
Master of Science in
Aerospace Engineering
Created for students who already hold engineering degrees, this program uses theoretical and practical training to help them learn to design aircraft and spacecraft.
As a recognized leader in aviation and aerospace education, Embry-Riddle offers a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering program that prepares graduates for a successful career designing aircraft, spacecraft, satellites and more.
This graduate degree is designed for students who already have a degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related engineering field. The curriculum provides a favorable balance of practical and theoretical training using the most current techniques and tools available.
Our expert faculty have industry experience and provide students first-hand knowledge, enthusiasm and guidance.
Students augment their engineering and science background with studies in computational fluid dynamics, aeroacoustic modeling, rotorcraft aerodynamics, flow control, air-breathing hypersonic and rocket propulsion, autonomous unmanned air and ground vehicles.
Studies also include aircraft and spacecraft guidance, navigation and control, aeroelasticity, composites, nanomaterials, smart materials, structural health monitoring, computational structural mechanics, and design optimization, as well as other topics in aerospace engineering.
This distinctive curriculum paves the way to aerospace research and development or a career in engineering education.
DETAILS
This offering is available at the following campuses. Select a campus to learn more.
About Aerospace Engineering at the Daytona Beach, FL Campus
Housed in the Department of Aerospace Engineering in the College of Engineering at ERAU’s Daytona Beach Campus, the MSAE degree program prepares students for careers in the aerospace industry or in research and development.
The Department of Aerospace Engineering has the world’s largest Aerospace Engineering student enrollment and its graduate program is currently ranked 27th (tied) in the U.S. News and World Report.
Get access to the most up-to-date technology and laboratories, including Labs at the new MicaPlex for Engineering and Aerospace, such as: Advanced Dynamics and Controls, Advanced Materials, Composites Laboratory, Gas Turbine, Large Systems, Structures, and Wind Tunnel.
Our nearby Eagle Flight Research Center has a 10,000-square-foot hangar with convenient runway access at the international airport.
Being adjacent to Daytona Beach International Airport, as well as just 50 miles north of Kennedy Space Center, ERAU’s Daytona Beach Campus puts students in the middle of the aerospace industry.
Learn more about the Daytona Beach, FL Campus
View the Daytona Beach Catalog listing
Financial aid is available in the form of teaching and research assistantships. Please contact the program coordinator for more information.
Transfer credit: Up to 2 relevant courses can be transferred from another institution upon approval of the program coordinator.
Degree Requirements
Non-Thesis Option
AE Core courses | 6 | |
Graduate Mathematics course * | 3 | |
Graduate Electives (at most six hours of non-AE courses in EP, other Engineering, Math, or BA 511, with Program Coordinator approval) | 21 | |
Total Credits | 30 |
Thesis Option
AE Core courses | 6 | |
Graduate Mathematics course * | 3 | |
Graduate Electives (at most six hours of non-AE courses in EP, other Engineering, Math, or BA 511, with Advisor and Program Coordinator approval) | 12 | |
Thesis (AE 700) ** | 9 | |
To remain on track for Thesis work: upon completion of the first 3 credit hours of Thesis, the student is required to submit a Topic Statement. Upon completion of the second 3 credit hours of Thesis, the student is required to conduct a pre-defense. Consult with the graduate program coordinator for additional information. | ||
Total Credits | 30 |
* | Recommended Graduate Mathematics Courses: MA 502 or EP 501 for both the Aerodynamics and Propulsion and the Structures and Materials Concentrations, and MA 532, MA 502 or MA 510 for the Dynamics and Control Concentration. Students are encouraged to consult an advisor within their respective areas. |
** | Thesis Advisor must be AE Department faculty. |
Areas of Concentration
Aerodynamics and Propulsion
This area includes Aerodynamics, Propulsion, Computational Aero and Fluid Dynamics, Transition and Turbulence, Aeroacoustics, Heat Transfer, and Combustion.
Core Courses for Aerodynamic and Propulsion Concentration ** | ||
AE 504 | Advanced Compressible Flow | 3 |
AE 521 | Viscous Flow | 3 |
AE 528 | Advanced Incompressible Aerodynamics | 3 |
Electives for Aerodynamics and Propulsion Concentration *** | ||
AE 507 | Design, Build and Test | 3 |
AE 508 | Intermediate Heat Transfer | 3 |
AE 512 | Combustion I | 3 |
AE 516 | Computational Aeronautical Fluid Dynamics | 3 |
AE 524 | Rocket Engine Propulsion Systems | 3 |
AE 536 | Rotorcraft Aerodynamics | 3 |
AE 550 | Thermodynamics: Classic and Modern Perspectives | 3 |
AE 554 | Applied Engineering Analysis | 3 |
AE 596 | Graduate Internship in Aerospace Engineering ** | 1-3 |
AE 610 | Advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics | 3 |
AE 625 | Hypersonic Aerospace Propulsive Flows | 3 |
AE 631 | Aeroacoustics | 3 |
AE 635 | Flow Stability and Control | 3 |
AE 640 | Turbine Engine Propulsion Systems | 3 |
AE 652 | Turbulent Flows | 3 |
AE 699 | Special Topics in Aerospace Engineering *** | 1-3 |
Dynamics and Control
This area includes the six degrees of freedom rigid body dynamics of aerospace vehicles, linear and nonlinear modeling and simulation of the dynamics, state and parameter estimation and the control of aerospace vehicles.
Core Courses for Dynamics and Control Concentration ** | ||
AE 523 | Modeling and Simulation of Linear Dynamic Systems | 3 |
AE 527 | Modern Control Systems | 3 |
AE 544 | Analytical Dynamics | 3 |
Electives for Dynamics and Control *** | ||
AE 505 | Spacecraft Dynamics and Control | 3 |
AE 506 | Airplane Dynamic Stability | 3 |
AE 526 | Engineering Optimization | 3 |
AE 531 | Orbital Mechanics | 3 |
AE 546 | Nonlinear Systems Analysis | 3 |
AE 552 | Unconventional Aircraft Design | 3 |
AE 554 | Applied Engineering Analysis | 3 |
AE 596 | Graduate Internship in Aerospace Engineering ** | 1-3 |
AE 623 | Navigation, Guidance and Control | 3 |
AE 626 | Advanced Topics in Discrete Control Theory | 3 |
AE 627 | Adaptive Control of Aerospace Structures | 3 |
AE 629 | Robust Control Systems | 3 |
AE 633 | Optimal Control | 3 |
AE 646 | Nonlinear Dynamical Systems and Chaos | 3 |
AE 654 | Geometric Mechanics and Control of Rigid Body Motions | 3 |
AE 699 | Special Topics in Aerospace Engineering *** | 1-3 |
Structures and Materials
This area includes Structural Analysis, Vibration, Nondestructive Testing, Composite Materials, Elasticity, and Design Optimization.
Core Courses for the MSAE Program in the Structures and Materials Concentration ** | ||
AE 502 | Strength and Fatigue of Materials | 3 |
AE 510 | Aircraft Structural Dynamics | 3 |
AE 522 | Analysis of Aircraft Composite Materials | 3 |
Core Courses for the PhD Program in the Structures and Materials Concentration *** | ||
AE 514 | Introduction to the Finite Element Method | 3 |
AE 522 | Analysis of Aircraft Composite Materials | 3 |
AE 548 | Introduction to Continuum Mechanics | 3 |
Electives for Structures Concentration | ||
AE 511 | Engineering Materials Selection | 3 |
AE 514 | Introduction to the Finite Element Method | 3 |
AE 520 | Perturbation Methods in Engineering | 3 |
AE 525 | Structural Design Optimization | 3 |
AE 532 | Failure Analysis of Materials | 3 |
AE 534 | Smart Materials in Engineering | 3 |
AE 538 | Theory of Elasticity | 3 |
AE 540 | Structural Health Monitoring | 3 |
AE 542 | Mechanics of Structures: Variational and Computational Methods | 3 |
AE 554 | Applied Engineering Analysis | 3 |
AE 596 | Graduate Internship in Aerospace Engineering ** | 1-3 |
AE 606 | Finite Element Aerospace Applications | 3 |
AE 612 | Analysis of Aircraft Plate and Shell Structures | 3 |
AE 616 | Advanced Aircraft Structural Dynamics | 3 |
AE 618 | Aeroelasticity | 3 |
AE 648 | Thermal Stresses in Aerospace Engineering | 3 |
AE 699 | Special Topics in Aerospace Engineering *** | 1-3 |
** | A maximum of 3 hours of AE 596, Graduate Internship in Aerospace Engineering, may be counted toward Graduate Electives degree requirement for the non-thesis option only. A maximum of 3 hours of AE 699, Special Topics in Aerospace Engineering, may be counted toward Graduate Electives degree requirement for the non-thesis option only. AE 699 advisors must be AE Department faculty. |
** | Please note, the third core course may also be taken as an Elective |
*** | Courses from the other AOC may also be counted as elective courses |
Get Started Now:
Summary
30 Credits
Estimate your tuition by using the Tuition Calculator
View Financial Aid Information
Learn about our General Education
Find out about transferring credits to this degree
Learn more about our Veterans & Military benefits
View our Academic Calendar
We are Engineering the Future
We are Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University


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Embry-Riddle’s Ph.D. Graduating Class Features Diverse and Inspiring Engineering Cohort
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- Eagles Visit Intuitive Machines To Make Final Preparations on EagleCam CubeSat
- Eagles Travel to Zambia for ‘Absolutely Unique’ Learning Experience
- Eagle Researchers Advance Drone Technology for Tracking Wildfires
- Intuitive Machines and Columbia Sportswear Launch New Scholarship Program at Embry-Riddle
- Award-Winning Senior Researcher Finds Inspiration in Struggle
- Over 900 Diplomas Earned at Embry-Riddle’s Fall 2022 Commencement Ceremonies
- Embry-Riddle’s Ph.D. Graduating Class Features Diverse and Inspiring Engineering Cohort
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Spotlight
About Aerospace Engineering at the Worldwide & Online Campus
Advance your aerospace career with this renowned degree – now available at your convenience
For professionals working in aerospace engineering as well as those who dream of a career in this exciting industry, Embry-Riddle’s graduate degree in Aerospace Engineering has been one of the field’s most sought-after degrees for decades. Now, for the first time, you can earn this esteemed degree entirely online, from the comfort of your home.
Gain the skills to guide cutting-edge developments
Based on the same curriculum used by our renowned Daytona Beach campus and taught by the same renowned professors, the online Aerospace Engineering master's degree will prepare you to participate in and even lead cutting-edge research, innovation and development.
You will enhance your scientific background in the areas of aerodynamics and propulsion; dynamics and control; and structures and materials, as well as explore the challenges facing military and commercial aircraft and spacecraft design and development. And you will develop the skills needed to conquer them.
Master your field while maintaining your career
With this flexible online platform, you can interact with professors and students on your schedule, from anywhere in the world. And because the classes can be taken at your convenience within the semester, you will not suffer career and family disruptions. No commute, no rigid classroom hours, and no demanding schedule. It is education designed around your work and life schedules.
Join a world-renowned institution
Since our founding, we’ve provided an unsurpassed education in the aeronautical industry and have established partnerships with key players in the aviation, aerospace and engineering fields. You’ll have the opportunity to become part of a network of over 130,000 alumni working for some of the world’s most innovative companies.
Program Objectives
The core of the Aerospace Engineering program was crafted to augment the individual student’s engineering and science background and will initially focus on aerospace structures and materials.
- Study aircraft structural dynamics
- Analyze aircraft composite materials
- Study the failure, fatigue and fracture mechanics of aircraft materials
- Learn the principles of aeroelasticity and vibration
- Optimize composite structures
- Practice applying design principles to aircraft structures
- Learn best practices for structural health monitoring (SHM) of aircraft structures
Within the next two years the program will begin expansion to include the areas of aerodynamics & propulsion and dynamics & controls.
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
Major/Core
AENG 502 | Strength and Fatigue of Materials | 3 |
AENG 510 | Aircraft Structural Dynamics | 3 |
AENG 511 | Engineering Materials Selection | 3 |
AENG 514 | Introduction to the Finite Element Method | 3 |
AENG 522 | Analysis of Aircraft Composite Materials | 3 |
AENG 540 | Structural Health Monitoring | 3 |
AENG 612 | Analysis of Aircraft Plate and Shell Structures | 3 |
AENG 525 | Structural Design Optimization | 3 |
MATH 502 | Boundary Value Problems | 3 |
Take one of the following elective courses: | 3 | |
SYSE 500 | Fundamentals of Systems Engineering | |
or SYSE 560 | Introduction to Systems Engineering Management | |
SYSE 530 | System Requirements Analysis and Modeling | |
SYSE 610 | System Architecture Design and Modeling | |
SYSE 625 | System Quality Assurance | |
AWEN 502 | Airworthiness Process and Procedures | |
AWEN 510 | Aircraft Airworthiness Engineering Principles | |
Total Degree Requirements | 30 |
Get Started Now:
Summary
30 Credits
Estimate your tuition by using the Tuition Calculator
View Financial Aid Information
Learn more about the benefits of an Online Degree
Learn about our General Education
Find out about transferring credits to this degree
Learn more about our Veterans & Military benefits
View our Academic Calendar
Search Courses for this degree
The Future Belongs to You!


U.S. News & World Report Names Embry-Riddle Among Nation’s Best Online Bachelor’s Programs and Online Bachelor's Programs for Vets
Aerospace Engineering Student Named ASCEND 2022 Diversity Scholar
Eagles Score Dozens of Job, Internship Offers at Female Engineering Conference
Eagle Undergrad Joins National Effort To Advance Sustainable Construction of Earthquake-Resilient Buildings
Embry-Riddle Student Team Developing Low-Cost Recoverable Rocket
National Science Foundation Backs Eagle Research To Enable 'Smart' 3D Manufacturing
Young Eagle to Earn Associate’s, Pilot License Before High School Graduation
Award-Winning Online Engineering Programs Take Off, Empowering Students
Alumnus Gift Allows Eagles To Improve Anti-Poaching Surveillance Systems
Embry-Riddle Awarded $1.5 Million to Bolster Engineering Workforce
Liftoff! Student-Made Rocket Fuel Successfully Tested at Embry-Riddle
Eagle-Designed Space Drones Target In-Orbit Construction
- U.S. News & World Report Names Embry-Riddle Among Nation’s Best Online Bachelor’s Programs and Online Bachelor's Programs for Vets
- Aerospace Engineering Student Named ASCEND 2022 Diversity Scholar
- Eagles Score Dozens of Job, Internship Offers at Female Engineering Conference
- Eagle Undergrad Joins National Effort To Advance Sustainable Construction of Earthquake-Resilient Buildings
- Embry-Riddle Student Team Developing Low-Cost Recoverable Rocket
- National Science Foundation Backs Eagle Research To Enable 'Smart' 3D Manufacturing
- Young Eagle to Earn Associate’s, Pilot License Before High School Graduation
- Award-Winning Online Engineering Programs Take Off, Empowering Students
- Alumnus Gift Allows Eagles To Improve Anti-Poaching Surveillance Systems
- Embry-Riddle Awarded $1.5 Million to Bolster Engineering Workforce
- Liftoff! Student-Made Rocket Fuel Successfully Tested at Embry-Riddle
- Eagle-Designed Space Drones Target In-Orbit Construction
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