Undergraduate programs

A unique blend of aerospace and ocean engineering systems

The Kevin T. Crofton Department of Aerospace and Ocean Engineering offers a bachelor of science degree in aerospace and ocean engineering. Students can major in aerospace engineering, ocean engineering, or pursue a double major that integrates both fields. 

This flexibility allows students to tailor their major to their interests while gaining a broad, systems‑level understanding of engineering across ocean, air and space domains.

Engineering across the ocean, air and space domains

Although Earth’s atmosphere, the oceans, and space differ greatly in density and scale, they are governed by many of the same fundamental physical principles. 

From aircraft, spacecraft and rockets to ships, submersibles and offshore systems, our graduates are equipped to design and operate high-performance engineering systems and autonomous vehicles that successfully operate in extreme environments.

Our department’s strength lies in our unified aerospace and ocean engineering community. We are preparing students to create responsible, ethical, innovative solutions to some of society’s toughest challenges, all while ensuring our contributions are impactful and sustainable. 

• Where do our alumni end up?

Rankings

U.S. News and World Report ranked VT AOE #12 nationally among undergraduate aerospace engineering programs in the 2026 rankings.