How to Get a PhD or ScD in Aerospace Engineering

Aerospace engineering applies the principles of math and science to two of the most ambitious endeavors in human history: flight and space exploration. Aerospace engineers draw on mechanical, materials, and systems engineering to design flight equipment. The field encompasses both aeronautical engineering--aircraft and technology used for flight within earth's atmosphere--and astronautical engineering--spacecraft, missiles, and equipment used for space exploration. Aerospace research and development has important applications not only in space exploration, but also in transportation, communication, and military defense.

A PhD in Aerospace Engineering prepares you to advance the state of the art in aerospace research and design. The highest degree in the field, the aerospace doctorate offers an opportunity to expand your knowledge of the discipline and perform cutting-edge research alongside the field's leading engineers. You can become part of a community of experts who "share a passion for air and space vehicles, the technologies that enable them, and the missions they fulfill," as one doctoral program puts it.

Prepare for your PhD in Aerospace Engineering by researching doctoral programs and focusing your career goals. This guide breaks down the planning process step by step, taking you through program research, career introspection, and finally, the application logistics.

A Guide to the PhD in Aerospace Engineering

Aerospace engineering grew out of aeronautics and aviation science in the mid-twentieth century, when scientists expanded the scope of their research from the atmosphere to outer space. The establishment of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in 1958 put aerospace engineering on the map. In the decades that followed, government policymakers committed significant funding to aerospace research, fueling dramatic growth university aerospace programs and research doctorates. Today, aerospace engineering is undergoing a transformation, as priorities (and research funds) shift from space exploration to commercial applications such as telecommunications and transportation.

This guide to graduate aerospace engineering programs can help you focus your career goals and develop a plan for achieving them. You'll find more information about aerospace engineering as an academic discipline at WorldWideLearn.com's Guide to Majors.

Doctoral Degrees in Aerospace Engineering

You typically encounter two doctoral degree options in aerospace engineering: the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and the less common Doctor of Science (ScD). The differences between the two degrees are negligible to none. The degree programs are equal in rigor and prestige.

A few programs maintain slightly different graduation requirements for PhD and ScD degrees.

• PhD requirements favor academic career training such as teaching assistantships
• ScD requirements, by contrast, may favor aspiring engineers and research scientists by requiring additional coursework or more extensive research projects

You can find more information about the distinctions among Online PhD Degrees and Doctoral Programs at WorldWideLearn.com.

Aerospace Engineering: Specializations

Specializations in aerospace engineering reflect both the interdisciplinary nature of the field and the vast applications of aerospace research. Aerospace engineering as an academic discipline brings together structural design, fluid dynamics, mechanical engineering, materials science, systems design, computer science, artificial intelligence, and more.

These disciplinary areas of expertise give rise to the following specializations:

• Aerodynamics and Fluid Mechanics
• Aeroelasticity and Structural Dynamics
• Thermodynamics
• Flight Mechanics and Controls
• Guidance Systems
• Orbital Mechanics
• Propulsion and Combustion
• Systems Design and Optimization
• Structural Mechanics & Materials Behavior  
• Acoustics
• Aerospace Computing
• Aerospace Robotics
• Networked Systems and Control

Specializations focusing on the applications of aerospace research include:

• Aviation
• Defense Systems
• Space Exploration
• Telecommunications
• Environmental Impact Research

You can expect to encounter a great deal of latitude in determining your research specialty--let your imagination and intellectual curiosity be your guide. Online PhD programs in aerospace engineering put particular emphasis on academic self-determination and independent research.

Career Track

A doctoral degree in aerospace engineering leads to careers in aerospace engineering research and academic teaching. Graduates apply their expertise in academic, commercial, and military contexts, advancing research in:

• aircraft and spacecraft engineering
• air transportation
• space exploration
• air- and space-based telecommunications and information technology (satellites, networks, etc.)
• environmental problems and solutions related to space and the earth's atmosphere
• autonomous systems
• military defense technology (guided missiles, etc.)

Some of the specific job titles available to aerospace engineering graduates include university professor, research scientist, and lead engineer.

Developing a sense of your research interests and career objectives can help you plan your path to the PhD in Aerospace Engineering. WorldWideLearn.com's Career Pathways resource offers career planning and assessment tools to help you explore and focus your professional aspirations.

How to Apply for the PhD in Aerospace Engineering

Now that you've had an opportunity to survey aerospace engineering doctorates and focus your goals, you're ready to move on to the next step: finding the right doctoral programs and preparing your applications.

PHASE ONE: Find the Right Graduate Aerospace Engineering Program

This step-by-step guide takes you through the program research process. You can find links to useful online resources for each step.

1. Develop a List of Accredited Doctoral Programs

Start by compiling a comprehensive list of accredited doctoral programs in aerospace engineering. Accreditation is the essential baseline criterion at this initial stage. An accredited program ensures the quality of your education and the value of your degree--not to mention your eligibility for some financial aid programs.

The major national accrediting authority for engineering graduate schools is the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). You'll also find smaller regional accreditors. The U.S. Department of Education maintains a database of approved accreditation agencies.

Resources

Use online school directories and accrediting agency member lists to build your list of accredited graduate schools.

• WorldWideLearn.com features a database of accredited online doctoral programs. Search Degrees by Subject to find an online or campus PhD program in aerospace engineering, or browse a list of university partners.
• The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) maintains a searchable database of accredited engineering programs. Refine results by discipline and region, or view a comprehensive list of programs.
• U.S. News & World Report may be best known for its school rankings, but it also publishes an up-to-date A-Z Directory of Engineering Schools.

2. Choose a Program Format: Online, Campus, or Hybrid

Today's aerospace engineering doctorates are available via both campus and online formats. Begin focusing your school search by deciding how important delivery format is to you, and which mode suits you best.

Online PhD programs in aerospace engineering have the obvious advantage of convenience, especially for working adults juggling work and family commitments. In addition, the online degree also offers a benefit for working engineers looking to develop their research and design expertise in the context of professional practice. Online doctoral programs are more likely to support a doctoral research project that forges innovation in a commercial or public endeavor.

The campus PhD is typically the better choice for researchers and teachers aspiring to academic careers. Local residency allows you to take advantage of campus research facilities and establish strong relationships with faculty advisors and peers. However, Some online PhD programs in aerospace engineering require temporary campus residency in order to foster a sense of community and promote access to campus resources.

Ultimately, the decision to study online or on campus depends on your learning style, professional situation, career objectives, and personal circumstances.

Resources

Explore program format options at WorldWideLearn.com's Online Degree Programs and Campus Education sections. For campus programs, search campus degrees by location for a program near you.

3. Explore Academic Programs

This is the heart of your doctoral program research: exploring the faculty, resources, and requirements that give each academic program its unique slant. The goal is to find a perfect fit between your academic and professional profile and the school's approach to the aerospace engineering discipline.

Take into account the following factors as you assess doctoral programs:

• Faculty expertise and research areas
• Specializations
• Curriculum and course requirements
• Departmental resources

Look for resources to support research in your field of study, paying particular attention to the availability of faculty experts in your field and research facilities. School-sponsored academic organizations, academic publications, funding grants (e.g. NSF, NASA, or private sources), and industry partnerships also speak to a school's academic specialties.

Resources

WorldWideLearn.com facilitates the research process by putting you in touch with schools that meet your specifications. Fill out an online form indicating your academic program criteria and the system automatically matches you with relevant schools. A program representative will contact you to answer questions.

School Websites offer a wealth of doctoral program information, including course descriptions, degree requirements, faculty bios and research areas, and links to university-sponsored programs.

Academic Journals can help you identify faculty experts and leading programs in your field. Major academic journals in aerospace engineering include:

• Journal of Aerospace Engineering
• AIAA Journal
• Journal of Aerospace Computing, Information, and Communication (AIAA)
• Journal of Aircraft (AIAA)
• Aerospace and Electronic Systems Magazine (IEEE)

4. Evaluate Program Quality

Finally, develop a shortlist of Phd programs in aerospace engineering that meet your academic specifications and offer the best educational quality and value.

Consider these factors in evaluating program quality:

• Reputation
• Selectivity
• State-of-the-Art Research Facilities
• Graduation Rate
• Job Placement Statistics
• Career Support Resources

Keep in mind that you should match the program's selectivity with the strength of your application. Doctoral programs traditionally select applicants based on undergraduate grades, test scores, faculty and professional recommendations, and engineering experience.

Resources

Rankings can give you a sense of program selectivity and reputation. Consider these sources:

• U.S. News & World Report offers a general ranking of the Best Engineering Graduate Schools.
• The National Research Council features an Assessment of Research Doctorate Programs, which ranks not only aerospace engineering programs, but also nine specialty areas.
• The Center for Measuring University Performance offers a general ranking of the nation's research universities.

School Datasheets offer an unvarnished perspective on a range of school metrics, from graduation rate to job placement to student demographics. Look for statistics of successful applicants to gauge the program's selectivity.

Campus Visits let you judge for yourself the state of the school's research facilities. You generally have the opportunity to meet potential faculty mentors and graduate students.

PHASE TWO: Apply to PhD Programs in Aerospace Engineering

Now that you have a final list of PhD programs in aerospace engineering that meet your needs, it's time to put the application process in motion. The following steps can help you navigate the logistics of applying to a doctoral program.

1. Complete Prerequisites

Standard prerequisites for applying to a PhD in Aerospace Engineering include:

• Bachelor's or master's degree in aerospace engineering, or the equivalent coursework in engineering and aerospace fundamentals
• Standardized tests such as the GRE or TOEFL (for non-native English speakers)

2. Compile Application Materials

Most PhD in Aerospace Engineering programs require the following application materials:

• Faculty or professional letters of recommendation
• Academic transcripts
• Test scores
• Personal statement of research interests

3. Apply for Financial Aid

Start applying for grants and scholarships as you file your program applications, to ensure best results. Financial aid is either merit or need-based, and may come from the following sources:

• Departmental financial aid packages, which may include tuition waivers, teaching assistantships, scholarships, or grants
• Private foundations and companies--funding types include corporate sponsorships, research grants, scholarships, and loans
• Federal and state government agencies, which offer scholarships and loans

For more information, visit the WorldWideLearn.com resource page on graduate education funding.

Consult WorldWideLearn.com's Education Resources Guide for extra guidance on test preparation, online learning strategies, courses, and financial aid.

PHASE THREE: Prepare for the Aerospace Engineering Program

Finally, prepare for PhD in Aerospace Engineering program by reaching out to other aerospace engineering academics and familiarizing yourself with the state of the discipline. Even before you set foot in the (virtual or campus) classroom, you can take the following steps:

1. Subscribe to academic journals

Read the major aerospace engineering journals listed above and explore other publications in your chosen specialization. You can gain a sense of who the leading researchers are, what trends are current and up-and-coming, interesting developments in your specialty area, and more.

2. Attend conferences

Conferences introduce you to new research and offer an opportunity to start building relationships with your graduate student peers and faculty advisors.

3. Join academic and professional associations

National associations offer a range of resources for graduate students. The major associations in aerospace engineering and general engineering are:

• American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
• Institute of Electric and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), Aerospace and Electronic Systems Society
• American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Aerospace Division
• American Society of Civil Engineers

One of the distinct privileges of pursuing a PhD in Aerospace Engineering is the opportunity to collaborate with leaders in aerospace research. Take steps now to become part of a vibrant community of academics who share your passion for aerospace engineering.

PhD in Aerospace Engineering: The Road Ahead

By planning your path to the PhD in Aerospace Engineering, you're building a foundation for your success in the field. This prestigious degree takes vision and commitment. By clarifying your objectives and finding a program that supports them, you're well on your way to becoming a leader in aerospace engineering.

Sources

• 21st Century Space and Aerospace Cluster, New Mexico State University.
• Aerospace Division, American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).
• Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics, The University of Texas at Austin.
• Aerospace Engineering Graduate Student Handbook, Georgia Institute of Technology (2006).
• American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA).
• American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).
• Assessment of Research Doctorate Programs. National Research Council.
• Best Engineering Schools, U.S. News & World Report (2009).
• Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs, U.S. Department of Education.
• Department of Aeronautics & Astronautics, MIT.
• McClure, George. "Is Aerospace Worth Saving?" IEEE (Jul 1, 2003).
• PhD in Aero/Astro, Stanford Engineering Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics.
• "Search Accredited Programs," ABET.
• The Center for Measuring University Performance.