Engineering, M.S.

Offered by: College of Engineering, Aerospace Engineering Department

The practice-oriented Master of Science in Engineering with emphasis in Aerospace Engineering (MSE_AE) program builds upon an undergraduate education and facilitates more advanced study in aerospace engineering.

Mission Statement

The Master of Science in Engineering with emphasis in Aerospace Engineering (MSE_AE) program is intended to serve both full-time and part-time graduate students who have a BSAE or a closely-related undergraduate degree in order to strengthen their knowledge and understanding of aerospace engineering principles and practices. The program is primarily intended for students who currently are, or intend to become, practicing aerospace engineers, and thus focuses on the application of these principles and practices to real-world problems encountered by professional aerospace engineers.

Another purpose of the program is to facilitate applied research on relevant aerospace engineering topics. Such research should 1) serve societal needs by addressing contemporary issues, 2) contribute to the professional development of both students and faculty and 3) provide preparation for further academic study and research for those students who wish to pursue a Ph.D.

Educational Objectives

Graduates of the Master of Science in Engineering with emphasis in Aerospace Engineering program shall have:

• Knowledge of aerospace engineering principles, in aerodynamics, aerospace structures, flight mechanics, orbital mechanics, aerospace propulsion and aerospace vehicle design.
• The ability to conduct engineering analyses and to develop and implement designs and problem solutions.
• An understanding of the various technical and non-technical factors that impact the feasibility and implementation of aerospace engineering projects.
• The foundation needed to develop engineering judgment via professional practice, and to effectively identify, consider and account for multiple and competing objectives.
• The technical knowledge and skills needed to pursue life-long learning, with the ability to independently extend personal knowledge and understanding of engineering topics and practices by conducting literature searches, consulting with others, and using other similar techniques.

Admission to the Program

Applicants for unconditional admission are generally expected to have a B.S. in Aerospace, Mechanical or a closely related field of engineering from an ABET accredited (or equivalent) institution within the last 5 years.

GPA in upper-division undergraduate courses in Math, Science and Engineering must be 3.0 or higher.

Applicants with an undergraduate degree in other discipline, and those who do not fully satisfy other department or university graduate admission requirements may be considered for possible conditional admission. These conditions may include additional coursework, minimum scholarship, or other requirements.

Conditionally admitted students must satisfy the specified conditions before being advanced to unconditional standing. Those who do not satisfy these conditions will be dismissed from the program.

Applicants with an upper- division GPA less than 3.0 in Math, Science and Engineering, or a B.S. degree from a non-ABET institution, or a degree received prior to 5 years ago, must submit GRE test score (quantitative plus verbal) of at least 301. Letters of recommendation are not required, but will be considered.

Requirements

A minimum of 46 quarter units (equivalent to about 30 semester units) is required for the Master of Science in Engineering with emphasis in Aerospace Engineering (MSE_AE). The specific requirements are described below. All students must complete a Master’s Degree Project.

Each student must, in consultation with their academic advisor, prepare a Program of Study that outlines the coursework required to complete the program. This program of study should be prepared as early as possible, and must be submitted no later than the end of the second quarter of residency.

To attain Advancement to Candidacy for the degree, the student must satisfy all of the following:

1. Complete all conditions of admission, including any preparatory courses that may have been specified.
2. Have an approved Program of Study on file.
3. Completion of at least 32 units of graduate-level coursework with a grade point average of at least 3.0.
4. Pass the graduation writing test or receive a waiver.