purdue university home page

Purdue University

College of Technology

Aviation Technology

Academics

academics: Undergraduate

Aeronautical Engineering Technology (B.S) Plan of Study

Credit Hours Required for Bachelor's Degree: 124

Aeronautical technologists are responsible for the development of manufacturing and repair strategies for modern aerospace vehicles. They help design, test, and build structures for new aircraft. They also are responsible for the manufacturer's support of production aircraft. This includes field modification, product support, and accident investigation. The Aeronautical Engineering Technology program is an academically oriented plan of study that includes laboratory classes in aircraft design, maintenance, and manufacturing. Course concentrations include fundamentals of aircraft science, electrical systems, aircraft materials and production processes, aircraft propulsion systems, and aircraft construction. In addition, students take courses such as algebra and trigonometry, calculus, computer programming, and English composition. 


Semester 1

Course Number

Course Name
Credit Hours
AT 100 Intro. to Aviation Tech.
1
AT 105 Basic Aircraft Electrical Theory 3
AT 106
Basic Aircraft Science 
3
CGT 163 Intro Graphics for Mfg.
2
MA 159 Pre Calculus
5
TOTAL
14

Semester 2

Course Number

Course Name
Credit Hours
AT108 Aircraft Materials I 4
AT 207
Introduction to Aircraft Systems
3
AT 262
Basic Aircraft Powerplant Technology
4
PSY 120 Elem. Psychology
3
ENGL Comp English Compositon
3
TOTAL
17
Semester 3
Course Number Course Name
Credit Hours
AT 208 Aircraft Materials II
3
AT 267
Fixed & Rotary Wing Assemblies 
3
AT 272 Intro to Composite Technology 3
PHYS 218 General Physics
4
ECON 210 Principles of Economics 3
TOTAL
16
Semester 4
Course Number Course Name
Credit Hours
AT 265 Aircraft Electrical Systems 4
AT 271 Powerplant Propulsion Systems
3
AT 278 Non-destructive Testing of Aircraft
3
COM 114
Fundamentals of Speech Communications 
3
MA 221 Calculus
3
TOTAL
16

The associate of science degree can be awarded after successful completion of the first two years of the curriculum.

Semester 5
Course Number Course Name
Credit Hours
AT 300 Aviation Infrastructure
3
AT 307 Advanced Aircraft Systems
3
AT 363 Fund of Powerplant Systems 3
AT 400 Aviation Prof Issues
1
STAT 301T Elem. Statistical Methods 3
Elective Free Elective 2
TOTAL
15
Semester 6
Course Number Course Name
Credit Hours
AT 308 Aircraft Mat. Processes
3
AT 335 Avionics Systems for Aircraft 4
AT 370 Aircraft Power. Tech.
3
AT 376 Aircraft Gas Turbine Technology I
3
AT 385 Design Support Analysis 3
 
TOTAL
16
Semester 7
Course Number Course Name
Credit Hours
AT 372 Aircraft Maintenance Practices 3
AT 445 Aircraft Electronics
4
AT 408 Advanced Aircraft Manuf. Processes
3
AT 476 Aircraft Gas Turbine Technology II
3
AT 496 Applied Research Proposal 1
Free Elective Free Elective
1
TOTAL
15
Semester 8
Course Number Course Name
Credit Hours
AT 402 Aircraft Airworthiness Assurance
3
AT 497 Applied Research Project 3
TECH COM Technical Communication Selective
3
MGMT/OLS MGMT/OLS Elective
3
HUM HUM Elective
3
Globalization 0
TOTAL
15

ENGL Composition Selectives

Technical Communication Selectives

  • ENGL 420 Business Writing
  • ENGL 421 Technical Writing
  • COM 315 Speech Communication of Technical Information
  • COM 320 Small Group Communication
  • COM 324 Introduction to Organizational Communication
  • COM 412 Essentials of Human Interaction
  • COM 415 Discussion of Technical Problems

MGMT/OLS Electives

Globalization Requirement

Due to the international nature of the aviation industry, all B.S. degree students must complete a globalization requirement using any ONE of the following seven methods:

1. Complete a study abroad term.

2. Complete an internship outside the U.S.

3. Complete an AT-sponsored study trip (AT 452 & 453).

4. Provide documentation of having lived/traveled outside the U.S. for at least 90 days after a student's 12th birthday (does not have to be consecutive).

5. Complete ONE of the following courses: AGRY350; COM 224, 303, 424; CSR332; OLS456; POL130; SOC338, 341; ECON368, 370; HTM372.

6. Complete or place out of the Level IV course in any foreign language.

7. Participate in an approved international research project that involves at least 5 days of international travel.