<p>My son would eventually like to work with NASA or some other space agency. He was seriously considering Engineering Physics at Embry-Riddle but has been given a decent scholarship at Univ. Alabama Huntsville. He wants a school that has opportunities at internships, etc. that will expose him to future employers and cutting edge research. I would appreciate any advice.</p>
<p>I was asked by UAHuntsville Engineering Advising to respond to your question. Huntsville is home to a number of major government research and test facilities (NASA MSFC, Army Redstone, SMDC, MDA, etc.), major contractors (Boeing, Lockheed-Martin, Northrop, Jacobs etc.), and numerous small contractors supporting research and development in rockets, missiles, rotorcraft and UAVs. Many of our students co-op or intern in Huntsville while still having the opportunity to take a few classes during their work terms. Our students regularly interact with researchers and engineers form these organizations. Most of our graduates are employed in the Huntsville area after graduation.</p>
<p>The vast majority of engineering jobs in Huntsville require an accredited degree. I believe Engineering Physics is ABET accredited, but you should confirm this. An actual Aerospace Engineering degree (whether from UAHuntsville or ERAU) will be more marketable than engineering physics in the Huntsville community. Also, our department would require an engineering physics major take some pre-requisite undergraduate courses before starting a graduate program in Aerospace Engineering.
I hope this answers some of you questions.</p>
<p>Thank you for your response. What type of undergraduate classes would he need? I have another question – what do you think about Astrophysics vs. Aerospace Engineering? Thanks</p>
<p>If I uinderstand your question, the local Huntsville employers hire engineers so a standard set of basic engineering courses (statics, dynamics, thermodynaimics, fluid dynamics, circuits, economics, materials) wpuld be required. Then there are specialty course for the sepcific job.</p>
<p>Sorry, I accidently hit the return key.</p>
<p>If I understand your question, the local Huntsville employers hire engineers, so a standard set of basic engineering courses (statics, dynamics, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, circuits, economics, materials) would be required. Then there are specialty course for the specific job. For example, an AE type job would reuqire knowledge of aerodynamics, controls, rocket or gas turbine propulsion, structural analysis and vehicle performance and design. Spacecraft design might also be desired.</p>
<p>Astrophysics is a basic science area where fundamental knowledge is acquired. Aerospace Engineering is applying fundamental knowledge in the design of aerospace vehicles and systems. These are two different things. NASA does hire astrophysicists, but probably many more engineers. One relevant question is what are your career goals? You can be gainfully employed with a BS degree in engineering. I am not sure what the employment outlook is for a BS or even MS in astrophysics. An AE degree can also be used in a wide array of jobs; from race car design to aircraft and spacecraft development.</p>