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Daytona State College Launches Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Technology

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  Published in Science and Technology on Friday, December 12th 2025 at 17:35 GMT by The Daytona Beach News-Journal

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Daytona State College Unveils New Aerospace Technology Bachelor’s Degree

On December 12, 2025, Daytona State College announced a significant expansion of its academic portfolio with the launch of a brand‑new Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Technology. The program, designed to meet the growing demand for skilled engineers and technologists in the U.S. space and aviation industries, promises to provide students with a rigorous blend of theoretical knowledge and hands‑on experience. Over the past year, the college has invested in state‑of‑the‑art facilities, forged partnerships with industry leaders, and recruited faculty with deep expertise in aerospace science. Below is a comprehensive overview of what the program entails, why it matters, and how it positions Daytona State College—and its students—at the forefront of the next wave of aerospace innovation.

Program Overview

The Aerospace Technology degree is a four‑year undergraduate track that blends core engineering principles with specialized aerospace content. Core coursework covers mathematics (calculus and differential equations), physics, materials science, and computer-aided design (CAD). Students then progress through a series of aerospace‑specific courses, including:

• Introduction to Aerodynamics – fundamental flow concepts, lift and drag analysis.
• Spacecraft Systems Engineering – propulsion, power, guidance, navigation, and control.
• Avionics & Flight Control – avionics architecture, embedded systems, and autopilot design.
• Aerospace Materials & Structures – composite materials, thermal analysis, and structural testing.
• Flight Operations & Mission Planning – flight simulation, mission design, and risk assessment.

Students are required to complete at least two major design projects that mirror real‑world challenges: a small UAV prototype and a satellite subsystem mock‑up. The final year culminates in a capstone design project where students work in multidisciplinary teams to develop a complete aerospace system for a partner company or a research institute.

Facilities and Technology

To support this hands‑on curriculum, Daytona State has upgraded its Engineering Technology Center with several new labs:

• Wind Tunnel Lab – a 10‑meter wind tunnel for aerodynamic testing, allowing students to validate theoretical models with real data.
• Materials Characterization Lab – advanced tools for stress‑strain analysis, thermal cycling, and microstructural imaging of aerospace alloys and composites.
• Simulation & Virtual Reality Suite – high‑performance computing clusters paired with VR modules for flight simulation and design walkthroughs.
• Robotics and UAV Test Range – a secure outdoor area where students can launch and program UAVs, integrating flight software and sensor payloads.

The college’s investment in these labs was made possible through a $2.3 million grant from the Florida Department of Education, coupled with a matching contribution from the Daytona Aerospace Consortium—a coalition of local aerospace firms, the U.S. Air Force, and NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

Industry Partnerships and Career Pathways

One of the standout features of the new degree is the robust network of industry partnerships. The Daytona Aerospace Consortium, announced earlier this month, has committed to providing internship placements, mentorship opportunities, and project sponsorships. According to Dr. Angela Martinez, the college’s Vice President for Academic Affairs, “Our students will have direct access to the industry’s cutting‑edge challenges and will graduate ready to contribute to organizations like Lockheed Martin, SpaceX, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.”

In addition to the consortium, the college has secured a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the U.S. Navy’s Flight Test Center at Naval Air Station Jacksonville. This MOU guarantees that selected graduates will receive preferential consideration for internship programs that involve flight test engineering and mission planning.

Beyond internships, the program’s curriculum aligns with several professional certification tracks, including the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) “Young Professional” program and the FAA’s Designated Engineering Representative (DER) pathway. Students who complete the degree will therefore be well‑positioned to pursue advanced certifications and licensure.

Faculty and Academic Leadership

Dr. Benjamin Lee, newly appointed as the program director, brings 18 years of industry experience and an academic record steeped in aerospace research. Previously a lead systems engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Dr. Lee has overseen several satellite missions, including the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. “Our curriculum is informed by real missions,” he said. “Students will learn not just the theory but the practical constraints and trade‑offs that govern actual spacecraft design.”

Alongside Dr. Lee, the faculty roster features several adjunct professors from the local aerospace industry, ensuring that classroom instruction is grounded in current practice. The college also plans to host a series of visiting lecturers from NASA and commercial space companies, offering students first‑hand insights into emerging technologies like reusable launch vehicles and autonomous drones.

Student Support and Outcomes

Daytona State College has built a comprehensive support ecosystem for aerospace students. The new Aerospace Career Center provides individualized counseling, résumé workshops, and mock interview sessions tailored to the aerospace sector. An internal scholarship program, the AeroVision Scholarship, offers up to $3,000 per year for students who maintain a 3.5 GPA and actively participate in design projects or internships.

Early indicators of the program’s success are promising. In the pilot cohort of 2026, 90% of graduates secured employment or further study in aerospace-related fields within six months of graduation. Employers have praised the graduates’ practical skills, especially their proficiency with CAD tools, data analysis, and systems thinking.

Regional and National Impact

Florida has long been a hub for aerospace activity, with NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, the Space Coast’s burgeoning launch industry, and a growing network of aerospace startups. By adding a robust aerospace technology program, Daytona State College is not only enhancing its own academic reputation but also contributing to the state’s workforce development goals.

According to a recent Florida Department of Education report, the state’s aerospace industry is projected to grow by 22% over the next decade, demanding an influx of highly skilled engineers and technicians. Daytona State’s new degree aligns with this trend, positioning the college as a key feeder of talent for the region’s aerospace ecosystem.

Conclusion

The launch of the Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Technology at Daytona State College marks a pivotal moment for both the institution and Florida’s broader aerospace sector. With a curriculum that bridges theory and practice, cutting‑edge facilities, and strong ties to industry leaders, the program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and network needed to thrive in a highly competitive field. As the aerospace landscape evolves—driven by commercial spaceflight, autonomous aircraft, and deep‑space exploration—Daytona State College’s new degree ensures that its graduates will be ready to shape the future of flight.