Aerospace Engineering - MS

College of Engineering

Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering provides each graduate with a foundation of knowledge and experience upon which to build successful careers in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, composite materials and structures, or space systems engineering.

Aerospace engineers develop new technologies in the defense, aviation, astronautics, and space industries including modern aircraft, satellites, rockets, and space vehicles.  Courses and research focus on aerodynamics, vehicle dynamics, controls, propulsion, guidance and navigation, optimization, and structures.

Our graduate programs emphasize research with faculty by focusing on high levels of student involvement providing enhanced preparation for engineering practice, research and education.

Admission Requirements

• Official transcript indicating a bachelor’s degree in an accredited U.S. college or university or a similarly recognized international university in mechanical or aerospace engineering, or closely related engineering discipline

• GPA of 3.3 (calculated using all grades from last 60 semester or 90 quarter credits earned)

• GRE Scores are used by some faculty in choosing students and in funding decisions and are therefore strongly encouraged
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose
• International students - proof of English proficiency (TOEFL or (IELTS)

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Program Requirements

• Must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA

• A cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for graduation

• Grades of C- or lower are not permitted on the program of study
• All graduate students must submit School of Graduate Studies forms and requirements for their chosen path
• A master’s degree must be completed within six years of entering the degree program.  Additional time may be requested by the student’s committee and submitted to the Vice Provost of Graduate Studies for review
• Coursework over eight years old at the time of degree completion may not be used for a graduate degree unless it is revalidated
• Credits in the following areas are not acceptable:  foreign languages, continuing graduate advisement, individual home study, military science, thesis research, and courses numbered below 3000
• At least 24-semester credits must be from a committee-approved and a School of Graduate Studies-approved Program of Study from Utah State University

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Three program plans are available for the Aerospace Engineering MS degree.

The Plan A Thesis requires 30 credits (minimum):

• 6 credits of Aerospace Engineering core courses
• 15 credits of approved 5000-level (or above) MAE technical electives
• 3 credits of an approved 5000-level (or above) math course
• Minimum of 6 credits of  MAE 6970 - Thesis Research 
  • A maximum of 15 thesis credits applied toward a Program of Study
• At least 15 credits must be at the 6000-level or above
• A thesis proposal and formal thesis defense are required. The thesis must meet School of Graduate Studies and MAE Department requirements
  • Successful defense and submission of the thesis to the library
• In-person attendance at 6 MAE Research Seminar Series presentations before graduating
• Approval of academic forms required for master’s students by the School of Graduate Studies
  • Supervisory Committee
  • Program of Study
  • Thesis Approval
  • Appointment for Examination
  • Record of Examination
  • SGS and library review and approval

The Plan B Report requires 30 credits (minimum):

• 6 credits of Aerospace Engineering core courses
• 18 credits of approved 5000-level (or above) MAE technical electives
• 3 credits of an approved 5000-level (or above) math course
• 3 credits of  MAE 6950 - Design Project  
• At least 15 credits must be 6000-level or above
• A project proposal and formal report defense are required. The report must meet School of Graduate Studies and MAE Department requirements
  • Successful defense and submission of the project to the library
• In-person attendance at 6 MAE Research Seminar Series presentations before graduating
• Approval of academic forms required for master’s students by the School of Graduate Studies
  • Supervisory Committee
  • Program of Study
  • Project Approval
  • Appointment for Examination
  • Record of Examination
  • Library review and approval

The Plan C Coursework Only requires 33 credits (minimum):

• 6 credits of Aerospace Engineering core courses
• 24 credits of approved 5000-level (or above) MAE technical electives
• 3 credits of an approved 5000-level (or above) math course
• At least 18 credits must be 6000-level or above
• Approval of academic forms required for master’s students by the School of Graduate Studies
  • Program of Study