From Turbomachinery to Takeoff: The Evolution of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Hartford

This paper explores the transformation of the University of Hartford’s Mechanical Engineering program, specifically its turbomachinery concentration, into a stand-alone Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering program. By leveraging existing faculty expertise, industry partnerships, and a strategically designed curriculum, the university expanded its engineering offerings with minimal structural overhaul. The program, which entered its first students in the Fall of 2021, achieved ABET accreditation in 2024 retroactive to October 2022, and has grown to over 80 students in 5 years. This paper details how the University was able to start this program, evaluate and revise quickly, and grow over the last 5 years with lessons learned for other institutions who may be considering a new program.