College of Engineering to Launch Aeronautical and Astronautical Degree This Fall

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (June 17, 2025) — The North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University College of Engineering will launch its new B.S. in aeronautical and astronautical engineering this fall, expanding academic opportunities in one of the world’s most advanced and rapidly evolving industries.

Part of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, the aeronautical and astronautical engineering degree grew out of the aerospace concentration that has been offered in the Department of Mechanical Engineering for more than 20 years.

Approved by the UNC System Board of Governors in its May meetings, the program will continue to prepare students to design, test and operate aircraft, spacecraft and related systems and offer a rigorous curriculum grounded in mechanics, propulsion, avionics, materials science and control systems to prepare a highly skilled workforce to meet the growing national and global demands in aerospace and astronautics.

“As the leading HBCU in the state that was first in flight, North Carolina A&T is continuing to lead in innovation, access and strategic partnerships,” said Tonya Smith-Jackson, Ph.D., provost and executive vice chancellor for Academic Affairs. “This academic program is more than just a degree, it is a thought-hub and marketplace of ideas for radical innovation and transformative collaborations.

“In addition, it reflects our deep commitment to preparing students for high-impact careers and to contributing to national priorities in defense, space exploration and commercial flight.” 

The College of Engineering is ranked as the nation’s top producer of African American engineering graduates. In addition to core engineering courses, aeronautical and astronautical students will benefit from experiential learning through research projects, internships with aerospace leaders, and collaborations with NASA, the Department of Defense and private industry.

“This is a pivotal step in aligning our curriculum with industry and the frontiers of technology,” said Stephanie Luster-Teasley Pass, Ph.D., College of Engineering dean. “Our students will be equipped to push boundaries — on Earth and beyond — through a world-class education right here at A&T.”

The new program also supports North Carolina A&T’s strategic vision to expand STEM offerings and broaden student access to high-demand fields, including those represented in the swell of aviation and aerospace companies in the Piedmont Triad.

The nation’s largest historically Black university for 11 consecutive years, A&T prepares students to advance the human condition and facilitate economic growth in North Carolina and beyond. As part of this mission, the university also has played a significant role in attracting global aerospace companies Boom Supersonic and Honda Aircraft Co. to the region.

Just last week, JetZero announced a $4.7 billion investment for a production facility at Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, with plans to create more than 14,500 jobs and collaborate with A&T to support its workforce needs. The facility will be the home of JetZero’s revolutionary Z4 jet.

Additionally, the College of Engineering has partnered with Collins Aerospace to enable rapid development and execution of fundamental research in areas critical to future aerospace technologies. Collins – a business of RTX, the world’s largest aerospace and defense company – is working with the college in material science, autonomous systems, AI and machine learning, and sustainability research.