Tue, Nov 24th, 2020 - 1:57pm
February 22, 2023 - 11:38am | By Kyle Cornell
(Grand Forks, ND) -- The University of North Dakota’s College of Engineering & Mines has introduced a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering, expected to be offered for the Fall 2023 semester.
The four-year degree program, offered on-campus and online, is the first of its kind in the state. College officials are looking forward to offering an experience that’s hands-on, collaborative and in-demand in the region.
Brian Tande, dean of the College of Engineering & Mines, remarked that the addition of aerospace to UND’s suite of engineering programs has been long in the making.
“With our long history in aviation and strong connections to the aerospace industry, UND is a natural place for an aerospace engineering program,” Tande said. “I’m very happy that this is now becoming a reality through collaborations between the College of Engineering & Mines and the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences. The program will serve students interested in designing systems for both air and space. It will also help support UND’s National Security Initiative and help strengthen our ties to the U.S. Air Force, Space Force and industry partners.”
The initiative to which Tande referred is a recent series of investments on UND’s part for research, education and workforce training to expand the University’s capacity to pursue, secure and execute projects with federal agencies including the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security.
This new degree program – housed in the Department of Mechanical Engineering – represents the latest step in pairing UND’s academic offerings with an increased focus on national defense, including UND’s role in the Space Force University Partnership Program.
On the aerospace side of the degree, UND Aerospace Dean Bob Kraus said engineering has been of consistent interest to prospective and current aerospace students alike.
Students pursuing Aerospace Engineering at UND can expect to complete courses based in the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences, according to the College of Engineering & Mines.
“We look forward to assisting the College of Engineering & Mines in developing and delivering this new degree, building on the success of our Aviation and Space Studies programs,” Kraus said.
