Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Systems Engineering Technology

The Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Systems Engineering Technology program is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET and AABI. The Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Systems Engineering Technology prepares graduates to enter careers in the design, installation, manufacturing, testing, evaluation, technical sales and maintenance of aeronautical/aerospace systems.

Students gain technical expertise in engineering materials, statics, strength of materials, applied aerodynamics, applied propulsion and electronics. Graduates will have strengths in the analysis, applied design, development, implementation and oversight of more advanced aeronautical/aerospace systems and processes.

College of Aeronautics and Engineering Mission Statement

To embrace a unique synergy of aeronautics, engineering and technologies, positively changing the trajectory of the regional, national and global community by:

• Providing a dynamic educational experience that fosters experiential learning;
• Cultivating innovative research that transforms ideas into reality; and
• Producing forward-thinking professionals dedicated to overcoming limits and improving lives.

Aeronautical Systems Engineering Technology Mission Statement

The mission of the Aeronautical Systems Engineering Technology program is to successfully prepare graduates of the future to work in multi-disciplinary teams in aeronautical, systems and other engineering technology fields in ways that positively improve efficiency, reduce waste and increase sustainability.

“Our engineering programs seamlessly partner with our engineering technology programs, providing an academic experience that is unlike any offered at an institution of higher education. Only in the College of Aeronautics and Engineering will students be offered the opportunity, even encouraged, to blend learning experiences and swing between the foundational principles of underlying theory and analysis techniques and the most current application and design methods. In other words, our students at every level are encouraged to not only discover but also to integrate and apply.” - Maureen McFarland, Ph.D., Associate Dean 

AABI Program Educational Goals 

Consistent with the mission of Kent State University, which states, “We transform lives and communicates through the power of discovery, learning and creative expression in an inclusive environment, “the education goals of the Aeronautical Systems Engineering Technology program are as follows: 

1. As measured by the class of 2024, at least 80% of students in each program participate in experiential learning opportunities outside the classroom and/or one’s own major
   1. Participation is defined as at least one full semester of active participation.
   2. Opportunities include full-semester courses, internships, co-ops, student groups (i.e. high-powered rocket club, precision flight team) or addition of a minor.
2. As measured by the class of 2024, at least 10% of students in each program participate in undergraduate research opportunities.
3. Increase the four-year graduation rate by 10%.
4. Increase the six-year graduation rate to match or exceed the university, Kent campus preponderant rate of 52%.
   1. If a program already exceeds this rate, match or exceed Kent State's Peer High (OU) rate of 63%.
   2. If a program already exceeds this rate, increase by 5% over previous years or maintain rate consistently for three years.

ABET Program Educational Objectives

Program educational objectives are broad statements that describe what graduates are expected to attain within a few years after graduation.

• Graduates will affect positive change in the community by engaging in careers in the field of aeronautical, systems and other engineering technologies in a manner that promotes excellence and integrity, by increasing efficiency and reducing waste.
• Graduates will practice forward-thinking through continued education by way of graduate education, professional development and other continued self-motivated learning.
• Graduates will successfully navigate the ever-changing trajectory of the world, practicing compassion as they strive to meet their personal career goals.

ABET Student Outcomes

Student outcomes describe what students are expected to know and practice by the time of graduation.

• An ability to apply knowledge, techniques, skills and modern tools of mathematics, science, engineering and technology to solve broadly defined engineering problems appropriate to the discipline.
• An ability to design systems, components or processes meeting specified needs for broadly defined engineering problems appropriate to the discipline.
• An ability to apply written, oral and graphical communication in broadly defined technical and non-technical environments, and an ability to identify and use appropriate technical literature.
• An ability to conduct standard tests, measurements and experiments and to analyze and interpret the results to improve processes.
• An ability to function effectively as a member as well as a leader on technical teams.

View Overview (including Admission Requirements), Program Requirements and Roadmap for the BS degree in Aeronautical Systems Engineering Technology

Click Here To View Program Assessment Measures Employed

What is the difference between engineering and engineering technology?

The line between the two is becoming more blurred since responsibilities overlap more now than ever. In general, an engineer has a theoretical understanding of how something is happening. The curriculum for engineers includes high level math, theory and conceptual design. Whereas, the curriculum for engineering technology programs focus on the implementation of engineering principles to solve problems. Engineering technology tends to be more hands-on and application oriented, teaching students to operate, maintain, trouble-shoot, inspect and test systems. Graduates from these programs can speak intelligently about the technology to communicate with those on the plant floor, upper management, customers and users for sales purposes. It is possible that both engineers and engineer technologists may design a product to solve a problem, but the engineer would be more likely to discover a new technology, practice or principle. An engineering technologist would use the new technology created by the engineer and apply it to the product he or she is designing. The engineer develops the big picture while the engineering technologist works out the details. For more information, download "Is There An Engineer Inside You?" by Celeste Baine for free.

Student Achievement Data

Graduates of this program have found employment with the following types of companies:

• NASA
• Lockheed Martin
• The Boeing Company