Online and Distance Degrees > Degree Programs > MS in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics

Master of Science (MS) in
Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics

Online

Program Overview

The online MSAEM is a convenient degree program that has been educating leaders in aerospace and mechanics for more than 20 years.

Graduates of this highly competitive program are equipped to excel in the global job market. You will be prepared to work in industries that design or build aircrafts, missiles or systems for national defense.

  • Program Format

    Online
  • Credit Hours

    30
  • Tuition Per Hour

    $440

Earn your Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics online from The University of Alabama while continuing to work full time.

This program was designed with the working adult in mind, so the classes are offered online to meet your schedule.

The UA College of Engineering was established in 1837, making it one of the first five engineering schools in the nation. Since then it has grown to become a leader in the field, boasting a large network of accomplished alumni and professors throughout the aerospace industry.

Live, in-person proctoring is required to complete exams.

  • Application DeadlineJune 30 for fall admission; November 30 for spring admission; March 31 for summer admission
  • Other Program SpecificsLive, in-person proctoring is required to complete exams

Curriculum

The online MSAEM program requires 30 credit hours and allows you the flexibility to pursue either a Non-Thesis or Thesis option. Most distance learning students elect to complete the non-thesis option.

Other than delivery format, this program is identical to the degree program offered to traditional campus students. Live campus lectures are recorded and then made available to distance learning students. You will turn in all assignments online and examinations are conducted in predetermined, proctored locations thereby requiring no campus visits.

Learn more about the curriculum options below.  Please note that courses are subject to change.

A total of 30 credit hours is required for the MSAEM and students must complete the following requirements for the Plan I (Thesis) option.

Core Course Requirement (6 hours)

Choose one Aerospace Core course and one Mechanics Core course.

Aerospace Core

  • AEM 569 Orbital Mechanics
  • AEM 582 Space Systems
  • AEM 614 Airfoil and Wing Theory
  • AEM 668 Advanced Dynamics of Flight*

Mechanics Core

  • AEM 500 Intermediate Fluid Mechanics
  • AEM 530 Continuum Mechanics
  • AEM 562 Intermediate Dynamics
  • AEM 637 Theory of Elasticity

*For those without a BSAE degree, this course has the pre-requisite of AEM 568.

Mathematics Requirement (6 hours)

Mathematics courses must be approved by the program advisor.

Elective Requirement (12 hours)

Complete 12 hours of elective coursework (6 hours must be AEM courses) that are approved by the program advisor.

Thesis Requirement (6 hours)

  • AEM 599 Thesis Research

Submit a written thesis and defend in front of a thesis committee for approval by the committee and the UA Graduate School.

With approval of the UA Graduate School, a maximum of 12 hours of graduate credit for coursework completed at another institution may be applied toward the 30 credit hour coursework requirement for the MSAEM Plan II degree. The maximum of 12 hours of graduate transfer credit includes the 6 hours of credit transferred from TPS, if applicable. All credit toward the MSAEM degree, including transfer credit, must have been earned during the six years (18 fall, spring, and summer semesters) immediately preceding the date on which the MSAEM degree is to be awarded. Students who have earned post-baccalaureate course credit are encouraged to explore transfer credit opportunities. For additional information, visit the transfer credit policy at the UA Graduate School website.

A total of 30 credit hours is required for the MSAEM and students must complete the following requirements for the Plan II (Non-Thesis) option.

Core Course Requirement (6 hours)

Choose one Aerospace Core course and one Mechanics Core course.

Aerospace Core

  • AEM 569 Orbital Mechanics
  • AEM 582 Space Systems
  • AEM 614 Airfoil and Wing Theory
  • AEM 668 Advanced Dynamics of Flight*

Mechanics Core

  • AEM 500 Intermediate Fluid Mechanics
  • AEM 530 Continuum Mechanics
  • AEM 562 Intermediate Dynamics
  • AEM 637 Theory of Elasticity

*For those without a BSAE degree, this course has the pre-requisite of AEM 568.

Mathematics Requirement (6 hours)

Mathematics courses must be approved by the program advisor.

Elective Requirement (18 hours)

Complete 18 hours of elective coursework (12 hours must be AEM courses) that are approved by the program advisor.

Comprehensive Examination or Culminating Experience

Students pursuing the MSAEM Plan II degree option have the choice of completing one of the following options:

  • Pass the PhD qualifying comprehensive examination. The comprehensive examination option may only be attempted twice.
  • Complete a culminating experience and receive faculty advisor approval for the written report detailing the culminating experience. Students must have completed at least 18 hours of coursework prior to submitting the written report for the culminating experience.

Students that seek credit for Test Pilot School (TPS) completed through the United States Air Force may send official transcripts from the TPS to the UA Graduate School for transfer credit. The student must receive a grade of at least a B in TPS for the credit to be transferable. Additionally, the transfer of credit from TPS is subject to the restrictions placed on the transfer of credit by the Graduate School and the AEM Department. A maximum of 6 hours can be transferred. For additional information, visit the transfer credit policy at the UA Graduate School website.

Admission

Currently, the program is open to US students as well as international students residing in the US with the appropriate visas. Applicants interested in pursuing the online MSAEM must apply for admission to The University of Alabama’s Graduate School. Graduate school minimums to be considered for regular admission are:

  • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or at least 3.0 for the last 60 hours completed

AEM department standards are higher than the graduate school minimums, and all application materials are carefully considered: statement of purpose, transcripts, optional test scores (GRE), and letters of recommendation. Meeting minimum graduate school requirements does not guarantee admission into the program.

Students without a BS in aerospace, mechanical or civil engineering are required to complete the following coursework from an accredited university (if not already completed) prior to admission to the MSAEM program: Calculus (12 credit hours), Ordinary Differential Equations, Statics, Dynamics, Mechanics of Materials and Fluid Mechanics. The engineering mechanics courses (Statics, Dynamics, Mechanics of Materials and Fluid Mechanics) must be calculus based.  Students have the opportunity to enroll in the mechanics courses through the UA Office of Teaching Innovation and Digital Education as a non-degree seeking applicant (NDS).

Review specific program admission requirements for the Department of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics and Graduate School.

Application Deadlines – fall semester – June 30; spring semester – November 30; summer semester – March 31

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Program Information

Katie Nethery
Admissions Representative
800-467-0227
katelynn.bama@ua.edu

Admissions Information

UA Online
800-467-0227
online@ua.edu

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