Aerospace engineering is one of the most demanding and high paying jobs in the nation for the past century and is still in high demand today. It got its big break in world war II when different nations are trying to out-compete each other in the air with different kinds of airplanes. They learned from their allies, enemies, and themselves how to make better and safer airplanes. Then in the cold war aerospace had it peak because of the space race and the realization that whoever can control the skies have an overwhelming advantage over their enemies. The space race demanded more knowledge of rockets that can go to space and can come back down to earth without failure. The Americans were building spy planes that could reach altitudes that no other nation has ever reached before. Spy planes weren't the only things that we built. The United States built fighters that reached speeds that seemed impossible to reach 5 years before as well as building bombers that could carry a payload unimaginable. The reliability of these aircraft could never have been predicted because we and other nations still use some of these aircraft today.
The educational requirements for aerospace engineering is a lot. You must complete a bachelor's degree which may take 4-5 years to complete. Usually you enroll in core courses like mathematics, physics, and chemistry. Most programs require students to complete introductory labs which tests their engineering principles in applied to flight and propulsion. After that they take classes that has more to do with topics ranging from aerodynamics of airplane bodies to the electricals sytems in the cockpit. When they finish those courses they may go into courses that are more specific on aircraft sensors, electrical components, wingstructure, and flaps. Some programs provide training in the power of the aircraft generationfor the aircraft including combustion design for the engine. In the last year of a bachelor's degree in aerospace or aeronautical engineering students usually participate in lab and design courses. They may require research into issues ranging from construction materials to wing design. Applying their knowledge they may alter their models, designs, and will have to prepare presentations. Graduates must take 2 exams and have 4 years of work experience in order to become professional engineers or (PEs). Till then they can use the title (EIT) or engineer in training after passing their fundemantals of engineering exam.