Aerospace Engineering, M.S.

The goal of the Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering (MSAE) program is to provide students with an advanced engineering education needed to enhance their careers and pursue doctoral studies in aerospace engineering or related disciplines.

The areas of concentration in the MSAE program include:

Aerospace Structures and Materials
Aerodynamics and Computational Fluid Dynamics
Aerospace System 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.
The general Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required and appropriate level of competency will be determined by the Department.
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.
The Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) must be met during the first semester in residence. Failure to complete the GWAR requirement during the first semester will prevent registration in engineering courses in subsequent semesters. Students are encouraged to review the university GWAR guidelines for graduate students for further information.

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,
fulfilled the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR),
their program of studies approved by the MSAE advisor and department chair.