Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Aerospace Engineering

The Aerospace Engineering Department offers a broad program in graduate studies leading to the degrees of Master of Science (thesis and non-thesis) and Doctor of Philosophy. Graduate students can choose from the following areas of specialization: aerodynamics and propulsion; structural mechanics and composites; rotorcraft; space systems; and flight dynamics, stability and control. Within these disciplines, the student can tailor programs in areas such as computational fluid dynamics, aeroelasticity, hypersonics, composites, smart structures, finite elements, space propulsion, robotics, and human factors. A minimum of 36 credit hours of coursework beyond the bachelor's is required for the Doctor of Philosophy in aerospace engineering. At least 12 of these credits must be completed at the University of Maryland. A minimum of 12 semester hours of dissertation research is also required. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA.

Applicants should have a B.S. degree in Aerospace Engineering (or in a closely related field) with a recommended minimum GPA of 3.2/4.0 from an accredited institution. GPA: 3.2 for M.S. and 3.5 for Ph.D. Applicants with a marginal academic record may be conditionally approved for admission to the M.S. program if other evidence of accomplishment is provided (i.e. publications or exceptional letters of recommendation). Admission to the Ph.D. program requires an academic record indicating promise of the high level of accomplishment required for the degree. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is strongly encouraged for applicants seeking financial support.