Isabella Gonzalez asked Debra Long, Collins Aerospace

AddedThursday, July 9, 2020 at 4:22 PM

Should I go for mechanical engineering then aero, or go aerospace all the way?

I am trying to figure out whether it would be smarter to get a BS in Aerospace or Mechanical engineering, and then go on to a Masters in aerospace. Which would you suggest?

I am entering my senior year of high school and am really passionate about one day working for either SpaceX/NASA or the like. I have not taken a jumpstart on engineering or tech classes since I have only recently became sure of my desired major, but have long been a lover of space. Now that it is time for me to start applying to schools I have to be sure what exactly my end goal is. Is it smarter for me to earn a broader degree such as mechanical engineering so that my job options will be more open, even though I eventually want to specialize in an astronautical degree. Or should i stick with aerospace the whole way through? I hope you see this and thank you :)

  • Debra Long , Collins Aerospace
    Answered Tuesday, August 11, 2020 at 8:02 AM
    I would highly suggest going straight for you BS in Aerospace!  That's what I did.  I actually got my BS in Aerospace and then my Master's in Mechanical.  The BS in Aerospace really exposed me to all of the aspects of aerospace engineering that are out there - astro, aero, helicopters, wind energy.  Whereas my mechanical engineering degree was a very broad education that was great, but if you already know the industry you want to go into - go for it!