Advance Your Aerospace Expertise
Build advanced aerospace knowledge while carrying an independent research project from question to thesis. Work closely with faculty as coursework and research sharpen your technical focus.
What You Will Study
Study advanced aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, dynamics, control and orbital mechanics.
What You Will Take Away
Develop the judgment to define a research problem, choose methods, interpret results and communicate your work clearly. Complete a thesis that shows technical depth and a contribution to the field.
Research That Moves the Field Forward
Your thesis brings advanced coursework and independent inquiry together. Work with a faculty advisor to pursue a question in an area that aligns with your interests and our department’s expertise.
Flight Dynamics and Control
Study how aerospace vehicles behave, respond and remain stable. Research may focus on aircraft or spacecraft dynamics, control systems and flight mechanics.
Aerodynamics and Propulsion
Investigate how air and forces move through an aerospace system. Your work may examine aerodynamic performance, structural behavior, propulsion or the relationships among them
Space Systems and Design
Pursue questions in orbital mechanics, space environments, spacecraft systems or multidisciplinary design and optimization. Connect technical analysis to the choices that shape a mission.
Continue from the BS
Eligible AERO undergraduates can continue into graduate study through the blended BS + MS pathway. The catalog has current requirements, deadlines and application details.
Coursework Highlights
Advanced courses give you the analytical and technical grounding to define and complete a thesis. The catalog lists current degree requirements, course options and approved electives.
Build deeper knowledge through courses in computational aerodynamics, structural dynamics, ground-to-space transportation, systems engineering and spacecraft dynamics and control.
Strengthen the numerical and applied mathematics skills you need to model complex systems, evaluate results and make sound engineering decisions.
Shape a program of study that supports your research interests. Advisor-approved electives can expand the technical perspective you bring to your thesis.
Bring coursework, literature review and independent investigation together in a thesis that addresses a focused aerospace engineering question.
Build a Thesis
Graduate study asks you to take ownership of a question. With feedback from your advisor and committee, refine your research as you move through proposal, seminar, thesis and defense.
Work With Faculty
Your thesis advisor helps you shape a program of study and guides the direction of your work. Faculty feedback and a thesis committee help you test your ideas and strengthen your conclusions.
Share Your Research
Present your research in a thesis seminar, explain your methods and results, and use feedback from faculty and peers to refine your work before the defense.
If your research is accepted for presentation, you may also have opportunities to share it at conferences and contribute to conversations shaping the field.
Take the Next Step in Your Research
Review current degree requirements and course options in the catalog. When you are ready to pursue a thesis and advanced aerospace study, apply to the MS program.