aerospace engineering phd rankings

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

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Updated: July 31, 2024 , Reading time: 15 minutes

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Data Points:

• The demand for aerospace engineers is projected * to grow by 6% within 2022 and 2032, which translates to around 3,800 openings per year, on average.
• About 88.8% of aerospace engineers ** are men and 11.2% are women.
• Aerospace product and parts manufacturing accounts for 34% of aerospace engineer employment *** .
• Engineering services (16%) and the federal government (16%) are the next top employers.

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

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100 Best Aerospace Engineering schools in the United States

Updated: February 29, 2024

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Below is a list of best universities in the United States ranked based on their research performance in Aerospace Engineering. A graph of 35.3M citations received by 1.16M academic papers made by 739 universities in the United States was used to calculate publications' ratings, which then were adjusted for release dates and added to final scores.

We don't distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs nor do we adjust for current majors offered. You can find information about granted degrees on a university page but always double-check with the university website.

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

For Aerospace Engineering

2. Stanford University

3. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

4. University of California - Berkeley

5. Harvard University

6. University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign

7. Georgia Institute of Technology

8. Pennsylvania State University

9. Princeton University

10. University of Maryland - College Park

11. University of California - Los Angeles

12. Cornell University

13. California Institute of Technology

14. University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

15. University of Washington - Seattle

16. University of Texas at Austin

17. Ohio State University

18. University of Wisconsin - Madison

19. Johns Hopkins University

20. Purdue University

21. University of California-San Diego

22. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

23. Texas A&M University - College Station

24. University of Florida

25. University of Colorado Boulder

26. Columbia University

27. University of Arizona

28. Carnegie Mellon University

29. University of Southern California

30. University of California - Davis

31. University of California - Santa Barbara

32. Duke University

33. University of Pennsylvania

34. North Carolina State University at Raleigh

35. Northwestern University

36. Yale University

37. Iowa State University

38. Boston University

39. Michigan State University

40. New York University

41. University of Virginia

42. University of California - Irvine

43. Rutgers University - New Brunswick

44. Arizona State University - Tempe

45. Washington State University

46. University of Pittsburgh

47. University of Iowa

48. University of Chicago

49. Brown University

50. University of Utah

51. Providence College

52. University of Cincinnati

53. Colorado State University - Fort Collins

54. University of California - San Francisco

55. University of Miami

56. Rice University

57. University of Tennessee - Knoxville

58. Tulane University of Louisiana

59. Washington University in St Louis

60. University of Illinois at Chicago

61. University of Oklahoma - Norman

62. Florida State University

63. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

64. Case Western Reserve University

65. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

66. University of Notre Dame

67. University of Delaware

68. University at Buffalo

69. University of Connecticut

70. Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science

71. Stony Brook University

72. University of Houston

73. Oregon State University

74. University of Massachusetts - Amherst

75. University of Rochester

76. University of Central Florida

77. Emory University

78. University of Kansas

79. University of Kentucky

80. University of California - Riverside

81. University of Missouri - Columbia

82. University of Alabama at Birmingham

83. Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

84. Naval Postgraduate School

85. Brigham Young University - Provo

86. Clemson University

87. Missouri University of Science and Technology

88. Northeastern University

89. University of California - Santa Cruz

90. Wayne State University

91. Vanderbilt University

92. Texas Tech University

93. University of Nebraska - Lincoln

94. University of New Mexico

95. Old Dominion University

96. Indiana University - Purdue University - Indianapolis

97. George Washington University

98. University of South Florida

99. University of Alabama in Huntsville

100. Auburn University

The best cities to study Aerospace Engineering in the United States based on the number of universities and their ranks are Cambridge , Stanford , Ann Arbor , and Berkeley .

Engineering subfields in the United States

2024 Best Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering Doctor's Degree Schools

Choosing a great aerospace & aeronautical engineering school for your doctor's degree, overall quality is a must, average early-career salaries, other factors we consider, more ways to rank aerospace & aeronautical engineering schools, best schools for doctorate students to study aerospace & aeronautical engineering in the united states, 10 top schools for a doctorate in aerospace engineering, aerospace & aeronautical engineering by region.

Other Rankings

Best associate degrees in aerospace & aeronautical engineering, best master's degrees in aerospace & aeronautical engineering, best value in aerospace & aeronautical engineering, best for non-traditional students in aerospace & aeronautical engineering, best online in aerospace & aeronautical engineering, most popular online in aerospace & aeronautical engineering, best bachelor's degrees in aerospace & aeronautical engineering, best overall in aerospace & aeronautical engineering, highest paid grads in aerospace & aeronautical engineering, best for veterans in aerospace & aeronautical engineering, most popular in aerospace & aeronautical engineering, most focused in aerospace & aeronautical engineering, rankings in majors related to aerospace engineering, aerospace engineering focus areas.

Majors Similar to Aerospace Engineering

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Best Doctorates in Aerospace Engineering: Top PhD Programs, Career Paths, and Salaries

Graduates with a PhD in Aerospace Engineering can become leaders in the aerospace design field. This advanced degree is one of the highest academic achievements you can get and a great choice for anyone with a deep interest in aircraft and spacecraft design, dynamics, and development. An aerospace engineering PhD opens the door to high-level, lucrative engineering jobs and to opportunities to enter the field of academia as a professor.

Our guide covers the best PhDs in Aerospace Engineering and the best aerospace engineering jobs. We’ve included a few online degree options for those who wish to earn their degree while working full-time. We’ll end with what you can expect from a PhD in Aerospace Engineering salary and job outlooks in the field.

Find your bootcamp match

What is a phd in aerospace engineering.

A PhD in Aerospace Engineering is the highest academic qualification in the field of aerospace design. Aeronautical engineering and astronautical engineering are the two main branches of aerospace engineering, the former involving aircraft that function within Earth’s atmosphere and the latter involving aircraft outside Earth’s atmosphere.

Maintenance engineers, aircraft developers, and spaceship developers are just a few of the career options open to those with an aerospace engineering PhD. Similar fields of study include robotics, automotive engineering, and mechatronics.

How to Get Into an Aerospace Engineering PhD Program: Admission Requirements

The admission requirements for a PhD in Aerospace Engineering are typically a four-year undergraduate degree or, in some cases, a master’s degree. The bachelor’s degree can be in any engineering field with core subjects related to aerospace engineering.

Other typical requirements for admission into this degree program include the submission of academic transcripts, scores from standardized tests like the GRE/GMAT, a letter of recommendation, a thoroughly updated resume, and a personal statement to indicate your dedication. Having a strong research background and articles published in scientific journals may also be required.

PhD in Aerospace Engineering Admission Requirements

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree and an engineering background
• Copies of academic transcripts and published articles (if any)
• Letters of recommendation
• A statement of purpose or personal statement
• A comprehensive resume or curriculum vitae

Aerospace Engineering PhD Acceptance Rates: How Hard Is It to Get Into a PhD Program in Aerospace Engineering?

It is very hard to get into a PhD program in aerospace engineering because it is one of the toughest engineering degrees. Do you know the saying, “It isn’t rocket science”? Well, this literally is rocket science. You need to have a solid understanding of the fundamentals of engineering and mathematical concepts in order to excel in this field.

The acceptance rates for aerospace engineering PhD programs at the top universities are quite low. For example, the California Institute of Technology’s aerospace engineering PhD program has an acceptance rate of about 9 percent . However, this school’s particular engineering graduate program has been singled out as the most selective in the nation. There are other programs that are less challenging to get into if you are motivated and prepared.

How to Get Into the Best Universities

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Best PhDs in Aerospace Engineering: In Brief

Best Universities for Aerospace Engineering PhDs: Where to Get a PhD in Aerospace Engineering

The best universities for aerospace engineering PhDs include Massachusetts Institute of Technology, California Institute of Technology, and Stanford University. If you are wondering where to get a PhD in Aerospace Engineering, we’ll take a detailed look at some of the top institutes in the US.

We’ve researched the admissions process requirements, academic coursework, and required semester hours or credits and listed them in the section below to make sure that qualified students can easily get a PhD and start working in the aerospace engineering field. Read on for more information.

The California Institute of Technology , also known as Caltech, is a private research university in Pasadena, California, that was founded in 1891. The university excels in science and engineering and is one of the world's top, most selective universities. It has six different academic divisions but its main emphasis is on the fields of science and engineering.

PhD in Aeronautics or Space Engineering

Students admitted into this PhD program must complete first-year coursework that is the same as the first year of the master's degree program. Then they must select a research advisor and pass a qualifying exam. 

The qualifying exam determines the student’s readiness to tackle the challenges that are a major characteristic of PhD-level research. Prior to graduating, students will need to host a seminar presenting the outcomes of their thesis study.

PhD in Aeronautics or Space Engineering Overview

• Program Length: Approximately 4-5 years
• Acceptance Rate: 9%
• Tuition and Fees: $58,467/year
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Assistantships, external fellowships, institute fellowships, loans, stipends

PhD in Aeronautics or Space Engineering Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Academic transcripts
• A resume or CV
• A statement of purpose

The Georgia Institute of Technology , more commonly known as Georgia Tech, has evolved a lot since its inception in 1885. The PhD in Aerospace Engineering program at Georgia Tech is renowned for its academic and research excellence. It is widely regarded as the most rigorous program in the school.

PhD in Aerospace Engineering

Aerodynamics, Fluid and Structural Mechanics, Material Behavior, Aeroelasticity and Structural Dynamics, Propulsion and Combustion, System Design and Optimization, and Flight Mechanics and control are among the specializations available to the students of this PhD program.

You must reach specific milestones within a set timeframe in order to successfully complete this PhD. These include a qualifying exam, a thesis proposal, and a successful research defense.

PhD in Aerospace Engineering Overview

• Program Length: 4-5 years
• Acceptance Rate: N/A
• Tuition and Fees: $14,064/year (full-time in state); $29,140/year (full-time out of state)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Assistantships, fellowships, out-of-state tuition waivers, outside sponsorships, veterans services
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field 
• GRE/GMAT scores
• Relevant work experience

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is among the world’s most prestigious institutes of technology. It has created countless inventions, including pioneering high-speed photography and inventing a new kind of matter. 

At the institutional level, MIT provides significant support for multidisciplinary research throughout its multiple schools and departments.

PhD in Aeronautics and Astronautics

The mission of this program is to produce original research in the field of aerospace engineering and create new leaders in the field. Graduates of this program will be able to solve future problems in aerospace engineering through advanced analytical and reasoning skills and communicate their solutions effectively.

PhD in Aeronautics and Astronautics Overview

• Program Length: Not given
• Acceptance Rate: 6.7% (graduate school)
• Tuition and Fees: $28,795/year (in state); $1,440 for the first 3 semesters, plus $4,430/ subsequent semester (out of state)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Research assistantships, aero/astro diversity fellowships, teaching assistantships, MIT-sponsored fellowships, external fellowships

PhD in Aeronautics and Astronautics Admission Requirements

• Online application for PhD study and application fee: $75
• Statement of objectives
• Transcripts
• English proficiency scores (international students)

Princeton University meets high standards for academic excellence and research opportunities across the board. Students pursuing a PhD in Engineering (such as the PhD in Mechanical Engineering or the PhD in Aerospace Engineering) from this institute benefit from exchange programs with other top colleges and universities across the globe.

PhD in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

The program educates researchers in engineering and applied sciences, preparing them for jobs in academia, industry, and government. It stresses foundational knowledge, deep knowledge, and outstanding communication abilities.

PhD in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Overview

• Program Length: 5 years
• Acceptance Rate: 11% (graduate school)
• Tuition: $56,010/year (in state)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Research assistantships, instruction assistantships, departmental funds, external fellowships

PhD in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Admission Requirements

• A statement of purpose and an updated resume/CV
• Recommendation letters 
• Academic transcripts from your graduate degree
• Statement of financial resources and the area of interest for research
• English language tests (international students)

Stanford University is located in Palo Alto, California. It is consistently listed among the world's finest institutions. It was founded in 1885 and currently serves more than 17,000 students. It follows high academic standards and offers a number of engineering programs.

Students enrolled in this PhD program receive a broad-based education in aeronautics and astronautics through coursework as well as rigorous research in a particular area that culminates in a doctoral thesis.

• Program Length: 4-6 years
• Tuition and Fees: $66,297/year (full time)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Fellowships, research assistantships, training grants, teaching assistantships
• Bachelor’s or graduate degree and academic transcripts
• Online application and application fee
• Statement of purpose
• TOEFL scores (if applicable)

Texas A&M University (TAMU) is a land-grant university located in College Station, Texas. It is a public institute that was created in 1876. It serves as the flagship institution of the Texas A&M University System. As of fall 2021, TAMU had the largest student body in the United States. It is the only university in the state to be designated as a land, marine, and space grant institution concurrently.

This PhD program provides you with in-depth knowledge of your chosen topic of study, research methods, and engineering principles. For degree completion, research must be carried out successfully in one of the following areas: aerodynamics, propulsion, dynamics, materials, or systems, and human integration. Tuition rates are based on a 9-credit-per-semester rate. 

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• Tuition and Fees: $8,026/semester (in state); $17,553/semester (out of state)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Graduate assistantships, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, academic excellence fellowship, Amelia Earhart Fellowships for Women
• Online application
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree
• Transcripts or grades from other institutions
• Internships or other work experience and published works (if any)
• TOEFL score, a statement of purpose, a resume, recommendation letters

With 15 interdisciplinary research institutes, the University of Colorado Boulder offers PhD students a variety of research options. The College of Engineering & Applied Science provides graduate degrees in eight fields of engineering and applied science. 

PhD in Aerospace Engineering Sciences

CU Boulder offers a varied range of opportunities for interdisciplinary research, ranging from space systems and control theory to biotechnology. Numerous collaborative research centers are available for students pursuing a PhD in Aerospace Engineering Sciences to collaborate with other students and researchers. While the acceptance rate for the entire university is 84 percent, there isn’t an available acceptance rate for this program specifically.

The school’s popular research centers include the Anschutz Medical Campus, the National Science Foundation's Industry-University Cooperative Research Program, and the Colorado Renewable Energy Collaboratory.

PhD in Aerospace Engineering Sciences Overview

• Tuition and Fees: $17,068/year (in state); $35,824/year (out of state)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Graduate student assistantships, fellowships and grants, student employment

PhD in Aerospace Engineering Sciences Admission Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree
• A graduate faculty advisor
• Courses taken in calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations at the undergraduate level
• 2 semesters of calculus-based physics and engineering

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a land-grant research public university in Champaign and Urbana, Illinois. It is the system's flagship institution, having been founded in 1867.

This institute currently enrolls about 56,000 undergraduate and graduate students, making it one of the largest public colleges in the country.

The Department of Aerospace Engineering at this institute is a world leader in aerospace research and engineering. It is committed to excellence and leadership in teaching, research, and service through internationally renowned staff and state-of-the-art research facilities.

• Acceptance Rate: 37% (college of engineering)
• Tuition: $18,256/year (in state); $34,762/year (out of state)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Internal and external fellowships, research and teaching assistantships, graduate awards
• GPA of at least 3.0
• Letters of recommendation, transcripts, certificate of declaration of finances
• Completed online application
• Paid application fee of $70 ($90 for international students)

The University of Michigan is a forward-thinking research university. It is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and has been designated an R1 institution. With such a strong research focus, the university's PhD in Aerospace Engineering program provides ample opportunities for multidisciplinary research.

Michigan’s aerospace engineering program is the nation's oldest and most highly ranked collegiate aeronautics program. The graduate studies cover fundamental and contemporary aerospace themes, as well as a graduate seminar led by leading academics. 

• Acceptance Rate: 10% 
• Tuition and Fees: $25,230.38/year (in state); $50,646.38/year (out of state)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: All PhD applicants accepted receive full funding for at least 5 years; students are encouraged to pursue outside fellowships from NSF, DoD, NASA, or DoE.
• A Master’s Degree in Engineering is not required but a background in engineering and math is
• Statement of purpose and resume/CV

The University of Texas at Austin is the oldest institution in the University of Texas System, having been founded in 1883. It is also the largest institution in the system, with over 50,000 undergraduate and graduate students and over 24,000 faculty and staff.

This aerospace engineering graduate program is ranked 10th nationwide, and its students work with world-class faculty. Alumni have gone on to become astronauts, administrators, and pioneers in the area of aeronautical engineering.

• Tuition and Fees: $8,684 to $10,848/year (in state); $17,312 to $19,786/year (out of state)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Research assistantships, teaching assistantships, fellowships
• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering or any related engineering degree from an accredited university
• Minimum 3.0 GPA in graduate-level work
• Reference letters

Can You Get a PhD in Aerospace Engineering Online?

Yes, you can get a PhD in Aerospace Engineering online. An online program will provide flexibility and convenience for you, which is especially helpful if you wish to pursue your PhD with fewer compromises to your work and personal life.

Best Online PhD Programs in Aerospace Engineering

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Aerospace Engineering?

It takes about four to five years to get a PhD in Aerospace Engineering, which is the lengthiest timeframe for a degree. The main reason it takes so long to complete these engineering degree programs is that it requires original and authentic research, which takes time and dedication to produce.

The process will train you to be a researcher who can make innovative discoveries. You will first complete advanced courses for the program, then conduct research using professional research techniques, and lastly write a professional and publishable dissertation, which for aerospace engineering can be book-length.

Is a PhD in Aerospace Engineering Hard?

Yes, a PhD in Aerospace Engineering is hard. An aerospace engineer must have a deep understanding of engineering science and technology. The design and construction of aircraft and spacecraft necessitates extensive knowledge of mathematics, encompassing principles like geometry, calculus, and statistics.

When it comes to design and testing, you will need a solid understanding of computers and electronic components. You must also possess a great deal of focus and dedication to complete your research and write your thesis. Strong communication skills come into play in writing articles for publication and defending your thesis.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a PhD in Aerospace Engineering?

It costs about $19,792 per year to get a PhD in Aerospace Engineering, according to the latest data from the National Center for Education Statistics. This cost applies to all public and private postsecondary degree-awarding institutions. The average annual tuition for a PhD in Aerospace Engineering from a public institution is $12,410 per year, while the same degree from a private institution costs comparatively more per year, around $26,597.

Most doctoral programs, including those in aerospace engineering, provide ample funding opportunities to subsidize your studies. They include assistantships, fellowships, and external grants, which can sometimes cover the entire cost of your degree.

How to Pay for a PhD in Aerospace Engineering: PhD Funding Options

The PhD funding options that students can use to pay for a PhD in Aerospace Engineering include research assistantships, teaching assistantships, university fellowships, government fellowships, tuition waivers, performance allowances, external grants, and scholarships.

PhD students in the US are generally discouraged from engaging in external employment while pursuing their degree. This is because most schools provide work and research opportunities to help students pay for their degrees. Some schools even offer full coverage of expenses to students accepted into their program.

Some schools offering a PhD in Aerospace Engineering are funded by government agencies or private companies to make sure they produce quality research. This can attract the attention of top-performing students and draw them to these schools.

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What Is the Difference Between an Aerospace Engineering Master’s Degree and PhD?

The difference between an aerospace engineering master’s degree and a PhD is the amount of time spent in class versus the time spent researching. A master’s degree provides further specialization in aerospace engineering through relevant classes and hands-on experience.

A doctoral candidate spends only a small portion of time in class and a large portion of time conducting independent research. Typically, a PhD program teaches you how to conduct your own independent research and how to publish your findings and present them to an audience.

Master’s vs PhD in Aerospace Engineering Job Outlook

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs for aerospace engineering graduates are expected to grow by 8 percent in this decade. This applies to entry-level jobs available for those who possess a bachelor’s degree.

In general, the higher your level of education, the more job opportunities will be open to you. For managerial positions like aerospace engineering managers or instructors, which come with an average salary of $152,350 and an expected job growth of four percent according to BLS, having an advanced degree will help you stand out among candidates. A PhD also prepares you to be a postsecondary teacher, which BLS shows has a 12 percent job growth rate in coming years .

Difference in Salary for Aerospace Engineering Master’s vs PhD

There is a considerable difference in salaries for master’s degree holders and PhD holders in the field of aerospace engineering. The average salary for someone with a Master’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering is about $91,000, according to PayScale. With this degree, you can work as an aerospace engineer, mechanical engineer, research scientist, research engineer, or senior systems engineer with small variations in annual salary.

On the other hand, the average salary for a PhD holder in aerospace engineering is about $111,000, according to PayScale. Many of the same jobs are available to these engineering professionals but with higher starting salaries. With an average difference in pay of $20,000 per year, earning a PhD in Aerospace Engineering should be high on your list of career goals as it can make a big difference in your day-to-day life.

Related Aerospace Engineering Degrees

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Why You Should Get a PhD in Aerospace Engineering

You should get a PhD in Aerospace Engineering if you want to be among the most highly skilled and highly paid engineers in this field. A doctorate in engineering qualifies you to teach at the college or university level. Research and development in a variety of engineering disciplines, as well as managerial jobs, are further great career options.

If you are involved in research and development in the aerospace industry, getting a PhD will place you on a much higher level in your work due to the advanced research and development skills gained in earning your degree. Courses are taught by experienced aerospace and aeronautical engineers and industry leaders in the aerospace industry and aviation industry, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to learn from them and sharpen your research skills.

There are sectors both inside and outside the aerospace industry where a PhD is considered almost essential for solving complex problems. Having a PhD will help increase your authority and give your peers and superiors more confidence in your work.

Reasons for Getting a PhD in Aerospace Engineering

• Higher salaries. Following this program of study and getting a PhD in Aerospace Engineering results in higher salaries for the same job as compared to having a master’s or bachelor’s degree.
• Funding for research projects. The authority and experience that comes with a doctoral degree vastly increases your chances of winning various government-funded and privately funded research projects. This can help you become a leader and innovator in the field.
• Robust academic career. Many aerospace engineering students who pursue a doctoral degree intend to make a career in academia rather than in the industry. You can publish research papers and grow as a respected researcher in this field.
• More career options overall. In addition to research opportunities, PhD holders in this field have more job options overall. These are usually higher-ranked positions. You are also eligible to become a postsecondary teacher of engineering subjects at colleges and universities.

Getting a PhD in Aerospace Engineering: Aerospace Engineering PhD Coursework

While pursuing a PhD in Aerospace Engineering, you have the opportunity to perform research in the fields of aerospace structures and propulsion as well as aerodynamic systems. As soon as you complete the graduate admissions process, you’ll need to put your previous academic background to good use because doctoral courses require a massive amount of both knowledge and research.

You will be required to complete a specific number of minimum credit hours in your graduate-level coursework on topics such as the fundamentals of fluid mechanics, aerospace engineering design, and advanced computational aerodynamics. Below are examples of the types of courses you can expect during your formal coursework.

Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics

This fluid mechanics course typically spans everything from air reentry at hypersonic speeds to particle transport and biofluid flow. Classes like this one provide opportunities for students to learn the wide range of experimental, computational, and theoretical approaches that are used to solve issues with fluid dynamics and mechanics.

Aerospace Engineering Design

This graduate study course deals with aeronautics , astronautics, and design concepts that address the essential principles and methodologies of aerospace engineering. The course promotes active learning by making use of exploration technologies.

Advanced Computational Aerodynamics

This course helps you understand and make sense of flow physics and numerical methods to identify and create solution algorithms for ordinary differential equations (ODEs) and partial differential equations (PDEs). It also helps you with the ability to pick and design solution algorithms for flight dynamics that can be described as vicious, inviscid, compressible, or incompressible.

Spacecraft Optimal Estimation

This course teaches conventional and new estimate techniques and links them to modern dynamic systems encountered in aeronautical specialties. It emphasizes the mathematical thinking and modeling of physical problems. The course applies to both spacecraft and aircraft systems.

Computational Multibody Dynamics

In this course, you will study the theoretical, numerical, and methodological foundations that will allow you to build your first model-based designs (MBDs) before you proceed to more complicated ones.

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How to Get a PhD in Aerospace Engineering: Doctoral Program Requirements

Getting a doctoral degree in aerospace engineering involves having a solid background in the fundamentals of aerospace engineering, represented by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the field. This knowledge is assessed by a preliminary exam.

A PhD dissertation must also be completed and defended, requiring you to demonstrate your ability to investigate and provide a solution for an original research problem. Below is a more thorough list of the steps that are required to complete all doctoral program requirements. We’ve done the research for you on how to get a PhD in Aerospace Engineering, so read on to find out more.

Doctoral students must complete the coursework required for the degree within the first academic year. While doing so, they must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA, which could vary for different universities.

The credits required for a PhD can vary based on a number of different factors, but generally you need a minimum of 48 credits for this degree. Most of your time will be spent conducting research rather than sitting in a classroom.

Before taking the PhD candidacy qualification examination, you must complete three semesters of research under the guidance of a faculty advisor. In order to do this, you first need to present a dissertation proposal by the end of the third semester to formally start the proceedings for your dissertation research work.

In most cases, there is a requirement for scientific publication in reputed journals with a good impact factor to produce a high-quality dissertation thesis in an aerospace engineering PhD degree program.

Via the qualification exam, you will have the opportunity to demonstrate your mastery of the principles of your chosen discipline, your capacity to conduct original research, and your ability to successfully convey your findings to a broad audience. 

Overall, the qualification examination encourages you to consolidate the knowledge and skills you have gained throughout the program. It is the responsibility of the department to determine whether you have met the degree standards and qualify for the doctoral degree in engineering. 

Many universities measure the performance of each student during the research and coursework phases by conducting annual reviews. These reviews are done by the PhD advisory faculty committees, the school of aerospace engineering, and the personal advisor or supervisor.

If a candidate fails to meet the minimum requirements of the annual review, there is a chance of cancellation of the degree by the school. 

The PhD program concludes with the completion of an original dissertation on a research topic chosen by the student and its defense in front of the dissertation committee as a final public oral examination. The dissertation requirements include providing substantial and unique contributions to the development of knowledge in any sub-field related to aerospace engineering.

Potential Careers With an Aerospace Engineering Degree

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PhD in Aerospace Engineering Salary and Job Outlook

The PhD in Aerospace Engineering salary and job outlook is reasonably high, between four and 12 percent with most jobs. With a PhD in Aerospace Engineering, you will be among the most sought-after candidates in a wide range of engineering professions. You can either become an engineering professor in a university or college or work in the research and development sector of a company.

What Can You Do With a PhD in Aerospace Engineering?

With a PhD in Aerospace Engineering, you can have a successful career as a post-secondary engineering teacher, an aerospace engineer, an industrial engineer, a mechanical engineer, or a senior research officer. You can have a rewarding career in many leadership positions in academic- or industry-related jobs.

Best Jobs with a PhD in Aerospace Engineering

• Post-secondary engineering teacher
• Aerospace engineer
• Industrial engineer
• Mechanical engineer
• Senior research officer

What Is the Average Salary for a PhD in Aerospace Engineering?

The average salary for a PhD in Aerospace Engineering is about $112,000 , according to the data collected by PayScale. A PhD holder earns the most among people with educational and professional backgrounds in aerospace engineering.The average fluctuates slightly according to the actual job, so read on for more information.

Highest-Paying Aerospace Engineering Jobs for PhD Grads

Best Aerospace Engineering Jobs with a Doctorate

The best aerospace engineering jobs with a doctorate include aerospace engineer, mechanical engineer, industrial engineer, materials engineer, and architectural and engineering manager. These are all among the highest-paid jobs in the country with a good job outlook.

Architectural and engineering managers are responsible for the planning, direction, and coordination of activities within architectural and engineering firms. They are most often seen working in offices, but they can also be found in research labs and manufacturing units.

• Salary with an Aerospace Engineering PhD: $152,350
• Job Outlook: 4% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 197,800
• Highest-Paying States: California, Colorado, New Mexico, New Jersey, Texas

Aerospace engineers are engaged in industries where employees design or construct aircraft, missiles, systems for national security, or spacecraft, among other things. They are largely engaged in the sectors of manufacturing, analysis and design, research and development, and the federal government.

• Salary with an Aerospace Engineering PhD: $122,270
• Job Outlook: 8% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 61,400
• Highest-Paying States: Nebraska, Colorado, Arizona, Washington DC, California

Materials engineers manufacture, process, and test materials for a variety of uses. Materials engineers usually operate in offices with computers and design tools. Others work in research and development labs. Materials engineers are normally employed full-time, with the possibility of working overtime hours when necessary.

• Salary with an Aerospace Engineering PhD: $98,300
• Number of Jobs: 25,100
• Highest-Paying States: Washington, Alaska, Maryland, Texas, California

Aerospace engineering graduates may choose to work in the field of mechanical engineering . These engineers are responsible for the design, development, construction, and testing of mechanical and thermal machines and devices. They may visit work sites occasionally to address a problem or a piece of equipment that requires their personal attention.

• Salary with an Aerospace Engineering PhD: $95,300
• Job Outlook: 7% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 299,200
• Highest-Paying States: New Mexico, Louisiana, Washington DC, California, Alaska

The goal of industrial engineers is to design efficient systems that integrate employees, machines, materials, information, and energy in order to manufacture a product or offer a service to the public. The best companies for industrial engineers are those that allow them to work in the environments they are seeking to change. For example, they may be found at an office looking at data collected by others or themselves, seeking to solve the errors in it.

• Job Outlook: 14% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 292,000
• Highest-Paying States: Alaska, Washington, California, Louisiana, New Mexico

Is a PhD in Aerospace Engineering Worth It?

Yes, a PhD in Aerospace Engineering is worth it. The salaries and job outlooks in this field are strong, especially with the private sector’s entrance into space exploration through companies like Space Exploration Technologies Corp (SpaceX).

If you want to learn how to solve unique problems in science and engineering, pursuing a PhD in Aerospace Engineering may be a more worthwhile investment of your time. You will have the exciting opportunity to use your sharp scientific skills to make innovative research discoveries and become a leader in the field.

If you wish to work in academia as a professor, obtaining a PhD is almost always required. This is because having a PhD gives you authority in your field.

Additional Reading About Aerospace Engineering

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PhD in Aerospace Engineering FAQ

According to US News , the best university for a PhD in Aerospace Engineering is the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Caltech gets second place. They are both included in our list, which is based on key factors like tuition, quality of research and innovation in the aerospace field, laboratory facilities, and available funding for prospective students like PhD candidates.

Some universities do require GRE scores for admission into their PhD program in aerospace engineering. However, due to COVID-19 and its repercussions, most universities have waived the requirement.

Yes, aerospace engineers make good money. According to BLS, aerospace engineers earn on average $122,270 per year. The lowest 10 percent of aerospace engineers made less than $77,440, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $168,370. Aerospace engineers can get employed by major aerospace tech companies such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and SpaceX.

No, you cannot get a PhD in Aerospace Engineering for free. However, with funding opportunities like assistantships and fellowships, you can make getting your PhD quite affordable. Some programs even cover all of your costs with funding.

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Top-Ranked Graduate Education

The Aerospace Engineering (ASE) graduate program at The University of Texas at Austin is a top-10 nationally ranked program where students perform world-class research under the supervision of distinguished faculty. Students have the opportunity to complete advanced study and research leading to the Master of Science degree and the Doctor of Philosophy degree. Our graduates go on to pursue careers as engineers, scientists, inventors, astronauts, administrators, and leaders in the field of aerospace engineering.

Degree Programs

We offer advanced study and research leading to the Master of Science in Engineering degree and the Doctor of Philosophy degree in aerospace engineering. The normal prerequisite for graduate study is a Bachelor of Science degree in aerospace engineering or in a related field of engineering. Graduate study is possible for those with degrees in science or mathematics, but some undergraduate coursework will be needed to make up any deficiencies.

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The new Space Tech Graduate Specialization for master's and doctoral students, open to all areas of study in the ASE graduate program, is comprised of topics in aerospace tech with a solid foundation in business and entrepreneurship. Learn more

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AAE graduate program ranks 6th in U.S. News and World Report - School of Aeronautics and Astronautics - Purdue University

AAE graduate program ranks 6th in U.S. News and World Report

The Gambaro Graduate Program of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AAE) at Purdue continues to provide a top-tier graduate education, according to new rankings released by U.S. News and World Report . The school was ranked 6 th in the nation by the current assessment, marking more than a quarter century of Purdue AAE placing at this level or better.

“We’ve been 5 th or 6 th for the last 24 years now. Our strong reputation has drawn incredible numbers of talented students to enroll in and graduate from our school, to the point that we’re now the largest aerospace program in the country by degrees granted. Specific to the graduate rankings, we had the largest number of PhD graduates, too,” says Bill Crossley, the Uhrig and Vournas Head of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

“To do that while maintaining our long-held esteem is a remarkable feat.”

Purdue’s College of Engineering ranks first among Big 10 universities. Overall, the College of Engineering’s graduate program held in 4 th place for the third year running – its highest position in nearly 30 years.

In January, Purdue’s online engineering graduate program moved up from third to second place. The program continues expanding — a new online graduate certificate in hypersonics was just announced this month.

AAE’s undergraduate program was ranked fifth in the nation last fall. Purdue is also ranked in the top 10 most innovative schools.

Other high-ranked aerospace engineering programs include MIT, Cal Tech, Stanford, Georgia Tech and UM Ann Arbor.

UCF’s Aerospace Engineering Graduate Program Ranks No. 53 Nationally in its First Year Offering Ph.D.

All engineering graduate programs at the University of Central Florida eligible for ranking have retained their top 100 spots in U.S. News & World Report’s recently-published Best Graduate Schools 2021 guide.

Also, UCF’s aerospace engineering program debuted in the rankings at No. 53 in less than one year after UCF launched its aerospace engineering doctoral program. The Ph.D. program began in August 2019, adding to UCF’s master’s degree program in aerospace engineering.

University-wide, U.S. News & World Report ranked 27 UCF graduate programs in the top 100 of their fields nationally in its 2021 Best Graduate Schools rankings. The publication weighs more than 800 institutions based on peer and expert opinions about the quality of programs and statistical data that measures the quality of a school’s faculty, research and students.

The College of Engineering and Computer Science ranked No. 74, advancing one spot from last year.

Engineering dominated UCF’s list of top-100 individually-ranked programs. The 2021 rankings for UCF’s engineering and computer science graduate programs are:

• Industrial/Manufacturing/Systems Engineering (No. 41)
• Aerospace Engineering (No. 53)
• Materials Science and Engineering (No. 54)
• Electrical/Electronic/Communications Engineering (No. 58)
• Computer Engineering (No. 61)
• Environmental Engineering (No. 68)
• Mechanical Engineering (No. 70)
• Civil Engineering (No. 75)
• Computer Science (No. 82)*

“Our graduate programs continue to garner strong positive attention nationally and internationally,” said Ali Gordon, associate dean for graduate affairs in the College of Engineering and Computer Science. “These gains in prominence are outcomes of the collective efforts of our world-class faculty and staff, and of our college’s alumni, benefactors, and partners.”

“UCF’s strong debut in the graduate aerospace engineering rankings speaks volumes of the caliber of our graduate students, faculty and the excellent aerospace research we have been building up here at UCF,” said Associate Prof. Seetha Raghavan, aerospace engineering graduate program director. “Our new Aerospace PhD program is in the best place to catch the wave of research and development in the aeronautical and space industry as it booms in Florida. For us, the trajectory is clearly upward.”

UCF’s futuristic research centers and clusters where graduate students work alongside faculty – such as Cyber Security and Privacy and Future City Initiative – help faculty win highly competitive research grants and provide students with high-impact laboratory and classroom experiences, according to Gordon.

“UCF ranks first in Florida and third in the nation for the number of National Science Foundation CAREER awards in 2020,” Gordon said. “These types of awards allow our faculty to present research challenges to our graduate students that have far-reaching societal impact.”

UCF’s highest-ranking program at No. 2 in the nation, Emergency and Crisis Management, offered by the College of Community Innovation and Education, jumped five spots from last year’s No. 7 ranking.

To read the full list of UCF’s rankings, see UCF Today’s news story: UCF Emergency Management, Nonprofit Management Rank Among Top 5 in Nation .

*U.S. News & World Report includes computer science in its science program rankings which were not ranked for 2021. UCF’s No. 82 spot for computer science is the most recent ranking.

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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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Aerospace Engineering - Ph.D.

University of illinois urbana-champaign, urbana, united states, 36 months program duration, 37,524 usd tuition fee/year, yes scholarships, engineering - aeronautical main subject area, program overview, main subject.

Engineering - Aeronautical

Study Level

Admission requirements, exam scores, important dates, tuition fee and scholarships, tuition fee, scholarships, domestic students, international students.

One of the important factors when considering a master's degree is the cost of study. Luckily, there are many options available to help students fund their master's programme. Download your copy of the Scholarship Guide to find out which scholarships from around the world could be available to you, and how to apply for them.

In this guide you will find:

Where to look for scholarship opportunities

How to apply to scholarships relevant to you

A list of available scholarships around the world

A scholarship application checklist

More programs from the university

Bachelor ug.

The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is leading the future of engineering across every field. We offer 19 undergraduate engineering programs across a wide range of engineering fields with an emphasis on providing an interdisciplinary curriculum. Our innovative and top-ranked majors guarantee that there is a program geared toward the change you want to make in the world.

Undergraduate students apply and enroll directly into their major of choice, which fosters an immersive experience with faculty and peers in departments, builds community, and enables involvement in research and extracurriculars related specifically to academic goals. 

We proudly offer several unique programs that are designed to address critical fields with growing demands for highly skilled, trained engineers, including 14 Computer Science (CS) + X degrees and a first-of-its-kind B.S. in Neural Engineering .

Grainger Engineering also offers an Engineering Undeclared program that allows first-year students to explore major options during their first two years of undergraduate study.

Engineering and Technology (2)

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Aerospace engineering (MS, PhD)

A nationally ranked program with a focus on innovating how we study, develop and design the future of aircraft and spacecraft. ASU’s aerospace engineering graduate studies put an emphasis on preparing students for doctoral work or stepping into vital roles in the industry.

Whether pursuing master’s studies or doctoral research, all graduate programs are built on a foundation in technical fundamentals, communication and professionalism. Outfitted with the latest tools and resources to better research, test and innovate the future of aerospace, our programs offer broad-based curriculum and support timely research investigations.

Degrees offered

Aerospace engineering, ms.

Following undergraduate studies, students have the option to choose between two Masters of Science tracks: a thesis option and non-thesis option.

• MS students are admitted by default in the non-thesis option
• MS students can transfer to the thesis option once they are active in the program and have secured a MS thesis faculty advisor
• The non-thesis option allows students two experiences including a portfolio and an applied project.

Aerospace engineering, PhD

The Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering take pride in innovation through research, discovery and design of new ideas. The Ph.D. program is directed toward just that with original research and creating and defending a dissertation that describes an original contribution within the chosen discipline.

Graduate resources

• Course Descriptions
• Accelerated Master’s programs
• Class Search/Course Catalog
• Graduate College FAQs
• Online Advising Appointments
• Graduate Forms
• Fellowships and Funding
• International Applicants
• All Graduate Programs

Program information

• Graduate Course Information
• Graduate Faculty
• Research Areas

Application and admission information

Application information.

The following application materials must be submitted directly to Graduate Admission Services:

If your institution sends electronic official transcripts, we accept the following electronic transcript services: E-Scrip, Parchment, Credentials Inc., and National Student Clearinghouse. All E-Scrip, Parchment, and National Student Clearinghouse transcripts must be sent directly to [email protected] from those transcript services or from the institutions that use those services. If you can and choose to use these services, you should apply online to the ASU Graduate Admission Services application prior to having your official e-transcripts sent.

If your institution does not use one of those transcript services, you will need to mail an official transcript. Your six digit application ID should be on the transcript envelope if possible.

Graduate Admission Services Tel: 480-965-6113 Web: students.asu.edu/graduate

Application for Admission

The application can only be accessed online. Click here to go to Application for Admission

Application Priority   Deadline

Fall Semester – December 31 Spring Semester – August 1

A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed. An application is complete after all materials are received by Graduate Admissions.

Application Fee

US citizens $70 Non-US citizens $115

This is a processing fee assessed by Graduate Admission Services and cannot be waived or deferred: graduate.asu.edu/admissions/how_to_apply

Transcripts and GRE scores

Transcripts.

Only official transcripts are accepted; no photocopies. These must be mailed to Graduate Admissions Services (see address above). For international students, transcripts must be in the original language, along with an official English translation. Also see:

Graduate Admissions Services: students.asu.edu/graduate/apply

Official score sent by ETS only. Guideline for the GRE: verbal 146+, quantitative 159+, analytical 3.5+. Institution code for ASU: 4007; there is no department code. 

GRE Waiver : GRE scores are useful, but not required for MS students.  GRE waivers do not apply to PhD applications. 

Resume, personal statement and letters of recommendation

A resume is useful but not required. Upload a resume in the online application process.

Personal statement

Essay describing your background, academic achievements, research interests, career goals, and why you wish to pursue graduate study in Aerospace Engineering at ASU. You will be asked to upload your personal statement in the online application process. .

Three (3) recommendation letters

The online application will ask you for three names and three email addresses for three recommenders; and the company/school for which they work. Your recommenders will receive an email and must submit their letter of recommendation electronically.

International applicants

Additional admission requirements for international applicants.

Admissions:  students.asu.edu/graduate/international

Visa/Immigration information 

students.asu.edu/international/immigration

English proficiency (for international graduate applicants)

A TOEFL, IELTS or PTE score is required by the graduate Aerospace Engineering program, in order to be considered for admission.

• Official TOEFL sent by ETS only. Minimum scores: iBT 80; pBT 550. Institution code for ASU: 4007; for department code, applicant may enter 0000
• Official IELTS sent by issuing institution only. Minimum score: 6.5. No institution code is needed
• Official PTE sent by Pearson only. Minimum Score: 60

You could qualify for an exemption from this requirement by one of the following two options:

• This requirement would be met if you successfully complete the highest level at the Global Launch Intensive English Program with grades of B or better; AND in addition, acquire a score of 50 or better on the Speak Test (must be taken at Arizona State University).
• You successfully complete the highest level at the Global Launch Intensive English Program with grades of B or better  OR
• Attended in person a regionally accredited college or university in the United States and earned a bachelor’s degree or higher in the U.S.,  OR
• Attended in person a regionally accredited college or university in the United States and completed at least 12 credit hours of graduate course work with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale or higher (all credits must be earned in the U.S.),  OR
• Attended in person a regionally accredited college or university in the United States and completed at least 90 credit hours of undergraduate course work with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale or higher (all 90 hours must be earned in the U.S.)

For  more information, visit the Graduate Admission Services English Proficiency Requirement and Exemption website .

Still have a question? Contact Advising

If you still have questions regarding admission requirements and procedures, please contact the SEMTE graduate advising office:

Phone: 480.965.2335 Email:  [email protected]

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

The 30 Best Colleges for Aerospace Engineering

What’s covered:, how we made this list, what are your chances of acceptance to these top aerospace engineering schools.

A degree in aerospace engineering can open the doors to a variety of careers—for example, it can lead to professional positions designing air and space crafts, processing data generated by computer simulations, and drafting the technical drawings and specification sheets used in production and manufacturing. Many undergraduate aerospace engineering students will also go to graduate school. No matter what path an aerospace engineering student decides to take, their prospects are bolstered by attending a top school, such as the ones found below on our list of the best 30 colleges for aerospace engineering. 

CollegeVine considered a number of factors when building our list of the 30 best colleges for aerospace engineering, including the reputation of the program, overall school quality, and median earnings of graduates of the major. CollegeVine also weighed the popularity of the major within the school, the size of the program relative to school size, and the student-faculty ratio of the program.

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology | MIT

Location: Cambridge, MA

Undergrad Enrollment: 4,600

Acceptance Rate: 7%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1510-1570/34-36 

Every university in the nation looks up to MIT’s renowned Aerospace Engineering program. MIT aerospace students are provided a foundation in the disciplines required to engineer aerospace vehicles and systems. Over the course of their studies, students will cover topics such as aerodynamics, fluid mechanics, propulsion, structural design and analysis, advanced materials, and dynamics.

The undergraduate Aerospace Engineering program at MIT culminates with a sequence of aerospace laboratories and a capstone project that challenges students to apply what they learned and integrate multiple disciplines—for example, tasking them to design an aircraft or spacecraft system.

2. California Institute of Technology | Caltech

Location: Pasadena, CA 

Undergrad Enrollment: 900

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: N/A

How impressive is Caltech’s Aerospace Engineering program? Caltech is near the top of our list of the best colleges for aerospace engineering despite only offering the program as a minor. Caltech’s reputation in the field of aerospace engineering is unimpeachable and traces its roots back to 1891, more than a decade before the Wright Brothers’ first powered flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Over the years, GALCIT (Graduate Aerospace Laboratories of the California Institute of Technology) has earned a reputation for its stellar staff and unparalleled experimental facilities in solids, fluids, biomechanics, propulsion, combustion, and materials, as well as unique large-scale computational capabilities. 

3. Stanford University

Location: Stanford, CA 

Undergrad Enrollment: 7,000

Acceptance Rate: 5%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1470-1560/34-35 

Stanford’s Aeronautics and Astronautics undergraduate program provides students with a foundation in principles and techniques in the conception, design, implementation, and operation of aerospace and related engineering systems. Stanford aeronautics and astronautics graduates are prepared for a variety of careers, in fields such as:

• Aircraft and spacecraft engineering
• Robotics and drones
• Unmanned aerial vehicles
• Space exploration
• Air- and space-based telecommunications 
• Computational engineering
• Teaching and research
• Military service 

Along with the fields listed above, Stanford Aeronautics and Astronautics grads will also find themselves well prepared for a host of other careers in technology-intensive fields.

4. Georgia Institute of Technology | Georgia Tech

Location: Atlanta, GA 

Undergrad Enrollment: 16,000

Acceptance Rate: 21%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1370-1520/31-35 

The Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering at Georgia Tech can trace its roots back more than a century to the waning days of World War I when the university helped train U.S. Army pilots. A unique characteristic of Georgia Tech’s Aerospace Engineering program is its Mentors In Residence initiative, which pairs students with professionals and provides the space to talk about topics of interest to the student—from career advice to the state of the industry to technology trends. Thinking about applying to the Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering? Keep in mind that 97% of its incoming aerospace engineering students have taken AP calculus. 

5. University of Michigan

Location: Ann Arbor, MI 

Undergrad Enrollment: 30,300 

Acceptance Rate: 26%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1360-1530/31-35 

The University of Michigan (U-M) isn’t just one of the best colleges for aerospace engineering in the U.S., but also in the world. Shanghai Ranking —an annual publication rating the world’s best universities—places U-M sixth in its aerospace engineering category, the highest rank of any U.S. institution. The University of Michigan has the largest aerospace engineering alumni base in the country, which provides students with a variety of internship opportunities along with opening numerous doors to careers in both the private and public sectors. The university’s Sequential Undergraduate/Graduate Studies (SUGS) program allows students to earn a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in just five years. 

6. Purdue University

Location: West Lafayette, IN 

Undergrad Enrollment: 33,700

Acceptance Rate: 67%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1190-1430/26-33

Purdue University is home to one of the most renowned Aerospace Engineering programs in the country, thanks to notable alumni like Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk on the moon and a Purdue graduate with a degree in aeronautical engineering. Eugene Cernan, the last American to walk on the moon was also a Purdue graduate; he earned his degree in electrical engineering before earning a master’s in aerospace engineering from the United States Naval Post Graduate School. Purdue is also home to Zucrow Labs, the largest academic propulsion lab in the world. It sits on 24 acres and its research capabilities encompass disciplines such as:

• Turbomachinery
• Energetic materials
• Measurement and control
• Computational fluid mechanics
• Particle flow heat transfer

7. Princeton University

Location: Princeton, NJ 

Undergrad Enrollment: 5,400 

Acceptance Rate: 6%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1470-1560/33-35 

Students in Princeton University’s Aerospace Engineering program are challenged in both the sciences and liberal arts, helping to expose them to diverse perspectives, think from multiple viewpoints, and strengthen their insights. Princeton prioritizes teaching—classes feature low student-to-teacher ratios and faculty are available for advice and discussions. Princeton aerospace engineering students are required to engage in an independent project or complete a senior thesis before graduation, which provides them the chance to work on real-world engineering problems in collaboration with faculty members and their graduate students.

8. University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign | UIUC

Location: Champaign, IL 

Undergrad Enrollment: 33,900 

Acceptance Rate: 63%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1340-1510/29-34

An undergraduate degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign provides students with a foundation of knowledge in engineering, mathematics, and science, along with the understanding of how to apply it to the analysis and design of aircraft and spacecraft. UIUC’s Grainger College of Engineering is proud of its student outcomes—the average starting salary of its graduates earning a bachelor’s degree is $86,149, significantly higher than the national average . Graduates are Grainger College of Engineering found positions at highly desirable companies like Collins Aerospace, GE Aviation, and SpaceX. 

9. Cornell University

Location: Ithaca, NY 

Undergrad Enrollment: 15,100

Acceptance Rate: 11%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1450-1540/33-35 

Cornell University doesn’t offer students the opportunity to major in aerospace engineering, however, those who wish to study at the school’s renowned Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering can pursue a degree in mechanical engineering while minoring in aerospace engineering. Students minoring in aerospace engineering will develop the skills needed to analyze and design aerospace vehicles and their subsystems through coursework in aerospace and fundamental engineering.  

10. Texas A&M University

Location: College Station, TX 

Undergrad Enrollment: 53,700 

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1170-1380/26-32

Texas A&M University introduced its first aeronautical courses in 1928 and established its Department of Aeronautical Engineering in 1940, renaming it the Department of Aerospace Engineering in 1963. Texas A&M’s curriculum is balanced across four principal disciplines of aerospace engineering:

• Aerodynamics and propulsion
• Dynamics and control
• Materials and structures
• Systems, design, and human integration

Camp SOAR (Summer Opportunities in Aerospace Research) is a fantastic program for prospective Texas A&M aerospace engineering students. The six-day summer camp allows high school juniors and seniors to spend a week at Texas A&M while working on hands-on engineering projects and touring the university’s research facilities. 

11. University of California, Los Angeles | UCLA

Location: Los Angeles, CA 

Undergrad Enrollment: 31,500

Acceptance Rate: 14%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: N/A 

Aerospace engineering is known for operating at the highest levels of technology and graduates of UCLA’s Aerospace Engineering program are uniquely prepared to work at the forefront of innovation and science. Aerospace engineering is a capstone major at UCLA and graduates are required to complete a project that exposes them to the design, development, and production of a component, such as a lightweight wing, to graduate. UCLA’s location is enticing to many aerospace engineers; it’s within close proximity to companies like SpaceX and Northrop Grumman, along with numerous startups—L.A. is often referred to as Silicon Beach!

12. University of Colorado Boulder | CU Boulder

Location: Boulder, CO 

Undergrad Enrollment: 30,100 

Acceptance Rate: 84%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1180-1380/25-31

There are a lot of factors that entice students to study aerospace engineering at CU Boulder. For example, Colorado is the nation’s second-largest aerospace economy and CU Boulder receives more NASA funding than any public university in the nation. CU Boulder is also one of the top non-military producers of astronauts, with 19 CU Boulder affiliates having flown in space as NASA astronauts. Even CU Boulder aerospace engineering graduates who don’t get the leave the Earth’s atmosphere have the chance to have an out-of-this-world career, going on to work at many of the country’s top companies, including ATK, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp., and United Launch Alliance.

13. Virginia Tech

Location: Blacksburg, VA

Undergrad Enrollment: 27,800 

Acceptance Rate: 66%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1210-1410/26-32

Virginia Tech’s Kevin T. Crofton Department of Aerospace and Ocean Engineering offers students the chance to major in aerospace or ocean engineering. Because these two tracks share a significant amount of coursework, it’s also possible for students to pursue a double major—either aerospace with ocean engineering or ocean with aerospace engineering. Virginia Tech aerospace engineering undergraduates also have the ability to tailor their degree to their interests through a variety of technical tracks, including: 

• Aero/hydrodynamics 
• Dynamics, control, and estimation
• Energy and the environment 
• Naval engineering 
• Propulsion 
• Space engineering 
• Structures and materials 
• Vehicle and system design

14. University of Minnesota, Twin Cities | Minnesota

Location: Minneapolis, MN 

Undergrad Enrollment: 34,400 

Acceptance Rate: 70%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1320-1470/27-32 

Accredited in 1938, the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities’ Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics (AEM) program is the descendant of one of the nation’s first ten accredited aeronautical engineering programs. Today, the university places a priority on grounding the fundamentals of engineering into their students along with immersing them in hands-on projects and research. In 2019-2020, nearly 90% of AEM graduates found a position within six months of graduating and their mean salary was $71,301. 

15. University of Maryland, College Park | Maryland

Location: College Park, MD 

Undergrad Enrollment: 30,700

Acceptance Rate: 51%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1340-1490/30-34

The University of Maryland, College Park, is one of the top public undergraduate aerospace engineering programs in the nation. Aerospace engineering is a stand-alone department at Maryland—not part of a larger department like at many other universities—that employs roughly 30 professors who solely or predominantly teach aerospace courses. Maryland aerospace students will take at least one aerospace course every semester, to help keep them enthusiastic about the field. Approximately half of Maryland aerospace engineering undergrads are employed in the university’s research labs, with some students starting research as soon as their freshman year. Maryland provides exceptional access to internships and careers—it’s within close proximity to Washington, D.C., and NASA Goddard.  

16. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | RPI

Location: Troy, NY

Undergrad Enrollment: 6,600 

Acceptance Rate: 57%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1310-1460/29-34

Students studying aerospace engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute are prepared for a variety of careers in industry, government, academia, and consulting. RPI students are critical thinkers and problem solvers who possess a foundational knowledge of the disciplines and technologies related to aircraft, space vehicles, and other vehicles and systems operating in aerodynamic and hydrodynamic environments. 

17. Ohio State University | OSU

Location: Columbus, OH

Undergrad Enrollment: 46,800 

Acceptance Rate: 68%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1260-1420/26-32

Oho State University’s Aerospace Engineering program was founded in 1948 and has gained national recognition, thanks in part to its proximity to three major aerospace powerhouses: the NASA Glenn Research Center, Air Force Research Laboratory, and GE Aviation. OSU delivers students with broad knowledge of the field of aerospace engineering, while numerous technical electives allow for specialization. OSU is home to numerous state-of-the-art research and instructional laboratories, which give students the chance to gain firsthand experience working to solve real-world engineering challenges. 

18. University of Southern California | USC

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Undergrad Enrollment: 19,900 

Acceptance Rate: 16%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1330-1520/30-34

Aeronautical engineering at USC instructs students in the design, build, and operation of space vehicles beyond the earth’s atmosphere and prepares students for a variety of careers, such as:   

• Designing rocket vehicles
• Designing, building, and testing satellites
• Operating unmanned spacecraft and probes
• Building space instrumentation and sensors
• Conducting government research

In addition to opportunities inside USC classrooms, there are a number of extracurricular activities available to USC aeronautical engineering students, such as design teams like Rocket Propulsion Laboratory and organizations like the Society of Women Engineers.

19. Pennsylvania State University | Penn State

Location: University Park, PA

Undergrad Enrollment: 40,300 

Acceptance Rate: 54%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1160-1370/25-30

The Aerospace Engineering program at Penn State is not only one of the best aerospace engineering programs in the country, but also the only aerospace engineering program in the state of Pennsylvania. Penn State aerospace students are taught the theories and practices in foundational subjects like:

• Aeronautics and astronautics
• Aerodynamics and fluid dynamics
• Aerospace materials and structures
• Dynamics and automatic control
• Aircraft stability and rocket propulsion
• Aircraft/spacecraft systems design 

Additionally, Penn State aerospace engineering students develop important complementary soft skills—they’re strong communicators, excellent teammates, and effective problem solvers. 

20. University of California, San Diego | UCSD

Location: La Jolla, CA

Undergrad Enrollment: 30,200

Acceptance Rate: 37%

The University of California, San Diego’s Aerospace Engineering program prepares students for careers in the aerospace industry, aircraft/spacecraft development, and other technologically dependent fields, like automobile and naval equipment manufacturing and renewable energy. UCSD aerospace engineering alumni are employed at some of the most coveted companies in the field, including Boeing, Cubic Corporation, General Atomics, Green Alternative Systems, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Sandia National Laboratories, Space Micro Inc., and SpaceX.

21. University of Notre Dame

Location: Notre Dame, IN 

Undergrad Enrollment: 8,600

Acceptance Rate: 19%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1410-1550/32-35

Students studying aerospace engineering at Notre Dame receive a solid base in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and the engineering sciences, setting them up for success after graduation—80% of Notre Dame’s aerospace and mechanical engineering graduates go into industry, 10% to the military, and 10% pursue graduate studies. Studying abroad is a popular aspect of aerospace engineering at Notre Dame; the university has engineering-specific semester opportunities in Rome and London , along with offering numerous six-week summer programs in locations like Ireland, Spain, Germany, and Japan. 

22. University of Washington

Location: Seattle, WA

Undergrad Enrollment: 32,000

Acceptance Rate: 56%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1240-1450/29-34

A bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering from the University of Washington (UW) provides numerous opportunities to students with their heads in the clouds, such as designing, developing, testing, and building aircraft, spacecraft, rockets, and satellites. It also opens doors to more earthly applications, such as making race cars more aerodynamic or designing vehicles for underwater exploration. While working toward their degree, UW students also build soft skills like leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity. 

23. United States Air Force Academy | Air Force

Location: USAF, CO

Undergrad Enrollment: 4,300 

Acceptance Rate: 13%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1220-1420/29-33

The U.S. Air Force Academy’s Department of Astronautics was established in 1958, the same year NASA was formed. Today, the Air Force Academy takes a design-build-fly approach to teaching its aeronautical engineering students, providing cadets with firsthand experience dealing with real-world engineering problems and working in cutting-edge laboratories. Cadets must complete a two-course capstone to earn their degree in one of two design sequences: aircraft design or aircraft engine design. Graduates of the Air Force Academy with a degree in aeronautical engineering will find a variety of professional opportunities both in and out of the service, whether it’s as an experimental test pilot or a program manager.

24. North Carolina State University | NC State

Location: Raleigh, NC

Undergrad Enrollment: 25,100 

Acceptance Rate: 46%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1290-1430/27-32

North Carolina State University’s Aerospace Engineering program is one of the most prominent of its kind in both the state and the nation. NC State provides a variety of academic pathways to its students. In addition to the traditional bachelor’s degree track, NC State offers a five-year accelerated track through which students can earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in aerospace engineering in as little as five years. NC State also offers highly qualified students a Direct to Ph.D. program , which grants exceptional undergraduates direct admission to the university’s Ph.D. program. 

25. Illinois Institute of Technology | Illinois Tech

Location: Chicago, IL

Undergrad Enrollment: 3,000 

Acceptance Rate: 61%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1230-1400/26-32

Illinois Tech is one of the smallest schools—in terms of undergraduate enrollment—on our list of best colleges for aerospace engineering. Students studying aerospace engineering at Illinois Tech explore the design and manufacture of aircraft and spacecraft and are well prepared for careers in civil aeronautics, the defense industry, and the space program. Illinois Tech aerospace students also find themselves applying their knowledge in other innovative fields like undersea transportation, renewable energy, and the development of new materials. 

26. Case Western Reserve University

Location: Cleveland, OH

Undergrad Enrollment: 5,200 

Acceptance Rate: 30%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1420-1520/32-35

The undergraduate Aerospace Engineering program at Case Western Reserve University emphasizes fundamentals in its students, ensuring that they are well prepared for cutting-edge careers and further study at the nation’s top graduate programs. A double major—combining mechanical engineering with aerospace engineering—is a popular option with students at Case Western. Another well-received track is Case Western Reserve’s BS/MS program, which allows students to earn their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in just five years. 

27. Iowa State University

Location: Ames, IA

Undergrad Enrollment: 29,600

Acceptance Rate: 88%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1100-1320/21-28

Iowa State University helps its aerospace engineering students take flight—it delivers students the fundamentals of aerospace engineering while providing hands-on projects that allow them to augment their understanding of the field. Iowa State University also provides its students with the opportunity to gain real-world experience through its cooperative education program in which students alternate between industrial and academic experiences.

28. University of California, Davis | UC Davis

Location: Davis, CA

Aerospace science and engineering majors at UC Davis begin their studies by building a foundation in math and science before expanding their coursework to cover topics in aerospace and engineering. There are ample opportunities for UC Davis students to pursue their passion for aerospace outside of the classroom; the university is home to a multitude of teams and student organizations such as:

• American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA): a professional society of people interested in the aeronautics and aerospace fields
• Space and Satellite Systems (SSS) Club: a group that develops systems for use in space
• Advanced Modeling and Aeronautics Team (AMAT): an organization that explores the components and dynamics of airplanes by building RC airplanes from scratch every year and competes in an annual competition against 40+ schools from across the country

29. Worcester Polytechnic Institute | WPI

Location: Worcester, MA

Undergrad Enrollment: 4,600 

Acceptance Rate: 59%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1320-1450/29-33

Worcester Polytechnic Institute believes in project-based learning and its aerospace students benefit from its state-of-the-art equipment and facilities—including wind tunnels, vacuum chambers, and robots. WPI offers a BS/MS program through which students can earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in just five years. WPI is extremely proud of its student outcomes—the average starting salary of WPI’s class of 2021 was $71,811 and WPI graduates are working at exciting companies like Amazon Robotics, Aurora Flight Sciences, BAE Systems, Ensign Bickford Aerospace and Defense, Lockheed Martin-Sikorsky Aircraft, NASA, Naval Air Systems Command, Naval Undersea Warfare Center, and Raytheon Company.

30. University of Virginia | UVA

Location: Charlottesville, VA

Undergrad Enrollment: 16,700 

Acceptance Rate: 23%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1400-1510/35-35

The University of Virginia prepares students to pursue a variety of pathways in the widely diverse, yet highly specialized, field of aerospace engineering. The field of aerospace engineering is evolving rapidly and UVA students are uniquely positioned to transform with it thanks to a strong background in the fundamentals of the field along with significant firsthand experience using the latest in test equipment and modern experimental methods. Aerospace engineering majors conclude their undergraduate experience at UVA by designing an aerospace vehicle and publicly presenting it to a panel of judges and entering into a national competition. 

Curious about what your odds are of getting into one of the nation’s best aerospace engineering schools? Collegevine can help! Our free chancing calculator uses factors like GPA, standardized test scores, and extracurricular activities to predict your odds at the best colleges for aerospace engineering along with hundreds of other schools across the country. More so, it can help you identify areas of strength and areas in need of improvement on your college profile, and, in the end, help boost your odds of gaining admission to your dream school.

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PhD Admissions

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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.

An MS degree is not 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 3, 2024

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 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 distinguished cohort, participate in up to three years of leadership program, and receive full funding for up to three years of your PhD studies at Stanford.

Candidates of any country may apply. KHS applicants must have earned their first undergraduate degree within the last seven years, and must apply to both a Stanford graduate program and to KHS. Stanford PhD students may also apply to KHS during their first year of PhD enrollment.

If you aspire to be a leader in your field, we invite you to apply. The KHS application deadline is October 9, 2024. Learn more about  KHS admission .

Application Questions

email: [email protected]

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Programs Rank Among the Best in the Nation

Thirty UCF graduate programs and areas, including two from the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering , have been recognized among the nation’s best, according to  U.S. News & World Report ’s  2022 Best Graduate Schools Rankings.

The aerospace engineering program was ranked No. 51 this year, two spots higher than last year, when it debuted in the rankings. The mechanical engineering program was ranked No. 71 overall, but No. 41 out of all public universities on the list. The aerospace engineering program is ranked No. 35 out of all public university programs in this area.

Nine programs within UCF’s College of Engineering and Computer Science were ranked within the nation’s top 100. The College of Engineering and Computer Science ranked No. 41 among U.S. public universities.

Overall, UCF engineering and computer science programs were ranked No. 71 in the nation, ahead of many other Florida institutions – public and private – including the University of South Florida, University of Miami, and the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering.

U.S. News and World Report ’s annual Best Graduate Schools rankings are drafted each year to help professionals identify the best programs for continuing their educations and advancing their careers. The annual rankings are based on in-depth reputational and statistical surveys of more than 800 institutions.

The 2022 Best Graduate Schools rankings are the latest acknowledgement by  U.S. News & World Reports  of UCF’s commitment to academic excellence in a diverse range of disciplines, such as  aerospace and defense ,  healthcare ,  transportation science  and  space . Last fall, the publication recognized UCF as one of the  most innovative schools  in the nation, and it ranked the university’s  online undergraduate programs among the nation’s top 20  earlier this year.

To read the full list of UCF rankings, view the original story on UCF Today .

• Written by Anthony M. Moore for UCF Today
• April 2, 2021

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

More From Forbes

The ranking of engineering school rankings 2024.

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Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is the only institution whose engineering school ranks ... [+] in the top 5 of the there major rankings (Photo by William B. Plowman/Getty Images)

The world’s most valuable companies are all run by engineers. From Apple and Nvidia to Microsoft and Alphabet (Google), all four CEOs studied undergraduate engineering.

Each of them continued with graduate studies, whether for a Master’s or an MBA. Tim Cook, the CEO at Apple pursued Industrial Engineering at Auburn University and got his MBA from Duke Fuqua, while Nvidia’s Jensen Yuang studied Electrical Engineering at Oregon State and then Stanford University.

Combining a STEM background with business studies was a powerful combination for Microsoft CEO, Satya Nadella who received an MBA from Chicago Booth after a Bachelor’s in Engineering at Manipal Institute of Technology and an MS in Computer Science at the University of Wisconsin. And finally, Alphabet's Sundar Pichai studied Metallurgical Engineering at IIT Kharagpur, holds an MS from Stanford University, and has an MBA from Wharton.

Beyond the US, engineers are also managing at the top. The CEO of Saudi Aramco, Amin Nasser studied Petroleum Engineering at King Fahd University; the semi-conductor giant TSMC is headed by C C Wei, who studied Electronic Engineering at National Chicao Tung University and Yale, while the boss of LVMH, Bernard Arnault pursued engineering at France’s Ecole Polytechnique.

What makes an engineering degree so useful to people leading a business?

“Studying engineering gives someone a practical, pragmatic orientation,” says Nitin Nohria, the former dean of Harvard Business School, who holds an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay.

“Engineering is about what works, and it breeds in you an ethos of building things that work—whether it’s a machine or a structure or an organization. Engineering also teaches you to try to do things efficiently and eloquently, with reliable outcomes, and with a margin of safety. It makes you think about costs versus performance. These are principles that can be deeply important when you think about organizations.”

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‘emily in paris’ dethroned in netflix’s top 10 list by a new show, nyt ‘strands’ hints, spangram and answers for tuesday, august 20th.

So whether you want to build things or build business empires, which are the best engineering schools in the world?

BlueSky Thinking has compiled the Ranking of Engineering School Rankings 2024, aggregating the results of the three major global university subject rankings published by Times Higher Education (THE), QS and US News.

You can view the results for the world’s top 50 engineering schools here.

While U.S. universities fill three of the top four places, engineering schools in Asia and Europe make up six of the top 10.

BlueSky Ranking of Engineering School Rankings 2024 - Top 8

Each world university subject ranking uses a distinct methodology, and measures different things to compile their league table. So doing well in one ranking does not guarantee a similar result in another.

Take Harvard University as an example. It’s engineering school is ranked #1 in the world by THE, but fails to make the top 10 for QS Quacquarelli Symonds and is only #37 in the world according to US News.

Similarly the engineering school at University of Oxford makes the top 10 for THE and QS, but is #63 in the US News global subject ranking. Meanwhile China’s Tsinghua ranks #1 for US News, but only makes the top 20 for the other major rankings.

But if you are looking for consistency, look no further than Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford and National University Singapore (NUS). MIT is the only institution whose engineering school makes the top 5 in all three rankings, while Stanford and NUS both make the top 10 irrespective of methodology.

As the combined results of the BlueSky Ranking of Engineering School Rankings illustrate, there are wonderful study options all over the world. Only 16 of the top 50 schools are in the United States, while China and Hong Kong account for 11, ahead of the UK and Canada.

Perhaps surprisingly, there is only one engineering school among the global top 50 from Germany - Technical University of Munich, and one from Japan - The University of Tokyo. These counties are after all engineering powerhouses, that have invented some of the most technologically advanced products the world has ever seen.

For Oliver Matthews, founder of 4Uni Solutions which helps universities and business schools navigate the complex and competitive student recruitment landscape, decades of guaranteed German state funding and no tuition fees have distorted priorities. “Even as senior teams talk about the importance of rankings, or international reputation, there is no urgency or mechanisms in place to make a change.”

India is glaring by its absence among the global elite. The country whose prestigious Institutes of Technology, including the IITs, have trained the CEOs of Microsoft and Alphabet in addition to countless other world class engineers and business leaders cannot claim a single institution in the top 50.

This is likely to change, with schools from Delhi and Mumbai to Kharagpur and Kanpur slowly climbing in the global league tables.

Perhaps rankings performance is another interesting challenge for engineers to solve.

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Department of Mechanical Engineering

Design & analyze engineering systems.

Apply engineering knowledge and skills to the design and analysis of thermo-fluid systems, energy systems, dynamical control systems, nano/microsensors and devices, advanced materials, and advanced transportation systems.

From an undergraduate degree focusing on aircraft and space vehicle design to a graduate degree incorporating cutting-edge research, New York Tech’s Department of Mechanical Engineering programs will help you prepare for an employable, flexible career that leverages multiple aspects of mechanical engineering.

Undergraduate Degree Programs

Kickstart your career in aerospace, engineering management, and more with these flexible programs in mechanical engineering and its related disciplines.

• Construction Engineering, B.S.
• Engineering Management, B.S.
• Mechanical Engineering, B.S.
• Construction Engineering Minor
• Technology Entrepreneurship Minor
• Accelerated Dual Degrees (B.S. to M.S.)

Graduate & Doctoral Degrees

From a research-oriented M.S. to a Ph.D. with available concentrations in bioengineering, electrical and computer engineering, or mechanical engineering, you can tailor your graduate degree to your interests at New York Tech.

• Engineering, Ph.D.
• Mechanical Engineering, M.S.

Student Voices Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been determined to become an aerospace engineer. My thought process was either I fly as a pilot in the skies, or I make the machines that brought humans to the skies. I love aviation, so it was no question for me to pursue a degree allowing me to create gadgets used in the field. Winston Wang Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace

Our faculty excel as teachers, researchers, and practitioners who mentor students for professional success. Review their bios and read about their areas of research.

Department News 

Growing Long Island’s Tech Workforce

Alongside major partner Brookhaven National Laboratory, New York Tech is educating leaders for this booming technology corridor.

Students Impress in 2024 UREP Project Presentations

College of Engineering and Computing Sciences students showcased their work in the annual Undergraduate Research and Entrepreneurship Program presentations.

Accreditation 

Abet accreditation.

The College of Engineering and Computing Sciences’ bachelor’s program in mechanical engineering on Long Island is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET . 

Keep Exploring

Through programs in technology entrepreneurship, construction engineering, and more, you’ll gain the skills to prepare for a flexible career in mechanical engineering and its related fields.

College of Engineering

Aerospace engineering breaks ground on new hangar.

The new state-of-the-art facility will bolster research in advanced aviation technologies.

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FAMU moves to add new graduate degrees in aerospace engineering beginning fall 2025

Florida A&M University is taking steps to add new graduate degrees in aerospace engineering, which are expected to be offered in fall 2025.

FAMU trustees met during a virtual Academic and Student Affairs Committee meeting Monday and approved both a master’s degree and a Ph.D. program in aerospace engineering through the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering .

The joint college between Florida State University and FAMU, located in Innovation Park, is the only shared school of engineering in the nation.

Currently, the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering has an Aerodynamics Certificate offering for students through its online graduate certificate program that consists of four courses.

But the future graduate degree programs are expected to leverage the joint engineering school’s existing faculty and resources while also supporting the Florida Board of Governors' goal of increasing degree offerings in the STEM field (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), according to the university.

“With these particular master’s and Ph.D. programs, students are able to get their degree while being more qualified to get jobs in the aerospace engineering sector versus having a degree in mechanical engineering and only having done some aerospace work,” FAMU-FSU College of Engineering Dean Suvranu De said during the meeting.

“That is the intent of this whole initiative — to recognize students who are already working in aerospace engineering with our faculty and Innovation Park.”

Plans to add the new degree programs through the FSU-FAMU College of Engineering come after the universities recently requested a $13 million operating budget increase during the 2024 legislative session for the goal of becoming one of the top 50 engineering colleges in the nation within the next five years — an achievement that would also make it the first HBCU engineering college to achieve the distinction.

Although the operating budget increase request was rejected, the 2024 legislative budget included $21.2 million for the engineering school.

The curricula for the future aerospace engineering programs will include topics such as fluid dynamics, gas dynamics, fluid-structure interactions and flow control.

While the master's program will focus on experiential learning and industry collaboration, the doctoral program will foster research excellence within the aerospace engineering discipline and industry, according to a FAMU report.

In addition, the master's program will have a 30-credit requirement and the doctoral degree will require 48 credits for those with a master's degree but 60 credits for those entering with a bachelor's degree. The tuition rate will be about $405 per credit hour for Florida resident students and $1,022 per credit hour for nonresident students.

Last year, a Ph.D. in material sciences and engineering started being offered through the joint school, preparing graduates for occupations such as materials engineers or scientists, architectural managers, engineering managers and postsecondary faculty.

More: FSU, FAMU to add doctoral degrees in 'hot,' in-demand fields beginning fall 2023

With the aerospace engineering programs, students will be prepared for careers in areas such as aerospace and defense, space missions, manufacturing, spacecraft operations and architectural designers.

The university’s projected enrollment goal is to have 25 students in both programs combined during its first year of being implemented before growing to an expected 75 students in the programs by year five.

FAMU's Board of Trustees Chair Kristin Harper and trustee Nicole Washington — who also serves as chair of the Academic and Student Affairs Committee — both agreed that the aerospace engineering programs will help FAMU in its push for Carnegie R1 classification (Very High Research Activity) by 2030 as the university is currently ranked Carnegie R2 (High Research Activity).

The new degree additions await approval from the full board, with a vote set to take place during a May 29 meeting that will be held via Zoom while the trustees attend a retreat in Tampa.

Contact Tarah Jean at  [email protected]  or follow her on X:  @tarahjean_ .

Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering

College of engineering, georgia tech breaks ground on new hangar.

The new state-of-the-art facility will bolster research in advanced aviation technologies.

Chaouki Abdallah, Mitchell Walker, Brian German, and Doug Williams at the AE Hangar Groundbreaking Event. See more photos . 

The Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering (AE) kicked off the construction of “The Hangar” with a groundbreaking event in the heart of the North Avenue Research Area. The 10,000 square-feet facility is expected to be completed in the fall of 2025, marking a new era in advanced aeronautics research for Georgia Tech.

The Hangar will house specialized laboratories, including an electric powertrain laboratory, a propulsion system test cell, an avionics lab, composite fabrication areas, and an area for integrating prototype aircraft with wing spans up to 20 feet. A particular focus area for the facility will be electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and other novel types of electric aircraft.

Rendering of the new Hangar at Georgia Tech. 

Professor Brian J. German

“The Hangar represents the beginning of an ecosystem of flight research related to advanced air mobility (AAM) that we will grow with projects focused not just on core technologies but also on integrating large-scale prototype aircraft. This ecosystem will eventually include off-site flight test locations. 

We hope that our work in the Hangar will be a major enabler for bringing business activity and a new workforce in AAM to Georgia,” said Brian German , professor and co-director of Georgia Tech’s Center for Urban and Regional Air Mobility (CURAM).

During the groundbreaking ceremony, German provided details about the hangar's capabilities, the planned research slated for the facility, and the prospects of updated AE curriculum in electric aircraft propulsion.

Executive Vice President for Research, Chaouki Abdallah recognized the School for its growth and high rankings and talked about the importance of aerospace engineering to Georgia's economy. 

AE Chair Mitchell Walker thanked everyone who played a role in making the hangar a reality including: Georgia Tech and the Board of Regents for their support and funding, Georgia Tech’s Capital Planning and Space Management Team: Dan Nemec, Micky Boeckl and Carla Barbour, Piedmont Construction: Terry Barlas, and the Toland-Mizell Architects team; and the groundbreaking event committee: Monique Waddell, Abby Rowland, Kris Manion, Christine Powell,  and Farah Kashlan for working tirelessly on the event ceremony.

“We've had wonderful support throughout Georgia Tech and from the Board of Regents to bring this facility to fruition. We are excited to move forward with our vision for the research that can be conducted when the facility is complete,” said German. 

AE Chair Mitchell Walker speaks to the guests attending the Hangar groundbreaking ceremony.

Senior Research Engineer Lee Whitcher , who previously worked for many years in the drone industry in England provided invaluable guidance on the Hangar.  

"Before coming to Georgia Tech, I developed drones in an old US Air Force hangar on a decommissioned World War II air base in the east of England," Whitcher said. “Having helped with the hangar's conversion from an A-10 Warthog hangar to an aircraft integration and composites manufacturing facility, I was able to provide some unique insights into how best to lay out the new AE hangar."

Lee Witcher and Zack Hinton

One of the most exciting ventures coming to the Hangar is the Research Aircraft for eVTOL Enabling techNologies (RAVEN) project. This collaborative effort with NASA is focused on designing, building, and flying an 'open ' eVTOL research aircraft in the half-ton weight class, with the goal of disseminating data about the aircraft to the broader aeronautics community. The integration of the RAVEN aircraft will be a significant milestone for the Hangar, marking the beginning of its research activities and the next steps in a major partnership with NASA.

Two other projects are in the pipeline for the new Hangar. Project Subscale EVTOL Testbed for safeTy critical software development and scalability Research (SETTER) will conduct research focused on AAM. SETTER was recently awarded a NASA Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) award and a partnership between AE and OptoXense, a sensing technology company. Whitcher will serve as the principal investigator for the project. 

"Through our collaboration with optoXense and NASA on the SETTER program, we will be able to manufacture low-cost and highly capable subscale UAM demonstrators in our new hangar here on campus. Along with our flight test facility partners in the wider Atlanta area, these demonstrators will enable the development of safety-critical and performance-maximizing software for a wide range of aircraft configurations in a time- and cost-effective way," Whitcher explained.  

Additionally, German will lead a solar electric airplane project that was awarded earlier this year with the goal of designing, building, and flying a prototype aircraft as a technology demonstrator. This prototype is envisioned to have a gross weight of 40-50 lbs., a wingspan of 14-16 feet, and the capability to carry a payload of 6-10 lbs. Although predominantly solar-powered, the aircraft will incorporate a lithium-ion battery to provide extra power for take-off, climb, and periods of low solar intensity. 

The AE Hangar is a space for partnership and collaboration in our shared mission of making a difference to society through research and education in innovative technology. We expect to have more exciting news about work in the Hangar to share in the near future

AE Director of Development, Farah Kashlan who served as MC for the event.

 Kashlan (left) who served as the event host and AE Alumna Dr. Anne Patterson , AE 1971, MSAE 1975

Brian German and Mitchell Walker sign a beam that will be used in the Hangar.

The Hangar construction site on August 16, 2024

Georgia Tech staff and students sign the beam during the ceremony

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The Fall 2024 admissions cycle is currently closed. The application will reopen in September 2024 for Fall 2025. The graduate application completion deadline of December 1st at 11:59 PM (Eastern Time, US) for admission the following fall semester (we do not offer spring admission). We offer on line applications only , do not email the department with attachments for us to review. If you have questions regarding AeroAstro graduate admissions that are not answered below, or the Covid-19 and GRE statements below, please email  [email protected] .

As of June 1, 2020, AeroAstro no longer requires or accepts the GRE as part of the admissions process for our SM and PhD programs. If you are applying to the LGO Program , please refer to their application process.

Statement on Graduate Admissions with regard to Covid-19

Each year, we receive a large number of excellent applications from prospective students, and we strive to be as fair as possible when evaluating them for admission into our graduate program. We understand that the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic has caused many schools —including MIT — to implement some version of pass/no record or pass/fail academic grading at this time. Admission to our graduate program is done on a holistic basis, and in accordance with our values and mission. We want to assure you that we will take into account the circumstances surrounding the pandemic as we evaluate your candidacy in our graduate program — we will not hold this unprecedented situation against you when considering your application.

Graduate Program Information Sessions

During the open graduate application cycle, AeroAstro hosts graduate information sessions for prospective students to learn more about our faculty, research, program offerings, and our graduate school application process! The current 2024 cycle has closed. Information sessions will be next offered during the Fall 2024 term.

Admissions Criteria

All graduate applicants to MIT apply to their individual departments , rather than to the Institute as a whole. AeroAstro uses a department-specific online graduate application . For more information on graduate admissions in general, please visit the central MIT Graduate Admissions website . There’s no special formula or secret that guarantees an offer of admission from MIT AeroAstro. The selection process is competitive and follows a holistic approach. Below are some of the metrics used in evaluating graduate admission applications specifically within our department.

Prior Degrees

Students applying with a bachelor’s degree are eligible for admission to our Master’s program. Once accepted to our Master’s program, students can undergo in their second year the Field Evaluations. These evaluations serve as admission to our Ph.D. program. Having passed the Field Evaluations, the students can commence their doctoral studies once their Master’s is completed. Students who already hold a Master’s degree may apply for direct acceptance to our Ph.D. program but still must pass the Field Evaluation to become doctoral candidates. Your undergraduate and graduate degrees need not be in aeronautics or astronautics.

Preparation

Applicants are expected to have a strong background in mathematical and physical sciences and/or engineering. If you are changing fields, you should address your reasons and preparedness for doing so in your Statement of Objectives, a very important part of your graduate application. We ask that you upload your transcripts from each institution from which you have received or will receive a degree. We examine these documents for academic and research/project performance and general grade trends following a holistic approach.

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

You are required to submit three letters of recommendation as part of your application. We recommend that all or at least two of these come from faculty members with whom you’ve worked closely, especially in a research capacity. Your research and/or project experience plays an important role in the overall assessment. If you’ve recently completed an internship or have been out of school and working for over one year, you may wish to include an industry recommendation. You may not submit more than three letters, and these letters must be submitted using our online application system.

English as a Foreign Language Testing Requirements

Applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit official TOEFL, IELTS, or Cambridge English Qualification scores with their application. Please note that AeroAstro will accept the TOEFL “at-home” IBT. Unofficial or self-reported scores are required for submission of the application however official scores must be received by MIT for your application to be evaluated. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure official score reports are sent to MIT Graduate Admissions. On the TOEFL, you must score a minimum of 100 on the internet-based exam. On the IELTS you must score a minimum of 7.0 total. On the Cambridge English Qualification, you must score a minimum of 185. Applicants who do not meet or exceed these minimums are not eligible for admission. To be eligible for Fall admission, this exam must be taken on or by November 15, so that your score report will reach us by the application completion deadline of December 1 . You can request a waiver in the application if you meet one of the following criteria: 1) Applicant’s main language of instruction was English in their primary and secondary schools (i.e., from age 6 through age 18). 2) Applicant has been residing in the U.S. (or country where English is an official language) for a minimum of three years  and  has earned a degree from an accredited institution where English is the main language of instruction. For further details about  applying as an international student , please visit the Graduate Admissions website.  

Objective Statements

The objective statements are broken up into three main sections: Research & Technical, Professional Experience & Objectives, and Personal Background. Please give your reasons for wishing to do graduate work in the field you have chosen. Prepare your statements and goals in whatever form clearly presents your views. Include as far as you can, your particular interests, be they experimental, theoretical, or issue-oriented. We are interested in your vision of how you want to contribute to the future of aerospace engineering and how your background and MIT’s programs support your perspectives. The statements could be much like a proposal for graduate studies, in the more specific context of your professional objectives. You should set forth the issues and problems you wish to address. Explain your long-term professional goals. The Admissions Committee will welcome any factors you wish to bring to its attention concerning your academic and work experience to date.

ADVISOR AVAILABILITY

Even if you have an outstanding record, vitae, recommendations, and the potential to excel in AeroAstro, we may not be able to offer you admission. We will not admit more students than our faculty can effectively advise. This number varies term-to-term, and specialty-to-specialty, depending on the composition of our applicant pool and our current graduate student population. Learn more about our principal investigators and their research interests.

Admissions Checklist

To apply to the AeroAstro graduate program all of the following items must be received no later than December 1, our application completion deadline.

• Online graduate application and admissions fee
• Required Objective Statements addressing your past research and academic experience, your areas of interest in our department and how they can help you realize your goals
• Transcripts for each school from which you received or will receive a degree, scanned and uploaded to our electronic application where asked – official transcripts preferred, but unofficial are acceptable. (Admitted students will be required to submit hard copies in the spring)
• Three recommendation letters, submitted via the online application

Additional Item for International students:

• TOEFL, IELTS, or Cambridge English Qualification official score report, sent directly from ETS or IELTS (unless all schooling since primary school has been completed in English – see Admissions Criteria policy above) *Please note that AeroAstro will accept the TOEFL “at-home” IBT and the IELTS Indicator Test.

Graduate Application Assistance Program (GAAP)

The AeroAstro Graduate Application Assistance Program (GAAP) aims to increase the representation of underrepresented students pursuing graduate study in engineering. Specifically, GAAP strives to increase the diversity of the applicant pool by providing support and mentorship to applicants from underrepresented backgrounds as they navigate the graduate school application process. GAAP mentors, who are current graduate students in AeroAstro, will work with assigned mentees to provide synchronous (e.g., going through an outline of the mentee’s Statement of Objectives) as well as asynchronous (e.g., reading mentee’s drafts off-line) feedback on their application materials. No matter what stage of the application process you’re in, if you think you could benefit from talking through your application with a current grad student at MIT, please submit an application! GAAP applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, and our aim is to accept as many eligible applicants as we have mentors for (we’ll assign mentors periodically throughout the fall term, so there’s still a chance of getting a match if you apply by the November deadline). Our application form is mainly to give us an idea of how we can best help your application, so don’t worry about polishing your responses. Please send any questions to the GAAP student executive team at [email protected] . The application form will open in September 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. when is my application due may i submit it late where can i access the application what other materials are due.

A. The graduate application deadline for September admission is  December 1 a t 11:59 PM (Eastern Time, US). Late applications will not be accepted, nor will late application materials. You must complete your graduate admissions application online. Please note that once you create a login and password for your electronic application, it must be completed for  that  admissions cycle – it will not be accessible during subsequent cycles (e.g. If you start your application in September 2021, it would  only  be usable for the Fall 2022 application cycle, not the Fall 2023 cycle). All supplemental materials, such as transcripts, test scores, and recommendations must also be received by  December 1 at 11:59 PM (Eastern Time, US)  – application materials will not be accepted beyond that date, and our committee is not obligated to review incomplete or late applications. To find out exactly what is needed to apply, please review our Graduate Admissions Checklist above. Please be sure that your recommenders are aware of this hard deadline. If you cannot get your materials in by this date, you are not eligible for admission review. We do not make exceptions to this deadline.

Q. What advice would you give prospective applicants?

A. There are several pieces of advice that we give prospective applicants to our graduate program. 1. Be organized. The admissions cycle starts again fresh every year and things may have changed since you last looked into the application requirements and admission checklist. This also includes knowing when the deadline is and communicating that deadline to your recommenders as this is often the last thing to come in with your application. 2. Do not wait until the last minute to ask questions or start your application. Our application is open for three months. This gives you time to collect the information you need and get started on your application. It is best to make sure your application is where you want it well before the deadline so you do not run into any issues upon submission. 3. Read instructions carefully. There is no reason to rush through your application. We provide resources and clear instructions at every stage, is it important that you read these and follow them carefully to avoid irreversible mistakes in your application.

Q. The status of my English Language Exam says “waived” or “awaiting” but I sent my score report to MIT. Did you receive it?

A. The graduate programs at MIT receive tens of thousands of applications each cycle. In AeroAstro, if an English Language Proficiency exam is required of you in the application, please self-report your most up to date score. When you start your application, it is best to send the official score report as soon as you are able following the completion of your exam. Please follow the instructions laid out for you on the Office of Graduate Education’s website. If you already sent your score and it is still not marked as “verified” in your application, that means we have not yet processed it and matched the score to your application. Due to the high volume of applications MIT receives, this does take time and we implore patience in this process. We will move forward with your application review if it is otherwise complete but will not release a decision if this item remains outstanding.

Q. I made an error in my application, what do I do?

A. Mistakes happen. The best thing to do is not to panic. Most, if not everything, is editable in your application prior to submission. When in doubt, you can email [email protected] and we will help troubleshoot any issues you may have encountered with the application system. DO NOT start a brand new application within your existing account or a new account, this may cause you issues when it is time to submit that we want to avoid.

Q. May I apply using the paper application, and send paper materials?

 No. There is no paper version of our application available. Our system for reviewing applications is completely online, so we must receive all application materials electronically using our electronic application and recommendation service. Emailed materials will also not be accepted nor considered.

Q. May I apply for a fee waiver?

A. Yes. Please visit MIT’s  graduate fee waiver application  site for more information. They are granted on a case-by-case basis. Please submit this well in advance of the application deadline as it can take 5 days or more for Graduate Admissions to review and respond to your request for a fee waiver.

Q. How should I submit my transcripts?

A. Transcripts must be uploaded to your electronic application. You must include one for each college or university you have received or will receive a degree from. Official transcripts are preferred, but unofficial will be accepted as well. Upon admission to our graduate program, you are required to submit an official digital copy of your transcript directly to the AeroAstro Student Services Office at  [email protected] , using the digital delivery system your school provides. If your school does not provide this type of service, please contact us at the email above and we will work with you to get it submitted.

Q. May I apply when my current degree is in progress?

A. Most applicants are in this situation – still finishing up a degree when the December 1 deadline comes. You are still eligible to apply as long as you will be done with your current degree by the September that you are applying to enroll for. Regarding your transcript, you’ll simply upload the most complete version that is available on or by December 1.

Q. May I submit more than three letters of recommendation?

A. No. Please submit only three letters of recommendation using the electronic recommendation service that is part of our online application. Our online service will only allow for the submission of three letters, and our committee will not accept additional letters of recommendations.

Q. I can’t afford the tuition. Is it worth my time to fill out the application?

A. Applicants’ financial resources are not considered as part of admission decisions. Your financial situation will have no bearing on your application.

Q. Will documents that I have published improve my chances?

A. Faculty members do not have the time required to read applicants’ publications – please do not include them with your application. Your Statement of Objectives is much more critical to the review process. Be sure to be clear and concise about your research goals and how they relate to the MIT Aero Astro.

Q. Do you accept transfer credit from another university?

A. No, we do not accept transfer credit from other universities at the graduate level. If you have completed graduate coursework elsewhere, those credits cannot be counted toward your degree at MIT. If you have previously completed graduate level coursework at MIT that do not count toward another degree (with the exception of the SM in AeroAstro), those units may be considered toward your graduate degree in AeroAstro.

Q. What is the average GPA of accepted graduate students?

Because students from all over the world apply to our graduate program, we deal with many different GPA scales and systems. Because of this, we do not keep an official average GPA for accepted students on file. 

Q. Is the application process different for International Students?

The application process for international students is largely the same. The main difference is that some international students from non-English speaking countries must sit for the TOEFL or IELTS exam.   If required to take this exam, you must do so by November 15. You must at least score a 100 on the internet-based TOEFL in order to be eligible to apply to our program. If you choose to take the IELTS, you must score at least a 7 total to be eligible. Students who score below these minimum scores are not eligible to apply to our graduate program.  Please note that AeroAstro will accept the TOEFL “at-home” IBT. If an applicant has been residing in the U.S. (or country where English is an official language) for a minimum of three years  and  has earned a degree from an accredited institution where English is the main language of instruction, this requirement may be waived. Students where this applies must still must submit the waiver form in the application and obtain approval to waive this requirement from the application process. International students, once admitted, must complete the visa process in order to be eligible to study in the US, but this takes place after the admissions process has been completed and a decision has been received.

Q. Do you offer interviews as part of the admissions process?

No. We do not hold interviews as part of the admissions process.

Q. Do you require or consider the GRE exam?

No, we do not require or consider GRE scores are part of our graduate application.

Q. Are students able to participate and complete the graduate program remotely?

No. Students will need to be on campus for their entire graduate study.

Q. Can students complete the program part-time?

No. The graduate program is full-time.

Q. May I call or email the AeroAstro Department to check the status of my application materials?

A. If you wish to check your application material status, please use the online application portal to do so. However, if you have not submitted your application yet, we ask that instead of contacting us to see if we’ve received your supplemental materials, please go ahead and submit your application instead. Please note that you are free to submit your application before all of your recommendations have been received. If you have any questions regarding graduate admission to AeroAstro that aren’t addressed on our site, please email us at  [email protected] .

For Admitted Students

Once you’re admitted to the Aeronautics and Astronautics Graduate Program, there are some important things to think about to ensure a smooth transition into your studies and life at MIT. We recommend, in addition to reading the material on this page, that you visit the  MIT Incoming Student Resources  website.

Transcripts

Upon admission to our graduate program, you are required to submit an official digital copy of your transcript directly to the AeroAstro Student Services Office at  [email protected] , using the digital delivery system your school provides. If your school does not provide this type of service, please contact us at the email above and we will work with you to get it submitted.

Graduate Open House

Students admitted to our graduate program will receive an invitation to attend the Graduate Open House for AeroAstro, an annual event that takes place during the spring semester, typically in March. This event is invitation-only.

Faculty Profiles and Advising Statements

If you’re eager to learn more about your admitting advisor and other faculty members within AeroAstro, you can visit their faculty profiles to review their Advising Philosophy Statements, which will give you better insight into how it would be to work with them on research.

Many of our graduate students choose to live on campus. To procure on-campus housing, you must participate in the Graduate Housing Assignments Allocation Process. There are five graduate residences for single students and two that accommodate families. To begin the process of procuring housing, visit the MIT  Graduate Housing Web site . You may only begin this process after April 15. Should you choose to live off-campus, you’ll find the MIT  Off-Campus Housing Office  is a helpful resource.

International Students

All new MIT international students must work with the  International Students Office  in order to start the visa process. You’ll also have to schedule an appointment with the ISO for clearance once you arrive on campus, or you won’t be able to register.

English Evaluation Test

Entering graduate students whose native language is not English must take the  English Evaluation Exam , which is administered the in August prior to classes starting.

Medical Report

MIT requires all incoming students to submit a medical history, have a physical examination, and document immunity against certain infectious diseases. You must submit MIT Medical Report Forms to the MIT Medical Center before registering for classes. Visit  MIT Medical  to download these forms and learn more, including information on student health insurance requirements.

Computing at MIT

During the spring you’ll receive information that will help you set up a secure MIT Athena access (Athena is MIT’s computing environment), which includes creating your official MIT email address and password. You will also need to download  MIT Certificates  to your computer to access certain secure areas of the MIT Web site. For other general MIT computer information, visit  MIT IS&T . If you have questions specifically about AeroAstro Department computing, you can email  [email protected] .

Parking and Transportation

MIT campus parking is available for a fee. There are free MIT shuttle buses connecting most areas of the campus, and a fee-based shuttle to Logan Airport just before the Thanksgiving, Winter, and Spring breaks. There’s also an excellent  public transportation pass program , which MIT subsidizes. You can find information on all transportation options at the  MIT Parking and Transportation Web site .

Graduate Writing Exam

AeroAstro requires that all entering graduate students, including those who completed their bachelor’s degree at MIT, demonstrate satisfactory English writing ability by taking the  Graduate Writing Examination  administered by Comparative Media Studies & Writing. The exam is administered once each year electronically, usually in June or July. If you do not pass the exam, will be required to take a writing workshop for credit during your first January IAP period.

Registration

Registration takes place the day before classes begin. There’s no pre-registration for incoming master’s and doctoral students. Once you arrive on campus, you need to arrange a meeting with your academic advisor (who was assigned to you in your acceptance email) between the AeroAstro orientation and the following week. The process of contacting your advisor will be explained during orientation. You and your advisor will decide which subjects you should take, depending on your research and funding situation. Please note that while there are graduate program requirements, there is no specific set of classes graduate students must take.

Graduate Association of Aeronautics and Astronautics (GA^3)

The  Graduate Association of Aeronautics and Astronautics , or GA^3, as it is called, is the AeroAstro Department graduate student organization. It represents our grads within the department, as well as within the Institute. There are a number of other AeroAstro  student groups  that you are welcome to join. If you have questions regarding student life in AeroAstro at MIT, or even in Cambridge/Boston in general, our students are happy to answer your questions! You can contact them at  [email protected] .

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Research Topics

Soft matter modeling; electrospray deposition; colloidal transport; nanoparticle-cell interactions; hydrodynamics of microswimmers; polymer nanocomposites; membrane vesicles and biofilms

Contact Information

1006 Furnas Hall

Buffalo NY, 14260

Phone: (716) 645-1417

[email protected]

Related Links

• PhD, Mechanical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 2012
• BS, Physics and Economics, Peking University, 2007

Awards and Honors

• Binghamton University Watson School Early Stage Distinguished Research Award, 2020
• ACS Petroleum Research Fund Doctoral New Investigator Award, 2016
• NYS/UUP Individual Development Award, 2016, 2017

*PDF Accessibility Notice

If you experience any difficulty accessing the CVs on this website, we will provide an alternative format to access the information. To request assistance or provide suggestions about improving the user experience, please contact the SEAS Communications Office at [email protected] .