The Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) Department offers two options leading to the Master of Science degree in Aerospace Systems Engineering (MSASE). These are designated:

  • Plan I (Thesis),
  • Plan II (Non-thesis)

The following sections describe the requirements for each of these options. For both options, the majority of coursework, not including MAE 699, must have the MAE prefix.  With prior approval, up to nine semester hours of 500-level courses may be taken in fulfillment of the Basic and specific program requirements.

Basic MSASE Program of Study

The Basic Program of Study, common to both the Plan I and Plan II (Non-thesis) MSASE options, consists of a minimum of 24 semester hours of graduate-level course work that must include:

Engineering Major
Select an engineering major consisting of 12 semester hours of graduate courses including supporting engineering courses12
First Minor
ISE 627ENGINEERING SYSTEMS (*)3
3 semester hour graduate course in an approved engineering area of specialization3
Second Minor
MAE 692GRAD ENGR ANALYSIS I3
3 semester hours of graduate coursework in mathematics; typically MAE 623, MAE 661, MAE 662, MAE 671, MAE 674, MAE 693, MAE 780 or ISE 690(*)3
Total Semester Hours24

*The majority of coursework must have the MAE prefix; ISE 627 and ISE 690 do not count toward this total.

Plan I, Thesis Option

Students selecting this option must:

Complete Basic Program of Study as described above24
MAE 699MASTER'S THESIS6
Complete an acceptable thesis including a public defense and submit a journal manuscript to the research advisor
Total Semester Hours30

Plan II, Non-Thesis Option

Students selecting this option must:

Complete Basic Program of Study as described above24
Select 6 semester hours of graduate courses to complete an approved extended program of study6
Total Semester Hours30