UL Lafayette plans four aerospace and space-computing pathways for Fall 2027

In an Oct. 8 announcement, UL Lafayette said it plans to add four aerospace and space-computing pathways for Fall 2027. The options are split between engineering students and students studying computer science or another major.

The College of Engineering’s Aerospace Engineering concentration would sit inside the bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. The department’s program page says students could focus technical electives in either Thermal-Fluids-Energy or Mechanics & Control. Its listed subject areas include gas dynamics and propulsion, spacecraft dynamics and control, aerospace structures and design, aircraft dynamics and performance, orbital mechanics and aerospace power systems. The department’s program page describes the concentration as launching in Fall 2027.

The college also plans an Aerospace and Autonomous Systems minor for engineering majors. The university’s College of Engineering announcement says both engineering offerings are planned for Fall 2027.

The computing options are aimed at two different student groups. The School of Computing & Informatics announcement says its Space Computing Systems concentration is for computer science majors. It describes work involving secure software, reliable onboard computing and resilient communications, including a new CMPS 471 Space Computing Systems course. The school also describes a Space Computing Systems minor for students majoring outside computer science; the announcement says that minor contains six courses totaling 18 credits.

For students and families, the practical distinction is between a university-announced pathway and a course of study that is already open for enrollment. UL’s public program pages describe the offerings and planned start term. Students should check the university’s current catalog and department advising materials for final approval, requirements, course sequencing and enrollment instructions before changing an academic plan.

Original Vermilion Boom graphic based on UL Lafayette’s College of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and School of Computing & Informatics pages, checked October 30, 2026.