Aerospace Engineering, MS AE

The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering offers a program leading to the Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering (MS AE). This research-oriented academic degree is appropriate either as a terminal degree or in preparation for doctoral studies in mechanical and aerospace engineering. Courses at the graduate level are often offered in the late afternoon or evening to enable students from local industry to complete their studies.

Two options are available to complete the MS in Aerospace Engineering. Students may choose either the Thesis or Non-Thesis option. Both options have a total of 30 hours of graduate level coursework.

Learning Outcomes

Prepare the student to perform independent research in their field of specialization
Provide students with an understanding of the advanced engineering tools and concepts that apply to their field of specialization, with particular emphasis on the mathematical development of those tools
Prepare students to practice engineering at an advanced level
Prepare students to pursue doctoral studies in mechanical/aerospace engineering
Develop student’s communication skills and professionalism

Required Math Courses

All Aerospace Engineering students must complete 6 credit hours of MATH courses from the list below. Other graduate-level MATH courses may be substituted with prior approval from the graduate faculty advisor.

Aerospace Topic Courses

All Aerospace Engineering students must complete 5 courses from the lists below, for a total of 15 credit hours.

Dynamics/Control Courses

Thermal/Fluid Courses

MAE 5091 - Space Environment
MAE 5140 - Compressible Flow
MAE 5391 - Rocket Propulsion
MAE 9500 - Independent Study: Graduate
MAE 9510 - Special Topics: Graduate (Radiation topic only)

Aerospace Thesis and Non-Thesis Options

All Aerospace Engineering students must complete one of the following options:

Thesis Option

Complete MAE 7000 Master’s Thesis and 1 additional UNUSED course from the Aerospace Electives list below to fulfill total hours for the degree.

Non-Thesis Option

Complete 3 additional UNUSED courses from the Aerospace Electives list below to fulfill total hours for the degree.

Aerospace Elective Courses

Aerospace Engineering students must complete either 1 additional UNUSED course (Thesis option) or 3 additional UNUSED courses (Non-Thesis option) from the list below to fulfill total hours for the degree.

Dynamics/Control Courses

Solid Mechanics Courses

MAE 5100 - Continuum Mechanics
MAE 5201 - Solid Mechanics
MAE 9510 - Special Topics: Graduate (Constitutive Modeling topic only)