Program Overview

Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering with a Concentration in Aerospace Engineering

The Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering with a concentration in Aerospace Engineering is a graduate program that focuses on the design, development, testing, and production of aircraft and spacecraft. The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in aerospace engineering and prepare them for careers in industry, government, and education.

Program Description

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.

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.

• 8XXX Coursework at the 8000 level: 15 hours
• Additional graduate-level coursework: 15 hours
• Dissertation research/dissertation: 20 hours
• Total Hours: 50

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

Admission Options

• Domestic/International Classified Admissions
• Domestic Unclassified Admissions
• International Unclassified Admissions
• Provisional Admissions
• Readmission
• Transfer Credit

Domestic/International Classified Admissions

To apply for classified admissions, students must:

1. Submit online application
2. Statement of Purpose
3. Three letters of recommendation
4. TOEFL or IELTS scores are required for international students
5. One official transcript showing bachelor's degree or progress toward degree
6. One official transcript showing ALL work after bachelor's degree
7. Payment of $60 non-refundable application processing fee for domestic students
8. Payment of $80 non-refundable application processing fee for international students

Domestic Unclassified Admissions

To apply for domestic unclassified admissions, students must:

1. Submit online application
2. One official transcript showing bachelor's degree or progress toward degree
3. One official transcript showing ALL work after bachelor's degree
4. Pay $60 non-refundable application processing fee

International Unclassified Admissions

To apply for international unclassified admissions, students must:

1. Submit online application
2. TOEFL or IELTS scores are required for international students
3. One copy of academic records showing degree(s)
4. One official transcript showing bachelor's degree or progress toward degree
5. One official transcript showing ALL work after bachelor's degree
6. Must obtain application approval from the Dean of the Graduate School
7. Payment of $80 non-refundable application processing fee for international students

Provisional Admissions

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.

Readmission

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.

Transfer Credit

Students may transfer up to twelve (12) hours of graduate level credits from regionally accredited institutions.

Tuition & Fees

• Tuition per credit hour: $581.00
• Instructional Support Fee per credit hour: $25.00

English Language Test Score Requirements

• TOEFL Essentials: 9 and above
• TOEFL iBT: 79 and above
• IELTS: 6.5 and above

Accessing Online Courses

Videos recorded during on-campus class sessions are uploaded for online students to view within the online course repository. Online students will have access to course videos within 24 hours of the on-campus course completion.

Student Resources

• Thesis and Dissertation
• Research Guide

Program Details

The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in aerospace engineering and prepare them for careers in industry, government, and education. The program 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.