Expert: Paul Soderman - 8/29/2010

Question
I would like to know the difference between aviation engineering, aviation design and aeronautical engineering.

Answer
When I was in school a few years ago you had aeronautical engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, and so on.  Aeronautical engineering covered everything from aerodynamics to aircraft design to aircraft performance.  Now if you look on websites like Embry Riddle you see degree programs like Aeronautical Science, Aviation Business, Aeronautics, Aerospace Engineering, Aerospace Electronics, etc.  These are mostly creations of the school administrators and can only be understood by looking at the courses offered in each program.  There is no universal definition for the various programs.  For example, I have never heard of aviation engineering, but can imagine it is a program with a heavy emphasis on aircraft systems rather than the physics of fluid flow like you would expect in aeronautical engineering. Check with the school of your choice for their curricula.