Program Overview

Overview of the Aerospace Engineering PhD Program

The Aerospace Engineering PhD program at Texas A&M University is designed to provide candidates with a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of their professional field and training in methods of research. The program offers unique cutting-edge educational and research opportunities in areas including space exploration, national defense, air transportation, communications, and sustainable energy.

Program Structure

• The program requires a minimum of 64 or 96 hours on the degree plan, depending on the student's previous degree(s).
• Students will pass the doctoral qualifying exam known as the Aerospace Engineering Fundamentals Exam (AFQE) qualifying exam in their second semester.
• Following completion of the AFQE, the preliminary exam, and a research proposal, the student will write and defend a dissertation.
• A PhD requires a committee of four or more graduate-level faculty members, including one faculty member to act as the primary adviser for each candidate.

Eligibility and Admission Criteria

• Students may enter this program with a master's or bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or an equivalent field.
• If the previous degree is not in engineering, leveling courses may be required, perhaps even an undergraduate degree.
• Students entering with a bachelor's degree will be required to complete a 96-hour Doctor of Philosophy degree plan, and students who have earned at least a master's degree will complete a 64-hour Doctor of Philosophy degree plan.

Research Areas

• Aerodynamics and propulsion
  • Dynamics and control
  • Materials and structures
  • Systems, Design, and Human Integration

Program Requirements

• The final basis for granting the degree shall be the candidate's grasp of the subject matter of a broad field of study and a demonstrated ability to do independent research.
• In addition, the candidate must have acquired the ability to express thoughts clearly and forcefully in both oral and written languages.
• The degree is not granted solely for the completion of coursework, residence, and technical requirements, although these must be met.

Additional Information

• The program does not offer a dual degree option.
• A thesis or dissertation is required.
• The main method of study is face-to-face.
• The GRE is not required at this time.