Thoughts on Rice's Aerospace Engineering Program?

I've been thinking about Rice for aerospace engineering, but I'm not completely sure how their program stacks up against others. Does anyone have any insights or experiences with Rice's aerospace engineering program? Would really appreciate the help!

Rice University doesn't offer a dedicated aerospace engineering program; however, it does offer a strong mechanical engineering program with opportunities to specialize in aerospace topics. As a part of their mechanical engineering program, Rice's Aerospace in Mechanical Engineering track includes courses and research tailored to aerospace engineering.

One of the highlights of Rice's program is the Oshman Engineering Design Kitchen (OEDK), a 20,000-square-foot design space that fosters interdisciplinary engineering projects that promote real-world problem-solving. Students working in OEDK can apply acquired knowledge and gain hands-on experience, allowing them to create innovative prototypes and understand the practical application of concepts they learn in class.

Rice's reputable faculty are intensely engaged in research in areas such as computational fluid dynamics, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), materials science relating to aerospace applications, and other related topics. The collaborative and intimate learning environment at Rice allows you to engage with professors and work on research projects more closely than at some larger institutions.

A notable advantage of Rice is its proximity to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, which opens avenues for internships, research collaborations, and post-graduate employment. The rich aerospace-focused environment in Houston might provide you with more opportunities than you would have at schools that don't have strong connections with key industry players.

While Rice may not have a standalone aerospace engineering program like some other universities, its mechanical engineering degree with an aerospace emphasis, coupled with Houston's lively aerospace scene and NASA connections, offers a high-quality education. If you are passionate about the aerospace aspect, consider reaching out to faculty and current students to hear their insights and personal experiences on how the program can accommodate your specific interests.