Best institutions to study Astronautical Engineering
A program that prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development, and operational evaluation of aircraft and space vehicles.
1 U.S. institutions graduated 8 Astronautical Engineering students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 14.0202, a specialization of Aerospace (CIP 14.02), and leads most directly to the Aerospace Engineers occupation (BLS SOC 17-2011).
About Astronautical Engineering programs
A program that prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development, and operational evaluation of aircraft and space vehicles. Includes instruction in control systems, fluid dynamics, electrical circuits systems, orbital mechanics, propulsion, remote sensing, satellites, spacecraft centers, spacecraft systems engineering, and space exploration.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Astronautical Engineering program, a specialized branch of Aerospace engineering, prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design and evaluation of aircraft and space vehicles. This program is ideal for those passionate about space exploration and technology, equipping them with the necessary skills to innovate in the aerospace sector.
Students in this program gain knowledge in control systems, fluid dynamics, propulsion, and orbital mechanics, among other areas. Coursework emphasizes critical thinking, mathematics, and engineering principles, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the challenges in aerospace engineering.
Credentials awarded
What Astronautical Engineering graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Master's degree8 graduates / yr · 1 institution100%
Graduates over time
Astronautical Engineering completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 5 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2024 | 57 |
| 2025 | 8 |
CIP 14.0202 was introduced in CIP 2020, so the series starts when institutions began reporting under the new code.
Top 1 institutions for Astronautical Engineering, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Houston Houston, TXPublicMaster's | 8 | 65% | — |
Offered in 1 states
Where Astronautical Engineering graduates come from. Each state links to all Aerospace programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 1 | 8 | University of Houston8 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 17-2011, Aerospace Engineers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Astronautical Engineering program typically pursue careers as Aerospace Engineers, with a promising job outlook. The field is expected to grow by 6.1% annually, with approximately 4,500 openings each year. The median wage for aerospace engineers is $134,830, and a Bachelor's degree is typically required for entry-level positions.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 14.0202
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Aerospace Engineersprimary SOC 17-2011 | $134,960 | +6.1% Faster than average | ~4,500 | Bachelor's degree |
Architectural and Engineering Managers SOC 11-9041 | $171,270 | +3.8% About as fast as average | ~14,500 | Bachelor's degree |
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1032 | $109,270 | +8.1% Much faster than average | ~4,100 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians SOC 17-3021 | $82,890 | +8.1% Much faster than average | ~900 | Associate's degree |
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Astronautical Engineering programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Formulate mathematical models or other methods of computer analysis to develop, evaluate, or modify design, according to customer engineering requirements.
- Plan or conduct experimental, environmental, operational, or stress tests on models or prototypes of aircraft or aerospace systems or equipment.
- Formulate conceptual design of aeronautical or aerospace products or systems to meet customer requirements or conform to environmental regulations.
- Plan or coordinate investigation and resolution of customers' reports of technical problems with aircraft or aerospace vehicles.
- Write technical reports or other documentation, such as handbooks or bulletins, for use by engineering staff, management, or customers.
- Direct or coordinate activities of engineering or technical personnel involved in designing, fabricating, modifying, or testing of aircraft or aerospace products.
Tools and technology used
Other Aerospace specializations
The 2 other 6-digit CIP codes under Aerospace (CIP 14.02).
Common questions
What degree do I earn from this program?+
You will earn a Master's degree in Astronautical Engineering.
What skills will I develop?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, mathematics, science, and technical writing.
What careers can I pursue with this degree?+
You can work as an Aerospace Engineer or in related fields such as engineering management or education.
What is the job outlook for aerospace engineers?+
The job outlook is faster than average, with an expected growth of 6.1% and 4,500 annual openings.
What is the CIP code for Astronautical Engineering?+
Astronautical Engineering is CIP 14.0202 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Aerospace (CIP 14.02). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development, and operational evaluation of aircraft and space vehicles. Includes instruction in control systems, fluid dynamics, electrical circuits systems, orbital mechanics, propulsion, remote sensing, satellites, spacecraft centers, spacecraft systems engineering, and space exploration.
How many institutions offer Astronautical Engineering programs?+
1 U.S. institutions reported Astronautical Engineering graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 1 states, awarding 8 credentials in the year. That is 0.1% of all Aerospace graduates.
How much do Astronautical Engineering graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Aerospace Engineers occupation, which Astronautical Engineering most directly leads to, pays a median of $134,960 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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