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Aerospace Engineering, PhD

Aerospace Engineering, PhD

Academic programs / Graduate degrees / Aerospace Engineering, PhD

Airplane, Flight, Space, Technology, approved for STEM-OPT extension, engineeringgrad

Program description
Degree awarded: PHD  Aerospace Engineering

The PhD program in aerospace engineering emphasizes original research and provides students with a strong background for employment in academic institutions, government laboratories and industrial research laboratories with a focus on aerospace engineering.

The program stresses a sound foundation in technical fundamentals, communication and professionalism. To this end, a broad-based curriculum is offered in design, system dynamics and control; fluid mechanics and aerodynamics; mechanics and dynamics of solids and structures; transport phenomena; thermodynamics and energy. Modern computational and laboratory facilities are available to support timely research investigations.

STEM-OPT for international students on F-1 visas

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 36 months. This OPT work authorization term may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.

The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing the degree through ASU Online.

At a glance
Degree requirements

84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

All students pursuing the doctorate are required to pass both a qualifying and a comprehensive examination administered by the program committee. In addition, the following are required:

coursework directly related to the research area (18)
mathematics (9)
graduate courses outside the major research area (9)
MAE 792 Research
MAE 799 Dissertation credit hours (12)

Students in the doctoral program who have not completed an MS degree previously are allowed to apply for a Master of Science in Passing after successfully completing the comprehensive exams.

Admission requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from an accredited U.S. or international institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. GRE scores
  4. personal statement
  5. resume or curriculum vitae
  6. three letters of recommendation
  7. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency via a minimum of score of 80 on the internet-based TOEFL regardless of their current residency.

ASU does not accept the GRE® General Test at home edition.

Admission to the aerospace engineering doctoral program is highly competitive, and preferred applicants have an undergraduate or master's degree in aerospace engineering or mechanical engineering. The admission process considers all aspects of the student's application. The typical successful applicant has a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in engineering and science coursework in a bachelor's or master's degree program, and high GRE and TOEFL scores.

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Application deadlines
SessionModalityDeadlineType
Session A/CIn Person 12/31Priority
SessionModalityDeadlineType
Session A/CIn Person 08/01Priority
Career opportunities

Professionals with a doctorate in aerospace engineering have strong opportunities at all levels in aerospace engineering in research, design and manufacturing at companies of all sizes, as well as national laboratories (DOE, DOD, NASA). Analytical skills learned in aerospace engineering are also valued for other nonengineering positions.

Career examples include:

  • engineer
  • engineering manager or director
  • engineering professor
  • research engineer
Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is WRGP (Western Regional Graduate Program)?
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

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