First off, I am sorry if this is in the wrong forum. This is my first post here and am still finding my way around.
My name is Jonathan and I am a professional engineer currently working in the Aerospace industry. I received my B.S in Mechanical Engineering at Rutgers. I am looking at Distance Education programs for Masters degrees in Aerospace Engineering and need help with some clarification on the titles of the degrees.
Two of the schools I am looking at in question are Purdue University and Stanford University. Both of these schools offer M.S degrees in Aeronautics and Astronautics (MSAA) under their Aero and Astro departments. The B.S Degrees for both of these schools were Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (BSAAE)
How are the M.S degrees in Aeronautics and Astronautics different than M.S degrees in Aerospace Engineering? Why is “Engineering” not in the degree title? I noticed that, for both of these schools, other engineering degrees and departments (Mechanical, Industrial, Civil, Biomedical, etc) have “engineering” spelled out. Even the B.S in Aero and Astro programs at these schools noted it (BSAAE). However, the M.S degrees in Aeronautics and Astronautics at these schools don’t (MSAA).
My question is: why is this the case? Other schools offer straight up M.S degrees in Aerospace Engineering (MSAE at USC Viterbi for instance). Are the M.S degrees in Aeronautics and Astronautics considered engineering degrees by employers and other universities? If a job I am seeking requires a M.S in Aerospace Engineering, will they see a M.S in Aeronautics and Astronautics as an actual engineering degree and equivalent? I called both of these universities to get clarification on this and I didn’t receive a direct answer. Does anybody know? I am probably nit picking here, but I want to make sure I know what I am getting myself into if there are differences to be noted that might hurt me down the line.
And an Engineering forum, one which may be helpful. Online programs aren’t much discussed here though sometimes you see a comment from someone in one. Stanford once I recall.
For your question, I would read the university pages carefully before calling. Read and compare course requirements between universities. If you are employed then you should have some access to people who are familiar with these degrees too.
“Aerospace” is a broader term that’s replaced the old traditional Aeronautics and Astronautics terms, when it comes to the “name” of the degree. Stanford is just using a more traditional name.
Follow BrownParent’s advise can compare the course curriculum between the two programs. If you’re interested in Aeronautics or Astronautics (“rocket science!”), one may be more preferred than the other. In other words, which ones are teaching the advance subjects that you are interested in? or do both roughly cover the same subjects.
Yes, they are engineering degrees. Purdue’s School of Aeronautics and Astronautics is part of the College of Engineering, and I believe this is the case at Stanford as well. I don’t know why the name and degree title are different–probably just one of those conventions that date back to who knows when.
Both Purdue and Stanford, among others, are extremely well-ranked, well-known, and reputable AAE programs. Any employer in the field will be familiar with them and with the degree, as will any faculty or admissions committee members at other universities.
Bottom line is that if your employer wants a particular degree, you would do well to speak with HR about whether the curriculum of a specific program, no matter the name, will meet their requirements. After that, what’s in a name?