Expert: Paul Soderman - 9/13/2009

Question
hello sir! i am pursuing my bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering and i want to have degree in aerospace engg. After completion of my course i was suggested that i can pursue for aerospace engg. by undergoing a course for a period of one year. is this true? Suggest me that how shall i have my aerospace degree?

Answer
I don't know about India, but in the U.S. a bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering and aerospace engineering are virtually the same thing.  It is a question of semantics.  Aeronautics deals with flight in air, aerospace deals with flight in air and space. But the course work is almost identical and primarily involves physics related to earth and atmosphere.  I suppose an aerospace engineering program might offer a few courses in orbital mechanics and space launch vehicles.  Your schools could give you more details.  I suggest that a graduate degree would be more valuable than two bachelor's degrees.
Paul