Aerospace Engineering | Graduate Degrees and Requirements (2024)

The aerospace engineering department offers the following graduate degree options:

  • Master of Engineering (M.Eng.)
  • Master of Science (M.S.)
  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
  • Minor in Computational Science

General descriptions for each of these programs are provided below. Detailed descriptions of the requirements specific to each program can be found within the Graduate Studies Guide.

All students in the M.Eng., M.S., and Ph.D. programs must complete the Scholarship and Research Integrity (SARI) program requirements. The SARI program provides graduate students with opportunities to identify, examine, and discuss ethical issues relevant to their disciplines.

The SARI@PSU program is composed of two parts: an online training component (Part 1), and an interactive, discussion-based component (Part 2). The online training provides a common language and understanding of the history and principles of the responsible conduct of research. The discussion-based component provides an opportunity for in-depth exploration of important issues unique to each field of study.

For more information about the SARI program and requirements specific to aerospace engineering graduate students, go to SARI Program Information and Checklist.

One-year, non-thesis Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) in Aerospace Engineering

Application Deadline: We follow a rolling admissions process for the M.Eng. program. Application deadline for Fall enrollment is December 15.

The M.Eng. is a non-thesis professional master’s degree. An intensive one-year, 32-credit program, the M.Eng. requires completion of a capstone experience. This is an ideal program for engineers with bachelor’s degrees who wish to expand their set of career possibilities in aerospace-related fields. It is also pursued by highly qualified students who wish to accelerate progress towards a Ph.D. degree.

Degree Requirements:

  • A total of at least 32 credits is required for the degree, including courses in the core requirements
  • Restrictions on course credits:
    • A minimum of 18 credits of aerospace engineering courses (600-level courses do not count towards this total)
    • A minimum of 18 credits at the 500 level in addition to two credits in AERSP 590 (Colloquium).
    • A maximum of 9 credits at the 400 level
  • Satisfactory completion of a capstone course or project (3 credits of EDSGN 558 or a capstone project supervised by a member of the Graduate Faculty, completed while enrolling in AERSP 596, or another graduate systems or vehicle design course)
  • Satisfactory completion of an Engineering Experimental and Data Analysis course (AERSP 597-1, AERSP 405, etc.)
  • Minimum of a 3.0 grade-point average

All courses used to satisfy degree requirements must be technical in nature, i.e., engineering, mathematics, or physical sciences.

Master of Science (M.S.) in Aerospace Engineering

Application Deadline (with or without funding):
August 15, for Spring enrollment
December 15, for Fall enrollment

Spring admission decisions are typically made by mid-October. Fall admission decisions are typically made by mid-March or early April.

The M.S. is a thesis-based master’s degree having a significant research component. It requires a minimum of 30 credits and is designed to be completed in two years. This is an ideal program for an engineer with a bachelor’s degree who wishes to go deeper into research in specific areas of interest. The M.S. may be a terminal degree for students who intend to pursue research-related careers, or it may be a stepping stone en route to a Ph.D. degree.

Degree Requirements:

  • A total of at least 32 credits is required for the degree, including courses in the core requirements
    • A minimum of 6 thesis credits (600/610)
    • A minimum of two credits of AERSP 590 (Colloquium)
  • Restrictions on course credits:
    • A minimum of 14 credits of aerospace engineering courses (600-level courses do not count towards this total)
    • A minimum of 18 credits at the 500 and 600 level combined, at least 8 of these must be at the 500-level.
    • A maximum of 6 credits at the 400 level
  • Satisfactory completion of an M.S. thesis, including a public presentation
  • Minimum of a 3.0 grade-point average

All courses used to satisfy degree requirements must be technical in nature, i.e., engineering, mathematics, or physical sciences.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Aerospace Engineering

Application Deadline (with or without funding):
August 15, for Spring enrollment
December 15, for Fall enrollment

Spring admission decisions are typically made by mid-October. Fall admission decisions are typically made by mid-March or early April.

The Ph.D. is a thesis-based doctoral degree. It is very strongly research-oriented and is a terminal degree for students who intend to pursue careers in research and development, research management, or university teaching. It is an excellent program for an individual with a master’s degree in engineering, physical science, or mathematics who wishes to pursue a career in academic, governmental, and/or industry research in the field.

Admission to the Ph.D. program requires satisfactory completion of a master’s program in engineering. For information on direct admission to the Ph.D. program, please refer to the Guide to Graduate Studies.

Degree Requirements:

Doctoral students must satisfy the core requirements. Graduate course requirements, in addition to those specified in the core requirements, are set by the candidate’s doctoral committee on an individual basis. In general, there is no specified number of credits for the Ph.D. degree; however, students typically take at least 24 course credits beyond the M.S. degree.

The doctoral dissertation will involve research activity normally exceeding one full year of full-time graduate work equivalent to 30 credits; exact requirements are determined by a student’s doctoral committee.

  • Restrictions on course credits:
    • A maximum of 6 credits at the 400 level
  • Experimental requirement (a student must do one of the following):
    • Perform dissertation research having an experimental component
    • Serve as Teaching Assistant (TA) for AERSP 305W
    • Take a course that emphasizes laboratory measurements and error analysis, such as AERSP 420, AERSP 597-1 (Advanced Experimental Methods), ME 530, ME 536, ME 544, E MCH 506, E MCH 528, or ACS 505
    • Perform independent study (1 credit AERSP 596) by arrangement of your advisor. This could involve assisting another graduate student with experimental measurements, supervising an undergraduate laboratory project, or another activity.
  • Minimum of a 3.0 grade-point average
  • Other requirements:
    • ENGR 888 (for Teaching Assistants and Teaching Aides)
    • Dissertation

Doctoral students must also satisfy the following Graduate School requirements:

  • Qualifying Exam
  • Advisors and Doctoral Committee
  • English Proficiency Exam
  • Comprehensive Examination
  • Final Defense of Dissertation
  • Residence Requirement
  • Continuous Registration

Minor in Computational Science

Application Deadline: Students must apply before their last semester.

The minor in computational science, administered by the aerospace engineering department, is an interdisciplinary minor that provides an opportunity for graduate students in all colleges and majors to pursue a focused set of courses that emphasize all aspects of computational science.

Computational science involves using computers to study scientific problems and complements the areas of theory and experimentation in traditional scientific investigation. Each student's program is planned by the student and a designated computational science adviser, in consultation with the graduate adviser in the student's major field.

For more information, see the Penn State Graduate Bulletin.

  • How to Apply
  • Graduate Programs Guide

Aerospace Engineering | Graduate Degrees and Requirements (1)

Aerospace Engineering | Graduate Degrees and Requirements (2024)

FAQs

Is it worth getting a master's degree in aerospace engineering? ›

Yes, a masters in aerospace engineering is worth it for many students. A masters degree can often help you qualify for promotions or higher wages. A masters may also qualify you to teach aerospace engineering at community colleges. You can also choose to pursue independent research positions.

What are the prerequisites for a Masters in aerospace engineering? ›

Previous academic preparation: The Master of Aerospace Engineering is a technical engineering degree. Most admitted applicants hold undergraduate degrees in aerospace or mechanical engineering. Undergraduate degrees in other fields may be acceptable if you have completed fundamental engineering and math coursework.

What degree is needed for an aerospace engineer? ›

Aerospace engineers must have a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or a related field to enter the occupation. Aerospace engineers who work on projects that are related to national defense may need a security clearance.

What is the average GPA for aerospace engineering? ›

Undergraduate students in the aerospace concentration must maintain an overall average GPA of 3.0 with no more than two grades lower than a B in any of the concentration courses.

How much does a Masters in aerospace engineering pay in the US? ›

The average salary for a Aerospace Engineer in US is $135,465. The average additional cash compensation for a Aerospace Engineer in US is $13,410. The average total compensation for a Aerospace Engineer in US is $148,875.

Which master degree is best for aerospace engineering? ›

The MSc in Aerospace Engineeringprovides a rigorous and systematic understanding of the field, equipping you with the critical awareness and insight required to become a credible aerospace engineer.

Can I get into NASA with aerospace engineering degree? ›

Aeronautical, aerospace, and hardware engineering are a few of the many sub-disciplines of mechanical engineering that take place at NASA.

What is the closest degree to aerospace engineering? ›

Mechanical engineering is one of these closely-related fields and many aerospace engineers have an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering. To work in the field, you may be required to have professional licenses depending on the job/employer.

What makes aerospace engineering so hard? ›

From designing aircraft capable of withstanding extreme conditions to developing spacecraft that can navigate the vastness of space, the tasks at hand require a profound understanding of physics, mathematics and engineering principles.

What is the minimum salary of aerospace engineer in US? ›

Aerospace engineers earn an average yearly salary of $87,150. Wages typically start from $54,416 and go up to $139,577.

Is aerospace engineering a 9 to 5 job? ›

Schedule. Most aerospace engineers work from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.

What is the best university to become an aerospace engineer? ›

Top Aerospace Engineering Universities in the World
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
  • Stanford University.
  • 3. California Institute of Technology.
  • Georgia Institute of Technology.
  • Princeton University.
  • University of California.
  • Purdue University.
  • Cornell University.
Aug 13, 2024

What percent of aerospace engineers have a masters? ›

Aerospace Engineers by degree level
Aerospace Engineer DegreePercentages
Bachelor's72%
Master's17%
Associate5%
Doctorate3%
1 more row

What can I do with an aerospace engineering master? ›

Example careers:
  1. Aerospace Engineer.
  2. Airframe Manufacturer.
  3. Defence Laboratory Specialist.
  4. Drone Developer.
  5. Engineering Consultant.
  6. Gas Turbine and Aircraft Systems Specialist.
  7. Postgraduate Research.
  8. Project Management.

Should aerospace engineers go to grad school? ›

A graduate degree in engineering concentrated in aerospace could give individuals the boost they need to reach new career heights.

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