Studying Aerospace: Degrees at a Glance
Aerospace professionals combine the study of aeronautics and engineering to design, build, and test airplanes, helicopters, spacecraft, missiles, rockets, and more. Earning a master's degree in aerospace engineering can lead to careers with private airline companies in addition to positions with government defense and aerospace agencies. Graduating with a PhD degree in aerospace engineering can lead to jobs in research and development as well as teaching positions at colleges and universities. Aerospace engineers seeking high-level jobs need to obtain professional engineer (PE) licensure.
Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of 2012, the top employers of aerospace engineers were the aerospace product manufacturing industry and the scientific research and development industry. Top-paying employers included consulting services, the federal government and equipment manufacturing. The BLS forecast a job growth of 5% from 2010 to 2020; this rate is slower than the average for all occupations.
| Master's | Doctorate | |
|---|---|---|
| Who Is This Degree For? | Individuals with undergraduate degrees who wish to pursue employment with agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Defense and NASA | People wishing to teach at colleges or universities and conduct research |
| Common Career Paths (with approximate mean annual salary) | Aerospace engineer ($104,000)* | - Aerospace engineer ($104,000)* - Engineering professor ($97,000)* - Space sciences professor ($91,000)* |
| Time to Completion | 2 years full-time | 3-4 years full-time |
| Common Graduation Requirements | Thesis or independent study | - Dissertation - Qualifying exams |
| Prerequisites | Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or a similar field | Bachelor's or master's degree in aerospace engineering or a closely related field |
| Online Availability | Yes | None found as of July 2012 |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2011 figures)
Master's Degree in Aerospace Engineering
Master's degree programs in aerospace engineering focus on advanced space science and space systems, research skills, and critical-thinking abilities. You might choose a specialization in spacecraft communication, solid mechanics, sensor equipment, heat transfer, or fluid mechanics, and you may have the option of a thesis or non-thesis track. Practical training opportunities are also available. Furthermore, some universities provide you with the option to enroll in a 5-year program that leads to both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree upon completion.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Internships and cooperative programs can provide on-the-job experience and financial aid.
- Graduates may be qualified to design, work on, or manage complex space projects.
- Holding a master's degree can lead to advanced supervisory positions.
Cons
- Most entry-level jobs in aerospace engineering only require bachelor's degrees.
- Job growth for aerospace engineers is expected to be slower than average from 2010-2020.
- Some jobs may require security clearances.
Courses and Requirements
Master's degree programs in aerospace engineering generally include interdisciplinary physics, engineering, and space studies courses. All programs require you to take a designated number of core courses as well as several electives. Typically, you'll need to complete a thesis or other project in order to graduate. Subjects of study could include the following:
- Math for engineering
- Finite elements
- Applications of elasticity
- Incompressible fluids
- Compressible gases
Online Degree Options
Some schools offer programs that allow you to earn a master's degree in aerospace engineering utilizing online and video technology. Online discussion boards and team projects may be incorporated into the program. These courses are taught by school faculty and offer the same information as that taught on campus. Some people may find this option attractive, as it generally allows students the flexibility of enrolling on a full- or part-time basis.
Stand Out With This Degree
Take advantage of cooperative programs and internships that provide you with on-the-job training, since prospective employers value real-world experience. You can also think about joining a professional organization and benefiting from aerospace engineering career resources and networking opportunities. Below is a partial list of professional organizations dedicated to aerospace engineering:
- American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
- IEEE Aerospace and Electronics Systems Society
- Aerospace Industries Association
- American Astronautical Society
- Society of Flight Test Engineers
PhD in Aerospace Engineering
You could enter a PhD program with either a bachelor's or a master's degree. Concentration areas in subjects like thermal science, bioengineering, gas dynamics, and applied mechanics may be available. Before advancing to doctoral candidacy, you typically must complete the coursework curriculum with a competitive GPA and take qualifying exams. Writing and defending your dissertation are commonly the final steps to earning the degree.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- You can specialize in your area of interest or even interdisciplinary interests during your degree program.
- Programs may offer various research opportunities, like graduate research assistantships and directed study projects.
- Holding a PhD opens up additional job prospects in academia.
Cons
- Students may be dropped from the program if they don't pass qualifying exams on the first or second attempt.
- Pursing a PhD means increased time prior to entering the workforce.
- A PhD doesn't guarantee a higher salary than those holding master's degrees (for example, professors may earn less than aerospace engineers).
Courses and Requirements
Coursework offered through PhD programs is often similar to that which is available at the master's degree level. It may take you up to three years to finish the coursework portion of the program and then another year or so to complete your research and write your dissertation. You'll also need to pass competency exams and have your dissertation approved by your PhD committee. Course topic examples include these:
- Astrodynamics
- Fluid mechanics
- Crystalline solids
- Elastodynamics
- Linear systems
- Fracture mechanics
Online Degree Options
Online PhD programs and courses in aerospace engineering weren't available at accredited schools as of July 2012. In a doctoral program, you work with faculty advisors when carrying out research and working on your dissertation, requiring on-campus presence.
Stand Out With This Degree
As a PhD candidate, you may wish to maximize your degree potential by attending engineering conferences, participating in professional organizations, and collaborating with veterans in aerospace engineering. Per the BLS, you should also learn how to divide work into manageable tasks and communicate with other engineering professionals to reach a common goal. Having skills related to robotics and modeling and knowing how to use Computational Fluid Dynamics software can also be advantageous.
In addition, many colleges and universities prefer to hire professors who already have teaching experience. In order to stand out among other potential candidates, it would be wise to take on teaching opportunities, like assistantships, while pursuing your degree.
