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Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering

Candidates in this program do classwork and research in aerospace structures, propulsion and aerodynamic systems, and have access to state-of-the-art labs and facilities.

Aerospace Engineering deals with the scientific principles that govern the design of airplanes, spacecraft, and jet engines. The Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering degree program allows highly motivated students with a strong science and engineering background to conduct research and coursework in the areas of aerospace structures, propulsion, and aerodynamic systems, while earning their doctoral degree.

Admission to the program is reserved for candidates at the bachelor and masters levels, with high academic achievement and a desire to advance their career through scientific inquiry and knowledge discovery in areas related to aerospace engineering.

Program coursework focuses on cutting-edge research and development. Students have access to state-of-the-art labs designed specifically for instruction and research in aerodynamics, propulsion, dynamics, control, structures, and materials. 

About Aerospace Engineering at the Daytona Beach, FL Campus

The Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering program at ERAU’s Daytona Beach Campus targets domestic and international students, as well as working professionals with bachelor’s or master's degrees in aerospace engineering (or closely related engineering disciplines), who have exemplary track records of academic achievement in their course work, and demonstrated keen interest and ability for engaging in research and independent inquiry.

Housed in the  Aerospace Engineering Department  of the  College of Engineering , the program features three areas of concentration: Aerodynamics and Propulsion, Structures and Materials, and Dynamics and Control.

Candidates for this degree program can expect areas of research to include:

• Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
• Aeroacoustics
• Air-breathing propulsion
• Rocket propulsion
• Experimental thermo-fluid sciences
• Simulation of aerodynamics and propulsion systems
• Health monitoring of aerospace structures
• Smart materials and structures
• Adaptive structures
• Composite materials
• Functionally graded materials
• Dynamics and control of manned and unmanned aircraft
• Parameter identification of aircraft
• Space mission design
• Design and control of spacecraft
• Orbital debris remediation
• Spacecraft rendezvous and proximity operations
• Control of chaotic systems

Being adjacent to Daytona Beach International Airport and the NextGen Test Bed , and just 50 miles north of Kennedy Space Center, ERAU’s Daytona Beach Campus puts students in the middle of the aerospace industry.

Learn More about the Daytona Beach, FL Campus

View the Daytona Beach Catalog Listing

Financial aid is available in the form of teaching and research assistantships. Please contact the program coordinator for more information.

Transfer credit: Up to 2 relevant courses can be transferred from another institution upon approval of the program coordinator.

Students will:

• Analyze and solve engineering problems.
• Conduct independent study.
• Carry out research or special projects.
• Use analytical, computational and experimental techniques.
• Demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving skills.
• Technically communicate their research within the aerospace engineering community.
• Observe ethics in research.

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RELATED DEGREES

You may be interested in the following degrees:

Master of Science in Engineering Physics

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Master of Science in Uncrewed Systems

Aerospace Sciences Ph.D.

Become part of the next generation of aerospace leaders to oversee cutting-edge advancements in aviation and space.

Successful aerospace professionals possess broad backgrounds linking science, engineering, policy, business and law. Get your doctoral education from a world-renowned center for aerospace learning, the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences at UND.

Why earn a Ph.D. in aerospace science?

Application opens on August 1. Completed applications and all required materials must be received by February 1.

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

UND's Aerospace Sciences Ph.D. program provides interdisciplinary teaching and research at the highest academic level. Our goal is to graduate highly educated aerospace scholars and leaders. You'll learn skills to mix technology and science with an understanding of the politics and economics of the aerospace fields. You'll enhance your analytical, technical, research and communication skills through classroom and research activities. The result will be capabilities to carry out independent, original and applied aerospace research at a high level.

You'll experience outstanding faculty focus while in the program. Leverage faculty expertise drawn from disciplines such as:

• Aerodynamics
• Aerospace engineering
• Aviation management
• Computer science
• Machine learning and artificial intelligence
• Orbital mechanics
• Planetary science
• Public policy and law
• Remote sensing
• Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)

Aerospace Science Ph.D. at UND

Gain the extensive technical knowledge needed to be a successful leader in the industry by applying solutions gained through theory and applied research.

Be part of a program nationally acclaimed for achievements in aviation education, atmospheric research, space studies, and earth system science and policy research.

Get a unique perspective and training that integrates and combines traditional disciplines related to space.

Access an extensive and involved alumni network that provides real-time industry feedback to research and development work by dissertation candidates.

Pursue the doctorate from anywhere in the world with our online synchronous curriculum, while still receiving real time faculty and student interaction.

Conduct research in the Space Studies department's Human Spaceflight Lab or Observatory .

Careers with a Ph.D. in Aerospace Science

Median salary for an aerospace program manager

Payscale.com

Median salary for an aerospace engineer

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

A doctoral degree in Aerospace Sciences from UND lets you further develop the critical skills needed to fill leadership roles. These opportunities span government and research agencies, educational institutions and private aerospace and aviation companies.

UND bearers of doctoral degrees have gone onto careers in top space exploration enterprises and aerospace technology companies. Some opportunities graduates can expect include:

• Aerospace Defense Managers develop and implement strategies to ensure national security through the application of cutting-edge aerospace technologies. They oversee and coordinate defense-related aerospace projects.
• Aerospace Laboratory Directors lead research and development initiatives in specialized laboratories. They design and execute experiments, manage research teams, and collaborate with industry partners to drive innovation in aerospace technology.
• Aerospace Program Directors play a crucial role in overseeing the planning, execution, and success of aerospace programs within private companies or government agencies. They are responsible for managing resources and ensuring the timely delivery of aerospace products and services.
• Aerospace Science Researchers conduct in-depth research, publish scholarly articles, and explore emerging trends to contribute to the theoretical foundations and practical applications of aerospace sciences.
• Federal Agency Policymakers influence and shape policies related to aerospace and aviation at the national level. They work with government agencies to develop regulations, standards, and guidelines that govern the aerospace industry.
• Higher Education Professors teach courses, mentor students, and engage in research to advance the aerospace industry.
• Senior Aerospace Engineers are integral members of aerospace technology companies. They lead engineering teams, contribute to the design and development of aerospace systems, and execute complex projects.
• Senior Aircraft Engineers lead initiatives related to aircraft design, maintenance, and improvement, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and the incorporation of cutting-edge technologies.

Aerospace Sciences Ph.D. Courses

AVIT 521. Ethics in Aerospace. 3 Credits.

The course will introduce ethical concepts and frameworks used in professional decision-making. Students will engage with faculty and outside speakers to weigh decisions in the applicable ethical frameworks. Students participation will include graded elements of formal case presentations, class discussion sessions, essay examinations and review of scholarly and trade journal articles. The course will have a strong emphasis on research project design to assess dynamics of ethical decision-making in different populations, as well as exploring educational opportunities in the aerospace industry.

SPST 565. Space Law. 3 Credits.

This course serves as a graduate-level introduction to the field of Law as applied to Space Law. The course examines the origins and evolution of the laws of outer space from the beginnings of the space age to the present. International laws governing access and use of space, and national laws regulating governmental and commercial activities in space are reviewed and analyzed. On demand.

SPST 410. Life Support Systems. 3 Credits.

A review of the physiological effects of living in space including a discussion of current and near-term life support systems equipment for the provision of oxygen, water, food, and radiation protection. In addition, a review will be made of the issues associated with the development of fully closed ecological life-support systems that will be essential to the long-term development of space. On demand.

SPST 512. Human Performance in Extreme Environments. 3 Credits.

This course identifies the impact that the stressors of extreme environments have on human performance. The course objectives are to highlight the differences and similarities among extreme environments and to demonstrate that, despite the differences lessons learned from operations in a given extreme environment can be effectively applied to other environments. Although settings such as space, mountains, or deep sea exhibit unique characteristics, the human physiological and psychological reactions and adaptations to these extreme settings stay similar. On demand.

AVIT 520. Strategic Airport Planning. 3 Credits.

This course will explore the elements of airport planning within the public administration domain. Emphasis will be placed on individual airport's strategic plans, how airports operate efficiently and effectively with changing regulations and economic fluctuations in the global marketplace.

AVIT 513. Aviation Safety Management Systems. 3 Credits.

An in-depth study of aviation safety management concepts and principles as they relate to effective safety programs within the airlines, corporate aviation, general aviation and airports.

Online Aerospace Sciences Ph.D. Degree

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best online graduate programs

Live Online Aerospace Ph.D. Courses

Synchronous classes are held in real-time. If you’re the kind of learner who likes active discussion and immediate feedback through live interaction, you’ll enjoy this online course format.

Every class is different, but generally, you’ll log into a virtual classroom at scheduled times to:

• Listen to a lecture.
• Ask questions.
• Participate in class discussions.
• Conduct group activities.
• Participate in video-sharing.
• Have chat conversations.
• Use interactive whiteboards.
• Take live polls.

You should prepare for your classes by finishing any assigned readings, compiling questions for your instructor, and thinking about how to contribute to the next live class.

Campus Visits

Ph.D. students may be expected to come to campus for research as the discretion of their Committee. Traditionally, this results in minimally one-week on campus per year, but individual students will need to consult with their Committee to determine how much on campus, if any, is needed. Additionally, a Ph.D. candidate should be present for the Ph.D. dissertation defense.

Leading Online Aerospace Sciences Ph.D.

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs. No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

• Same degree:  All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) . Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
• Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
• Real interaction:  You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
• Your own academic advisor:  As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
• Free online tutoring:  We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
• Unlimited academic coaching:  Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
• Full online access: Dig into virtual research at UND's libraries. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
• 24/7 technical support:  UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
• Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

• Affordability
• Student satisfaction (retention rate)
• Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
• Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)

First in Space

Sara Sabryy, the first Egyptian to reach space, is pursuing a doctorate in Aerospace Sciences at UND.

Read Sara's Story

Connect with the space studies and aviation faculty you'll work with at UND's world-renowned center for aerospace learning.

• Department of Space Studies
• Department of Aviation
• John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences

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Find A Degree

The 4 Best Doctor of Aerospace Engineering (Ph.D. AE) Degree Programs

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Career advancement in this field often requires a Doctor of Aerospace Engineering degree. Becoming part of the massive aerospace industry promises to be an exciting and fulfilling career experience.

If an online Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering interests you, there are a few educational institutions that can provide you with the opportunity.

Some programs are offered by schools entirely online, allowing for flexibility and convenience for those who plan to pursue a Ph.D. degree in the field without compromising their professional and personal lives.

______________________________

4 BEST DOCTOR OF AEROSPACE ENGINEERING DEGREE PROGRAMS

University of alabama.

UA COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

School Highlights: The University of Alabama is a highly respected online school that provides a prestigious Ph.D. program in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics.

The curriculum is 72 credit hours and is completed primarily online with some brief visits to campus required each semester. It is an incredibly affordable doctoral degree with a tuition rate for online students of $440 per credit hour: one of the lowest for this program level.

Students work through online coursework, lectures, and projects, and also write and defend a dissertation on specific aerospace engineering topics. Students at this fabulous distance education institution earn an esteemed doctorate from a high-quality state school replete with remarkable resources.

Coursework Sample:

• Experimental Aerodynamics
• Micro-Aerial Vehicles
• Helicopter Theory

Campus Location: Tuscaloosa, AL

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
• Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology

Acceptance Rate: 79% Retention Rate: 89% Graduation Rate: 71%

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA’S PH.D. IN AEROSPACE ENGINEERING AND MECHANICS

MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY

BAGLEY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

School Highlights: Mississippi State University provides an exciting opportunity to earn a doctoral degree in Aerospace Engineering that includes eleven unique concentrations.

There are excellent online and on-campus options available at this outstanding institution of higher education. Yet, all students take advantage of start-of-the-art facilities and resources such as the low-speed wind tunnel and the two-stage light gas gun, both of which are fully operational on the Mississippi State University campus.

The curriculum is designed, implemented, and instructed by industry experts and is kept up-to-date to reflect all changes in the aerospace engineering field. There is also an accelerated program option for students who qualify!

Concentration Options:

• Aeroacoustics
• Aerodynamics
• Aeroelasticity
• Autonomous systems
• Structures and composites
• Computational fluid dynamics
• Design optimization
• Fatigue and fracture
• Fluid-structure interaction
• Guidance and Control
• Nondestructive evaluation

Campus Location: Mississippi State, MS

Acceptance Rate: 76% Retention Rate: 81% Graduation Rate: 61%

LEARN MORE ABOUT MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY’S DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN AEROSPACE ENGINEERING

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA

ODEGARD SCHOOL OF AEROSPACE SCIENCES

School Highlights: At the University of North Dakota, doctoral students in the aerospace degree take classes in policy, business, law, engineering, and science.

This curriculum emphasizes an understanding of all the discipline’s most crucial areas. It is a flexible 90-credit program offered both on-campus and online, which can be completed in 4-7 years, depending on individual students’ paces of learning and scheduling conflicts.

UND maintains national acclaim for its achievements in aviation education, space studies, and atmospheric research. As an interdisciplinary degree, this Ph.D. in Aerospace Sciences is an excellent fit for future managers, researchers, policymakers, and professors.

• Human Performance in Extreme Environments
• Strategic Airport Planning

Campus Location: Grand Forks, ND

Acceptance Rate: 83% Retention Rate: 81% Graduation Rate: 60%

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA’S AEROSPACE SCIENCES PHD

AUBURN UNIVERSITY

GINN COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

School Highlights: Auburn University provides online and on-campus options for students pursuing a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering. There are also excellent master’s degrees in this field that can be completed 100% online before continuing education in the doctor of philosophy.

The master’s to doctoral degree transition is quite flexible and perfect for students with a bachelor’s in an applicable discipline. The Ph.D. includes extensive coursework in astrodynamics and aerodynamics, control theory, flight dynamics, propulsion, and much more.

Auburn University is a fabulous choice for international students, as well, because there are no language requirements.

• Spacecraft Attitude Dynamics and Control
• Flight Dynamics and Hypervelocity Vehicles
• Orbit Determination

Campus Location: Auburn, AL

• Higher Learning Commission 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500 Chicago, Illinois 60604 www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7440

Acceptance Rate: 44% Retention Rate: 81% Graduation Rate: 60%

LEARN MORE ABOUT AUBURN UNIVERSITY’S PH.D. IN AEROSPACE ENGINEERING

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why earn a ph.d. ae degree.

There is an increasing growth in the number of people who fly for commercial or military reasons such as tourism, migration, or even national defense. Whatever the reason may be, flying has contributed to the continuously growing aerospace or aviation industry.

Also, there are several technological triumphs, including the latest news on Opportunity, the robot that extended her life to 15 years instead of 90 days roving around the planet Mars.

An online doctorate program in Aerospace Engineering has the same quality as the traditional doctorate program offered on campus.

In this setting, students will not worry about getting an online degree since they have the accessibility to their online courses through the school’s online learning platform, attend classes live and collaborate with their instructors and classmates. If their schedule permits, students can attend lectures and seminars on campus; however, it is not mandatory.

What are the duties of Aerospace Engineers?

Aerospace Engineers have two major specializations in engineering namely astronomical engineering, and aeronautical engineering. Aerospace engineers work with several branches of science and technology in dealing with spacecraft.

They work on small satellites and traditional big satellites regarding how they perform inside and outside the Earth’s atmosphere. On the other aspect, aeronautical engineers work with the design, development, maintenance, and aerodynamic performance of the aircraft

Additionally, aerospace engineers play a variety of roles in several industries. They develop new technologies for the aviation industry, defense systems, and spacecraft. Aerospace engineers assess proposals for the project’s feasibility in terms of financial and technical aspects.

They facilitate acceptance criteria for design methodologies, the standard of quality, maintenance after delivery, and dates of completion.

They ensure that projects meet those standards, and carefully inspect damaged products to identify problems and possible solutions.

They have the option to choose to design different types of aerospace products such as remotely piloted aircraft; spacecraft which includes satellites and launching vehicles; helicopters, commercial and military aircraft; and rockets or missiles for combat.

What are the essential qualities of Aerospace Engineers?

Aerospace Engineers are employed as workers who design and build aircraft, spacecraft, or even missile systems for national defense. They work in industries that engage in manufacturing, analyzing, designing, research, and development, or in the federal government.

A set of skills is needed to become an efficient Aerospace Engineer:

• Analytical skills – Aerospace Engineers must be able to distinguish factors that do not meet their requirements and find ways or alternatives to improve the performance of those factors.
• Writing skills – Considering some aerospace engineers work in the research and development field, they must be able to work on white or research papers that explain their proposals or designs clearly and create documentation for future use.
• Business skills – One of the significant roles of aerospace engineers is meeting federal government standards. They must know standard business principles and practices including commercial law and ISO standards. Also, they must have a background in project management which will provide benefits for them as they progress in their careers.
• Mathematical skills – Aerospace Engineers deal with a lot of measurements in their field of work. They apply their learnings in trigonometry, calculus, and other mathematical principles in the analysis, development, designing, and troubleshooting of their careers.
• Critical-thinking skills – Aerospace Engineers must know how to ask the right type of questions, and find answers. They must ensure that the products they developed meet regulatory standards, and identify why a specific product does not work.
• Problem-solving skills – Aerospace engineers use their education and professional experience to innovate and improve products such as enhanced safety measures and increased fuel efficiency as well as reduce the impact on the environment.

What does the coursework of the Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering degree program typically consist of?

The Ph.D. AE program is a rigorous and highly technical degree that involves complex areas of study and systems operating from within the Earth’s atmosphere to in-depth space explorations.

The Ph.D. AE degree gives students a solid background in engineering, science and technology, law, and business. It is designed to help individuals who are already established in the field and want to pursue an advanced level of knowledge and expertise in the aerospace engineering field.

Coursework under this online aerospace engineering program includes:

• the theory of elasticity,
• orbital mechanics,
• intermediate dynamics,
• space systems,
• intermediate fluid mechanics,
• advanced dynamics of flight
• ethics in aerospace,
• life support systems,
• extraterrestrial resources,
• and human performance in extreme environments.

In addition to the set of coursework, a dissertation research requirement on a topic that contributes to the field of aerospace engineering and mechanics must be fulfilled by the students for graduation.

What are the job prospects I can get from earning a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering degree program?

A graduate with an online Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering can land jobs as an operations technician or as an aerospace engineer who maintains and operates equipment in developing, testing, and producing new spacecraft or aircraft.

They utilized computer-based applications and tools in the processes of their work as well as innovating and automation products.

Graduates can work as computer hardware engineers who research, develop, design, and test components such as circuit boards, routers, networks, and processors found in aircraft/spacecraft.

Another job position includes electrical and electronics engineer responsible for the design, development, testing, and supervision of electrical equipment manufacturers such as communication systems, radar and navigation systems, and electric motors.

Mechanical Engineers, Industrial Engineers, Architectural and Engineering Managers, or Material Engineers are some of the rewarding careers you can land as graduates of the online Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering degree program.

Aerospace Engineers typically spend their time in an office environment since their work requires the use of advanced computer equipment and software applications in modeling, evaluating, developing, testing, and conducting research and development.

The average annual pay of aerospace engineers is $126,880. The top industries that hire aerospace engineering graduates are the federal government with a median yearly wage of $127,150; research and development with a $141,730 annual median salary; engineering services with $122,480; and navigational and control instruments manufacturing with a $129,880 yearly median wage.

The largest employers of the aerospace engineering field are in aerospace products and parts manufacturing which comprises 34% of the population of aerospace engineers.

Can I earn a Doctor of Aerospace Engineering degree through an online program?

Yes, some universities offer online Doctor of Aerospace Engineering programs. However, the majority of these programs require some amount of on-campus instruction or laboratory work. Make sure to check individual program requirements to determine what type of instruction is required.

What schools offer an online Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering degree program?

Luckily, there are a few schools that provide a completely online program for earning a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering. The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Alabama offers a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics through the Bama By Distance that requires 72 credit hours for completion.

The Ph.D. AE program offered by the University of Colorado Boulder equips students with advanced knowledge and prepares them through exceptional training and research and land careers in the academic institution, commercial, and governmental sectors.

Mississippi State University encourages highly qualified individuals to take advantage of the accelerated Ph.D. AE program offered by the Bagley College of Engineering. Students can take graduate-level coursework and at the same time earn their graduate credits and undergraduate credits simultaneously.

The University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, North Dakota offers a Ph.D. in Aerospace Sciences that is housed by the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences which is recognized as a world-class renowned institution for aerospace studies.

Another school that provides aerospace studies in Alabama is Auburn University which offers several opportunities for students to strengthen their expertise and knowledge through their advanced set of coursework and training.

If you can juggle between your professional life and personal life by integrating a Ph.D. AE, is fulfilling and rewarding. It is a challenging endeavor, but you will undoubtedly thank yourself for not giving up on your aviation or space exploration dreams.

With the rising demand for aviation and aerospace services, you are assured of a successful career at the same time reap the benefits while being employed in the company. Are you ready to soar high with a rewarding career in the aerospace engineering field? Enroll in a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering.

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Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering with a concentration in Aerospace Engineering

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Aerospace Engineering is the branch of engineering concerned with the design, development, testing and production of aircraft and related systems that fly within the Earth’s atmosphere (Aeronautics) and of spacecraft, missiles, rocket propulsion systems and other equipment operating beyond the Earth’s atmosphere (Astronautics)

The Department of Aerospace Engineering awarded the Bagley College of Engineering’s first master’s degree in 1951 and its first doctoral degree in 1960. We have awarded degrees to men and women who are now leaders in government, industry, and education around the world.

The strength of the graduate program, as it has been for more than five decades, resides in its excellent faculty who have a keen interest in the advancement of students and a hands-on approach to education, further enhanced by the outstanding facilities of the Department of Aerospace Engineering and the Bagley College of Engineering.

Program Structure

The Doctor of Philosophy with an emphasis on Aerospace Engineering degree typically consists of a minimum of 50 hours of coursework beyond the master’s degree, of which at least 20 hours is devoted toward dissertation research. The program of study is determined in consultation with the student’s major professor and committee.

The student must choose a committee consisting of a major professor, who is a member of the graduate faculty in the Department of Aerospace Engineering, and a minimum of three other members. At least fifty percent of the committee must be members of the graduate faculty in the Department of Aerospace Engineering.

Admissions Requirements

Students seeking full admission into this program should apply as a classified student. Non-degree seeking students wishing to take classes offered through the online program should apply as an Unclassified student.

Applications for the degree programs are reviewed three times a year. The application deadlines for those semesters are as follows:

• Fall Semester – June 1
• Spring Semester – November 1
• Summer Semester – May 1

An applicant for admission to graduate study must hold a bachelor's degree from a fully recognized four-year educational institution that has unconditional accreditation with appropriate regional accrediting agencies. They must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate School and the Aerospace Engineering program.

Regular admission to graduate study in the program requires a minimum grade point average (last four semesters of undergraduate work) of 3.00/4.00. When a student is deficient in one of the criteria cited, the student's application, nevertheless, may be considered for admission based on the strength of other materials contained in the student's application.

Bagley College of Engineering programs may accept transfer work previously completed by the student. Transcript reviews to determine transfer or prerequisite work will be evaluated AFTER students are granted full admission. Once admitted an academic coordinator can review those transcripts for more information.

To meet admission requirements, submit a separate official final transcript from each college or university attended; faxed transcripts will not be accepted. An applicant may not ignore previous college attendance and must list all colleges attended on the application for admission. You must be in good standing at the last college or university attended

Attention International Students

International students are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and score greater than 550. Detailed information regarding international applications can be found in the Graduate Catalog . Questions regarding international applications can be addressed to the Office of the Graduate School at [email protected] .

• ETS is providing home testing for the TOEFL iBT test, and MSU is encouraging students to take advantage of this testing option. For those students applying who have taken the TOEFL within five years of the semester they plan to enroll and are unable to access the TOEFL iBT test from home, we will accept your previous test scores.

Admission Options

Domestic/international classified admissions, domestic unclassified admissions, international unclassified admissions, provisional admissions, readmission, transfer credit.

• Submit online application . You will choose Aerospace Engineering as your Program of Study and Online Education as your campus.
• Statement of Purpose
• You will be asked to submit three names and three email addresses of individuals you are using as references. Once you click submit, these individuals will be sent an email from MSU, which will provide a link to an online form for completing their recommendations.
• TOEFL or IELTS scores are required for international students
• One official transcript showing bachelor’s degree or progress toward degree. (For international students, please submit a copy in native language along with translated copies, if appropriate.)
• Electronic transcripts should be sent to: [email protected] Mississippi State University, Graduate School. Only one copy of an electronic transcript is required.
• Paper Transcripts Address (USPS): Mississippi State University The Office of the Graduate School P.O. Box G Mississippi State, MS 39762
• Physical Street Address (for DHL, Fed Ex, UPS, DHS, etc.): Mississippi State University The Office of the Graduate School 175 President Circle 116 Allen Hall Mississippi State, MS 39762
• Payment of $60 non-refundable application processing fee for domestic students. Payment of $80 non-refundable application processing fee for international students.
• Once you are admitted, you will receive an email with complete instructions on registering for classes and contacting your advisor

Only NINE (9) hours of course work taken as an "Unclassified Student" can be applied toward a degree program. All Unclassified students should submit a classified application once they have reached the maximum of nine hours. Full admission into the Aerospace Engineering online program will be based upon successful completion of all classified admissions requirements.

If you are applying unclassified, select "Graduate School - Unclassified" as the college.

• Submit online application
• Pay $60 non-refundable application processing fee

PLEASE NOTE In general, students who are not admitted into a degree program are not eligible for student financial aid funds. For more information please visit Student Financial Aid to see if you will be eligible or not while taking courses as an Unclassified graduate student.

• TOEFL or IELTS scores are required for international students.
• One copy of academic records showing degree(s) (in native language along with translated copies if appropriate)
• Must obtain application approval from the Dean of the Graduate School
• Payment of $80 non-refundable application processing fee for international students.

A student who has not fully met the requirements stipulated by the University and the department for admission to graduate study may be granted admission as a degree-seeking graduate student with provisional status. Such student must have as his/her initial objective advancement to regular status. A provisional student must receive a 3.00 GPA on the first nine hours of graduate level courses on the program of study taken at Mississippi State University (transfer hours or unclassified graduate hours will not apply) in order to achieve regular status. If a 3.00 is not attained, the provisional student will be dismissed from graduate study.

Once enrolled in graduate study, a student who fails to meet the continuous enrollment requirement must complete an Application for Readmission to register for classes. Continuous enrollment is defined as enrollment in two of three semester terms (Fall, Spring, or Summer) with Fall enrollment required. Students who have not been enrolled for a period of three years or longer and are in good academic standing, are eligible to reapply to through the Lapsed Student Program. Readmission is not guaranteed and must be approved by the Department Head, Academic Dean, and Dean of the Graduate School. Interested students or academic departments should contact the Graduate School for more information.

Students may transfer up to twelve (12) hours of graduate level credits from regionally accredited institutions. The decision to grant transfer credit is made by the advisor and the student’s graduate committee. If you wish to transfer credits, contact your advisor. You will need to provide an official transcript showing the courses you wish to transfer.

Accessing Online Courses

Accessing course videos.

Videos recorded during our on campus class sessions are uploaded for online students to view within our online course repository.  Online students will have access to course videos within 24 hours of the on campus course completion. Students should visit Engage to access the course videos. Instructions for viewing the recordings and downloading the recordings are offered below.

View and Download Videos

Instructions for viewing classes live or downloading videos, use our video download instructions.

If you experience technical difficulties or have any questions regarding the recording or format of our lecture capture, please contact:

IT Support & Staff Bagley College of Engineering Mississippi State University [email protected] 662.325.7794

Student Resources

Thesis and Dissertation

Research Guide

Contact Information

Mindy Wolfe

Online Education

• Coordinator

Dr. Adrian Sescu

Aerospace Engineering

• Associate Professor

Tamra Swann

Engineering

• Distance Education Coordinator

Department of Aerospace Engineering

Aerospace Engineering (Ph.D.)

Focus: advancing knowledge and research in areas such as aerodynamics and fluid mechanics, aeroelasticity and structural dynamics, flight mechanics and control, propulsion and combustion, structural mechanics and materials behavior, and system design and optimization. Blank Space (small) (text and background only visible when logged in) Aerospace Engineering (Ph.D.) Course Description and Catalog

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Aerospace Engineering - Distance Learning, Ph.D.

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Are you a UK or International Student?

Uk top 16 for research quality – aeronautical & aerospace engineering.

(The Complete University Guide 2023)

Key Course Details

Course overview.

The PhD Aerospace Engineering - Distance Learning is subject to the same University regulations as the standard PhD programme, except that all meetings with the academic supervisors and other relevant Swansea University staff members can be held online. The student is welcome, but not required to visit Swansea University in-person, unless if told otherwise if/when some presence is required on campus.

Start dates: PhD/MPhil - 1st October, 1st January, 1st April & 1st July.

Our world-leading technology has contributed to many exciting projects, including aerodynamics for the current world land-speed record car, Thrust SSC, and the future land-speed record car and design of the double-decker super-jet Airbus A380.

Research within Engineering at Swansea University is multidisciplinary in nature, incorporating our strengths in research areas across the engineering disciplines.

mechanics forms the basis for the majority of the PhD and MPhil projects within these engineering disciplines.

Swansea University provides an excellent base for your research as a PhD or MPhil student in Aerospace Engineering.

Recent PhD theses supervised in the area of Aerospace Engineering at Swansea University include:

• Uncertainty Quantification for Complex Engineering Structures: Statics and Dynamics
• The Application of Composite Corrugated Panels to Morphing Aircraft
• On the Isogeometric Finite Element Method
• Design, Modelling and Optimisation of Morphing Structures for MALE UAVS
• Rolling contact fatigue detection via high frequency acoustic emission
• Development of Numerical Schemes to improve the efficiency of CFD Simulation of High Speed Viscous Aerodynamic Flows

Entry Requirements

Qualifications MPhil:  Applicants for MPhil must normally hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University) in Engineering or similar relevant science discipline. See -  Country-specific Information for European Applicants 2019  and  Country-specific Information for International Applicants 2019 .

PhD:  Applicants for PhD must normally hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University) in Engineering or similar relevant science discipline. See -  Country-specific Information for European Applicants 2019  and  Country-specific Information for International Applicants 2019 .

English Language IELTS 6.5 Overall (5.5+ each comp.) or Swansea University recognised equivalent. Full details of our English Language policy, including certificate time validity, can be found  here .

We welcome applications by prospective students from around the world and look for evidence of previous study that is equivalent to the entry requirements stated above. The Postgraduate Admissions Office are happy to advise you on whether your qualifications are suitable for entry to the course you would like to study. Please email  [email protected]  for further information.

As well as academic qualifications, Admissions decisions may be based on other factors, including (but not limited to): the standard of the research synopsis/proposal, performance at interview, intensity of competition for limited places, and relevant professional experience.

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) Requirement

Non UK/EU applicants are required to obtain ATAS clearance for this programme of study. Successful applicants are sent ATAS application details by the University PGR Admissions team. Further details on the ATAS scheme can be found at on the government Academic Technology Approval Scheme webpage .

Reference Requirement

As standard, two references are required before we can progress applications to the College/School research programme Admissions Tutor for consideration.

Applications received without two references attached are placed on hold, pending receipt of the outstanding reference(s). Please note that any protracted delay in receiving the outstanding reference(s) may result in the need to defer your application to a later potential start point/entry month, than what you initially listed as your preferred start option.

You may wish to consider contacting your referee(s) to assist in the process of obtaining the outstanding reference(s) or alternatively, hold submission of application until references are sourced. Please note that it is not the responsibility of the University Admissions Office to obtain missing reference(s) after our initial email is sent to your nominated referee(s), requesting a reference(s) on your behalf.

The reference can take the form of a letter on official headed paper, or via the University’s standard reference form. Click this link to download the university reference form .

Alternatively, referees can email a reference from their employment email account, please note that references received via private email accounts, (i.e. Hotmail, Yahoo, Gmail) cannot be accepted.

References can be submitted to [email protected] .

How you are Supervised

Your supervisor will:

• Help you develop your research plan in the early stages of your PhD
• Advise on research aims and objectives and suggest relevant training or skills courses
• Provide direction in terms of relevant literature and sources
• Give guidance on gathering, recording and analysing data
• Supervise your written work, providing constructive criticism and ensuring you keep to deadlines
• Support and advise you when it comes to presenting papers at conferences, publishing your work and attending your viva (the final oral examination of your thesis)

Find your supervisor through our  Directory of Expertise .

Welsh Provision

Tuition fees.

Tuition fees for years of study after your first year are subject to an increase of 3%.

You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page .

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page .

Current students: You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page .

Funding and Scholarships

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.

Government funding is now available for Welsh, English and EU students starting eligible postgraduate research programmes at Swansea University. To find out more, please visit our postgraduate loans page.

To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

Academi Hywel Teifi at Swansea University and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol offer a number of generous scholarships and bursaries for students who wish to study through the medium of Welsh or bilingually. For further information about the opportunities available to you, visit the Academi Hywel Teifi Scholarships and Bursaries page.

Additional Costs

Access to your own digital device/the appropriate IT kit will be essential during your time studying at Swansea University. Access to wifi in your accommodation will also be essential to allow you to fully engage with your programme. See our dedicated webpages for further guidance on suitable devices to purchase, and for a full guide on getting your device set up .

You may face additional costs while at university, including (but not limited to):

• Travel to and from campus
• Printing, photocopying, binding, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
• Purchase of books or texts
• Gowns for graduation ceremonies

How to Apply

Once you have identified a topic area within which you would like to work, we recommend that you submit a research proposal and discuss this with an Admissions Tutor for the subject area before making an application. You can email [email protected]  to express your interest in a PhD or MPhil Aerospace Engineering.

Apply online and track your application status for the PhD or MPhil Aerospace Engineering at  www.swansea.ac.uk/applyonline

If you're an international student, find out more about applying for the PhD or MPhil Aerospace Engineering  www.swan.ac.uk/international/students/apply

Suggested Application Timings

In order to allow sufficient time for consideration of your application by an academic, for potential offer conditions to be met and travel / relocation, we recommend that applications are made before the dates outlined below. Please note that applications can still be submitted outside of the suggested dates below but there is the potential that your application/potential offer may need to be moved to the next appropriate intake window.

October Enrolment

UK Applicants – 15th August

EU/International applicants – 15th July

January Enrolment

UK applicants – 15th November

EU/International applicants – 15th October

April Enrolment

UK applicants – 15th February

EU/International applicants – 15th January

July Enrolment

UK applicants – 15th May

EU/International applicants – 15th April

EU students - visa and immigration information is available and will be regularly updated on our information for EU students page.

PhD in Aerospace Engineering

The PhD in Aerospace Engineering at WPI gives you the tools, facilities, and support to lead independent research and advance your professional capabilities into the technology and the science of aircraft and spacecraft. The degree program is flexible and offers both full-time and part-time options so you can earn your degree while keeping up with your current responsibilities.

Value Proposition Description

Our innovative and involved faculty contribute to aerospace research and currently have research under way in fluids and propulsion, dynamics and control, and materials and structure. You’ll work closely with faculty to find your best path and contribute to high-level research projects as well as developing your own body of work.

You can apply for the PhD in aerospace engineering with a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree, with the bachelor’s degree requiring a longer course of study to completion of the PhD degree. The course work requires several aerospace engineering courses; graduate seminars; and proposal, completion, and defense of a dissertation. Our faculty will help you match your research interests to your professional goals so you can launch right into a career upon graduation.

Students may use these academic planners to help determine their credits:

• PhD Academic Plan for Students Entering with BS Degrees
• PhD Academic Plan for Students Entering with MS Degrees
• PhD Degree Requirements and Policies

Research for Aerospace Engineering PhD

The Aerospace Engineering PhD program allows candidates the opportunity to delve deep into original research they are particularly passionate about. Our expert faculty invite collaboration and innovation in our classrooms and state-of-the-art labs to advance aerospace engineering research.

Recent research projects:

• Intelligent algorithms placed on board UAVs to assist remote military and civilian pilots and lead to improved operational safety
• Investigation of ignition and flame propagation enhancement by plasma assisted technologies to contribute to developing modern combustion-based energy conversion devices with higher efficiency and lower emissions

Aerospace engineering students work closely with faculty to gain mastery in the fundamentals of aerospace engineering and a strong technical competency in modern aerospace components and systems.

The world is our lab. Through coursework and research, students develop technical and scientific skills to solve real-world problems.

Collaborative, hands-on project work means many great minds use their knowledge to achieve better solutions.

A degree in aerospace engineering can lead to careers in academia, industry, and business.

WPI’s aerospace engineering facilities are extensive and well funded by government partners. Researchers have access to the latest equipment and enjoy an open and encouraging atmosphere.

• Aerodynamics Test Facility
• Computational Fluid and Plasma Dynamics Laboratory
• CubeSat Ground Operations Room
• Fluid Dynamics Laboratory
• Fluid and Plasma Dynamics Laboratory
• Micro Fluid and Plasma Dynamics Laboratory
• Systems and Robot Control Laboratory
• Vacuum Test Facility

Faculty Profiles

In my teaching I bring fluid and aerodynamics experiments, including wind tunnels, into the classroom each day. Fundamental concepts are demonstrated in these experiments, and collected data is immediately compared to the theory and equations learned during lecture. Students see that they can use what they are learning in class to predict the behavior of aerospace systems. They then go on to design improved systems in MQP projects and during their careers.

Professor Demetriou is very active with the Controls and Systems research community. He served as an Associate Editor in the IEEE Tr. on Automatic Control (2004-2007), in the ASME Journal of Dynamic Systems, Measurement, and Control (2009-2011), and in SIAM J. Control and Optimization (2009-present). He is also serving in the IEEE-Control Systems Society Conference Editorial Board as an Associate Editor (1997-present). In 2003 he established the IEEE-CSS Technical Committee on Distributed Parameter Systems and served as his first chair (2003-2012).

Nikolaos A. Gatsonis received an undergraduate degree in Physics at the Aristotelian University of Thessaloniki, Greece (1983), an M.S. in Atmospheric Science at the University of Michigan (1996), an M.S. (1987) and a Ph.D. (1991) in the Aeronautics and Astronautics department of MIT. From 1991 to 1993 he was a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Space Department of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. In 1994 he joined the Mechanical Engineering faculty at WPI, promoted to Associate Professor in 2000 and to Professor in 2005. He is the Founding Director of the B.S. (2005), M.S.

Autonomous vehicles – aircraft, cars, rovers, over- and underwater vehicles that can move in the real world by themselves without human pilotage – have gained immense importance not only due to the broad spectrum of their potential military and civilian applications, but also due to the concurrent development of sensor technology and embedded systems that enable the realization of true autonomy.

Prior to joining the faculty at WPI in 2001, I was a Senior Staff Engineer in the Advanced Propulsion Technology Group at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). My research at JPL included application of plasma sources for materials processing and the development of pulsed plasma and small-scale hydrazine thrusters. In the mission support area, I worked as the propulsion engineer for the Deep Space 3 Interferometer and Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) missions.

My research is aimed towards understanding fundamental aspects of reacting flows at thermodynamic conditions of relevance to aircraft, rocket, and automobile propulsion. Reacting flow phenomena occurring in engines are complicated as a result of turbulent flow, interaction with solid boundaries, and extreme thermodynamic conditions. In order to understand and simulate combustion phenomena under such conditions, there is a necessity to develop accurate chemical kinetic and molecular transport models in addition to fluid mechanics models.

Prior to joining the faculty at WPI in August 2015, I worked as a post-doctoral research associate at Graduate Aerospace Laboratories at California Institute of Technology. My research at Caltech focused on the development of a Granular Element Method (GEM) based force visualization technique for the study of 2D granular systems under impact loading. I examined of the role of granular fabric on the wave motion and formation of force chains in granular media.

Refer a Friend

Do you have a friend, colleague, or family member who might be interested in Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s (WPI) graduate programs? Click below to tell them about our programs.

Experiential PhD: Working Full-Time While Pursuing Your PhD Degree

WPI supports individuals working full-time in industry to pursue PhD degrees either part-time or full-time on topics related to their employment. Want to learn more about this opportunity and how to obtain this industry-based PhD degree, visit the WPI Experiential PhD program page.

Explore Alternative PhD Paths

Are you intrigued by evaluating design and engineering principles, but prefer to be on land? With a PhD in mechanical engineering you can use your creative talents to produce devices closer to home, for businesses, houses, and more. As a student in our PhD program, you’ll have the opportunity to lead breakthrough research alongside world-renowned WPI faculty and work to solve problems that support real industry partners.

Pursue a Master’s in Aerospace Engineering First

Do you first need to earn your master’s degree? Here at WPI, we offer a flexible part or full time master’s in aerospace engineering perfect for students who have other obligations. Our MS covers topics like turbomachinery, spacecraft propulsion, and more to encourage students to simulate their creativity into practice. Our one-on-one faculty mentorship empowers students to gain technical expertise in modern aerospace from industry experts.

Just Starting Your Career? Reach Sky High Limits with a Bachelor's.

If you have aspirations to become an aerospace engineer, flight technician, or even a design engineer, be sure to set yourself up for success with a bachelor’s in aerospace engineering . As an undergraduate student you’ll have exposure to the technical tools to learn about aircraft design, astronautics, and more. Maybe you’re intrigued by airplanes and rockets, but aren’t sure you want to major in aerospace engineering? Consider gaining a fundamental understanding of aircraft with our minor in aerospace engineering .

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Ph.D. - Aerospace Engineering

Why this degree.

Graduate study in aerospace engineering features a meaningful research project in areas such as aerodynamics, computational fluid dynamics, control theory, flight dynamics, orbital mechanics, propulsion, structures or structural dynamics under the guidance and supervision of a senior faculty member.

You are eligible to apply if...

• You hold a bachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering or equivalent from an institute of recognized standing (transcripts required) are eligible.
• Applicants with degrees in other science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines are encouraged to apply and may be required to complete undergraduate aerospace engineering courses before official admission into the graduate program.
• You have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0/4.0, and 3.4-plus is considered more competitive.
• In general, GRE scores of 160-plus for quantitative reasoning and 150-plus for verbal reasoning are considered competitive.
• Three letters of recommendation are also required.

To complete the program you must...

• Take a minimum of 60 credit hours of graduate coursework, which includes any hours earned in a master’s program at Auburn. Course requirements can be found in the Bulletin.
• 15 of the 30 credit hours must be taken at Auburn University (if transferring)
• 6 of the 30 credit hours must be taken in MATH
• Take 10 of 60 credit hours in AERO 8990 Research and Dissertation
• Take the remaining 20 credit hours in graded courses or AERO 8990

*View a complete  AERO course list  and course descriptions. Graduate courses are those listed as level ”6000” and up; those that are also offered online have a corresponding listing ending in “6.” (e.g., 6050/6506).

What can you expect?

• Vrishank Raghav  —  [email protected]

Applying for the Ph.D. - Aerospace Engineering

• Fill out the online graduate application at  https://graduate.auburn.edu/prospective-students/application-instructions/ (you will be required to create an account).
• Upload your official transcripts, resume, GRE scores, and letters of recommendation.
• For more information, visit  auburn.edu .

Doctor of Philosophy Aeronautics & Astronautics

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program is an advanced engineering degree that prepares students for leadership roles in academia, industry, and research institutions specializing in aeronautics and astronautics.

Typically, Ph.D. students are admitted post-bachelor’s, meaning they have completed a BS (or equivalent) in the field of aerospace or mechanical engineering. Post-bachelor’s students may pursue a “direct-to-Ph.D.” path or earn a Master of Science in Aeronautics & Astronautics en route to the Ph.D.

However, the department may admit post-master’s students who already hold an MS (or equivalent) degree in an appropriate field. See Post-Master’s admission .

All Ph.D. students identify an area of concentration. Currently, the department offers concentrations in the areas of:

For more information about the Ph.D. program, please visit  degree requirements . For funding information, please visit graduate funding .

Expand All | Collapse All

Admission requirements

Previous academic preparation: The Doctor of Philosophy is an advanced engineering degree. It is expected that admitted applicants will hold an undergraduate degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering.

Undergraduate degrees in other fields may be acceptable, as long as the applicant has completed fundamental engineering and math coursework. (For an example of appropriate math and "engineering fundamentals," please see the requirements outlined in our department's Bachelor of Science curriculum ).

Professional experience, though highly desirable, is not accepted in lieu of college-level coursework.

Minimum GPA and exam scores: The University of Washington Graduate School requires an applicant to have a minimum 3.0 GPA to be considered eligible for admission. Beyond this, our department does not maintain a fixed minimum for either GPA or exam scores. However, admission to our department is competitive. 

Post-Master's admission

Applicants who hold a master's degree and wish to be considered for "Post-Master's" status should explicitly address this topic in their statement of purpose. Post-Master’s admission is extremely competitive. Post-Master's applicants must demonstrate very strong scholastic ability, previous experience in conducting independent research, and the ability to contribute creatively to advanced developments in engineering.

Post-Master's applicants will not be admitted without a commitment from a member of the department's graduate faculty who will serve as a doctoral advisor. As a general guideline, the department expects that Post-Master's applicants already have or soon will secure at least three years’ worth of funding (either through a commitment from the doctoral advisor or through another source such as NSF, NASA, DoD, DoE, or other funding agency).

Please note that formal Post-Master's status is not conferred until after the student has enrolled and submitted a Petition for Post-Master's Status to the department and the Graduate School.

When to apply

The department accepts new degree students for autumn quarter only. Completed applications must be submitted by 11:59 pm (Pacific Time) on the deadline date. Late applications will not be accepted.

Autumn 2024 Application Deadline: Friday, December 1 (11:59 PM Pacific Time Zone), 2023.

The department does not review any applications until after the deadline has passed. You can monitor the status of your application by logging in to the application system. However, if there are any questions or concerns regarding your application we will contact you.

The department strives to provide decisions within 8-10 weeks of the application deadline. However, the actual date of notification will vary depending on factors such as the size of the applicant pool. Applicants will be notified via email when a final decision has been made.

How to apply

Applying for admission to a graduate degree program begins with the online application system managed by the University of Washington Graduate School. All materials, including letters of recommendation, will be submitted electronically through this system. Once an applicant submits an application, the application and all supporting materials are routed to the department for review.

Required application materials: The following materials must be provided in order for an application to be considered complete and eligible for review.

• Electronic Application    
• Resume  
• GRE scores Starting autumn 2022 and beyond, GRE scores will no longer be requested or considered as part of A&A's admissions process. Submitted GRE scores will not factor into our admissions decisions.  

COVID-19 UPDATE:  The admissions committee will take into account the significant challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic when reviewing transcripts. In particular, any Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory, Pass/Fail, Credit/No Credit and similar grading options during the pandemic will be reviewed in context and will not negatively affect applicants.

• Statement of purpose Submit a Statement of Purpose that offers a clear and concise overview of your reasons for pursuing this graduate degree, your previous preparation, your research experience and interests, and your career goals. This statement should convey information not available on your transcripts or resume and be no more than one page single spaced (approximately 500 words).  
• Two letters of recommendation Letters from academic references are preferred but relevant professional references are also acceptable. Strong letters will be substantive, specific, and will address (1) an applicant's technical experience and research ability, (2) the applicant's likelihood of success in graduate-level studies, and (3) the relevance/appropriateness of the PhD program for the applicant's future goals.  
• English proficiency Proficiency in English is required for graduate study at the University of Washington. Any applicant whose native language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency as determined by the UW Graduate School in Policy 3.2 . If you are using an exam to meet the English proficiency requirement, then test scores must be received by the application deadline.

International applicants

International applicants who hold an appropriate undergraduate degree from an accredited university are eligible to apply to the Ph.D. program. Applicants admitted as full-time, on-campus students will be eligible for a visa, issued through the UW Graduate School, subject to certain restrictions and requirements. Please contact the Graduate School directly for visa information ( [email protected] )

When preparing their applications, international students must be certain to provide legible, fully translated copies of their undergraduate transcripts.

For more information see  International Applicant Information  on the Graduate School site.

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Online Doctor of Engineering

Dr. Timothy Jacobs  serves as the program's department head and Dr. Chuck Wolf  serves as the program's academic advisor.

Program Information

The Doctor of Engineering (D.Eng.) Program prepares our students to work at the highest levels of the engineering profession. This program emphasizes solving problems that arise in using technologies beneficial to mankind. However, those problems and their solutions frequently affect society in nontechnical ways. Therefore, technological advances implemented through business and industry require direction by persons possessing both high technical competence and professional understanding of the social, political and institutional factors involved. Graduates of the D.Eng. Programs are uniquely qualified to fulfill that important role.

The program prepares individuals for professional engineering careers in business, industry and the public sector. It is not intended as a research degree nor as preparation for a faculty position at a research university. That is the province of the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degree. The D.Eng. program emphasizes engineering practice, public service and the development of leadership potential, not basic research.

D.Eng. graduates are prepared to move quickly into positions of responsibility and authority. Therefore, students are required to take courses in business and communications, supplemented by elective graduate courses. With this background, professional activities can and often do encompass both technical and nontechnical fields.

Positions of leadership call for interaction between technology and society; communication is required not only with other engineers but with other professionals, laymen and workers. The ability to think and express oneself clearly is essential. These needs are considered in the admission requirements and in the internship.

Admission Requirements

Individuals possessing a minimum of an ABET-accredited bachelor's degree in engineering or the equivalent may apply for program admission. Those persons applying with only a bachelor's degree must have a grade point average of at least 3.0/4.0. Individuals applying with a master's degree in engineering must have a grade point average of at least 3.25 for their overall graduate studies. Since the D.Eng. is a practice-oriented, professional degree, at least five years of fulltime engineering-related practice is an important factor considered for program admission. 

 Please note additional remote engineering fees are added each semester. 

How to apply

• Program Specialist IV, Department of Multidisciplinary Engineering
• Interim Graduate Advisor, Department of Multidisciplinary Engineering
• Office: ETB 1041K
• Phone: 979-845-0528
• Email: [email protected]

PhD Admissions

Main navigation.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree is intended primarily for students who desire a career in research, advanced development, or teaching. Students in the PhD program obtain a broad education in the core areas of Aeronautics and Astronautics through coursework, while also engaging in intensive research in a specialized area, culminating in a doctoral thesis.

As of the 2021-2022 application term, an MS degree will no longer be required to apply to the PhD program in Aeronautics and Astronautics. Students with a Bachelor’s degree who ultimately intend to complete a PhD degree are strongly encouraged to apply directly to the PhD program, rather than the MS program.

Current Stanford MS students interested in adding a PhD program to their academic career should speak with the staff at the Aero/Astro Student Services Office about the necessary paperwork and relevant policies. If you are a current master's student in the Stanford Aeronautics and Astronautics Department, to apply for the PhD, you must complete paperwork prior to conferring the MS degree.

Application Deadlines

We have one PhD admission cycle. Application deadlines are final. A completed application (including letters of recommendation, transcripts and TOEFL scores) must be uploaded by the deadline. Applications will NOT be accepted after the deadline. A completed application (including letters of recommendation, transcripts and TOEFL scores) must be received by the following date:

Autumn 2024-25: December 5, 2023

Application Requirements

To be eligible for admission to the PhD program, applicants must either:

• hold, or expect to hold before enrollment at Stanford, a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. college or university.
• Applicants from institutions outside the U.S. must hold the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree from a college or university of recognized standing. See minimum level of study required of international applicants .

Students who meet the above degree requirement with a strong technical background in engineering, physics, or a comparable science program are welcome to apply; a bachelor's degree in aeronautics and astronautics or mechanical engineering is not strictly required.

All students interested in pursuing a PhD in Aeronautics and Astronautics should use the Stanford Graduate Admissions Application . Your application must include all of the materials listed below and be received by Stanford by the application deadline. The fee for online graduate applications is $125.

Required Application Documents

• Online Application
• Application Fee

Statement of Purpose

• 3 Letters of Recommendation
• Official TOEFL* Scores, if applicable

Application Fee Waiver

If you are considering Stanford graduate programs and need assistance with the application fees, consider applying for a fee waiver .

Your statement of purpose should identify personal and professional goals. It should also discuss your development to date and your intentions relative to graduate study and life beyond Stanford. The Aero/Astro Graduate Admissions Committee reads your statement of purpose with interest because, along with the letters of recommendation, it offers insight into who you are as an individual. Your statement of purpose should not exceed two pages (single-spaced).

Transcripts

Submitting transcripts when you are applying, and after you have been offered admission are two separate steps. When applying: You must upload one scanned version of your transcript(s) in the online application. Please read the Applying section of this website for important information about submitting transcripts. If offered admission: Please see this page for information on submitting final official transcripts.

Letters of Recommendation

Three letters of recommendation are required; one letter must come from an academic source, although at least two are preferred. Recommendations must be submitted online. Please see the "Recommendations" section of the online application for information. Please  do not  submit letters of recommendation through Interfolio.

TOEFL Scores

Adequate command of spoken and written English is required for admission. Applicants whose first language is not English must submit an official test score from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) . Stanford accepts only ETS (Educational Testing Service) scores. TOEFL results must be from an examination taken within the past two years. The Stanford institution code for ETS reporting is 4704. You do not need a department code. For more information on TOEFL requirements, please see the Required Exams and Frequently Asked Questions sections on the Graduate Admissions website .

*Stanford will temporarily accept the TOEFL ITP Plus test with the Vericant interview for applicants from Mainland China who are unable to sit for the TOEFL iBT. This exception is requested only for the 2020-2021 application cycle. Applicants may be asked to re-test at a later time once the Stanford TOEFL iBT becomes available, or applicants may be asked to re-test through the Stanford Language Center. Per current University policy, all international students including those from Mainland China must receive English language clearance from the English for Foreign Students program prior to becoming a teaching assistant.

Exemptions are granted to applicants who have earned (or will earn, before enrolling at Stanford) a U.S. bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree from a college or university accredited by a regional accrediting association in the United States, or the international equivalent degree from a university of recognized standing in a country in which all instruction is provided in English. U.S. citizenship does not automatically exempt an applicant from taking the TOEFL if the applicant’s first language is not English.

Reapplicants must submit new supporting documents and complete the online application as outlined above, in the graduate application checklist. Only prior official test scores can be reactivated.

Application Status

You may view your application status and decision by logging into your status page . Due to the volume of applications we receive, we are not able to confirm with individual applicants when documents have been received. All applicants should monitor the online checklist to track individual documents. It is the applicant's responsibility to monitor the checklist and ensure that all documents are received by the deadline.

Admission Decisions

Completed applications are reviewed by the faculty Admissions Committee throughout the winter. A select group of applicants will be interviewed during the evaluation process. Letters are sent as decisions are made, beginning in March. The selection of graduate students admitted to the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics is based on an individualized, holistic review of each application, including (but not limited to) the applicant’s academic record, the letters of recommendation, the statement of purpose, personal qualities and characteristics, and past accomplishments.

PhD Funding

All SoE PhD students who are in good standing relative to their PhD program requirements will be funded to the department’s PhD standard. In all departments, this is at least equivalent to Stanford’s 20-hour-RA salary plus tuition to cover the department’s required enrollment (summer enrollment requirements vary by department).  Funding can include fellowships, research assistantships, training grants and teaching assistantships. PhD students are encouraged to pursue outside fellowships. Besides the prestige, fellowships give the recipient greater flexibility in determining their own research direction.

Knight-Hennessy Scholars

Join dozens of Stanford Engineering students who gain valuable leadership skills in a multidisciplinary, multicultural community as Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS).

KHS admits up to 100 select applicants each year from across Stanford’s seven graduate schools, and delivers engaging experiences that prepare them to be visionary, courageous, and collaborative leaders ready to address complex global challenges. As a scholar, you join a multidisciplinary and multicultural cohort, participate in up to three years of leadership programming, and receive full funding for up to three years of your graduate studies at Stanford.

Candidates from any country may apply. KHS applicants must have earned their first undergraduate degree within the last seven years (or nine years, if you have served in your country's military). Applicants must apply to both a Stanford graduate program and to KHS.

If you aspire to be a leader in your field, we invite you to apply. The KHS application deadline is October 11, 2023. Learn more about KHS admission .

Application Questions

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Aerospace Engineering Sciences

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Graduate Degrees in Aerospace Engineering Sciences

Ranked among the top five public aerospace graduate programs in the U.S., CU Boulder’s Ann and H.J. Smead Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences is internationally recognized for its research and education leadership in aerospace engineering, and earth and space sciences.

With 56 faculty members and more than 500 graduate students, the master’s and doctoral degree programs will prepare you to meet the engineering needs of the 21st century through the understanding, conception, design and application of aerial and spacecraft systems.

Degree Types

MS ᐧ Professional MS ᐧ PhD

• College of Engineering and Applied Science
• Ann and H.J. Smead Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences
• Aerospace Engineering Faculty

Take a video tour of our 180,000-square-foot Smead Aerospace Sciences Building.

Tackle challenges in aerospace technology and science in a breadth of focus areas . 

Be part of what’s next. The department invests more than $15 million annually on research.

Degree Options & Application Requirements

Aerospace engineering, master of science in aerospace engineering.

• Can be completed in 2 years
• Requires focus area
• Requires master’s thesis or nonthesis coursework, which may consist of 2 semesters of graduate project or an approved certificate

GRE/GMAT Requirements

Application deadlines.

• Spring admission: Oct. 1 for international and U.S. applicants
• Fall admission: Dec. 1 for international and U.S. applicants

 For program details, review the course catalog for the MS in aerospace engineering sciences .

Professional Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering

• Must be completed in 4 years
• Focus area not required
• Can be completed 100% online

 For program details, review the course catalog for the professional MS in aerospace engineering sciences .

Doctor of Philosophy in Aerospace Engineering

• Can be completed in 4–6 years
• Must pass preliminary and comprehensive departmental examinations
• At least 30 dissertation credits required

 For program details, review the course catalog for the PhD in aerospace engineering sciences . 

Dual Graduate Degree in Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Management

• Must complete 45 credits
• Focus area required for traditional MS students
• Must be admitted to aerospace engineering program first, then apply to engineering management program
• GRE score is required only for the engineering management program if the cumulative undergraduate GPA is below 3.0

 For program details, review the course catalog for the MS in aerospace engineering sciences and ME in engineering management . 

Research Areas

• Astrodynamics and Satellite Navigation Systems 
• Autonomous Systems 
• Bioastronautics
• Fluids, Structures and Materials
• Remote Sensing, Earth and Space Science

Learn More About Research Areas at CU Boulder

Funding Opportunities

We understand funding opportunities play a major role in helping you to decide whether a program is right for you. At CU Boulder, PhD students are supported through research and teaching assistantships. Students are also encouraged to apply for their own sources of funding.

   Explore General Funding    Explore Department-Specific Funding

Graduate Student Resources

Student success is best met with holistic support and resources. CU Boulder offers robust resources, programming and opportunities to help students establish meaningful connections, adjust to graduate student life and find assistance when they need it. Whether it’s academic, social, or health and wellness support, the university provides an array of resources to meet the diverse needs of our students.  

Graduate Student Organizations

Explore ways to connect with other graduate students on campus, online and off campus, locally and internationally.

Diversity, Equity, Access & Inclusion

Learn about our commitment to ensuring our graduate education is accessible and welcoming for all students.

Health & Wellness

Find resources with contact and location information for a broad range of services.

Leadership Development

Attend regular, graduate-specific workshops and seminars to hone practical and professional skills before entering the job market.

Peer Mentoring Program

Connect with an established graduate peer mentor who serves as your guide through the graduate student experience.

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20 Best Doctor of Aerospace Engineering (DE, PhD) Graduate Schools

Reviewed by David Krug David Krug is a seasoned expert with 20 years in educational technology (EdTech). His career spans the pivotal years of technology integration in education, where he has played a key role in advancing student-centric learning solutions. David's expertise lies in marrying technological innovation with pedagogical effectiveness, making him a valuable asset in transforming educational experiences. As an advisor for enrollment startups, David provides strategic guidance, helping these companies navigate the complexities of the education sector. His insights are crucial in developing impactful and sustainable enrollment strategies.

Updated: May 10, 2024 , Reading time: 15 minutes

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Aerospace engineers, known as “rocket scientists,” are known for their exceptional intelligence. As such, aerospace engineers are held in high esteem and are required to earn a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree. 

The Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering is a research-focused degree requiring high motivation, exceptional mental ability, and academic rigor, characterized by intensive research and high expectations.

Quick audio summary:

METHODOLOGY

The 20 Doctor of Aerospace Engineering universities featured here have been selected based on the following criteria: 

• The university has accreditation from one of the six regional accreditation agencies and ABET’s Engineering Accreditation Commission for its post-graduate program. 
• The admission process uses highly selective criteria, resulting in only the cream of the crop being accepted. 
• The university and the Ph.D. program are known for academic excellence, abundant research opportunities, and rigorous standards. 
• The students thrive with the wide range of student support services, from library resources and research facilities to financial aid, available.

20 Best Doctor Of Aerospace Engineering Graduate Schools

Massachusetts institute of technology.

Cambridge, Massachusetts

PhD in Aeronautics and Astronautics

MIT is a world-leading institution for technology programs and has produced numerous innovations. MIT’s PhD in Aeronautics and Astronautics, a very selective program, adopts the same original, innovative, and impactful research philosophy for societal change. 

Students have opportunities to specialize in one of the program’s thirteen areas, including Aerospace Computational Engineering, Aircraft Systems Engineering, Humans in Aerospace, and Space Propulsion. They can also choose from other courses in other departments.

California Institute of Technology

Pasadena, California

PhD in Aeronautics or Space Engineering

Caltech is known worldwide for its outstanding science and engineering programs and its research in pure and applied sciences. Caltech manages JPL, a reputable institution known for its aerospace engineering education and 25 spacecraft missions, offering students the opportunity to broaden their horizons.

The first-year Ph.D. and master’s degrees have identical coursework, and students can choose to receive their master’s degree upon completing their Ph.D. coursework. The program’s qualifying exams cover Space Engineering, fluid mechanics, solid/structural mechanics, autonomy, and control.

Stanford University

Stanford, California

Stanford is a global leader in cutting-edge research, producing the most Turing Award winners and various Nobel Prize laureates, Fulbright scholars, and Rhodes scholars. Stanford’s PhD in Aeronautics and Astronautics receives an individualized program design that represents their interests and goals.

Funding is available to students in good standing, and it can include research and teaching assistantships, fellowships, and training grants. Students will focus on the study of propulsion, guidance and control, aerodynamics, and structural issues.

Georgia Institute of Technology

Atlanta, Georgia

PhD in Aerospace Engineering  

The National Institute of Aerospace cited Georgia Tech’s Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering as the country’s #1 producer of aerospace graduates. The PhD in Aerospace Engineering at Georgia Tech is a highly regarded program known for its exceptional academics and rigorous research. 

If you’re looking for a cheaper and respected PhD program, this can be for you. It also offers various specializations: 

• aerodynamics and fluid mechanics
• structural mechanics and materials behavior
• aeroelasticity and structural dynamic
•  propulsion and combustion
• system design and optimization
• flight mechanics and control

University of Michigan—Ann Arbor

Arbor, Michigan

PhD in Aerospace Engineering

UMich is an AAU member, R:1 pioneering research university with a robust research-centric PhD in Aerospace Engineering. The most sought-after feature of this program is that it is fully funded, providing eligible doctoral students full tuition and mandatory fees coverage and a year-long monthly stipend. 

Students must pass the Rackham cognate requirement, which can be fulfilled through four credit hours of B-graded cognate courses or equivalent graduate coursework. Students can choose additional courses beyond the doctoral program as long as they align with their doctoral research specialization in consultation with their doctoral advisor.

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Urbana, Illinois

Illinois has several things going for it, from its multimillion-dollar research expenditures to its enormous library collections. There’s no shortage of research opportunities for students in its Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering program. 

It’s one of the most competitive PhD programs where students are required to have a 25% or higher teaching assistantship for at least one semester to meet candidacy requirements. Students are monitored by the doctoral committee at least once a year, and this can include a written progress report containing deficiencies and suggestions.

University of Texas Austin

Austin, Texas

UT Austin is among the most productive institutions with high research expenditures, from its engineering to social sciences fields. The university’s PhD in Aerospace Engineering requires its students to have continuous registration. 

Students also assume teaching assistant roles and enroll in the Supervised Teaching in Aerospace Engineering course. Moreover, students will receive funding opportunities like graduate research assistantships, fellowships, and teaching assistantships. 

Texas A&M University College Station

College Station, Texas

TAMU’s research expenditures have seen an 18.8% increase in 2020, amounting to $1.131 billion! Engineering research accounted for 32% of the total amount, with students in the Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering likely benefiting from a strong focus on engineering research.

Bachelor’s degree students must complete one academic year and one semester of in-resident study, while master’s degree students must complete one academic year and nine credit hours per semester. Students must pass the Aerospace Engineering Fundamentals Exam (AFQE) during their second semester, followed by a preliminary exam to determine their suitability for the Ph.D. program.

Princeton University

PhD in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Princeton’s PhD in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering provides its students with various exchange programs with other institutions and international partnerships. Every student is offered full financial support provided good standing is maintained. All students are also on the eligible list for the Wu and Upton Fellowships. 

Princeton’s aerospace engineering research program, focusing on fluid mechanics, materials science, and robotics, offers interdisciplinary opportunities and encourages collaborative work among 100 in-residence students.

University of Colorado—Boulder

Boulder, Colorado

PhD in Aerospace Engineering Sciences

The Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering Sciences at CU Boulder offers several collaborative research centers fostering student-researcher relationships. These include the Anschutz Medical Campus, the National Science Foundation Industry & University Cooperative Research Program, and the Colorado Renewable Energy Collaboratory.

Students may participate in community outreach projects. The BOLD Center is a prime example, and it manages several programs for K-12 student engagement in science and engineering.

Cornell University

Ithaca, New York

Cornell’s Ph.D. programs, including its Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, benefit from the Ivy League university’s robust support for research. Faculty members focus on aerospace vehicle dynamics, celestial mechanics, and basic aerosciences, including unsteady and vortical flows, transonic flows, and combustion processes, and welcome student assistantships. Students must assume teaching assistantships for two semesters. 

Students enter the program with a bachelor’s degree but must demonstrate exceptional intelligence and other personal traits vital to degree completion. The university expects its Ph.D. students to make original and substantial contributions to the body of knowledge related to aerospace engineering.

University of Maryland – College Park 

College Park, Maryland

Thanks to its proximity to Washington, D.C. and Public Ivy status, UMD’s Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering students have numerous opportunities for research partnerships with federal agencies. Every student creates a Doctoral Coursework Plan that outlines the courses taken to earn the Ph.D. degree. 

Ph.D. students have access to the Alfred Gessow Rotorcraft Center, among the country’s leading research centers in aerospace engineering. There are also numerous CCE research centers, labs, and institutes with interdisciplinary research programs going on at any time.

University of California—Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California

UCLA’s outstanding Ph.D. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering program encourages a collaborative culture that results in productive research in engineering and science . The Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) Department is a separate entity and, thus, has more autonomy in its decisions than other departments. 

Bachelor’s and master’s graduates of mechanical and aerospace engineering-related degrees offer academic advantages, while other engineering fields are accepted. Professional background and upper-division undergraduate coursework are considered for non-MAE applicants.

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Blacksburg, Virginia

Virginia Tech, with a $522 million research portfolio, is among the best schools for research and support for programs like the Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering. In fact, its AE Ph.D. is one of the most supported programs in the university. You can earn an M.S. in Ocean Engineering and a Ph.D. as an option under Aerospace Engineering.

The Ph.D. allows its students to specialize in one or more fields. Specializations include Aero-Hydrodynamics, Dynamics And Control, Structures And Structural Dynamics, Ocean Engineering, Applied Physics, Space Engineering, and Applied Mathematics, among others. 

Pennsylvania State University – University Park

University Park, Pennsylvania

Penn State is a renowned public research institution that has reached its 60-year mark for its international leadership in aerospace engagement, education, and research. The Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering at Penn State exposes its students to experimental and computational research approaches while engaging in traditional subjects.

Recent research topics include propulsion, aerodynamics, vehicle dynamics, rotorcraft engineering, and flight science. Cutting-edge research in commercial space, UAVs, and nanomanufacturing are also popular. Several first-rate graduate research facilities are available for students , including an indoor UAV flight space, high-performance computer clusters, and vibration and acoustics labs.

University of Minnesota – Twin Cities

Minneapolis, Minnesota

PhD in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics

UMN’s College of Science of Engineering (CSE) has produced over 144 patents, 715 invention disclosures, and 16 startup companies – and counting. The Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics program has contributed its fair share to these remarkable achievements.

Although the average time of graduation is four years, students have up to six years to complete other degree requirements, such as research and dissertation. However, they must complete their academic coursework in the first two years.

University of California – San Diego

La Jolla, California

PhD in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering  

UCSD researchers utilized $1.54 billion in 2021 funding to understand coronavirus, predict wildfire behavior, and assess climate change risks. Researchers in the Ph.D. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering program likely benefited from it, too. 

The Ph.D. in MAE at UCSD doesn’t follow a one-size-fits-all specific program of study, not even specific course requirements. Students must consult with the Advising Committee for their specific coursework in preparation for the qualifying exam. Students are considered enrolled at both UCSD and SDSU for the entirety of their stay in the program.

University of Washington

Seattle, Washington

PhD in Aeronautics & Astronautics

With 280 research centers, Ph.D. in Aeronautics & Astronautics students have among the widest array of opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and cutting-edge research. Students must pick a concentration in one of these areas: Controls, Fluids, Structures, or Plasmas.  

Students choose between the direct-to-Ph.D. pathway or earn an MS in Aeronautics & Astronautics as part of the Ph.D. program. Applicants with a master’s degree may also be admitted through the post-master’s admission process. 

Ohio State University

Columbus, Ohio

Ohio State, one of the Public Ivies, offers a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering program known for faculty and students constantly innovating on flight principles and practices. Students are expected to keep technology, innovation, and research as part of their day-to-day experience, a philosophy that stimulates productivity. 

Although funding is available, it’s very competitive. Benefits include paid tuition, health insurance, monthly stipend, and child care, even coverage for short-term absences and prolonged leaves of absence for specific reasons. 

University of Southern California

The USC Viterbi School of Engineering is best known for its exemplary Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering program. The Ph.D. program has three strategic themes – art, science, and technology involving creation, design, and manufacturing in aerospace; exploration technologies; and the use of aerospace engineering and its technologies to improve the quality of urban life.

In addition to its rigorous curriculum and various research areas, USC has a full funding policy for its Ph.D. students with coverage for tuition, a stipend for living expenses, and a health insurance package. Assistantships and fellowships are available, too.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of a phd in aerospace engineering degree.

Aerospace engineers are among the highest-paid professionals in the country, with a median annual wage of $118,610 (May 2020). But note that it’s only with a bachelor’s degree! Individuals with a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering can land jobs with higher pay and better benefits, including but not limited to: 

• Aerospace engineer in manufacturers of aerospace products and parts; engineering services; federal government agencies; and R&D in companies engaged in life, physical, and engineering sciences 
• Engineering teachers in colleges and universities 
• Engineering or architectural manager in construction sites and the like 

Many Ph.D. holders even branch out into other branches of engineering , such as electronics, industrial and mechanical engineering. Their advanced education and training become the best foundation for being multi-talented engineers. 

What are the typical duties of an Aerospace Engineer? 

The specific duties of aerospace engineers include but aren’t limited to: 

• Evaluate the technical and financial feasibility of proposals for projects 
• Determine the safety of operations of the proposed projects based on defined goals 
• Assess the quality of products based on customer requirements, engineering principles, and governmental regulations 
• Conduct quality inspections to ensure that quality standards for the product and project are met 
• Solve issues related to damaged and malfunctioning products 
• Develop new technologies in the aerospace industry, from aviation to defense systems 

Aerospace engineers may also specialize in specific areas, such as materials, thermodynamics, and aerodynamics. Many report that their choice of graduate specialization started early during their Ph.D. studies , with their dissertation tackling said choice. 

What are the main branches of Aerospace Engineering? 

There are two major branches. 

• Aeronautical engineers develop and test technologies in civilian and military aviation, focusing on aircraft, jet engines, and drone systems development, often involving flight experimentation.
• Astronautical engineers design, develop, and test space exploration technologies, including satellites, vehicles, missiles, rockets, and planetary probes, often working in NASA and other space agencies.

What are the licensing and certification requirements for Aerospace Engineers? 

Licensure is neither common for aerospace engineers, unlike in other engineering occupations, nor is it required for entry-level jobs. But getting a Professional Engineering (PE) license is an option, especially for aerospace engineers looking for leadership positions. 

The licensure requirements vary by state, but the common requirements include: 

• A bachelor’s degree, at least, from an ABET-accredited engineering program (Holders of a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering degree may or may not pursue the PE license depending on their career goals or preferred workplace) 
• Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, usually after earning a bachelor’s degree in engineering  
• Passing the PE exam 
• At least four years of relevant work experience 

What’s the typical coursework of a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering program? 

Since a Ph.D. degree is the highest academic attainment, the typical curriculum in a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering program includes advanced topics in: 

• Orbital mechanics 
• Space systems 
• Theory of elasticity 
• Fluid mechanics and dynamics 
• Life support systems 
• Human performance in abnormal and extreme environments 
• Extraterrestrial resources 

Aside from the intensive STEM-centric and rigorous coursework , Ph.D. students also gain knowledge and skills in business, law, and ethics. Ph.D. programs are designed for aerospace engineers who have already made a career but want to pursue management positions, contribute to the development of the profession, and be updated about new knowledge. 

The culminating project of Ph.D. programs is dissertation research , and it’s among the most challenging academic requirements. In fact, Ph.D. students can spend between three and five years on their dissertation before these are considered acceptable! 

Additional Resources:

• Grad School Resource Center: A Guide to Engineering
• Highest Paying Graduate Degrees
• Master’s Degrees That Pay the Most

Related Posts

We’re certain of one thing—your search for more information on picking the best graduate degree or school landed you here. Let our experts help guide your through the decision making process with thoughtful content written by experts.

Aerospace Engineering, PhD

• Program description
• At a glance
• Degree requirements
• Admission requirements
• Tuition information
• Application deadlines
• Career opportunities
• Contact information

Airplane, Flight, Space, Technology, approved for STEM-OPT extension, engineeringgrad

The PhD program in aerospace engineering emphasizes original research and provides students with a strong background for employment in academic institutions, government laboratories and industrial research laboratories with a focus on aerospace engineering.

The program stresses a sound foundation in technical fundamentals, communication and professionalism. To this end, a broad-based curriculum is offered in design, system dynamics and control; fluid mechanics and aerodynamics; mechanics and dynamics of solids and structures; transport phenomena; thermodynamics and energy. Modern computational and laboratory facilities are available to support timely research investigations.

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 36 months. This OPT work authorization term may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.

The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing the degree through ASU Online.

• College/school: Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering
• Location: Tempe

84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

All students pursuing the doctorate are required to pass both a qualifying and a comprehensive examination administered by the program committee. In addition, the following are required:

coursework directly related to the research area (18) mathematics (9) graduate courses outside the major research area (9) MAE 792 Research MAE 799 Dissertation credit hours (12)

Students in the doctoral program who have not completed an MS degree previously are allowed to apply for a Master of Science in Passing after successfully completing the comprehensive exams.

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from an accredited U.S. or international institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

• graduate admission application and application fee
• official transcripts
• personal statement
• resume or curriculum vitae
• three letters of recommendation
• proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency via a minimum of score of 80 on the internet-based TOEFL regardless of their current residency.

ASU does not accept the GRE® General Test at home edition.

Admission to the aerospace engineering doctoral program is highly competitive, and preferred applicants have an undergraduate or master's degree in aerospace engineering or mechanical engineering. The admission process considers all aspects of the student's application. The typical successful applicant has a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in engineering and science coursework in a bachelor's or master's degree program, and high GRE and TOEFL scores.

Professionals with a doctorate in aerospace engineering have strong opportunities at all levels in aerospace engineering in research, design and manufacturing at companies of all sizes, as well as national laboratories (DOE, DOD, NASA). Analytical skills learned in aerospace engineering are also valued for other nonengineering positions.

Career examples include:

• engineering manager or director
• engineering professor
• research engineer

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Program | ECG 202 [email protected] 480-965-2335

Doctor of Philosophy

Our PhD program requires a commitment of typically five years and consists of coursework, a preliminary coursework examination, a preliminary research examination, and original research guided by one or more faculty advisors that culminates with an oral defense and published dissertation.

Fully Funded

The program is fully-funded, which means that subject to satisfactory progress, the student receives full coverage of tuition and mandatory student fees, as well as a yearlong monthly stipend. These funds come from a combination of faculty research funds, departmental fellowships, and instructional funds if the student assists in teaching during certain terms. Students are encouraged to apply for outside funding, particularly merit-based fellowships, as having external support will typically provide the student with more flexibility in projects.

PhD Advisor

Regardless of the ultimate source of funding, the student is advised by a faculty member who supervises and guides the research. These faculty advisors participate in the admissions process by selecting students that are appropriate for available projects. Therefore, every student admitted into the PhD program has already been selected for a project by one or more faculty members at the time they are admitted.

Prospective Students

Prospective PhD students seeking admission are encouraged to review the  research of the faculty  and initiate contact with them directly, via email, to assess the availability of potential research projects.

The following information pertains to students admitted into the PhD program.

Required Background

A master’s degree is not required to be admitted to the PhD program. However, our graduate program is very selective, with approximately 10% of the PhD applicants to our program finally admitted.

Learn about the  academic background of students admitted to consider whether our program is a good fit.

Degree Requirements

The PhD degree requires a sound background in fundamental aerospace engineering courses which is assessed by the preliminary examinations. These examinations are typically completed after the second or third semester in the program. The PhD dissertation requires a student to demonstrate their ability to pursue and solve an original research problem, which implies the ability to carry out independent research.

• Preliminary Examination coursework:  To qualify for the preliminary examination, a student must achieve a GPA of at least 3.5/4.0 in five core doctoral courses selected by the student and approved by the student’s research advisor. The five courses consist of three courses from  Category 1 doctoral courses  and two courses from either  Category 1 or Category 2 doctoral courses .

related links

Aerospace Engineering Courses Approved by Rackham

Aerospace Engineering Doctoral Graduate Student Handbook

• Additional coursework:  Courses selected to prepare for the preliminary examination do not alone constitute sufficient preparation for doctoral research. Each doctoral student is urged to select additional courses, beyond what is required for the preliminary examination that provides suitable background for the doctoral research specialization that the student intends to pursue. The selection of suitable courses should be made in consultation with the doctoral advisor.

Cognate Requirement

Rackham recognizes the value of intellectual breadth in graduate education and the importance of formal graduate study in areas beyond the student’s field of specialization. Cognate courses are those that are in a discipline or area different from a student’s field of study but are related or connected with some aspect of this field. All cognate coursework must be approved by the graduate program.

The cognate requirement may be satisfied in two ways:

• By completing three credit hours of cognate coursework in approved  graduate-level courses  with a grade of B or better. Cognate courses may be AEROSP courses as long as they are cross-listed as a course in another program.
• By completing  graduate coursework at another institution  that meets the expectation of the cognate requirement. These courses do not apply toward the minimum credit hours required for the degree, do not appear on the U-M transcript and must be completed no more than five years before admission to the current Rackham graduate program. The student must provide Rackham Academic Records and Dissertations (OARD) with an official transcript from this other institution, and the graduate program should notify OARD that the coursework fulfills the cognate requirement.

Responsible Conduct of Research and Scholarship Requirement

The College of Engineering’s  Responsible Conduct of Research and Scholarship program   is designed to engage students to be able to recognize, address, and resolve ethical issues in classroom, professional and research settings. The program consists of four mandatory two-hour workshops. Workshops are offered once in the fall and once in the winter. The student must complete all four workshops before advancing to candidacy.

Preliminary Examinations

The preliminary examinations (prelims) consist of two tests, both oral, and both administered by faculty committees: the oral coursework examination, typically taken at the end of the second or third semester; and the oral research examination, typically taken in the second or third year.

A full description of both exams is given in the  Doctoral Graduate Student Handbook.

Oral Coursework Examination

This is an oral examination that covers material taught in the five courses (noted above in “preliminary examination coursework”). It is administered by a three-member committee over 90 minutes.

The preliminary examination is scheduled twice each academic year, once in early December and once in early May. To sign up please complete the  Coursework Examination Sign-up form (PDF) and share it with the department’s graduate office.

Oral Research Examination

This is an oral examination that consists of a research presentation followed by questions from a committee, which is typically the student’s thesis committee. It is administered over one hour, at a time mutually agreeable to the student and committee. 

Scheduling the exam is the responsibility of the student and can be done at any time in the year. The student must also provide a research document to the committee at least one week in advance of the exam, in the form of a conference paper approximately 10 pages in length.

Pass, fail or retake decisions for the coursework examination are made in a faculty meeting at the conclusion of the examination period. 

Each coursework examination committee (CEC) presents a summary of the test performance and states the decision. All department faculty are invited to discuss and vote on the outcome. Students will receive written feedback about their coursework examination performance on a standardized form completed by their CEC. Students who do not pass the coursework examination may be permitted to take the exam one additional time.

For the research exam, the research examination committee makes a pass, fail or retake decision and communicates the outcome to the student with feedback on performance. If deficiencies are found, students will be encouraged to retake the exam when appropriate. There is no limit to the number of retakes of the research exam, but failing the research exam is grounds for dismissal from the PhD program.

Advancing to Candidacy

A student becomes a PhD candidate once they:

• pass the oral coursework examination;
• complete the Rackham cognate requirement;
• attend all four Responsible Conduct of Research and Scholarship (RCRS) workshops;
• and accumulate at least 18 credit hours of coursework at the University of Michigan.

Students should contact the graduate office once they have completed the candidacy requirements to ensure forms for advancing to candidacy are completed properly.

Dissertation

Dissertation committee.

Doctoral research is carried out under the supervision of a faculty advisor and a dissertation committee; the dissertation committee should normally be formed within one year after the student has achieved doctoral candidacy status. The student should expect to meet with their dissertation committee immediately after it is formed and at least on an annual basis up to the PhD defense.

Dissertation Defense

Each student must initiate research activity with their advisor in the first year of graduate study at U-M. In order to complete the PhD degree, the student must carry out original and publishable research, present the results in a written dissertation, defend the dissertation at a final oral defense, and complete the final post-defense (see  Rackham’s Dissertation Handbook   for additional details) tasks.

The oral defense presentation represents the culmination of the student’s research and is given to the committee and other faculty and students. The student must be able to clearly and concisely present their research and must be able to answer questions from the committee and others in attendance.

Guidelines for Dissertation Committee Formation

Rackham Committee Selection Form

Travel Grant

Rackham’s Dissertation Resources

Research Publicity Request Form

AERO PhD Defense Announcement Template

PhD candidates should download the AERO defense flyer template  and update it with their own photo, dissertation abstract and event details to spread the word to their research group and other colleagues who would like to attend.

Please save the flyer as a PDF and send it to  Ruthie Freeman  at least two weeks before your event to have it shared it with the department through standard department channels.

HELPUL RESOURCE

Familiarize yourself with the department PhD handbook to understand the policies and procedures that will impact your doctoral education.

Doctoral Program in Aerospace Engineering

• exploration technologies
• the art, science, and technology of design and manufacturing
• aerospace / mechanical technologies for improving urban life quality

• Bio-Inspired Engineering
• Combustion and Heat Transfer
• Computational Engineering
• Design and Manufacturing
• Dynamical Systems and Controls
• Fluid Mechanics and Aerodynamics
• Solid and Applied Mechanics

How to Apply

Usc graduate application, dissertation topics, phd alumni snapshot, funding & resources, research topics database.

Kyle Russell 

View more Doctoral Student & Alumni Profiles

Tour one of our research labs

Recent department videos.

Published on June 8th, 2021

Last updated on August 18th, 2023

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Kyle Russell PhD in Aerospace Engineering

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

The best advice I've ever been given is to think of research as a lifestyle rather than "work". To gain mastery over a topic, I have to spend many hours toiling over challenging concepts and problems, constantly looking for ways to better my own understanding. I do not get to mentally clock out in the afternoon and feel good about my productivity if I haven't made any progress towards internalizing a paper's findings or a textbook chapter. On the other hand, I definitely take time away from my studies and research to reset and rest. 

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?

Throughout high school and college, I struggled in math. I got fine grades, but math took a majority of my study time and it never felt intuitive to me. In my freshman year of college, I got a B- in multivariable calculus which really made me question whether I was cut out to pursue a STEM degree. Regardless, I pressed on and chipped away at areas that didn't come easy to me. Even in advanced classes, I would regularly go back to review early calculus and linear algebra concepts on YouTube and in old textbooks. By the end of my undergraduate, I was getting A's in graduate level math courses and the material felt natural to me. I began to not only grasp every concept I encountered, but appreciate some of the beauty in it. Although not an individual event or project, my journey through math courses and personal growth is one my proudest achievements. 

What's your favorite impulse purchase from the past 12 months?

I had been in the process of building my own computer for months. I spent months coming up with a build, selecting parts, and assembling the hardware. However, COVID in conjunction with a surge in crypto currency mining led to a global shortage of graphics cards. Although not technically an impulse buy, I finally gave in and bought a GPU at a marked up price, but I could not be happier with my decision. 

Please describe a little about your research and what excites you about it.

I synthesize nanofilms and find connections between microstructural changes and material properties. The synthesis process involves confining an argon plasma against a metal target which is in turn ablated forming a vapor; the metal vapor condenses onto substrates thus allowing for the precise design of nanofilms. I am particularly excited about this research because designing and manufacturing materials on the nanoscale stands to revolutionize entire industries including aerospace, energy, computer science, and space exploration. Furthermore, material science is an interdisciplinary field. I love connecting topics such as diffusion, plasma characteristics, and grain/phase boundary energy back towards my background in physics.

If you could choose any other profession outside of engineering or computer science, what would it be? 

In high school, I truly fell in love with ecology. I don't have a particular occupation in mind, but work related to maintaining national parks, coral reefs, or revitalizing land would be a dream come true.

What are some factors that helped you decide to pursue your PhD at USC?

I would love to pursue a career in spaceflight technology development. Although not necessary, a PhD certainly helps in pursuing that passion. 

If you were to recommend to an incoming student 3 places to go in California/Los Angeles, what would they be?

1. The beach. Any beach. 2. Try to find some hikes off the beaten path that might not be super popular. There are some great ones north of Malibu. 3. K-town bbq 

What is a memory you'll cherish about your time at USC?

I will forever cherish the time I get to spend with the rocket propulsion lab out in the desert assembling and testing our rocket systems. Getting the opportunity to work with fantastic people on rocket engineering is something I will cherish long after I graduate.

What's one thing about you that might surprise me?

I sang at Barack Obama's first inauguration as a member of the San Francisco Boy's Choir.

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan to pursue a career in spaceflight research and development. 

Hometown (city, country):

Alameda, US

Faculty Advisor:

Andrea Hodge

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Discover more about postgraduate research

PhD Aerospace Engineering / Overview

Year of entry: 2024

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The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent) OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master’s degree at merit in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent).

Other combinations of qualifications and research or work experience may also be considered. Please contact the admissions team to check.

Full entry requirements

Apply online

In your application you’ll need to include:

• The name of this programme
• Your research project title (i.e. the advertised project name or proposed project name) or area of research
• Your proposed supervisor’s name
• If you already have funding or you wish to be considered for any of the available funding
• A supporting statement (see 'Advice to Applicants' for what to include)
• Details of your previous university level study
• Names and contact details of your two referees.

Programme options

Programme description.

Research in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering covers six broad research themes ; aerospace engineering, innovative manufacturing, modelling and simulation, nuclear engineering, resilient systems, and structures in extreme environments.

Our postgraduate research programmes in Aerospace Engineering offer the opportunity to study in a multi-disciplinary team alongside leading academics in the field.

Drawing on our expertise in aerodynamics, automotive aerodynamics, computational fluid dynamics, turbulence modelling and other areas we are facilitating the development of tomorrow's aerospace technologies.

Your research will be supported by state-of-the-art computational and experimental facilities. We have strong links with industry and excellent employability in a diverse sector of aerospace engineering.  

Visit our research projects page to browse our range of currently available projects. 

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2024, the tuition fees are as follows:

• PhD (full-time) UK students (per annum): Band A £4,786; Band B £7,000; Band C £10,000; Band D £14,500; Band E £24,500 International, including EU, students (per annum): Band A £28,000; Band B £30,000; Band C £35,500; Band D £43,000; Band E £57,000
• PhD (part-time) UK students (per annum): Band A £2393; Band B £3,500; Band C £5,000; Band D £7,250; Band E 12,250

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

The programme fee will vary depending on the cost of running the project. Fees quoted are fully inclusive and, therefore, you will not be required to pay any additional bench fees or administration costs.

All fees for entry will be subject to yearly review and incremental rises per annum are also likely over the duration of the course for Home students (fees are typically fixed for International students, for the course duration at the year of entry). For general fees information please visit the postgraduate fees page .

Always contact the Admissions team if you are unsure which fees apply to your project.

Scholarships/sponsorships

There are a range of scholarships, studentships and awards at university, faculty and department level to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers.

To be considered for many of our scholarships, you’ll need to be nominated by your proposed supervisor. Therefore, we’d highly recommend you discuss potential sources of funding with your supervisor first, so they can advise on your suitability and make sure you meet nomination deadlines.

For more information about our scholarships, visit our funding page or use our funding database to search for scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

Contact details

The School of Engineering creates a world of possibilities for students pursuing skills and understanding. Through dynamic research and teaching we develop engineering solutions that make a difference to society in an ethical and sustainable way.  Science-based engineering is at the heart of what we do, and through collaboration we support the engineers and scientists of tomorrow to become technically strong, analytically innovative and creative. Find out more about Science and Engineering at Manchester .

Programmes in related subject areas

Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.

• Aerospace Engineering

Regulated by the Office for Students

The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website .

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website .

Online Aerospace Engineering, MSAE

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Program at a Glance

• In State Tuition
• Out of State Tuition

Learn more about the cost to attend UCF.

Advance your career in a growing, progressive field

Become an expert in the dynamic, expanding field of aerospace engineering with a graduate degree from UCF. As an aerospace engineer, you’ll help influence and advance the design and implementation of aircraft, spacecraft, satellites and more, as you tackle challenges and soar to new heights in this burgeoning field.

The skills you learn within your online master’s in aerospace engineering will empower you to make bold decisions that inspire more efficient and effective aeronautics projects. Recognizing the amplified demand for talented aeronautics professionals, the Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the 2020 median salary for qualified aerospace engineers as over $118,000 a year.

Through UCF Online, you’ll have access to flexible course structures and study topics in areas such as aerodynamics, propulsion, thermal analysis and design, flight mechanics, and modeling methods. Pursue your degree through one of three tracks, all fully available online, including the Space Systems Design and Engineering track, the Thermofluid Aerodynamic Systems Design and Engineering track, and the Guidance Control and Dynamics track. With UCF Online, you can join the forefront of this exciting industry and pursue your master’s degree from anywhere in the world as we bring our team of world-renowned professors and faculty members directly to you through advance online education. Get started today.

Program Tracks

Space systems design and engineering track.

This track is geared toward students looking to focus their studies in the areas of controls and dynamics, space environment, instrumentation and communications, structures and materials, thermal analysis, and design.

Thermofluid Aerodynamic Systems Design and Engineering Track

A track for students to specialize in areas of controls and dynamics, aerodynamics, propulsion, thermal analysis and design.

Guidance and Control Dynamics Track

This track is designed for students who want to specialize in the areas of guidance and control dynamics design within the applications of aerospace engineering.

Application Deadlines

Ready to get started, course overview, guidance, navigation and control.

Learn about inertial and GPS navigation techniques, explicit and implicit guidance formulations, as well as control applications in aircraft, missile and space vehicles.

Intermediate Fluid Mechanics

Study fluid kinematics, Navier-Stokes equations, boundary layer flow, inviscid flow, circulation and vorticity, as well as low Reynolds number flow in this required course.

Rocket Propulsion

This elective course teaches you to analyze the performance of rocket motors as you study the selection and thermochemistry of chemical propellants, as well as liquid and solid propellant rockets.

Skills You'll Learn

• Gain the knowledge and skills in the areas of space systems design and thermofluid aerodynamics systems design.
• Understand the latest modeling and mathematical methods used in mechanical and aerospace engineering.
• Learn how the latest technologies for aerospace vehicle systems, including satellite remote sensing and payload instrumentation.

Career Projections

Annual Job Openings

Job Growth Between 2019 - 2029

Source: Lightcast™ . 2024

Career Opportunities

• Mechanical Engineers
• Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
• Aerospace Engineers
• Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians

Related Online Programs

• Guidance Control and Dynamics
• Mechanical Engineering, MSME
• Quality Assurance

Online MS/MEng in Aerospace Engineering

Aerospace Engineering at Illinois, consistently ranked among the elite programs in the U.S. and and worldwide for both undergraduate and graduate studies, offers a Master of Science degree and a Master of Engineering in Aerospace Systems Engineering that are a non-thesis, non-research program, entirely online.

Online students have access to the same lectures, class assignments, exams and projects as on-campus students. Online is an excellent option for students who want to pursue their graduate studies while working.

Degree Overview

The program is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the fundamentals of Aerospace Engineering by requiring at least one core course in each of the three branches of Aerospace Engineering (Fluid Mechanics, Solid Mechanics and Materials, Dynamics and Controls) as well as one course in mathematics.

Specialization can then be made by taking additional courses in one or more of these, and other, areas: Aerodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Combustion/propulsion, Structural Mechanics, Solid Mechanics and Materials, Dynamical Systems, Aerospace Control, Orbital Mechanics, and Spacecraft.

Online students have five years to complete the program. All online students receive access to recorded on-campus lectures and follow the class syllabus, including the same assignments, exams, and projects as on-campus students. The MSAE degree awarded online is the exact same degree awarded to on-campus students.

(The online MSAE program and online AE classes are restricted to off-campus students and are not intended for University employees or students in on-campus programs.)

Degree Requirements

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in the United States or an approved institution of higher learning abroad. Aerospace Engineering graduate programs are open to engineering, mathematics, and physical sciences students with a grade point average of at least 3.0 (4.0 scale) for the last two years of undergraduate work and any graduate work completed. All applicants must submit an online application form, three letters of reference, a statement of purpose, and official transcripts from all completed university coursework. TOEFL scores are required of applicants whose native language is not English, regardless of U.S. citizenship. The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is also required.

How to Apply

Admissions Deadlines

Fall Semester: July 1

“Being able to choose when I watch lectures and the ability to re-watch lectures was extremely useful. I no longer need to worry about schedule conflicts or not being able to scribe all of my notes quickly.”

-- Luke Firsching with UTC Aerospace Systems in Rockford, Illinois

“The differences are (online) is more flexible and you can apply what you’re learning to the real world at your job.”

-- Cassie Meisner, Rolls Royce

Read about the experience 2016 grad  Matthew Schonert  has had!

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Undergraduate Contacts

Timothy Bretl Undergraduate Programs (217) 244-3126 [email protected]

Laura Ann Gerhold Academic Advisor & Coordinator of Undergraduate Program (217) 244-8671 [email protected]

Audrey Cochran Academic Advisor 217-333-4629 [email protected]

Graduate Contacts

Ioannis Chasiotis     Director of Graduate Studies [email protected]

Jenna Russell Graduate Programs Coordinator [email protected]

Dung Quach Wisdom Graduate Programs Advisor [email protected]

Graduate Courses

Mae graduate courses, 501 (apc 501) mathematical methods of engineering analysis i.

A complementary presentation of theory, analytical methods, and numerical methods for the solution of problems in physics and engineering. Topics include an introduction to functional analysis, linear spaces and linear operators, including matrices, eigenproblems and Sturm-Liouville theory; basic ordinary differential equation (ODE) theory, Green’s functions for the solution of linear ODEs and Poisson’s equation, and the calculus of variations.

502 Mathematical Methods of Engineering Analysis II

A continuation of MAE 501. Complex variables, including contour integration using residues and conformal mapping; Fourier and Laplace transforms; linear partial differential equations (hyperbolic, parabolic and elliptic PDEs) and solution methods; traveling waves for nonlinear PDE; an introduction to numerical methods for ODEs and PDEs, and regular perturbation methods.

506 (APC 524) Software Engineering for Scientific Computing

The goal of this course is to teach basic tools and principles of writing good code, in the context of scientific computing. Specific topics include an overview of relevant compiled and interpreted languages, build tools and source managers, design patterns, design of interfaces, debugging and testing, profiling and improving performance, portability, and an introduction to parallel computing in both shared memory and distributed memory environments. The focus is on writing code that is easy to maintain and share with others. Students will develop these skills through a series of programming assignments and a group project.

507 (APC 523) Numerical Algorithms for Scientific Computing

A broad introduction to numerical algorithms used in scientific computing. The course will begin with a review of the basic principles of numerical analysis, including sources of error, stability and convergence of algorithms. The theory and implementation of techniques for linear and nonlinear systems of equations, and ordinary and partial differential equations will be covered in detail. Examples of the application of these methods to problems in physics, astrophysics and other disciplines will be given. Issues related to the implementation of efficient algorithms on modern high-performance computing systems will be discussed.

509, 510 Advanced Topics in Engineering Mathematics I, II

Selected topics in mathematical methods, with an emphasis on advances relevant to research activities represented in the department. Possible topics include analytical methods for differential equations, numerical solution of hyperbolic equations, and statistical methods.

511 Experimental Methods: Introduction to Electronics for Engineering and Science

A laboratory course that focuses on basic electronics techniques, digital electronics, and data acquisition and analysis. Topics include introduction to digital and analog electronics, digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital conversion, microcomputer sampling, and data analysis. There are four laboratory hours and two lecture hours per week. There is one project. Enrollment is limited.

512 Experimental Methods II

An exploration of experimental techniques in fluid mechanics and combustion. The course introduces experimentation, error analysis, and technical communication. Methods covered include pressure and temperature probes, flow visualization, hot-wire and laser anemometry, line reversal, Raman techniques, fluorescence, absorption, gas chromatography, and mass spectroscopy. There are three lecture hours and laboratory time per week.

519, 520 Advanced Topics in Experimental Methods I, II

Selected topics in experimental methods, with an emphasis on advances relevant to research activities represented in the department. Possible topics include dynamic data analysis; instrumentation and systems analysis, scanning probe techniques, and nanoscale materials property measurements.

521 Optics and Lasers

An introduction to principles of lasers. Topics include a review of propagation theory, interaction of light and matter, Fourier optics, a survey and description of operational characteristics of lasers, light scattering, and nonlinear optics. Some introductory quantum mechanics will be covered to give students an appreciation of the basic tools for the interaction of light with matter and nonlinear optical phenomena.

522 (AST564) Applications of Quantum Mechanics to Spectroscopy and Lasers

An intermediate-level course in applications of quantum mechanics to modern spectroscopy. The course begins with an introduction to quantum mechanics as a “tool” for atomic and molecular spectroscopy, followed by a study of atomic and molecular spectra, radiative, and collisional transitions, with the final chapters dedicated to plasma and flame spectroscopic and laser diagnostics. Prerequisite: one semester of quantum mechanics. (Offered in alternate years)

523 Electric Propulsion

Based on a review of pertinent atomic physics and electromagnetic theory, the particle and continuum representations of ionized gas dynamics are developed and applied to various electro-thermal, electrostatic, and electromagnetic acceleration mechanisms, each illustrated by various thruster designs, contemporary applications, and performances. (Offered in alternate years)

524 Plasma Engineering

The purpose of this course is to expose interested graduate and undergraduate students in engineering and the natural sciences to basic aspects of plasma physics and chemistry applicable to a variety of technologies, such as plasma propulsion, lasers, and materials processing. It involves extension of classical fluid mechanics, kinetic theory, statistical thermodynamics, and reaction engineering methods to relatively-low-temperature plasmas in electric and magnetic fields. (Offered in alternate years)

525 (AST 551) General Plasma Physics I

Characterization of the plasma state, Debye length, plasma and cyclotron frequencies, collision rates and mean free paths, atomic processes, adiabatic invariance, orbit theory, magnetic confinement of single charged particles, two-fluid description, magnetohydrodynamic waves and instabilities, heat flow, diffusion, finite-pressure effects, kinetic description, and Landau damping.

527 Physics of Gases

Physical and chemical topics of basic importance in modern fluid mechanics, plasma dynamics, and combustion science: statistical calculations of thermodynamic properties of gases; chemical and physical equilibria; adiabatic temperatures of complex reacting systems; quantum mechanical analysis of atomic and molecular structure and atomic-scale collision phenomena; transport properties; reaction kinetics, including chemical, vibrational, and ionization phenomena; and propagation, emission, and absorption of radiation.

528 (AST 566) Physics of Plasma Propulsion

Focus of this course is on fundamental processes in plasma thrusters for spacecraft propulsion with emphasis on recent research findings. Start with a review of the fundamentals of mass, momentum & energy transport in collisional plasmas, wall effects, & collective (wave) effects, & derive a generalized Ohm’s law useful for discussing various plasma thruster concepts. Move to detailed discussions of the acceleration & dissipation mechanisms in Hall thrusters, mangetoplasmadynamic thrusters, pulsed plasma thrusters, & inductive plasma thrusters, & derive expressions for the propulsive efficiencies of each of these concepts.

529,530 Advanced Topics in Applied Physics I, II

Selected topics in applied physics, with an emphasis on advances relevant to research activities represented in the department. Possible topics include advanced plasma propulsion, linear and nonlinear wave phenomena, and x-ray lasers in biological investigations.

531 Combustion

Fundamentals of combustion: thermodynamics; chemical kinetics; explosive and general oxidative characteristics of fuels; premixed and diffusion flames; laminar and turbulent flame phenomena; ignition and flame stabilization; detonation, environmental combustion considerations; and coal combustion.

532 Combustion Theory

Theoretical aspects of combustion: the conservation equations of chemically-reacting flows; activation energy asymptotics; chemical and dynamic structures of laminar premixed and non-premixed flames; aerodynamics and stabilization of flames; pattern formation and geometry of flame surfaces; ignition, extinction, and flammability phenomena; turbulent combustion; boundary layer combustion; droplet, particle, and spray combustion; and detonation and flame stabilization in supersonic flows.

534 Energy Storage Systems

This is a survey course on energy storage systems with a focus on electrochemical energy storage. Fundamentals of thermodynamics will be reviewed and fundamentals of electrochemistry introduced. These fundamentals will then be applied to de-vices such as batteries, flywheels and compressed air storage. Device optimization with respect to energy density, power density, cycle life and capital cost will be considered.

536 (MSE 586) Synchrotron and Neutron Techniques for Energy Materials

Topics include an introduction to radiation generation at synchrotron and neutron facilities, elastic scattering techniques, inelastic scattering techniques, imaging and spectroscopy. Specific techniques include X-ray and neutron diffraction, small-angle scattering, inelastic neutron scattering, reflectometry, tomography, microscopy, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. Emphasis is placed on data analysis and use of Fourier transforms to relate structure/dynamics to experiment data. Example materials covered include energy storage devices, sustainable concrete, CO2 storage, magnetic materials, mesostructured materials and nanoparticles.

539, 540 Advanced Topics in Combustion I, II

Selected topics in theoretical and experimental combustion, with an emphasis on advances relevant to research activities represented in the department. Possible topics include turbulent combustion, theoretical calculations of rate constants, plasma fuels and natural resources, and nuclear propulsion power plants.

541 (APC 571) Applied Dynamical Systems

Phase-plane methods and single-degree-of-freedom nonlinear oscillators; invariant manifolds, local and global analysis, structural stability and bifurcation, center manifolds, and normal forms; averaging and perturbation methods, forced oscillations, homoclinic orbits, and chaos; and Melnikov’s method, the Smale horseshoe, symbolic dynamics, and strange attractors. (Offered in alternate years)

542 Advanced Dynamics

Principles and methods for formulating and analyzing mathematical models of physical systems; Newtonian, Lagrangian, and Hamiltonian formulations of particle and rigid and elastic body dynamics; canonical transformations, Hamilton-Jacob-Jacobi Theory; and integrable and non-integrable systems. Additional topics are explored at the discretion of the instructor.

543 Advanced Orbital Mechanisms

An advanced course in orbital motion of earth satellites, interplanetary probes, and celestial mechanics. Topics include orbit specification, orbit determination, Lambert’s problem, Hill’s equations, intercept and rendezvous, air-drag and radiation pressure, Lagrange points, numerical methods, general perturbations and variation of parameters, earth-shape effects on orbits, Hamiltonian treatment of orbits, Lagrange's planetary equations, orbit resonances, and higher-order perturbation effects. (Offered in alternate years)

544 Nonlinear Control

Nonlinear control of dynamical systems, with an emphasis on the geometric approach. The course gives an introduction to differential geometry, nonlinear controllability and constructive controllability, nonlinear observability, state-space transformations and stability, followed by study of a selection of nonlinear control design methods, including techniques motivated by geometric mechanics.

545 Special Topics (Fall 2015)- Lessons from Biology for Engineering Tiny Devices

Over millions of years of evolution nature invented many tiny sensors, machines and structures that are important for functions of cells and organisms. In this course we present a survey of problems at the interface of statistical mechanics, biology and engineering to discuss how cells move around, transport cargo and separate their genome during division, how microorganisms sense and swim in response to changing environment, how viruses assemble and infect other cells, how organs, such as brain and gut, obtain their shape, how animals obtain structural colors and how they camouflage, etc. Using this knowledge we study how to engineer and self-assemble tiny devices with DNA origami, how to design thin structures that can transform into specific shapes in response to external stimulus, how to make metamaterials with unusual properties, etc. (Offered in alternate years)

546 Optimal Control and Estimation

An introduction to stochastic optimal control theory and application. It reviews mathematical foundations and explores parametric optimization, conditions for optimality, constraints and singular control, numerical optimization, and neighboring-optimal solutions. Least-squares estimates, propagation of state estimates and uncertainty, and optimal filters and predictors; optimal control in the presence of uncertainty; certainty equivalence and the linear-quadratic-Gaussian regulator problem; frequency-domain solutions for linear multivariable systems and robustness of closed-loop control are all studied.

547 (ELE521) Linear System Theory

Advanced topics in linear system analysis. The course gives a review of linear vector spaces and differential equations. It covers characterization of continuous and discrete time linear systems, transfer functions and state-space representations, properties of transition matrices, observability and controllability, minimal realizations, stability, feedback, and pole assignment.

548 (ELE 523) Nonlinear System Theory

Mathematical techniques useful in the analysis and design of nonlinear systems. This course covers topics in nonlinear dynamical systems including qualitative behavior, Lyapunov stability, input-output stability, passivity, averaging and singular perturbations. (offered in alternate years)

549, 550 Advanced Topics in Dynamics and Control I, II

Selected topics in dynamics and control, with an emphasis on advances relevant to research activities represented in the department. Possible topics include bifurcation theory, nonlinear mechanics, system identification, intelligent control, learning control, and applied aerodynamics.

551 Fluid Mechanics

An introduction to fluid mechanics. The course explores the development of basic conservation laws in integral and differential forms: one-dimensional compressible flows, shocks and expansion waves; effects of energy addition and friction; unsteady and two-dimensional flows and method of characteristics. Reviews classical incompressible flow concepts, including vorticity, circulation, and potential flows. Introduces viscous and diffusive phenomena.

552 Viscous Flows and Boundary Layers

The mechanics of viscous flows. The course explores the kinematics and dynamics of viscous flows; solution of the Navier Stokes equations; the behavior of vorticity; the boundary layer approximation; laminar boundary layer with and without pressure gradient; separation; integral relations and approximate methods; compressible laminar boundary layers; instability and transition; and turbulent boundary layers and self-preserving turbulent shear flows.

553 Turbulent Flow

Physical and statistical descriptions of turbulence; and a critical review of phenomenological theories for turbulent flows. The course examines scales of motion; correlations and spectra; homogeneous turbulent flows; inhomogeneous shear flows; turbulent flows in pipes and channels; turbulent boundary layers; calculation methods for turbulent flows (Reynolds stress equations, LES, DNS); and current directions in turbulence research.

555 Non-Equilibrium Gasdynamics

Noncontinuum description of fluid flow and Liouville and Boltzmann equations. The course examines molecular collisions; detailed balancing; Chapman-Enskog expansion for near-equilibrium flows; transport phenomena; flows with translational, vibrational and chemical non-equilibrium; shock structure; and shear and mixing layers with chemical reactions.

557 Simulation and Modeling of Fluid Flows

Numerical methods are applied to solve the equations that govern fluid motion. Fluid flow problems involve convection, diffusion, and source terms. The governing equations are non-linear and coupled. Finite-difference and finite volume methods are considered, together with concepts of accuracy, consistency, stability, convergence, conservation, and shock capturing. A range of current methods is reviewed with emphasis on multidimensional steady and unsteady compressible flows. Homework topics include writing codes to solve the conservation equation for a scalar, boundary layer flow, shock tube flow, application to curvilinear coordinates.

559 Advanced Topics in Fluid Mechanics

Selected topics in fluid mechanics, with an emphasis on advances relevant to research activities represented in the department. Possible topics include advanced computational fluid dynamics, turbulence in fluids and plasmas, hydrodynamic stability, low Reynolds number hydrodynamics, and capillary phenomena.

561 (MSE 501) Introduction to Materials

Emphasizes the connection between microstructural features of materials (e.g., grain size, boundary regions between grains, defects) and their properties, and how processing conditions control structure. Topics include thermodynamics and phase equilibria, microstructure, diffusion, kinetics of phase transitions, nucleation and crystal growth, phase separation, spinodal decomposition, glass formation, and the glass transition.

562 (MSE 540) Fracture Mechanics

Fracture involves processes at multiple time and length scales. This course covers the basic topics, including energy balance, crack tip fields, toughness, dissipation processes, and subcritical cracking. Fracture processes are then examined as they occur in some modern technologies, such as advanced ceramics, coatings, composites, and integrated circuits. The course also explores fracture at high temperatures and crack nucleation processes. (Offered in alternate years)

563 Instabilities in Fluids: Linear and Non-Linear Analysis of Waves and Patterns in the Environment

This course describes natural patterns arising from instabilities in nature, and discusses their importance in the environment. We analyze phenomena at various scales, as diverse as wave breaking at the ocean surface, internal mixing in the atmosphere and the ocean, volcanic plumes, convection cells in the atmosphere, the break-up of fluid ligaments or bubble bursting at an interface. The course details mathematical tools (linear and non-linear stability analysis, symmetry arguments, solutions to non-linear equations such as shocks and solitons), as well as present laboratory and numerical demonstration of the instabilities. 

564 (MSE 512) Structural Materials

Stress/strain behavior of materials; dislocation theory and strengthening mechanisms; yield strength; materials selection. Fundamentals of plasticity, Tresca and Von Mises yield criteria. Case study on forging: upper and lower bounds. Basic elements of fracture. Fracture mechanics. Mechanisms of fracture. The fracture toughness. Case studies and design. Fatigue mechanisms and life-prediction methodologies. (Offered in alternate years)

MSE 452 Phase Transformations and Evolving Microstructures in Hard and Soft Matter Systems

This course covers the fundamental principles of thermodynamics and phase transformation kinetics in hard and soft matter systems, such as metals and alloys, semiconductors, polymers, and lipid bilayer membranes. The course synthesizes descriptive observations, principles of statistical thermodynamics, and mathematical theories to address emergent physical, chemical, mechanical, and biological properties of multi-component, multiphase materials systems.

569, 570 Advanced Topics in Materials and Mechanical Systems I, II

Selected topics in materials and mechanical systems, with an emphasis on advances relevant to research activities represented in the department. Possible topics include high temperature protective coatings, multifunctional materials, MEMS, advanced computational methods in materials engineering.

571 Inspiring Young Engineers through Outreach

We study effective ways to inspire young students to think about science and engineering. Four concepts of modern engineering are identified and demonstration labs are built around them. The setups are built using modern yet simple tools and are accompanied by a video explaining how the concepts fit together in a larger picture. A field trip is made to a science exhibition to study methods to inspire and teach science to young people. At the end of the course the students perform demonstrations to students from Harlem Prep Elementary who will visit the MAE department. 

574 Unmaking the Bomb, not offered every year

This course covers the science and technology underlying existing and emerging nuclear security issues. It introduces the principles of nuclear fission, nuclear radiation, and nuclear weapons (and their effects) and develops the concepts required to model and analyze nuclear systems. The second half of the semester is centered around a hands-on team project.

579, 580 Advanced Topics in Energy and Environment I, II

Selected topics in energy and the environment, with an emphasis on advances relevant to research activities represented in the department. Possible topics include combustion control and emissions, economic development and energy resources, and energy efficiency.

597, 598 Graduate Seminar in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

A seminar of graduate students and staff presenting the results of their research and recent advances in flights, space, and surface transportation; fluid mechanics; energy conversion; propulsion; combustion; environmental studies; applied physics; and materials sciences. There is one seminar per week and participation at presentations by distinguished outside speakers.

Electrical Engineering PhD

The Electrical Engineering PhD program studies systems that sense, analyze, and interact with the world. You will learn how this practice is based on fundamental science and mathematics, creating opportunities for both theoretical and experimental research. Electrical engineers invent devices for sensing and actuation, designing physical substrates for computation, creating algorithms for analysis and control, and expanding the theory of information processing. You will get to choose from a wide range of research areas such as circuits and VLSI, computer engineering and architecture, robotics and control, and signal processing.

Electrical engineers at SEAS are pursuing work on integrated circuits for cellular biotechnology, millimeter-scale robots, and the optimization of smart power groups. Examples of projects current and past students have worked on include developing methods to trace methane emissions and improving models for hurricane predictions.

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PhD in Electrical Engineering Degree

Harvard School of Engineering offers a  Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)  degree in Engineering Sciences: Electrical Engineering , conferred through the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Harvard Griffin GSAS). Prospective students apply through the Harvard Griffin GSAS. In the online application, select  “Engineering and Applied Sciences” as your program choice and select " PhD Engineering Sciences: Electrical Engineering ​."

The Electrical Engineering program does not offer an independent Masters Degree.

Electrical Engineering PhD Career Paths

Graduates of the program have gone on to a range of careers in industry in companies such as Tesla, Microsoft HoloLens, and IBM. Others have positions in academia at the University of Maryland, University of Michigan, and University of Colorado.

Admissions & Academic Requirements

Prospective students apply through the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Harvard Griffin GSAS). In the online application, select  “Engineering and Applied Sciences” as your program choice and select "PhD Engineering Sciences: Electrical Engineering​." Please review the  admissions requirements and other information  before applying. Our website also provides  admissions guidance ,   program-specific requirements , and a  PhD program academic timeline .

Academic Background

Applicants typically have bachelor’s degrees in the natural sciences, mathematics, computer science, or engineering. In the application for admission, select “Engineering and Applied Sciences” as your degree program choice and your degree and area of interest from the “Area of Study“ drop-down. PhD applicants must complete the Supplemental SEAS Application Form as part of the online application process.

Standardized Tests

GRE General: Not Accepted

Electrical Engineering Faculty & Research Areas

View a list of our electrical engineering  faculty  and electrical engineering  affiliated research areas , Please note that faculty members listed as “Affiliates" or "Lecturers" cannot serve as the primary research advisor.  

Electrical Engineering Centers & Initiatives

View a list of the research  centers & initiatives  at SEAS and the  electrical engineering faculty engagement with these entities .

Graduate Student Clubs

Graduate student clubs and organizations bring students together to share topics of mutual interest. These clubs often serve as an important adjunct to course work by sponsoring social events and lectures. Graduate student clubs are supported by the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin School of Arts and Sciences. Explore the list of active clubs and organizations .

Funding and Scholarship

Learn more about financial support for PhD students.

• How to Apply

Learn more about how to apply  or review frequently asked questions for prospective graduate students.

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May 13, 2024

Multifaceted Purdue program focuses on strategic defense technologies and engineering

Online degree and certificates are designed for working professionals in national defense

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — A multifaceted, interdisciplinary defense technology- and engineering-oriented program from Purdue University is designed to serve professionals in the field of national defense whether they are seeking an advanced degree or a quick skill set upgrade. 

The new program and courses are available in noncredit and degree-seeking pathways. The newest program offering, the noncredit certificate in strategic defense technologies , is now available for learners to take courses individually or to earn the certificate as a whole. A related concentration option is available for professionals admitted into Purdue’s online interdisciplinary Master of Science in Engineering . A graduate certificate is set to launch in spring 2025.

All the options combine history; strategy; and social, military, and data sciences with engineering and technology in a new way. They provide learners with knowledge and competencies needed to analyze, understand, design and execute defense and civilian strategies that involve technologies supporting the strategic interests of the United States.

“Purdue is uniquely qualified to train military and civilian learners interested in strategic defense technologies,” said Sorin Adam Matei, professor and the associate dean of research and graduate education in the College of Liberal Arts. “While our program examines and explores technologies and engineering solutions, it does it from a policy and social sciences perspective, both calibrated to support and expand practical work in national defense and strategic military planning.”

The program was created by the experts grouped around the FORCES research incubator, a Purdue College of Liberal Arts initiative that brings social sciences and humanities expertise to bear on the nation’s strategic defense needs.

Core courses titled Grand Challenges in Defense Engineering; Space Strategy; Strategic Foresight; Technology, War and Strategy; and Data and AI Storytelling are embedded across the program.

To earn the Strategic Defense Technologies certificate, learners complete the Technology, War and Strategy course and two of the other four core courses, but all the courses can be taken individually outside of the certificate program. The courses are self-paced and there are no prerequisites. 

“This allows you to pick up the knowledge that you need when you need it,” Matei said. “We want to provide a just-in-time type of education.”

All students in the strategy and defense engineering concentration of Purdue’s 100% online interdisciplinary engineering master’s degree must take Technology, War and Strategy and either Grand Challenges in Defense Engineering or Space Strategy, and choose two courses from among Data and AI Storytelling, Strategic Foresight, and a course titled Ethical Reasoning in Defense Technology. Master’s students can then draw on an extensive collection of electives to fill out the 30-credit hour program and to customize their educational experience to their interests and needs. Admission to the master’s program requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering or in another STEM field. Purdue’s online engineering master’s programs are ranked No. 3 nationally by U.S. News & World Report .

The noncredit certificate and courses, master’s degree, and planned graduate certificate are designed for midcareer military and civilian personnel in the Department of Defense ecosystem, including employees of DOD contractors, staff members for policymakers as well as think tanks and other nongovernmental organizations, and graduate students planning to pursue defense-oriented professions.

The anytime, anywhere online format makes it accessible for working professionals looking to boost their careers. Created by expert Purdue instructional designers, the courses are structured to move learners smoothly through the curriculum as they gain new knowledge and skills.

Faculty who teach on Purdue’s flagship campus, rated as a top 10 public university in the U.S. by QS World University Rankings, along with subject matter experts, developed and teach in the program. The instructors have worked or are working in fields as diverse as diplomacy, learning innovation, nuclear military applications and space policy.

“All our instructors are people with vast practical experience who have an ear to the ground,” Matei said. “Our courses are regularly updated and checked against reality.”

One of the country’s leading educational institutions for defense-related research and teaching, Purdue is committed to helping the United States remain a world leader in defense technologies.

For more information on the interdisciplinary Master of Science in Engineering degree with a concentration in strategy and defense engineering, visit the master’s program website . To learn more about the noncredit certificate in strategic defense technologies, visit the certificate program website . 

Writer: Greg Kline, [email protected]

Media contact: Tim Doty, [email protected]

Sources: Sorin Adam Matei, [email protected]

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