Aerospace Engineering, M.S.: 30 units

Offered by: College of Engineering

Major Required

Culminating Experience

The curriculum matrix for the degree program may be found here. The curriculum matrix is the alignment of courses (curriculum) with the desired goals and student learning outcomes of the program. It shows what is taught and how these outcomes are achieved through the completion of the degree program.

The MS degree enables the graduate to articulate the significant challenges confronting the field of aerospace engineering, utilizing a solid foundation of advanced courses. Through a careful selection of challenging projects, graduate students propose creative approaches to solving selected contemporary engineering problems. These project experiences distinguish the CPP MS Aerospace Engineering graduate by providing them with the design and execution background to tackle complex problems using innovative approaches, which may be applied in industry and research.

Mission Statement

This program provides the student with a comprehensive preparation for advanced work in the engineering profession. The program is designed for students with diverse undergraduate engineering backgrounds. The student completes a course of study individually tailored to their unique talents and professional goals.

The program offers students the opportunity to conduct applied research on relevant engineering topics. The goals of this research are to 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 Aerospace Engineering shall have:

1. Apply materials engineering principles to solve complex problems
2. Conduct independent studies/projects
3. Advance in their professional careers by applying life-long learning skills to complex situations
4. Work in teams with effective communication and professionalism.

Admission to the Program

An applicant for admission to a graduate program must meet university criteria as specified in the Graduate Admissions section of this catalog as well as the criteria outlined below.

Successful applicants will be admitted to the program either unconditionally or with conditions imposed on them. To receive unconditional admission, an applicant must satisfy these criteria:

1. Minimum of 3.0 GPA in all undergraduate upper-division course work in engineering, mathematics, and science
2. BS in aerospace or mechanical engineering from a program accredited by ABET, granted within five years before the proposed beginning of the graduate program.
3. If B.S. received from a non-ABET institution, more than five years ago, or lower GPA than 3.0, but higher than 2.85, then GRE test score (quantitative + verbal) of at least 301 is required to be considered for conditional admission.

Conditional admission may be granted in cases in which the applicant’s academic preparation for graduate study is such that criteria 1.) and/or 2.) above are not satisfied. In such cases, the applicant may be required to submit recent test scores of the Graduate Record Examination, letters of recommendation, or other documents attesting to the applicant’s aptitude for graduate studies. Applicants who do not satisfy criterion 1.) may be required to take a limited number of preparatory courses with no degree credit. When an applicant is admitted conditionally, and if these conditions are not satisfied in the stipulated time period, the student may be dis-enrolled.

Graduate Conditionally Classified

A person may be admitted to a graduate degree or credential program in this category if, in the opinion of appropriate campus authority, he/she can remedy deficiencies by additional coursework but otherwise satisfies all other university requirements for admission. All prerequisites must be specified by the admitting department at the time of student admission. Academic departments are responsible for tracking conditionally admitted students and must report their academic progress to the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships and the Graduate Studies Office via a memo on a term basis. Students admitted conditionally will not be allowed to concurrently register for graduate courses that are required for the completion of their projected graduate or professional program. To comply with both existing federal regulations and CSU system policy, conditionally admitted students’ financial aid is limited to private loans. Once all deficiencies are resolved and unconditional status is granted by Cal Poly Pomona, students may be eligible for federal and state aid. Conditional admission does not guarantee unconditional admission to a program.