About
A FOUNDATION IN VERSATILITY
Virginia Tech’s Kevin T. Crofton Department of Aerospace and Ocean Engineering offers an unusual approach to understanding and exploiting the similarities between two seemingly disparate fields.
This perspective allows our researchers to forge new paths through aerospace and ocean engineering, and launches our graduates into careers that deepen our understanding and advance our technology.
Our most valuable asset, however, is our commitment and proven ability to teach students how to tackle complex systems.
This is what sets our program apart.
OUR VISION
Ready for the future
Through research, coursework, extra-curricular opportunities, and department culture, our students are equipped to answer technical challenges they will face in a future of many possibilities.
Going beyond
It is the ability to wrangle with and confront complex systems that disrupts the status quo in aerospace and ocean engineering, thrusts our engineers into higher gear, and pushes the limits of where people and our machines can travel and explore.
Rankings
The Kevin T. Crofton Department of Aerospace and Ocean Engineering achieved the prestigious University Exemplary Department in 2015 and 1999 for "effectively linking research and scholarship with teaching, with particular concentration on innovative programs."
Our Mission
COLLABORATIVE Learning
Educate Future Generations
...of engineers through innovative, vibrant, diverse programs that are built upon technically rigorous engineering, hands-on experience, and a broad systems perspective.
Push Boundaries
Inspire Our Students
...to become critical thinkers, innovators, and leaders with the curiosity and drive to solve real-world problems.
DISCOVERY & SOLUTIONS
Conduct Research
...that generates new technologies to address aerospace and ocean engineering challenges and attracts outstanding graduate students, distinguished researchers, and international recognition.
Our Role in the World
Provide Leadership
...to Virginia Tech, the Commonwealth of Virginia, the United States, and the world on the engineering of vehicles and systems that operate in the ocean, the atmosphere, and space.