5 answers
5
Updated 944 views

What is the Best Minor if Majoring in Aerospace Engineering?

I am currently a Senior in High School, looking to pursue a higher education in Aerospace Engineering at Embry-Riddle in the Fall. I was wondering what minor would best coincide with my intended major? I was thinking Electrical, but none of the classes lined up, and the credits started to get a bit messy.

college-major spring26 futureengineer careerdevelopment aerospace-engineering computerscience collegeadvice engineeringstudent collegeplanning engineeringgoals engineeringpath mechanicalengineering techskills electricalengineering spacescience stemmajor avaitioncareer appliedmath physicsminor
Answer This
5

5 answers

0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Maggie’s Answer

To help with credits and organizing your class schedule, you may want to email Embry Riddle (find the email here https://erau.edu/degrees/minors) and ask about doing Electrical Engineering as a minor alongside Aerospace Engineering. You might also want to ask for an advisor on campus to help once you start your freshman year.

You may not need to start your minor classes until sophomore or junior year, so you could use freshman year to see what classes interest you by talking to peers or professors in different majors than Aerospace. It's great that you are already thinking about adding a minor though! A minor can definitely broaden your education and experiences.
Thank you comment icon Dear Maggie, Thank you for the advice. I talked to the counselors when I was there for the preview days a few weeks ago, which is how I discovered that the classes get complicated quickly, but I definitely appreciate the mention. It's also comforting to know that I could spend freshman year simply getting more acquainted with what the options are. Thanks again! JEFFREY
Thank you comment icon Oh good, I'm glad you were able to talk to them. Don't hesitate to reach back out to them via email or once you are on campus. They are there to help you! Best of luck! Maggie Weglarz
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer

Choosing Computer Science as a minor alongside Aerospace Engineering is a great decision. It gives you practical skills in programming, algorithms, and data analysis, which are essential in areas like flight control systems, UAVs, simulations, and avionics. You'll also learn to create tools for modeling and testing, skills that are highly valued in both industry and research.

Adding Applied Mathematics to your studies is just as beneficial. It helps in understanding aerodynamics, propulsion, orbital mechanics, and control systems while improving your problem-solving and modeling abilities. You can gain practical experience by working on personal projects, joining robotics or aerospace clubs, volunteering, doing internships, or engaging in research. Using virtual platforms like AerospaceKit, SIMNET, or MATLAB/Simulink lets you simulate and analyze aerospace systems even before starting formal coursework. This combination of minors boosts your technical skills and practical knowledge, giving you a deeper insight into the systems and software that power modern aerospace engineering.
Thank you comment icon Hi Teklemuz, Thank you for these two great options! I actually received an email earlier today related to a computer engineering program offered over the summer by a different college, which I found to be quite coincidental. If I may ask a question, though, what is the actual difference between applied mathematics and what is taught normally in math? I feel as though the answer is probably obvious, as in it is a practical application of all of the math skills accrued, but now seen in a way that would make sense. I will also look into internship opportunities, clubs, and volunteering, since I agree that there is so much learning that can be done outside of the classroom. Thank you again! JEFFREY
Thank you comment icon You’re welcome! Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Abhisek’s Answer

I suggest considering a minor in a business-related field instead of a minor in tech. This way, you can gain both technical and business skills. If you ever want to start a company in the aerospace field, this will give you an edge.

Also, try to do at least one internship in a business area like marketing, sales, product management, or consulting.

Having these skills together can open many opportunities for you.
Thank you comment icon Abhisek, Thank you for responding! If I were to consider a minor in a business-related field, as you've suggested, do you have recommendations for which one, or does that simply come down to what I would be interested in achieving? Thank you again! JEFFREY
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Karin’s Answer

Hi Jeffrey,

I don't think there is necessarily a "best" minor. It all depends on your interests and where you see yourself working in the future. Embry-Riddle offers several tracks for aerospace engineering, namely aeronautics, astronautics, jet propulsion and rocket propulsion. Have you decided which path you want to follow?

Depending on your interests and track, different minors might be more or less beneficial. If e.g. you want to do the astronautics track, a minor in aerospace life sciences would be an excellent option. If you want to take the aeronautics option, electrical and computer engineering or computational mathematics might be a better fit. You could also consider to combine two of the tracks as major/minor option. Or you could branch out into something different i.e. non-engineering and add a minor in business.

I hope this helps! All the best to you!

KP

Karin recommends the following next steps:

https://erau.edu/degrees/bachelor/aerospace-engineering
https://daytonabeach.erau.edu/degrees/minors
Thank you comment icon Hi Karin, Thank you for the response! I'm definitely leaning more towards the astronautics track, and I hadn't heard of the aerospace life sciences before, so I'll definitely make sure to look into that. If I could ask a follow-up question, why would computer engineering or computational mathematics be a better fit for the aerospace track than for the former? This has been helpful, and I appreciate the advice! JEFFREY
Thank you comment icon Hi Jeffrey, I am not saying that computer engineering or computational astronautics are not suitable for the astronautics track. They are! Just saying, there are more options than pure engineering fields. Karin P.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

William’s Answer

Hi Jeffrey,
Your current situation is understandable.
Besides electrical engineering, mechanical engineering provides a solid pathway to a career in aerospace engineering. It might be advisable for you to take it into consideration as it's likely to give you a competitive advantage.
Best of luck in your choices
0