Aerospace Engineering, M.S.

The Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering (MSAE) program aims to provide students with advanced training in sub-disciplines of aerospace engineering that combines modern engineering practice and rigorous theoretical framework to enhance students’ pursuit of professional careers and doctoral studies. The program involves application of aerospace engineering knowledge and skills to build students’ mastery in the areas of expertise in order to:

Utilize advanced theoretical techniques in the design and/or analysis of engineering systems;
Apply modern experimental and/or computational tools to design and/or simulate engineering systems;
Promote the field of study through research and/or development of novel engineering solutions.

The areas of concentration in the MSAE program include:

Aerospace Structures and Materials
Aerodynamics and Computational Fluid Dynamics
Aerospace Systems Engineering
Combustion and Propulsion

Further information on the above areas of concentration may be obtained from the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering’s website.

Prerequisites

A bachelor’s degree in an ABET accredited curriculum in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related engineering degree with a minimum GPA of 2.7 in the last 60 (semester) or 90 (quarter) upper division major units attempted. A bachelor’s degree in other appropriate disciplines may be considered with the requirement that essential undergraduate prerequisites in engineering are satisfied.
Students must consult with the MSAE advisor for information concerning procedures and requirements for appropriate approval of their courses of study prior to enrolling in their graduate courses.

Degree Requirements

Plan I - Thesis Option

Completion of a minimum of 30 units beyond the bachelor’s degree in graduate courses including:

1. Eighteen units of common core Aerospace Engineering courses:

MAE 501 - Engineering Analysis I (3 units)
MAE 502 - Engineering Analysis II (3 units)
MAE 522 - Composite Materials (3 units)
MAE 533 - Gas Dynamics (3 units)
MAE 553 - Advanced Flight Dynamics and Control (3 units)
MAE 582 - Rocket and Spacecraft Propulsion (3 units)

2. Six units of courses selected from the student’s area of concentration as approved by the MSAE advisor;

3. Completion of six units of MAE 698 (Thesis) course and submission of a written thesis.

MAE 698 - Thesis (1-6 units)

Plan II - Comprehensive Exam Option

Completion of a minimum of 30 units beyond the bachelor’s degree in graduate courses including:

1. Eighteen units of common core Aerospace Engineering courses:

MAE 501 - Engineering Analysis I (3 units)
MAE 502 - Engineering Analysis II (3 units)
MAE 522 - Composite Materials (3 units)
MAE 533 - Gas Dynamics (3 units)
MAE 553 - Advanced Flight Dynamics and Control (3 units)
MAE 582 - Rocket and Spacecraft Propulsion (3 units)

2. Nine units of courses selected from the student’s area of concentration as approved by the MSAE advisor;

3. Three units of an elective course or MAE 697 (Directed Research) as approved by the MSAE advisor;

MAE 697 - Directed Research (1-3 units)

4. Completion of comprehensive written exams.

Advancement to Candidacy

Prior to formally registering for their theses (MAE 698 ) or taking their comprehensive exams, students must be advanced to candidacy.

In order to advance to candidacy, students must have:

completed ALL undergraduate deficiencies with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0,
attained a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0,
completed at least 12 units applicable to the degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0,
their program of studies approved by the MSAE advisor and department chair.