The School of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering aims to train high caliber engineers with expertise and executive ability in the aerospace and mechanical industries. We offer two main programs: Aerospace Engineering and Mechanical Engineering. The educational objective of our programs is to produce aerospace and mechanical engineers who can build on their basic education and apply their engineering knowledge and skills to relevant fields. They will become professionals with comprehensive knowledge and creative engineering design skills. The school will prepare our students to be competent, responsible global leaders who communicate effectively and develop problem-solving skills through teamwork.
Freshmen entering the department enroll in a common curriculum and then choose one of two majors. Students can change their major if they meet the necessary requirements before the first semester of the fourth year. In addition, we are striving to nurture talent in the field of the Fourth Industrial Revolution by providing convergence programs such as the Interdisciplinary Program of Unmanned Aerial Systems Engineering, Flight Control, Aviation Maintenance System Engineering, and Interdisciplinary Program of Automated Driving System Engineering. These programs are offered in conjunction with other schools and departments, including the School of Electronics and Information Engineering, Department of Software and Computer Engineering, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, and Department of Aeronautical Science and Flight Operation. Our graduates find employment in major leading companies in aerospace, automobile, shipbuilding, electronics, and other related industries. We pride ourselves on high employment rates in today’s leading companies.
The first and second year courses of the School of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering consist of co-requisite subjects. Most of the first year courses consist of liberal arts and MSC (Mathematics, Sciences, and Computers) courses, and the second year courses cover the basic theories required by both majors. Aerospace Engineering students study the mechanics, design, and manufacturing theories associated with airplanes, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), spacecraft, satellites, and rockets. Courses in Mechanical Engineering mainly deal with thermal mechanics, fluid mechanics, mechanics of materials, dynamics, internal combustion engines, production engineering, automation, automatic control and system engineering. In the fourth year, students are challenged to solve practical engineering problems by taking Capstone Design course, developing comprehensive engineering competencies.
The Bachelor of Engineering degree is awarded after fulfilling the requirements of an Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering course. Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering graduates are well-qualified to take advantage of career opportunities in the aerospace, mechanical, manufacturing industries, airlines, civil and governmental agencies, and private and governmental research institutions. Master's and doctoral programs are also available for those who wish to continue their studies with more professional experience and guidance.
In response to the increasing global demand for advanced materials engineering technology in all industries, including aerospace, electronics/semiconductor/display, steel/mechanical/automotive, nano/chemical, renewable energy, and bio/medical, the Department of Materials Science & Engineering teaches, experiments, and researches on basic, advanced, and applied processes of metals, ceramics, polymers, and nano/composite materials from theory, design, fabrication, analysis, and to application. As such, we develop advanced technical and research talents with academic and technical diversity, expertise, creativity, and leadership in related industries, and play a leading role in the development of science and technology.
The Department of Materials Science & Engineering is divided into basic, advanced, and integrated majors. In the basic major courses, students study fundamental theories of physics and chemistry for material science and engineering. In their junior and senior years, students take advanced major courses in either Functional Nanomaterials or Applied Semiconductor Materials, depending on their interest and choice. In addition, undergraduates can choose between the AI-Advanced New Materials and Semiconductor Integrated majors. Through those integrated majors, students learn about next-generation electronic and semiconductor advanced materials for artificial intelligence (AI) and materials informatics, a technology for developing advanced materials based on big data/AI.
▪ Functional Nanomaterials : Korean Air, Korea Aerospace Industries, Hanhwa Vision, Hanhwa Systems, POSCO, Hyundai Motor Company, KG Steel, Hyundai Engineering & Steel Industries, Hankook Tire, KCC, etc.
▪ Applied Semiconductor Materials : Samsung Electronics, Samsung SDI, Samsung Electro-Mechanics, LG Display, LG Electronics, LG Chem, SK Hynix, Hanhwa, etc.
With world-class aerospace education and research capabilities, the Department of Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering aims to develop talent with expertise in cutting-edge technologies of the 4th Industrial Revolution. The aviation industry requires skills and workforce in various fields such as aircrafts, drones, future air mobility (UAM/AAM), and guided weapons design/manufacturing/operation, and is emerging as a national key industry for a future growth engine. In addition, the space industry requires skills and workforce for several state-of-the-art systems such as solid and liquid propellant rockets, satellites, and space probes/rovers under the national space development plan, and the demand and market are expanding significantly in the defense and civilian sectors worldwide. The department offers the opportunity to become an expert with a profound understanding of advanced technologies as well as specialized knowledge and design/analysis skills in the aerospace field.
By organizing an educational curriculum that combines aerospace engineering and advanced technology, the department develops professional engineers through the principles and applications of aerospace engineering and hands-on training. In order to develop the basic theory and analysis/design skills for aircraft, drones, launch vehicles, satellites, space exploration systems, future air mobility (UAM/AAM), and guided weapons, which are part of national strategic projects, the curriculum is composed of education, practice, and experimentation on basic mechanics and aerospace engineering core technologies, as well as design, interpretation, production, testing, and analysis. The major operates core technology education and comprehensive design (capstone design) courses in all fields of aerospace, including aerodynamics, flight mechanics, orbital dynamics, propulsion (rocket/turbine), aerospace system structure and materials, and aircraft and spacecraft system guidance/control/navigation.
▪ Aviation Industries : Korean Air, Korea Aerospace Industries, Hanwha Aerospace, LIG Nex1, Korea Aerospace Research Institute,Agency for Defense Development, Korea Institute of Aviation Safety Technology, etc.
▪ Space Industries : Korean Air, Korea Aerospace Industries, Hanwha Aerospace, Hanwha Systems, LIG Nex1, Korea Aerospace Research Institute, Agency for Defense Development, Innospace, etc.
▪ Future Air Mobility Industries : Korean Air, Hanwha Aerospace, LIG Nex1, Hyundai Motor Company, Kakao Mobility, etc.
▪ Machinery Industries : HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Samsung Heavy Industries, Hyundai Mobis, etc.
This degree program is designed to nurture advanced professional engineers in the mechanical and aviation MRO industries based on the study of the fundamental principles of mechanical devices and systems and the academic studies related to design, development, operation, control, and diagnostics. Aviation MRO refers to the maintenance of aircrafts, airframes, components, engines, and others to ensure safe operation and performance. The maintenance of aircraft parts and engines requires a high level of technology. The demand and market for related industries, such as aviation parts and manufacturing, are expanding significantly. Therefore, this degree program aims to train specialized professionals through a sophisticated curriculum in the high-value mechanical systems and aviation MRO industries.
This program offers an educational curriculum that combines mechanical engineering and advanced technologies, and it is designed to prepare mechanical/aviation specialized professionals through basic principles and applications of mechanical devices and hands-on training in aviation MRO. Students learn the fundamentals of future automobiles, intelligent robotics, and renewable energy—which are all prominent high-tech strategic industries—and study disciplines such as thermal engineering, fluid mechanics, materials and solid mechanics, production engineering/automation, and automatic control. Aviation MRO practical training and comprehensive design (capstone design) courses, which are the specialties of our university, are mandatory and provide students with the opportunity to experience the latest technologies in mechanical systems and aviation MRO in accordance with the national core technology strategy. We are conducting core research of the future, establishing the necessary learning and research infrastructure, and have faculty who are core members in the field of mechanical and aircraft system engineering. We have the best MRO training program and facility (Aviation Technical Training Institute) in Korea, and we conduct aviation maintenance personnel and facility exchange programs with Korean Air.
Graduates are employed in a wide variety of fields in the mechanical engineering and aerospace industries.
▪ Automobile Industries : Hyundai Motor Company/Kia, Hyundai Mobis, GM Korea, KG Mobility, etc.
▪ Electronics Industries : Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, SK Hynix, Samsung Display, LG Display, etc.
▪ Heavy Industries and Construction : HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Hanwha Ocean, Samsung Heavy Industries, Doosan Enerbility, Hyundai Engineering & Construction, Daewoo E & C, POSCO E&C, Lotte Engineering & Construction, etc.
▪ Aviation MRO Industries : Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Jin Air, etc.
▪ Government Corporations : Korea Electric Power Corporation and subsidiaries, Korea Gas Corporation, Korea Energy Agency, etc.
▪ Government-funded Research Institutes : Agency for Defense Development, Korea Institute of Machinery & Materials, Korea Institute of Energy Research, Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology, Korea Railroad Research Institute, etc.
The Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering provides students with a thorough education in the basic principles of electricity and electronics, the core of Korea's industry and the future of advanced information society. By offering a wide range of specialized fields, ranging from semiconductor components, equipment, and processes to integrated circuits and system HW/SW, power and energy, sensor systems required for space/satellite/defense, and advanced fields of robot control, this degree program strives to develop essential talents who will lead the future society. As a department focused on practical education and research, we are responsible for several major national research projects within the department, and we are conducting active research activities in basic, specialized and development laboratories.
In addition to foundational courses such as numerical analysis and deep learning, the program offers differentiated courses in semiconductors (semiconductor devices, semiconductor engineering, semiconductor process practice and simulation), system semiconductors (analog integrated circuits, digital integrated circuit design), and sensors and control systems (intelligent radar, probabilistic robotics, emission security).
Graduates will find themselves advantageous for employment in the fields of AI, semiconductors, intelligent automobiles, next-generation satellites, and the 4th Industrial sector, as well as high-tech companies and the defense industry.
▪ Semiconductor (Device & Process) : Memory/non-memory semiconductor companies, semiconductor foundry companies, semiconductor/display/battery-related materials, components, and equipment companies, electrical and electronics companies, national research institutes, further academic degree, etc.
▪ System Semiconductor (System IC) : Memory/non-memory semiconductor companies, fabless companies, IDM·design house·IP companies, electrical and electronics companies, automotive and aircraft electronics manufacturing and design companies, academic degree, etc.
▪ Sensor & Control System : Electrical/electronic major companies, electric vehicle/aircraft companies, aerospace and defense companies, robotics development and manufacturing companies, smart factory and logistics system companies, academic degree, etc.
The Department of Smart Drone Engineering was established in 2021 with the goal of developing creative talents who will lead the drone industry, one of the new growth engines, by integrating electronics, electricity, AI/SW, and ICT, with a focus on the field of aviation machinery. The aviation and drone fields, which are major subjects of the department, are included in the government's 8 Core Leading Projects, 13 Innovative Growth Engines, and 12 New and Emerging Industries. The fields' applications continue to expand, with urban air mobility (UAM) using drones being included as a major leading field in the 3rd Master Plans for Aviation Policy (2020 - 2024) being established by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport. The field of smart drone engineering requires creativity to learn and apply principles and technologies from various disciplines.
The department offers a balanced curriculum that combines the fields of aeromechanics, electronics and software. To study aeromechanics, students learn the basic theories of statics in their freshman year and dynamics, material dynamics, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics in their sophomore year. In their junior and senior years, students study in-depth courses such as automatic control, aircraft control, aircraft performance and conceptual design, and autonomous flight planning. To study electronics, students take the introduction and practice of electronics in the first semester of their sophomore year, sensor engineering in the second semester of their junior year, and signal, systems, digital communication, and robotics in their senior year. To study software, students take the introduction to programming (Python) course and the basic grammar of C/C++ programming course in their freshman year, and learn about the basic methodology of software design in the data structure/algorithm course in the second semester of their sophomore year. Building on this foundation, students systematically study AI/SW in depth in their sophomore and junior years through courses such as AI programming, machine learning, and computer vision. Students also learn about software development in general through software engineering courses.
A large number of graduates become system design/operation/control/SW specialized engineers and aviation specialized data scientists related to the drone and UAM industry, in aviation/UAM/automobile related companies, government agencies, and government-funded research institutes.
MRO stands for Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul, referring to the field of aircraft maintenance, which includes aircraft operation, airframe, parts, engines, etc., for the safe operation and performance maintenance of aircraft. Aircraft maintenance is a field that requires high technical skills with a high industrial growth potential both domestically and internationally. It is closely connected with the aircraft parts industry, and the demand for labor is expanding both domestically as well as internationally. Korea Aerospace University possesses the best MRO education program and facilities (Aircraft Technology Education Center) in the country and operates an aircraft maintenance exchange program with Korean Air. The faculty of the Aviation MRO major are professionals who have accumulated more than 20 years of aircraft maintenance field experience, and they are striving to train professional engineers with high practical abilities and professional understanding to be active in the field of aircraft maintenance both domestically and internationally.
Aviation MRO is divided into MRO theory and MRO practice, offering a curriculum that meets the qualifications for the aircraft maintenance technician examination required by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT). The subjects according to the specific aircraft maintenance fields are divided into Aviation Law and Regulations, General Aircraft Maintenance, Aircraft Structure, Aircraft Engines, and Aviation Electronics. Additionally, to establish a common subject completion system, the Aviation MRO major collaborates with the Mechanical Engineering major and the Aerospace Engineering major for basic mechanics and practical subjects to differentiate Aviation MRO students from other domestic aircraft maintenance training institution with the aim to cultivate engineers who have not only practical maintenance skills, but also engineering design and analysis capabilities.
Korea Air, Asiana Airlines, Jin Air, among other airlines MRO, as well as machinery, manufacturing and aerospace industry.
The Semiconductor and New Materials Science major is a field that deals with a wide range of technologies, encompassing everything from memory semiconductors to the latest artificial intelligence semiconductors. Materials scientists research and develop core materials for various cutting-edge industrial fields and play a role in integrating and realizing their science and technology in connection with all engineering fields and disciplines such as chemistry/physics, aviation/space, electrical/electronic/computer, mechanical/automotive, bio/medical, energy/environmental systems. Through practical training and projects using the latest equipment and technology, as well as internship programs, the Semiconductor and New Materials Science major is enhancing practical capabilities that can be immediately deployed in the industry.
The Semiconductor and New Materials major provides comprehensive education and practical training, starting from basic material theory to advanced device and material design, and up to manufacturing processes. The curriculum systematically offers a basic course that begins with understanding the physical and chemical properties of materials and extends to an advanced course that covers advanced device design and manufacturing processes. Students gain practical experience in synthesizing semiconductor materials using technologies such as Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE), and Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD). Emphasis is placed on characteristic analysis techniques such as electron microscopy, scanning probe microscopy, and spectroscopy to analyze the structural and electronic properties of these materials. The latest research trends in convergence with artificial intelligence include the development of new materials needed for the development of artificial intelligence semiconductors with a focus on maximizing data processing and energy efficiency.
Samsung Electronics, Samsung SDI, Samsung Electric, LG Display, LG Electronics, LG CHEM, SK Hynix, Hanwha.
The Mechanical Engineering major encompasses a broad range of academic fields related to the principles of operation for mechanical devices, energy generation, transmission, and conversion, as well as the optimal design and automatic control principles of mechanical systems. The program cultivates adaptive, professional engineers equipped with practical skills for success in the industrial, research, and academic sectors both domestically and internationally. Mechanical Engineering forms the backbone of all manufacturing industries, including automotive, aerospace, display, and semiconductor sectors. With the advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the integration of Mechanical Engineering and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies is becoming increasingly prevalent. The scope of Mechanical Engineering continues to expand into futuristic technology fields such as semiconductor manufacturing equipment, autonomous vehicles, intelligent robots, and eco-friendly renewable energy. As the driving force behind the growth of advanced manufacturing industries, the demand for graduates specializing in Mechanical Engineering is expected to keep increasing.
The Mechanical Engineering curriculum is structured around the four foundational mechanics (Strength of Materials, Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, and Dynamics) and organized into three major fields of specializ:
1. Design/Manufacturing Engineering:
a. This field covers the mechanics and applied courses related to the design and production of mechanical devices, components, and systems. Courses include next-generation technologies such as special machining, design optimization, smart manufacturing, and artificial intelligence.
2. Thermal/Fluid Engineering:
a. This area focuses on the mechanics and applied courses related to the generation, transfer, and conversion of thermal and fluid energy. Courses cover advanced topics such as fuel cells and renewable energy technologies.
3. Control/Dynamics:
a. This field involves the analysis and control of the motion characteristics of mechanical systems. It includes courses in robotics and next-generation technologies like artificial intelligence.
Automotive Industry: Hyundai Kia Motors, Hyundai Mobis, GM Korea, SsangYong Motor.
Electronics Industry: Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, SK Hynix, Samsung Display, LG Display.
Heavy Industry and Construction: Hyundai Heavy Industries, Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering, Samsung Heavy Industries, Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction, Hyundai Engineering & Construction, Daewoo Engineering & Construction, POSCO Engineering & Construction, Lotte Engineering & Construction.
Public Corporations: Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), Korea Gas Corporation, Korea Energy Agency.
Government-Funded Research Institutes: Agency for Defense Development (ADD), Korea Institute of Machinery & Materials (KIMM), Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER), Korea Railroad Research Institute (KRRI).
Aerospace Engineering is a field dedicated to the design, manufacture, operation, and maintenance of aircraft and spacecraft, grounded in a comprehensive understanding of aviation technology and engineering principles. With the continuous advancement of the aerospace industry and the increasing demand for aircraft technology, the importance of this major is steadily growing. The field involves ongoing research to enhance the safety, performance, and efficiency of aircraft, as well as the development of unmanned technologies for national defense and security. The Aerospace Engineering program equips students with specialized knowledge in areas such as aircraft structures, materials, control systems, and aerodynamics. The course of study prepares students to design and operate both manned and unmanned aerial vehicles. The program has produced key professionals who have contributed to significant domestic aerospace projects, including the successful solar-powered unmanned flight around Dokdo, the development of the next-generation Korean fighter jet, and the smart unmanned aerial vehicle development project.
The Aerospace Engineering major offers a specialized curriculum that integrates fundamental mechanics courses with advanced major-specific subjects, aimed at training professional engineers to meet the growing demands of the commercial aviation and aerospace defense industries. Students develop expertise in the aerospace field through specialized courses such as Aerodynamics, Aerospace Structural Mechanics, and Aircraft Performance, alongside practical courses that equip students with the hands-on skills required by the industry such as Aircraft Systems, Aircraft Control, Aerospace Systems Engineering, and Aircraft Conceptual Design. To further prepare students for the future advanced aerospace mobility industry, the program includes cutting-edge courses such as Introduction to Machine Learning, Aerospace Electrical and Electronic Systems, and Electric Propulsion Systems. Additionally, through Aerospace Field Training, and Capstone Design. and Research Thesis Projects, students have the opportunity to apply their foundational and advanced knowledge to real-world problems, fostering aerospace professionals tailored to the needs of aerospace research institutes and companies.
Aerospace Companies: Korean Air, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), Hanwha Aerospace, Hanwha Systems, LIG Nex1, and Vessel Aerospace.
Government and Private Research Institutes: Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) and the Korean Agency for Defense Development (ADD).
Innovative Startups: Various advanced startups within the aerospace industry.
The aerospace industry requires a wide range of technologies and skilled personnel, and it is emerging as a key national industry that will drive the future economy. In particular, the South Korean Ministry for Science and ICT’s Action Plan for Space Development highlights the need for personnel and technology in various advanced systems such as solid/liquid launch vehicles, satellites, and space probes/rovers. The market demand in both defense and civilian sectors is significantly expanding, to the extent that the current era is referred to as the New Space Age. To meet this demand, the Space Engineering major cultivates professionals with specialized knowledge and design/analysis capabilities in the space field. The program has produced numerous leading figures in the domestic aerospace industry, including the CEO of South Korea’s first private rocket launch company Innospace, and the head of the Lunar Exploration Program at the Korea Aerospace Research Institute. Our faculty, leaders in lunar trajectory design and small satellite development, provide top-tier educational and research capabilities.
The curriculum integrates space engineering with advanced technologies, fostering professional engineers through a combination of theoretical principles, practical applications, and hands-on training in space engineering. The program develops essential theoretical, analytical and design skills for national strategic projects such as launch vehicles, satellites, and space exploration systems. To achieve these outcomes, the curriculum includes the theory, design, analysis, manufacturing, testing, and evaluation of fundamental mechanics and core space engineering technologies. Key subjects include orbital mechanics, propulsion (rocket/turbine), structural and material analysis of space systems, guidance/control/navigation of space systems, and an integrated design program (Capstone Design). By aligning with national space strategies, the curriculum can offers the latest technology and on-site practical opportunities to produce field-ready professionals through collaboration with the KAU Satellite System Technology Research Institute and industry partners.
Aerospace Companies: Hanwha Aerospace, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), Hanwha Systems, Korean Air, LIG Nex1, Innospace, etc. Government and Private Research Institute: Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), Korea Agency for Defense Development (ADD) Innovative Startups such as Innospace (South Korea’s first private rocket launch company)
The Aerospace Materials Science major focuses on the research and development of high-performance materials used in the aerospace and aviation fields. The program educates students on the development and application of advanced composite materials, ultra-lightweight alloys, and smart materials. Through the study of lightweight materials, high-temperature superalloys, and composite materials applied in the latest aerospace technologies, the program aims to enhance energy efficiency and safety in the aerospace industry. It also emphasizes the development of materials capable of withstanding the extreme conditions in space, supporting the advancement of space exploration and satellite technologies. The curriculum is designed to meet the demands of the industry, incorporating practical research and education. Students have opportunities to visit domestic and international companies to understand the required skills, ensuring the development of practical skills needed for immediate industry integration.
Students in the Aerospace Materials Science major engage in the design and experimental analysis of materials used in aerospace applications, focusing on the mechanical, chemical, and thermal properties to optimize these materials. Furthermore, this major emphasizes the study of advanced materials, including high-performance aluminum alloys, titanium alloys, and high-temperature resistant steels, as well as composite materials. These materials are applied broadly, from airframe structures to engine components. By understanding the integration and application of these advanced materials, students learn to use computer modeling and simulation technologies to design optimal aerospace structures. This is directly applicable to the design and development of complex aerospace systems. Through advanced simulation tools and experimental techniques, students can predict material performance and behavior in actual aerospace and aviation applications.
Aerospace and Defense Companies: Korean Air, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), Hanwha Techwin, Hanwha Thales. Metals and Manufacturing Companies: POSCO, Hyundai Motor Company, Dongbu Steel, Hyundai Steel. Other Industry Leaders: Hankook Tire, KCC. Roles and Sectors: Material development and testing engineers at aircraft and spacecraft manufacturing companies, domestic and international research institutes, technology standardization organizations, and government agencies.