Graduate Studies

DEGREES OFFERED

Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics: Master of Science (Plan A and Plan B); Doctor of Philosophy
Aerospace Engineering: Master of Aerospace Engineering

For details on the degree requirements see AEM PhD and Master's Degree Requirements in the Graduate Handbook.

Master of Science Degrees

Thirty semester credits, or about nine 3-credit courses are required for the Master of Science degree. A student supported by a half-time teaching assistantship would normally take four 3-credit courses per semester. Therefore, an M.S. program could be completed in 12 months (at a minimum). A minimum of 14 credits must be in the major field and at least 6 credits in one or more related fields outside the major.

If a student chooses to write a thesis (Plan A), thesis research counts for 10 credits. A three credit individual project is required as part of the program for students who earn the degree primarily through course work (Plan B). A more complete listing of the degree requirements is available.

A first-year graduate student usually takes at least one comprehensive sequence in basic engineering science. Students may choose more advanced and more specialized courses after they have covered the fundamentals.

Many students include courses in mathematics in their programs, and courses offered by the Mechanical Engineering Department in heat transfer and propulsion are appropriate in aerospace engineering programs. Aerospace Engineering majors who have not covered basic aerodynamics, airplane dynamics, structures, and propulsion in their undergraduate programs are required to make up this material in addition to completing the 30-credit graduate program. Mechanics majors are expected to include breadth of coverage of sub-areas of mechanics in their programs.

Master of Aerospace Engineering

The Master of Aerospace Engineering program is intended to offer professional training beyond the bachelor's degree. Thirty credits are required for the degree. The program may include a 3-credit project or consist entirely of course work.

Doctor of Philosophy Degrees

The Ph.D. program requires approximately two years of course work, but the heart of the Ph.D. program is the thesis research. The first year of the Ph.D. program is similar to the master's program, and most Ph.D. students receive the master's degree. By the end of the first year, the student has chosen an advisor.

The second year is devoted to more advanced courses and beginning research. Subsequent years include some course work with increasing focus on research. The time required to complete a research project is uncertain, but students who enter with a bachelor's degree usually finish the M.S. and Ph.D. program within four to six years. A more complete listing of the degree requirements is available.

Language Requirements: None, for either major. Some doctoral candidates, however, may find that reading proficiency in one or more languages is essential.

Last Modified: 2007-07-24 at 10:04:45 -- this is in International Standard Date and Time Notation