MS and PhD in Aerospace Engineering

Launch the Next Generation of Spaceflight

USU is a national leader in aerospace engineering research and education. Our faculty and student researchers are developing morphing flight surface technologies and the latest advances in small satellites. We’re also pioneering one of the world’s first environmentally friendly propellants for next-generation aerospace applications. Utah is home to a bustling aerospace industry, and USU’s world-renowned Space Dynamics Laboratory is right next door to our Logan campus. If you’re considering a career in the aeronautics or space industries, Utah State University is your best choice for a world-class, high-value education.

Choose the degree path that’s right for you. All graduate programs are offered face-to-face at our USU Logan campus.

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Our student in the front of the telescope out by Bear lake

Degrees Offered

Master of Science (MS) in Aerospace Engineering

Plan A: coursework plus thesis. Designed for students considering a PhD or a career that requires research experience.
Plan B: coursework plus research report. Ideal for students pursuing careers that require advanced design experience.
Plan C: coursework only. Designed to help students increase their technical knowledge and expand career opportunities.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Aerospace Education

The PhD is a research-intensive program for students pursuing advanced leadership roles in the defense and aerospace industries or who plan to teach engineering at 4-year colleges and universities. Students can begin the PhD program with a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

Student Stories

Natalie Wisniewski

Monument, Colorado

Graduate school has been one of the most challenging times in my life. I wouldn’t have been able to get through my classes and deal with the challenges life had thrown at me without the very supportive and understanding faculty and staff in addition to the Catholic community that I am a part of. My professors have taken the time to get to know me. They are approachable, willing to help, very knowledgeable and have great industry connections.

Ben Moulton

Beaverton, Oregon

Graduate school may not be for everyone, but it has been the best for me. I have been able to take courses that mesh with my career interests, and I’ve been able to dive into my research and connect with industry professionals. The process has helped me recognize my skills and strengths, as well as develop other technical abilities. Graduate school has left me with lasting connections and wonderful opportunities. It has not always been easy, but it has always been worth it.

Alex Nelson

Buffalo, New York

The USU Aerospace Engineering Department has been super understanding and flexible as I've balanced pursuing my master's degree and being a mom. I've felt supported and encouraged as I've gotten to know the faculty and staff. My classes have taught both theory and application, providing me with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue a job in GN&C. I have loved my experience as a master's student at Utah State.

Research Areas

–Aeronautics
–Aerospace Materials and Structures
–Astronautics
–Fluid Dynamics
–Guidance, Navigation, and Control
–Numerical Methods

Faculty

Ryan Berke

Aerospace Materials and Structures

ryan.berke@usu.edu

Som Dutta

Fluid Dynamics, Heat Transfer, Nuclear Energy and Materials, Numerical Methods

som.dutta@usu.edu

Matt Harris

Nonlinear Dynamics, Control, Optimization, Astrodynamics

matthew.harris@usu.edu

Tianyi He

Aeronuatics, Guidance, Navigation, and Control, Numerical Methods

tianyi.he@usu.edu

Doug Hunsaker

Aeronautics, Fluid Dynamics, Numerical Methods

doug.hunsaker@usu.edu

Juhyeong Lee

Aerospace Materials and Structures

juhyeong.lee@usu.edu

Haoran Wang

Material Science, Microscale/Nanoscale Science, Numerical Methods, Renewable Energy, Solid Mechanics

haoran.wang@usu.edu

Zhongquan “Charlie” Zheng

Fluid Dynamics, Heat Transfer

zzheng@usu.edu

Facilities

AeroLab

USU’s premier aerodynamics, flight mechanics, and flight simulation research laboratory. Our mission is to produce innovative leaders for the aerospace industry. Learn more about AeroLab

Space Dynamics Lab

Formed in 1982, SDL is a world-renowned, nonprofit government contractor owned by Utah State University. Learn more about Space Dynamics Lab

Static Testing Cell

Equipped with explosion-proof windows, the cell is a fully enclosed, noise-attenuated facility for live evaluation of propulsion systems.

Recirculating Wind Tunnel

This state-of the-art wind tunnel generates air flow up to 122 mph. It is used for class demonstrations and graduate research.

Featured Research

Experience Utah State

Ready to Apply?

Minimum Requirements

–GRE scores are used by some faculty in choosing students and in funding decisions and are therefore strongly encouraged.
–Bachelor's in mechanical or aerospace engineering from an accredited program
–Minimum 3.3 GPA
–Familiarity with FORTRAN, C, or MATLAB
–International students have additional requirements

Application Materials

–Official Transcript
–TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Exam
–Resume
–Letter of Recommendation
–Statement of Purpose (approx. 750 words)

Contact Us

Ready to learn more? Before applying to the USU School of Graduate Studies, contact Joan Rudd to explore current funding and enrollment opportunities.

Joan Rudd

Graduate Program Coordinator

435-797-0330
joan.rudd@usu.edu
ENGR 417

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