Aerospace Engineering Program Overview
Master's Program
Pursuing a master’s degree helps you gain specialized knowledge to advance in your field. Not only could it open opportunities for you professionally, but it will increase your earning potential in an already competitive marketplace.
For the Aerospace Engineering Master's, students complete core aerospace coursework and technical electives in aerospace related areas. Students choose one of three plan options to complete the degree. All graduate students must complete School of Graduate Studies' (SGS) forms and requirements for their chosen plan. All MS-Plan A students must complete the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) online training to enhance their understanding of research ethics and practices.
As of fall 2016, USU's Aerospace Engineering MS program is an approved Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP). Students admitted to the Aerospace MS who are residents of WICHE member states are eligible for USU resident tuition rates.
To receive the resident tuition rates, please indicate on your application for admission that you are a resident of a WICHE member state. After being admitted, the Western Regional Graduate program (WRGP) form will need to be completed and submitted to the School of Graduate Studies. The MAE Graduate Academic Advisor helps students with the completion and submission of this form.
Plan A Thesis - 30 credits
Students complete research on an approved topic, and write and defend a thesis documenting the research and conclusions reached.
- Coursework (24 credits):
- 6 credits AERO Core
- 15 credits technical electives
- 3 credits advanced math
- Research: 6 credits MAE 6970
- Thesis Proposal
- Final Thesis Defense
- Attend in person, 6 MAE Research Seminar Series presentations
Plan B Report - 30 credits
Students complete an approved project and write and defend a report documenting the work done and conclusions reached.
- Coursework (27 credits):
- 6 credits AERO Core
- 18 credits technical electives
- 3 credits advanced math
- Project: 3 credits MAE 6950
- Project Proposal
- Final Report Defense
- Attend in person, 6 MAE Research Seminar Series presentations
Plan C Coursework - 33 credits
Students complete coursework to satisfy degree requirements.
- Coursework (33 credits):
- 6 credits Aero Core
- 24 credits technical electives
- 3 credits advanced math
Online: Plan C Coursework - 33 credits
Students complete online coursework to satisfy degree requirements.
- Coursework (33 credits):
- 6 credits Aero Core
- 24 credits technical electives
- 3 credits advanced math
- Rolling Application: Apply any time
- Start fall, spring, or summer semester
- Asynchronous delivery: Study on your own time
PhD Program
You don’t have to be an experienced researcher to purse a PhD. We welcome applications from those who are passionate about aerospace engineering. Research topics could include guidance, navigation, control, orbital rendezvous and proximity operations, astrodynamics, orbital navigation, spacecraft trajectory optimization, aerodynamics, aircraft design and optimization, and flight mechanics. Students may start a PhD program after a bachelor’s or master’s program.
The Aerospace Engineering PhD may be started from a bachelor's or a master's degree. If starting from a bachelor's, students may opt to complete a MS Plan C on the way to the PhD. Either plan requires core aerospace coursework and technical electives in aerospace related areas. All graduate students must complete School of Graduate Studies' (SGS) forms and requirements. All PhD students must complete the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) online training to enhance their understanding of research ethics and practices.
Beyond a Bachelor's Degree
- 72 credits required:
- 6 credits Aero Core
- 24 credits technical electives
- 6 credits advanced math
- 36 credits Dissertation Research
- Pass 3 PhD Qualifying Exams (80% or above)
- MS Plan C Option (81 credit minimum)
- Dissertation Proposal Defense
- Papers submitted to refereed journals
- Final Dissertation Defense
- Attend in person, 12 MAE Research Seminar Series presentations
Beyond a Master's Degree
- 42 credits required:
- 6 credits Aero Core
- 3 credits technical electives
- 3 credits advanced math
- 30 credits Dissertation Research
- Pass 3 PhD Qualifying Exams (80% or above)
- Dissertation Proposal Defense
- Papers submitted to refereed journals
- Final Dissertation Defense
- Attend in person, 12 MAE Research Seminar Series presentations
Contact Us
Have questions? We would be happy to help you. If you have questions concerning the application process, which programs are available, the coursework or requirements for each degree, or general information about graduate school, please contact us.