- Brookings Main Campus
The frontiers of air and space.
As the broadest field of engineering, mechanical engineering plays an important role in nearly every industry, from aerospace and automotive, to energy and manufacturing, to robotics and biotechnology. Mechanical engineers design devices and systems to efficiently employ the materials and forces of nature for the benefit of society. Mechanical engineering is an applied science profession based on mathematics, physics and chemistry.
Aerospace engineering is the primary field of engineering concerned with design and development of aircraft and spacecraft. Applications include traditional piloted fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, as well as autonomous aircraft of various types. Satellites and other spacecraft are also among the applications of this field. Graduates in the aerospace engineering specialization will be prepared to work in design of aircraft, spacecraft, propulsion systems and related components.
Is it for you?
This program will be a good fit if you:
- Are naturally curious about how things work.
- Enjoy math and science.
- Like to tinker and build things.
- Are a creative problem solver.
- Are intrigued by flight and space exploration.
Career Opportunities
- Mechanical engineer
- Design engineer
- Test engineer
- Manufacturing engineer
- Product engineer
Recent Employers
- Lockheed-Martin
- United Airlines
- Collins Aerospace
Internship Opportunities
- NASA
- Collins Aerospace
Suggested Certificates
Suggested Minors
Suggested Accelerated Programs
Clubs and Organizations
- American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
- Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
- American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
- SDSU Robotics Club
- SDSU CubeSat Club
- American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
- Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES)
Undecided or still deciding on a major and future career?
If you are uncertain about your major and have questions about career planning, you are not alone. Choosing a major or career can be a very difficult decision. The exploratory studies program may be a good fit if you are unsure of your major and career focus. Entering the university in the exploratory studies program will help you gain confidence and valuable insights on majors and minors available at SDSU and future career choices.
In addition, FOCUS 2 Career, a self-guided assessment, education and career planning program, will help you reflect on your values, interests, personality traits and skills to provide valuable insight as you explore major and career choices. SDSU students may access FOCUS 2 Career by using their student email and password. After completing FOCUS 2 Career, you may find it helpful to discuss your results with a career coach in the Office of Career Development.