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How long does it take to be a aerospace engineer?

How many years of college?

engineering engineer aerospace-engineering aerospace aeronautics
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Dennis’s Answer

Hello Noah! To "become" any type of engineer is more of a process. Most of us start out by earning a degree in engineering - such as Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Chemical. When I was an undergraduate, those were the main choices. Some engineering schools now offer degrees in Aero,Aerospace, Computer, Metallurgy, etc. Now, with battery-powered devices and machines and automation, there are also courses of study in Robotics, Mechatronics and automation. So, you can pretty much choose any one of these areas to get started.
Once you know what kinds of problems you like to solve, you can sharpen you skills in that area and look for jobs or projects that require that kind of skill.
How long does it take? That is really up to you. Pursuing a Bachelor's degree in engineering usually takes four years or a bit more. If you find that you want to specialize in one area, you might want to continue with graduate studies.
Try

Dennis recommends the following next steps:

Try to make a connection with people doing the kind of work you are interested in doing. Read magazines from the industry. NASA publishes a lot of information. That will lead you to companies doing work in the area you are keen about.
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Robert’s Answer

In general, you can earn a BS in Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering within four (4) years at an accredited College or University. However, the course-load is significant; and this is especially true at the top schools. Thus, most people spend five (5) years earning their BS. If you want to go on to a MS or PhD, then add on 2 to 4 more years depending on the specific area of study and the educational program. Also, the top schools in the world all have cooperative education programs (co-op) wherein you work a total of 4 to 5 semesters for a real-world company. While at these companies, you get paid well (not at the same level as a real engineer, but usually better than min-wage) and you get to see what life is like doing a real job outside of all the book-work and theoretical stuff you learn in your AE classes. Doing this adds generally one (1) more year to your studies but it can be worth it in the long run with legit business contacts as well as real world experience to apply to your first real engineering job.
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Pablo’s Answer

Bachelor 4 years. Same as other degrees.
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Peter’s Answer

Robert's answer, above, gives a good indication of the level of effort needed to become an aerospace engineer. As with any engineering degree, you can expect to put in a significant amount of time in college. This is no "easy' degree. As for a good University, I can suggest my own Alma Mater, the University of Washington. This Aeronautics and Astronautics Engineering Dept. has an excellent reputation. And Seattle is Home to the World's largest Aerospace Firm: Boeing. The Dept. and Boeing have a close working relationship which greatly benefits the student there.

Peter recommends the following next steps:

Google the UW Dept. of Aeronautics and Astronautics for more information
Look up the meanings of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Google Boeing
If you can get to Seattle, arrange a visit with the UW Dept. Also be sure and visit Boeing's excellent Museum of Flight. There you will your prospective Field with all its history and glory.
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