Aerospace Engineering, PhD
Help shape the future of flight and space exploration through rigorous research in aerodynamics, materials science and orbital mechanics. You'll be prepared to develop transformative theoretical frameworks and contribute to the aerospace field as a leading scholar.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
The Doctor of Philosophy program in aerospace engineering emphasizes original research. You acquire a strong background for employment in academic institutions, government laboratories and industrial research laboratories with an aerospace engineering focus.
The program stresses a sound foundation in technical fundamentals, communication and professionalism. To this end, you have access to a broad-based curriculum 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.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below.
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) Students in the doctoral program who have not completed a Master of Science degree previously are eligible to apply for a Master of Science in Passing after successfully completing the comprehensive exams.
mathematics (9)
graduate courses outside the major research area (9)
MAE 792 Research
MAE 799 Dissertation credit hours (12)
Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. Applicants must 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: Additional Application Information 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.
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 12/01 | Priority* |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 08/01 | Priority* |
*A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space-available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Admission Services.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Professionals with a PhD in aerospace engineering have strong opportunities at all levels in aerospace engineering in the areas of research, design and manufacturing at companies of all sizes and national laboratories (Department of Energy, Department of Defense, 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
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Program
|
USE 138
semtegrad@asu.edu
480-965-2335
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
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. 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.
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.
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.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
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.
