to join the space industry, then pursuing a program in aeronautical engineering is the right way to go.
Yes. Aerospace engineers handle a great deal of mathematical calculations in their work. You’ll have to master calculus, trigonometry, algebra, and other advanced mathematical principles for you to graduate with a degree in aerospace engineering and potentially work as an engineer.
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