AA-BS - Aeronautics and Astronautics (BS)
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Program Overview
The mission of the undergraduate program in Aeronautics and Astronautics Engineering is to provide students with the fundamental principles and techniques necessary for success and leadership in the conception, design, implementation, and operation of aerospace and related engineering systems.
Courses in the major introduce students to engineering principles. Students learn to apply this fundamental knowledge to conduct laboratory experiments and aerospace system design problems. Courses in the major include engineering fundamentals, mathematics, and the sciences, as well as in-depth courses in aeronautics and astronautics, dynamics, mechanics of materials, autonomous systems, computational engineering, embedded programming, fluids engineering, and heat transfer.
The major prepares students for careers in aircraft and spacecraft engineering, autonomy, robotics, uncrewed aerial vehicles, drones, space exploration, air and space-based telecommunication industries, computational engineering, teaching, research, military service, and other related technology-intensive fields.
Completing the undergraduate program in Aeronautics and Astronautics leads to the conferral of the Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics.
See the Handbook for Undergraduate Engineering and the Aeronautics and Astronautics Undergraduate Program Sheet for additional information and sample programs.
Minimum Units in the Program
Minimum University Units
Complete a total of 24 units from the courses listed below.
Complete 3-5 units from the courses listed below.
course (recommended)
All courses taken for the major must be taken for a letter grade if the instructor offers that option.
The minimum combined GPA for all courses in engineering topics (Engineering Fundamentals and Depth courses) is 2.0.
Select either the Spacecraft or Aircraft course sequence to satisfy WIM requirement.
Select either the Spacecraft or Aircraft course sequence.
The Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics honors program is designed to allow undergraduates with strong records and enthusiasm for independent research to engage in a significant project leading to a degree with departmental honors.
Students who meet the eligibility criteria and wish to be considered for the honors program should apply to the program by the end of their junior year. All applications are subject to review and final approval by the Aero/Astro Undergraduate Curriculum Committee.
Application Requirements:
A one-page written statement describing the research topic and a signed advisor form
GPA of 3.5 or higher in the major
Unofficial Stanford transcript (from Axess)
Signature of the thesis advisor
A maintained 3.5 GPA is required for admission to the honors program.
Arrangement with an Aero/Astro faculty member who agrees to serve as the thesis advisor. The advisor must be a member of the Academic Council.
Under the direction of the thesis advisor, complete at least two to three quarters of research with a minimum of eight to nine units of course or course.
Submit an honors thesis (20-30 pages) to the department. The faculty advisor and the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Professor Simone D’Amico must sign the thesis.
Submit final draft of the thesis to both your faculty advisor and the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Professor Simone D’Amico the first week of Spring quarter. All thesis revisions must be completed with required faculty approvals obtained by April 30, 2026.
The signature and title pages of the finished thesis should be emailed to the School of Engineering Dean's Office by the end of May.
Honors students should present their thesis during spring quarter, after the thesis has been completed and approved by both the faculty advisor and the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Professor Simone D’Amico. To schedule your presentation, please contact Student Services Administrator Jenny Scholes. Alternatively, you may present in another suitable public forum with the approval of your faculty advisor and the Department.