M.S. in Aerospace Engineering

students working on an engineering project

The M.S. in Aerospace Engineering offers a dynamic learning experience that allows students to tailor their academic studies through specialized coursework and research opportunities.

The Daytona Beach Campus M.S. in Aerospace Engineering focuses on hands-on learning and advanced research. Students will benefit from cutting-edge facilities and expert faculty guidance. Students will engage in applied aerospace projects covering areas like dynamics and controls, composite materials, large systems, and wind tunnel testing. Housed in the Department of Aerospace Engineering within the College of Engineering, students will have access to the nearby Eagle Flight Research Center, a 10,000-square-foot hangar with runway access at Daytona Beach International Airport. This unique resource offers real-world opportunities to innovate in aircraft and propulsion research.

The Worldwide & Online M.S. in Aerospace Engineering allows students to advance their expertise in key areas such as aerodynamics, propulsion, dynamics and control, structures, and materials. 

Program-Level Student Learning Outcomes

Daytona Beach

Students will:

  • Use analytical methods to analyze and solve engineering problems.
  • Use written and oral communication effectively.
  • Conduct research and/or independent study.
  • Use numerical methods to analyze and solve engineering problems.
  • Use experimental methods to analyze and solve engineering problems.

Worldwide

Students will:

  • Use analytical methods to analyze and solve engineering problems.
  • Use written and oral communication effectively.
  • Conduct research and/or independent study.
  • Use numerical methods to analyze and solve engineering problems.

Daytona Beach Program Requirements

Core Requirements6
Graduate Mathematics3
Option21
Total Credits30

Core Requirements

Area of Concentration

Core Requirements based on Area of Concentration

Aerodynamics and Propulsion

Choose Two of the Following:6
Advanced Compressible Flow
Viscous Flow
Advanced Incompressible Aerodynamics
Thesis Option: complete 12 credits, or Non-Thesis Option: complete 21 credits12-21
Design, Build and Test
Intermediate Heat Transfer
Combustion I
Computational Aeronautical Fluid Dynamics
Rocket Engine Propulsion Systems
Rotorcraft Aerodynamics
Thermodynamics: Classic and Modern Perspectives
Applied Engineering Analysis
Graduate Internship in Aerospace Engineering
Advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics
Hypersonic Aerospace Propulsive Flows
Aeroacoustics
Flow Stability and Control
Turbine Engine Propulsion Systems
Turbulent Flows
Special Topics in Aerospace Engineering
Total Credits18-27

Dynamics and Control

Choose Two of the Following:6
Linear Systems
Modern Control Systems
Orbital Mechanics
Analytical Dynamics
Thesis Option: complete 12 credits, or Non-Thesis Option: complete 21 credits12-21
Spacecraft Dynamics and Control
Airplane Dynamic Stability
Engineering Optimization
Unconventional Aircraft Design
Hybrid and Urban Air Mobility
Applied Engineering Analysis
Graduate Internship in Aerospace Engineering
Navigation, Guidance and Control
Advanced Topics in Discrete Control Theory
Adaptive Control
Robust Control Systems
Optimal Control
Nonlinear Systems
Geometric Mechanics and Control of Rigid Body Motions
Estimation of Dynamic Systems
Special Topics in Aerospace Engineering
Total Credits18-27

Structures and Materials

Choose Two of the Following:6
Strength and Fatigue of Materials
Aircraft Structural Dynamics
Analysis of Aircraft Composite Materials
Thesis Option: complete 12 credits, or Non-Thesis Option: complete 21 credits12-21
Engineering Materials Selection
Introduction to the Finite Element Method
Perturbation Methods in Engineering
Structural Design Optimization
Engineering Materials and Failure Analysis
Smart Materials in Engineering
Theory of Elasticity
Structural Health Monitoring
Mechanics of Structures: Variational and Computational Methods
Applied Engineering Analysis
Graduate Internship in Aerospace Engineering
Finite Element Aerospace Applications
Analysis of Aircraft Plate and Shell Structures
Advanced Aircraft Structural Dynamics
Aeroelasticity
Thermal Stresses in Aerospace Engineering
Special Topics in Aerospace Engineering
Total Credits18-27

Graduate Mathematics

Students are encouraged to consult an advisor within their respective areas.

Aerodynamics and Propulsion and Structures and Materials Concentrations

MATH 502Boundary Value Problems3
or ENGP 501 Numerical Methods for Engineers and Scientists
Total Credits3

Dynamics and Control Concentration

MATH 532Numerical Linear Algebra for Engineers3
or MATH 502 Boundary Value Problems
or MATH 510 Fundamentals of Optimization
Total Credits3

Non-Thesis Option

Electives (at most six hours of non-AERO courses in Engineering Physics, other Engineering, Math, or SCLM 511, with Program Coordinator approval)21
Total Credits21

Thesis Option

The thesis advisor must be a member of the AE Department faculty. 

To remain on track for Thesis work, the student must submit a Topic Statement upon completion of the first 3 credit hours of Thesis. Upon completion of the second 3 credit hours of Thesis, the student is required to conduct a pre-defense. Consult with the graduate program coordinator for additional information.

Electives (at most six hours of non-AERO courses in Engineering Physics, other Engineering, Math, or SCLM 511, with Advisor and Program Coordinator approval)12
AERO 700Graduate Thesis9
Total Credits21

Suggested Plans of Study

Aerodynamics and Propulsion - Non-Thesis Option

Year One

Fall
RequirementsCredits
MATH 502 - Boundary Value Problems or ENGP 501 - Numerical Methods for Engineers and Scientists3
AERO 504 - Advanced Compressible Flow3
AERO 508 - Intermediate Heat Transfer3
Semester Hours9
Spring
RequirementsCredits
AERO 521 - Viscous Flow3
AERO 516 - Computational Aeronautical Fluid Dynamics3
AERO 550 - Thermodynamics: Classic and Modern Perspectives3
Semester Hours9

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 18

Year Two

Fall
RequirementsCredits
AERO 504 - Advanced Compressible Flow3
AERO 610 - Advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics3
Semester Hours6
Spring
RequirementsCredits
AERO 512 - Combustion I3
AERO 507 - Design, Build and Test3
Semester Hours6

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 12

Aerodynamics and Propulsion - Thesis Option

Year One

Fall
RequirementsCredits
MATH 502 - Boundary Value Problems or ENGP 501 - Numerical Methods for Engineers and Scientists3
AERO 504 - Advanced Compressible Flow3
AERO 508 - Intermediate Heat Transfer3
Semester Hours9
Spring
RequirementsCredits
AERO 521 - Viscous Flow3
AERO 516 - Computational Aeronautical Fluid Dynamics3
AERO 700 - Graduate Thesis3
Semester Hours9

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 18

Year Two

Fall
RequirementsCredits
AERO 700 - Graduate Thesis3
AERO 610 - Advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics3
Semester Hours6
Spring
RequirementsCredits
AERO 512 - Combustion I3
AERO 700 - Graduate Thesis3
Semester Hours6

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 12

Structures and Materials - Non-Thesis Option

Year One

Fall
RequirementsCredits
MATH 502 - Boundary Value Problems or ENGP 501 - Numerical Methods for Engineers and Scientists3
AERO 510 - Aircraft Structural Dynamics3
AERO 515 - Introduction to the Finite Element Method3
Semester Hours9
Spring
RequirementsCredits
AERO 502 - Strength and Fatigue of Materials3
AERO 522 - Analysis of Aircraft Composite Materials3
AERO 525 - Structural Design Optimization3
Semester Hours9

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 18

Year Two

Fall
RequirementsCredits
MECH 548 - Introduction to Continuum Mechanics3
AERO 534 - Smart Materials in Engineering3
Semester Hours6
Spring
RequirementsCredits
AERO 532 - Engineering Materials and Failure Analysis3
AERO 618 - Aeroelasticity3
Semester Hours6

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 12

Structures and Materials - Thesis Option

Year One

Fall
RequirementsCredits
MATH 502 - Boundary Value Problems or ENGP 501 - Numerical Methods for Engineers and Scientists3
AERO 510 - Aircraft Structural Dynamics3
AERO 515 - Introduction to the Finite Element Method3
Semester Hours9
Spring
RequirementsCredits
AERO 502 - Strength and Fatigue of Materials3
AERO 522 - Analysis of Aircraft Composite Materials3
AERO 700 - Graduate Thesis3
Semester Hours9

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 18

Year Two

Fall
RequirementsCredits
MECH 548 - Introduction to Continuum Mechanics3
AERO 700 - Graduate Thesis3
Semester Hours6
Spring
RequirementsCredits
AERO 618 - Aeroelasticity3
AERO 700 - Graduate Thesis3
Semester Hours6

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 12

Dynamics and Control - Non-Thesis Option

Year One

Fall
RequirementsCredits
MATH 502 - Boundary Value Problems, MATH 510 - Fundamentals of Optimization, or MATH 532 - Numerical Linear Algebra for Engineers3
AERO 523 - Linear Systems3
AERO 623 - Navigation, Guidance and Control3
Semester Hours9
Spring
RequirementsCredits
AERO 527 - Modern Control Systems3
AERO 506 - Airplane Dynamic Stability3
AERO 544 - Analytical Dynamics3
Semester Hours9

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 18

Year Two

Fall
RequirementsCredits
AERO 531 - Orbital Mechanics3
AERO 633 - Optimal Control3
Semester Hours6
Spring
RequirementsCredits
AERO 544 - Analytical Dynamics3
AERO 553 - Hybrid and Urban Air Mobility3
Semester Hours6

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 12

Dynamics and Control - Thesis Option

Year One

Fall
RequirementsCredits
MATH 502 - Boundary Value Problems, MATH 510 - Fundamentals of Optimization, or MATH 532 - Numerical Linear Algebra for Engineers3
AERO 523 - Linear Systems3
AERO 623 - Navigation, Guidance and Control3
Semester Hours9
Spring
RequirementsCredits
AERO 527 - Modern Control Systems3
AERO 506 - Airplane Dynamic Stability3
AERO 700 - Graduate Thesis3
Semester Hours9

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 18

Year Two

Fall
RequirementsCredits
AERO 633 - Optimal Control3
AERO 700 - Graduate Thesis3
Semester Hours6
Spring
RequirementsCredits
AERO 544 - Analytical Dynamics3
AERO 700 - Graduate Thesis3
Semester Hours6

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 12

Worldwide Program Requirements

Core Requirements27
Electives3
Total Credits30

Program Details

The Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering requires successful completion of a minimum of 30 credit hours. Students enrolled in the Worldwide Graduate Online program may complete the degree in six terms, or approximately two years, assuming full-time enrollment and continuous progress. Students pursuing this graduate degree must earn a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.00 for all work completed at the University. The courses required to earn this degree are listed below.

Students should be aware that many courses have prerequisites and/or corequisites. Students are responsible for ensuring that all prerequisite and degree requirements are satisfied prior to enrollment in advanced coursework. The suggested plan of study is provided as a guide. A student's actual plan of study may vary based on term of admission, course availability, transfer credit, and other academic considerations. Students should consult with their academic advisor to develop an individualized plan of study.

Students must complete the required aerospace engineering core curriculum and one approved elective in systems engineering or airworthiness engineering. Students should work closely with their academic advisor to ensure prerequisite requirements are met and courses are completed in the recommended sequence.

Core Requirements

AERO 502Strength and Fatigue of Materials3
AERO 510Aircraft Structural Dynamics3
AERO 511Engineering Materials Selection3
AERO 515Introduction to the Finite Element Method3
AERO 522Analysis of Aircraft Composite Materials3
AERO 525Structural Design Optimization3
AERO 540Structural Health Monitoring3
AERO 612Analysis of Aircraft Plate and Shell Structures3
MATH 502Boundary Value Problems3
Total Credits27

Electives

Choose One of the Following:3
Airworthiness Process and Procedures
Aircraft Airworthiness Engineering Principles
Fundamentals of Systems Engineering
System Requirements Analysis and Modeling
Introduction to Systems Engineering Management
System Architecture Design and Modeling
System Quality Assurance
Total Credits3

Suggested Plans of Study

One-Year Plan

This one-year plan only works if the degree is started in the January term. 

Year One

Term 1
RequirementsCredits
MATH 502 - Boundary Value Problems3
AERO 510 - Aircraft Structural Dynamics3
Semester Hours6
Term 2
RequirementsCredits
AERO 502 - Strength and Fatigue of Materials3
AERO 515 - Introduction to the Finite Element Method3
Semester Hours6
Term 3
RequirementsCredits
AERO 511 - Engineering Materials Selection3
AERO 540 - Structural Health Monitoring3
Semester Hours6
Term 4
RequirementsCredits
AERO 522 - Analysis of Aircraft Composite Materials3
AERO 612 - Analysis of Aircraft Plate and Shell Structures3
Semester Hours6
Term 5
RequirementsCredits
AERO 525 - Structural Design Optimization3
Elective 3
Semester Hours6

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 30

Two-Year Plan

Year One

Term 1
RequirementsCredits
MATH 502 - Boundary Value Problems3
Semester Hours3
Term 2
RequirementsCredits
AERO 502 - Strength and Fatigue of Materials3
Semester Hours3
Term 3
RequirementsCredits
AERO 510 - Aircraft Structural Dynamics3
Semester Hours3
Term 4
RequirementsCredits
AERO 515 - Introduction to the Finite Element Method3
Semester Hours3
Term 5
RequirementsCredits
AERO 511 - Engineering Materials Selection3
Semester Hours3

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 15

Year Two

Term 1
RequirementsCredits
AERO 522 - Analysis of Aircraft Composite Materials3
Semester Hours3
Term 2
RequirementsCredits
AERO 525 - Structural Design Optimization3
Semester Hours3
Term 3
RequirementsCredits
AERO 540 - Structural Health Monitoring3
Semester Hours3
Term 4
RequirementsCredits
AERO 612 - Analysis of Aircraft Plate and Shell Structures3
Semester Hours3
Term 5
RequirementsCredits
Elective3
Semester Hours3

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 15

Estimated Cost of Attendance

Estimated Cost of Attendance: California Student Information