B.S. Programs
B.S. in Astronautical Engineering
About
The Bachelor of Science in Astronautical Engineering prepares students for engineering careers in the space sector of the aerospace industry; for research and development in industry and government centers and laboratories; and for graduate study. The program provides a core in the fundamentals of aerospace engineering; specialized work in astronautics and space technology; and technical electives to broaden and/or deepen the course work.
Degree Requirements
The general requirements for B.S. degrees in Engineering are given in the appropriate section of the USC Catalogue. Additionally, it can be seen from the website: aste-classes.usc.edu/degree_programs/bs/. In the event that information on this website conflicts with that in the Catalogue, the Catalogue must be considered to be authoritative.
This major requires completion of the following course of study. Each course is listed in the semester in which it is typically taken. The student may take the courses in a different order than that shown, as long as any prerequisites for each course are met. Note that many engineering courses are offered only once per academic year, so care must be taken when altering the schedule. 
Degree Requirements for the Minor in ASTE
A minimum of 18 units of course work are required. A total of 38 units, including prerequisites, are required for completion of this minor. Three courses, or 9 units at the 400 level, will be counted towards the minor degree. The course work is a balanced program of study providing basic scientific fundamentals and engineering disciplines critically important in the development of complex systems.
For a complete list of required courses, please see the USC Catalogue for the B.S. minor in Astronautical Engineering.
Accreditation Status
Effective October 1, 2012, the B.S. in ASTE is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.
Program Educational Objectives
Within a few years of graduation, graduates will:
- Establish themselves as practicing professionals, or undertake advanced study, in astronautical engineering or a related field; and
- Demonstrate their ability to perform successfully as members of a team and function effectively as responsible professionals.
Program Enrollment Data
USC Viterbi School of Engineering ABET Accredited Bachelor of Science in: Astronautical Engineering
Total Number of Students Graduating from this Program in Summer 2020, Fall 2020 and Spring 2021: 28
Program Total Enrollment (All Continuing Undergraduates) in Fall 2021: 113
Student Outcomes
A graduate of the B.S. program should have:
- an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
- an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
- an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
- an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
- an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
- an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
- an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
Published on April 6th, 2017
Last updated on October 17th, 2023