The University of South Florida (USF) has launched a new aerospace engineering major, welcoming its first group of students this fall. This program is one of only three undergraduate aerospace engineering programs at universities in Florida and was developed with input from both students and leaders in the aerospace industry to address a gap in regional education.
The new major is housed within USF’s Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The inaugural class is beginning coursework in areas such as propulsion, flight stability and control, space exploration, and aerodynamics. The program aims to prepare students for careers in an industry that is growing rapidly across the state.
“At USF, we are dedicated to advancing Florida’s aerospace legacy by cultivating the next generation of innovators and engineers,” said Rajiv Dubey, chair of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. “With the establishment of the aerospace engineering program, we are poised to lead this mission and shape the future of the industry.”
Florida has become a key center for aerospace activity, hosting more spaceports and launch pads than any other state. NASA’s Kennedy Space Center serves as an anchor for these activities. From 2021 to 2024, space launches from Florida almost tripled.
Industry data shows that nearly 130,000 people work in aviation and aerospace fields in Florida. Major companies such as Honeywell, Lockheed Martin, Blue Origin, Airbus, BAE Systems, AEVEX Aerospace, and SIMCOM Aviation Training operate within the state. In Tampa Bay alone, there are over 300 aerospace and defense firms contributing to sector growth. Statewide exports of aerospace products exceeded $9 billion in 2022.
Projections indicate that the global space economy could reach $1.8 trillion by 2035 (https://www.spacefoundation.org/2023/07/27/the-space-economy-to-reach-1-8-trillion-by-2035/). With its expanding network of companies—over 17,000 businesses related to aerospace—and a $19 billion industry footprint (https://www.enterpriseflorida.com/industries/aerospace-aviation/), Florida ranks among top U.S. states for aerospace activity.
USF’s new program emphasizes hands-on learning experiences from early on. Undergraduate students will participate in research sponsored by agencies like NASA, the Department of Defense, and the Space Force while gaining access to advanced laboratories.
“Our program will actively involve undergraduates in cutting-edge research while also preparing them through structured internship and co-op opportunities,” said Ahmad Vaselbehagh, associate professor and director of USF’s aerospace engineering program. “These experiences will allow students to apply what they learn in the classroom, build professional networks and gain valuable insight from industry leaders.”
The department continues to grow with additional faculty hires and now manages more than $6 million annually in sponsored research funding. USF is also notable for being home to the first full-scale manned eVTOL vehicle at a U.S. public university—a milestone for advanced air mobility research.
Faculty members lead projects focused on bio-inspired aerodynamics; alternative aviation fuels including NASA-funded CLEAN initiatives; advanced aircraft control; hypersonic flight; and human factors in aviation—all with active student involvement.
“The launch of USF’s new aerospace engineering major comes at the perfect time,” said Levi Thompson, dean of the College of Engineering. “Florida is a leader in the aerospace industry, home to more than 17,000 aerospace-related companies and the Kennedy Space Center, driving a $19 billion industry. With the U.S. aerospace market soaring, USF has stepped up to prepare the next generation of engineers for this rapidly expanding field.”
For more information about USF’s Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering or its degree offerings visit https://www.usf.edu/engineering/mae/.
