Degree Pathway for the Ph.D. in Engineering, Aerospace Engineering Option

A total of 63 credit hours of graduate level courses are required for the Ph.D. degree.
The Ph.D. degree must involve a traditional research-based dissertation, plus: 
  • A minimum of 30 approved credit hours of graduate-level engineering courses, including associated science and math courses*.
  • A minimum of 21 credit hours of doctoral dissertation. 
  • The balance of the remaining 12 credits can be a mix of graduate-level engineering courses including associated science and math coursework and dissertation credits at the discretion of the department, faculty advisor and dissertation committee.
  • At least two semesters of the 0 credit research seminar MECH.5011
Core Courses (total courses = 5)
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
PHYS.5550Introduction to Space Physics3
IENG.5432Life Cycle Systems Analysis3
MECH.5870Multidisciplinary Design and Optimization3
XXXX.XXXX
PHYS.5630
MECH.6140
MECH.5200
MATH.5630
XXXX.XXXX		Math Elective - choices include:
Computational Methods in Physics OR
Nonlinear FEA OR
Numerical Methods for Partial Differential Equations
Computational Mathematics
Other Math-base course with approval of advisor and home department graduate coordinator		3
MECH.5011ASE Doctoral Seminar0
Total
12

Track Courses (see list below, total courses required = 4)
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
XXXX.XXXXTrack Course 13
XXXX.XXXXTrack Course 23
XXXX.XXXXTrack Course 33
XXXX.XXXXTrack Course 43
Total
12


Elective Courses (total courses = 2)
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
XXXX.XXXXElective 1 (chosen in collaboration with advisor)3
XXXX.XXXXElective 2 (chosen in collaboration with advisor)3
Total
6


Dissertation Research Credits
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
XXXX.XXXXDissertation Research21
Total
21


Additional Credits
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
XXXX.XXXXAdditional credits of either courses or dissertation research12
Total
12

Track Courses

Space Mechanics and Engineering

Aerospace Dynamics, Controls and Stability

Space Communications

Aerospace TF Systems

Space Environment

Aerospace Systems Engineering

Structural Dynamics

Total credits required for the degree = 63
Updated 4/8/25