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Courses to take for astronautical engineering ?
What specific courses should I prioritize during high school if I intend to become an astronautical engineer?
What electives could I apply in that would aid me for this careerpath?
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3 answers
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Kit’s Answer
Hi Alexa, a lot of goes into building a rocket. Relevant areas include (i) mechanical engineering, (ii) electrical engineering, (iii) software design, (iv) aeronautical engineering, (v) chemical engineering. Then consider the insides of a rocket, consider the living conditions, comfort, ergnomics - a whole different area of design an engineering. I would encourage you to invest broadly in the STEM areas (engineering, maths, tech, physics, etc.) as this will give you a broad base from which you can then specialize later.
Wow, that's a lot of different areas introduced to make one thing. Sounds interesting. Thank you!
Alexa
Updated
ROBERT’s Answer
I'm an electrical engineer - but in high school you will have the same general class mix that any engineer should be taking.
You will need to take ALL available mathematics courses - algebra, geometry, linear equations, calculus etc. - whatever your high school offers. You will also need physics, biology, chemistry - again, whatever is offered. I highly recomend english classes as well, because you need to learn to interpret what you read in technical articles and books, and also need to be able to communicate clearly with your co-workers and management. In this age you will also need computer skills - from simle typing to programming. This you may have to teach yourself, but some schools have robotics clubs with advisors who should be able to help you understand the basics of programming.
It would help to have grades that can get you into AP classes, and some high schools have a relationship with local colleges for their best students to take a few college level classes - where I suggest you might take one of the "general education" classes most colleges will require you to take as a college graduation requirement - those should be "easy" classes for a high school student focused on science classes, and it helps you get those requirements out of the way while you can still focus on your high school science classes. Just make sure the college classes (the credits as school counselors call them) you take are transferable to the major universities.
You will need to take ALL available mathematics courses - algebra, geometry, linear equations, calculus etc. - whatever your high school offers. You will also need physics, biology, chemistry - again, whatever is offered. I highly recomend english classes as well, because you need to learn to interpret what you read in technical articles and books, and also need to be able to communicate clearly with your co-workers and management. In this age you will also need computer skills - from simle typing to programming. This you may have to teach yourself, but some schools have robotics clubs with advisors who should be able to help you understand the basics of programming.
It would help to have grades that can get you into AP classes, and some high schools have a relationship with local colleges for their best students to take a few college level classes - where I suggest you might take one of the "general education" classes most colleges will require you to take as a college graduation requirement - those should be "easy" classes for a high school student focused on science classes, and it helps you get those requirements out of the way while you can still focus on your high school science classes. Just make sure the college classes (the credits as school counselors call them) you take are transferable to the major universities.
Updated
Peter’s Answer
The courses mentioned above are all good but would be taken after you are in college. As you are currently in high school, I recommend that you take three years of science and 4 years of math. These courses not only better prepare you for the rogirs of an engineering degree, but will better qualify you for admission to a good engineering school. Good luck to you!
Sounds good. Thanks!
Alexa