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
- Curriculum Vitae
- International students - proof of English proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS)
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 plan
- A doctorate must be completed within eight 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
- At least 33 semester credits for a doctoral degree must be taken from Utah State University and be part of an approved Program of Study. At least three semesters, two of which must be consecutive, of full-time registration in residence at Utah State University, is required
- PhD qualifying exams must be passed before completing three semesters
- A proposal defense and a formal final defense are required for the dissertation. The dissertation must meet School of Graduate Studies and MAE Department requirements
- Successful defense and submission of the dissertation to the library
- A paper related to the dissertation, with the student as the first author, must be submitted for publication in a refereed journal prior to scheduling the final defense
- Students may choose to earn a Plan C Aerospace Engineering or Mechanical Engineering MS degree while completing their PhD. This option increases the PhD minimum requirement to 81 credits
- Credits in the following areas are not acceptable: foreign languages, continuing graduate advisement, individual home study, military science, and courses numbered below 3000
- In-person attendance at 12 MAE Research Seminar Series presentations before graduating
- Approval of academic forms required for doctoral students by the School of Graduate Studies
- Supervisory Committee
- Program of Study
- Application for Candidacy
- Appointment for Examination
- Record of Examination
- SGS and library review and approval
Two program plans are available for the Aerospace Engineering PhD degree.
The PhD Degree beyond a Bachelor’s requires 72 credits (minimum):
- 6 credits of Aerospace Engineering core courses
- 24 credits of approved 5000-level (or above) MAE technical electives
- 6 credits of approved 5000-level (or above) math courses
- Only 15 credits of 5000-level courses allowed
- 36 credits of MAE 7970 - Dissertation Research
The PhD Degree beyond a Master’s requires 42 credits (minimum):
- 6 credits of Aerospace Engineering core courses
- 3 credits of an approved 6000-level (or above) MAE technical elective
- 3 credits of an approved 5000-level (or above) math course
- Only 15 credits of 5000-level courses allowed
- 30 credits of MAE 7970 - Dissertation Research
Course Requirements
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