B.S. Programs

BS ASTE Catalogue
ASTE Minor Catalogue
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B.S. in Astronautical Engineering

About

This program is for USC students who wish to work in the space industry and government space research and development centers and who are pursuing bachelor's degrees in science, mathematics or engineering with specialization in areas other than astronautical engineering.

The space industry employs a wide variety of engineers (electrical, mechanical, chemical, civil, etc.), scientists (physicists, astronomers, chemists) and mathematicians. These engineers participate in development of advanced space systems, but they usually lack the understanding of basic fundamentals of astronautics and space systems. The minor in astronautical engineering will help overcome this deficiency and provide unique opportunities for USC engineering, science and mathematics students by combining their major field with the industry-specific minor in astronautical engineering.

Degree Requirements

For general requirements for B.S. minor degrees in engineering, please see the corresponding sections of the USC Catalogue.

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:

  1. Establish themselves as practicing professionals, or undertake advanced study, in astronautical engineering or a related field; and
  2. 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:

  1. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
  2. 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
  3. an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
  7. an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Published on April 6th, 2017

Last updated on June 27th, 2022