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Aerospace Engineering

Minor

Delivery Options

Campus

Fall 2027 Deadline

Priority: November 1
Regular: January 15
Late: April 1

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Department

Mechanical Engineering

Why Aerospace Engineering Minor?

While life has been limited to Earth’s surface for nearly all of human history, access to space is becoming more affordable and flexible. As an aerospace professional, you will contribute to building a robust space economy enabled by low-earth satellites, reusable launch vehicles, grand space science ventures, space-based climate monitoring and solar power, next-generation propulsion technologies and global connectivity — all inviting you to be part of mankind’s great leap forward.

Program Overview

An Aerospace Engineering Minor at Colorado School of Mines prepares you for aerospace careers as advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning have begun to impact everything from aerospace design and simulation to maintenance, control systems, and mission planning.

The Mines Aerospace Engineering minor pairs with a range of Mines majors: mechanical engineering, metallurgical and materials engineering, engineering physics, computer science, electrical engineering and applied mathematics. Regardless of your major, you can build toward a career in aerospace or related fields, including energy, defense, robotics, automotive or software.

Program Options

The Aerospace Engineering minor is anchored in the Mechanical Engineering curriculum and is structured around a focused set of core courses. You begin with Introduction to Space Exploration and Resources, then build technical depth through Aerodynamics, Mechanics of Composite Materials, Aerospace Structures, Orbital Mechanics and Space Operations and Mission Design. Together, these courses move from foundational principles to the analysis and design of aircraft and spacecraft systems, giving you a clear understanding of how aerospace vehicles are conceived, built and operated.

If you want additional depth in aerospace, you can also declare an Area of Special Interest in Aerospace Engineering. This option allows you to concentrate on advanced topics such as Fluid Mechanics II, Heat Transfer, Aerodynamics, Mechanics of Composite Materials and Aerospace Structures. It is a strong choice if you are looking to strengthen your preparation for aerospace-focused roles or graduate study while staying grounded in your major

Minor/Major Pairings

Mechanical Engineering/Aerospace Engineering

A natural pairing, given that your Aerospace Engineering minor courses derive from the Mechanical Engineering Department. Additional courses (e.g., aerodynamics, orbital mechanics, aircraft design) extend core mechanical engineering skills, and prepare you for careers in aerospace systems design, propulsion, fluid dynamics and structures.

Electrical Engineering/Aerospace Engineering

Power, autonomy, integration and data drive many aerospace innovations and missions. Your electrical engineering degree provides a firm foundation for understanding all aerospace systems, and the component embedded systems, control systems, power electronics, avionics and sensors which define project or mission success. You graduate ready to play a key role on teams designing satellite systems, avionics, spacecraft instrumentation and autonomous flight systems.

Engineering Physics/Aerospace Engineering

Space science continues to push the envelope, which means companies and agencies look for graduates with a strong theoretical grounding in mechanics, electromagnetism and thermodynamics. This pairing readies you for research roles in plasma physics, propulsion or materials, or a path to graduate school in aerospace sciences.

Computer Science/Aerospace Engineering

Artificial Intelligence and software play an outsized role in driving technology — simulation, autonomous control, space mission design, AI-guided navigation and flight software — for returning humans to the Moon and paving the way for future missions to Mars. Your computer science and artificial intelligence knowledge and skills will prepare you for developer and project management roles related to space mission software, autonomous spacecraft navigation, simulation and modeling.

Civil Engineering/Aerospace Engineering

Balancing strength and mass is a constant when designing aerospace structures operating in extreme environments. A deep understanding of structural analysis and additive manufacturing methods is mission critical, especially for satellites, telescopes and other craft challenged by operating velocity, changing temperatures, intense loads and radiation. Your training in novel materials and manufacturing techniques prepare you for aerospace structural engineering, deployable structures and materials integrity roles.

Metallurgical & Materials Engineering/Aerospace

Engineering Materials for high-temperature environments (e.g., propulsion systems, re-entry), lightweight composite, and fatigue resistance are core to aerospace. Preparation in metallurgical, materials and aerospace engineering position you as an expert in high-performance materials design, testing and maintenance. Aerospace companies, agencies and research labs seek materials, process and structural engineers to lead materials development across aerospace systems, including advanced alloys and novel ceramics for propulsion.

Applied Mathematics & Statistics/Aerospace Engineering

All aerospace projects and missions depend on complex calculations to determine aircraft flight and orbital trajectories. Advanced skills in computational methods and programming (MATLAB, Python, or C++) prepare you for coding simulations for flight, atmospheric re-entry, satellite operations and other high-value, simulation-heavy roles. Quantitative and domain-specific job titles include Flight Dynamics Analyst, Orbital Analyst, Simulation Engineer and Aerospace Systems Modeler.

Experiential Opportunities

Mines ARMY ROTC Cadets standing at attention.

Air Force ROTC at Mines emphasizes our “learn by doing” motto. As a cadet, you participate in leadership labs that simulate real-world decision-making and team management. Physical training builds discipline and resilience while reinforcing habits that support long-term performance.

Cadets also engage in summer training programs sponsored by the Air Force, where you apply classroom concepts in immersive environments alongside peers from across the country. These experiences develop confidence, communication skills and adaptability.

On campus, ROTC cadets are part of a close-knit community that values accountability and teamwork. Balancing ROTC responsibilities with a Mines course load mirrors the challenges you will face in professional settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a mechanical engineering major to pursue the Aerospace Engineering minor?

No. While the minor is anchored in the Mechanical Engineering curriculum, it is designed to pair with a range of majors at Colorado School of Mines. Students in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, engineering physics, computer science, civil engineering, metallurgical and materials engineering and applied mathematics and statistics can all complete the minor. The coursework builds depth in aerospace on top of your primary field of study.

What specific courses are required for the Aerospace Engineering minor?

The minor requires six courses totaling 18 credits: Introduction to Space Exploration and Resources, Mechanics of Composite Materials, Aerodynamics, Aerospace Structures, Orbital Mechanics and Space Operations and Mission Design. Together, these courses cover flight, materials, structural behavior and mission planning so you gain a well-rounded understanding of aerospace systems.

What is the Area of Special Interest in Aerospace Engineering?

In addition to the minor, you can declare an Area of Special Interest in Aerospace Engineering by completing at least 12 credits from select courses, including Fluid Mechanics II, Aerodynamics, Heat Transfer, Mechanics of Composite Materials and Aerospace Structures. This option allows you to focus more deeply on technical areas related to flight and space systems without completing the full minor.

How does this minor prepare me for careers beyond aerospace?

The skills you gain, such as aerodynamics, structures, orbital mechanics and simulation, apply directly to industries including defense, robotics, automotive, advanced manufacturing and software. Employers value graduates who understand complex systems, can model performance and work across disciplines. The aerospace context strengthens your ability to think at a systems level, which is valuable in many high-technology sectors.

What hands-on or research opportunities are available?

As an aerospace engineering minor, you can participate in undergraduate research, interdisciplinary design teams and projects connected to robotics and remote sensing. Mines labs provide access to high-performance computing workstations and advanced simulation tools used to model flight dynamics, structural behavior and mission scenarios. These experiences help you apply classroom knowledge to real engineering challenges before you graduate.

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Aerospace Engineering

Minor

Delivery Options

Fall 2027 Deadline

Department