A student entering the graduate program in Aerospace Engineering at Penn State has the option of pursuing the following degrees: the M.S., M.Eng., and the Ph.D. A downloadable overview of the program is provided here, and more detailed information follows. Also of possible interest is the Aerospace Graduate Students Association (AeroGSA). Current students can download the Guide to Graduate Study.

Penn State Aerospace Engineering home page

MASTER OF ENGINEERING

The M.Eng. is a non-thesis professional master's degree. It is usually a terminal degree for students who intend to pursue careers that do not emphasize R&D.

A total of 30 credits is required, including courses in the core requirements. Twenty-one credits must be in aerospace engineering courses, with at least 18 credits at the 500- level. A student may take a maximum of 6 credits of 400- level course work. Each student must complete a scholarly paper (completed for 2 credits of Aersp 596), including a review of the literature and some experiment or analysis, and take the 1-credit graduate colloquium.

MASTER OF SCIENCE

The M.S. is a thesis-based master's degree having a significant research component. It may be a terminal degree for students who intend to pursue research-related careers, or it may be a stepping-stone to a Ph.D.

A total of 30 credits is required, including courses in the core requirements. Twelve credits must be in aerospace engineering courses, with at least 6 credits at the 500 level. A student may take a maximum of 6 credits of 400- level course work. Six credits of thesis research are also required. Completion of an M.S. thesis is required for graduation.

DOCTOR of PHILOSPHY

The Ph.D. is a thesis-based doctor's degree. It is strongly research-oriented and is a terminal degree for students who intend to pursue careers in R&D, research management, or university teaching.

There is no foreign language requirement for the Ph.D. degree; however, students must demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English through an English proficiency examination administered by the department. This satisfies the Graduate School's requirement that must be completed before taking the comprehensive exam. The candidate's doctoral committee decides which, if any, courses are required in addition to those specified in the core requirements.

As a student progresses in the Ph.D. program, the doctoral committee administers the following examinations:
1. The candidacy examination is given as a preliminary aptitude test before the end of the second semester.
2. A comprehensive examination covering the major and minor fields of study is administered after the candidate has substantially completed the required course work.
3. The final oral examination, which is related mainly to the thesis, is given after the candidate has satisfied all other degree requirements. All Ph.D. students must maintain continuous registration until the thesis is approved.

M.ENG., M.S., AND PH.D. CORE REQUIREMENTS

• 1. Two courses for 6 credits in basic field theories, one in each of two different categories from a prescribed list in fluid mechanics, solid mechanics, or system dynamics.
• 2. One 3-credit course from a prescribed list in numerical or computational methods for analysis of differential equations.
• 3. One 3-credit course from a prescribed list of 500-level applied mathematics courses.
• 4. Ph.D. candidates must demonstrate evidence of experimental experience.
• 5. Teaching assistants and teaching aides must satisfactorily complete ENGR 588.
• 6. M.S. and Ph.D. candidates must present their theses at a public seminar at Penn State.
• 7. (M.Eng. only) a 2-credit scholarly paper.
• 8. (M.Eng. only) a 1-credit graduate colloquium.

Graduate, 500-level courses are listed below. Information on upper-division undergraduate 400- level courses may be found via the Undergraduate Information page.

• AERSP 504. AERODYNAMICS OF V/STOL AIRCRAFT (3)
  Jet wings, high lift devices, propellers and ducted propellers, circulation and boundary layer control, unsteady airfoil theory. Prerequisite: AERSP 407.
• AERSP 505. AERO- AND HYDROELASTICITY (3)
  Interaction of elastic systems having several degrees of freedom with fluid flows in various configurations.
• AERSP 506. ROTORCRAFT DYNAMICS (3)
  Dynamics of rotating elastic blades, helicopter vibration analysis, aeroelastic stability of rotor blades and aeromechanical stability of coupled rotor-fuselage systems. Prerequisites: one graduate-level course in structural dynamics, AERSP 504 or equivalent introductory course in helicopter aerodynamics.
• AERSP 507. THEORY AND DESIGN OF TURBOMACHINERY (3)
  Theory and principles of machinery design: compressors, turbines, pumps, and rotating propulsors; opportunity to work out design examples.
• AERSP 508. FOUNDATIONS OF FLUID MECHANICS (3)
  Mathematical review, fluid properties, kinematics, conservation laws, constitutive relations, similarity principles, the boundary layer, inviscid flow, vorticity dynamics, wave motion.
• AERSP 509. DYNAMICS OF IDEAL FLUIDS (3)
  Irrotational flow theory, two- dimensional and axisymmetric flows, airfoil theory, complex variables, unsteady phenomena; flow with vorticity, finite wing theory. Prerequisite: AERSP 508.
• AERSP 510. COMPRESSIBLE FLOW (3)
  Classification and solution of compressible flow problems, high-speed gasdynamics, unsteady motion, transonic and hypersonic flows, atmospheric reentry.
• AERSP 511. AERODYNAMICALLY INDUCED NOISE (3)
  Review of fluid mechanics. General theory of aerodynamic sound. Noise radiation from jets, boundary layers, rotors, and fans. Structural response.
• AERSP 512. VISCOUS FLOW (3)
  Stress-deformation relations; Newtonian fluids, Navier-Stokes equations; exact, asymptotic laminar solutions; instability, transition; similitude and turbulent boundary layer.
• AERSP 514. STABILITY OF LAMINAR FLOWS (3)
  The stability of laminar motions in various geometries as influenced by boundary conditions and body forces of various kinds.
• AERSP 518. DYNAMICS AND CONTROL OF AEROSPACE VEHICLES (3)
  Dynamical problems of aircraft and missiles, including launch, trajectory, optimization, orbiting reentry, stability and control, and automatic control. Prerequisite: AERSP 413 or 450.
• AERSP 524 (M E 524). HOMOGENEOUS TURBULENCE (3)
  First in two-part series. Similarity and scaling, vorticity dynamics; Fourier spectral representation; interscale energy transfer. Numerical simulations and experimental measurement. Prerequisite: A graduate-level course in fluid mechanics.
• AERSP 525 (M E 525). INHOMOGENEOUS TURBULENCE (3)
  Second in two-part series. Instability and transition; turbulence models; Reynolds stress closure schemes; large eddy simulations; wave models; turbulence measurements. Prerequisite: AERSP 524.
• AERSP 526 (M E 526). COMPUTATIONAL METHODS FOR SHEAR LAYERS (3)
  Study of numerical solution methods for steady and unsteady laminar or turbulent boundary-layer equations in two and three dimensions. Prerequisite: AERSP 423 or M E 540.
• AERSP 527 (M E 527). COMPUTATIONAL METHODS IN TRANSONIC FLOW (3)
  Numerical solution of partial differential equations of mixed type, with emphasis on transonic flows and separating boundary layers. Prerequisite: AERSP 423 or M E 540.
• AERSP 528 (M E 528). COMPUTATIONAL METHODS FOR RECIRCULATING FLOWS (3)
  Numerical solution techniques for laminar/turbulent flow with large recirculation zones. Both primitive variable and stream function-vorticity equations used. Prerequisites: AERSP 423, M E 540.
• AERSP 529. ADVANCED ANALYSIS AND COMPUTATION OF TURBOMACHINERY FLOWS (3)
  Review of numerical methods; three-dimensional inviscid flow computation, two- and three-dimensional viscous flow effects and computation; recent advances. Prerequisites: AERSP 423; AERSP 507 or M E 418.
• AERSP 530. AEROTHERMOCHEMISTRY OF ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS (3)
  Physics and chemistry needed to analyze advanced rocket propulsion systems including reacting high temperature radiating gas and plasma flows. Prerequisite: AERSP 312 or M E 434.
• AERSP 540 (E E 540, NUC E 540). THEORY OF PLASMA WAVES (3)
  Solutions of the Boltzmann equation; waves in bounded and unbounded plasmas; radiation and scattering from plasmas. Prerequisite: AERSP (E E, NUC E) 490.
• AERSP 550. ASTRODYNAMICS (3)
  Applications of classical celestial mechanics to space flight planning. Determination and construction of orbital parameters by approximation methods. Perturbation techniques. Prerequisite: AERSP 450 or ASTRO 460 or E MCH 410 or PHYS 419.
• AERSP 553 (ME 553, EMCH 553). STRUCTURAL DYNAMICS (3)
  Vibrations of continuous structures. Vibration modes, response via modal superposition.
• AERSP 560. FINITE ELEMENT METHOD IN FLUID MECHANICS AND HEAT TRANSFER (3)
  Application of finite element techniques to viscous/unsteady fluid flow/heat transfer problems. Prerequisites: AERSP 312, 313
• AERSP 590. COLLOQUIUM (1-3)
• AERSP 596. INDIVIDUAL STUDIES (1-9)
• AERSP 597. SPECIAL TOPICS (1-9)
  • AERSP 597A. ROTORCRAFT AEROMECHANICS (3).

    This course is divided approximately 50-50 between helicopter stability and control and helicopter acoustics. This course is computer intensive and requires you to write the following three programs: prediction of rotor performance in hover using vortex theory; prediction of rotor performance in hover and forward flight; and prediction of stability and motion.

  • AERSP 597C (SP01). VIBRATION DAMPING AND CONTROL (3).
  • AERSP 597D (FA00). TOPICS IN APPLIED AERODYNAMICS (3).
  • AERSP 597D (SP01). PARALLEL PROCESSING (3).

  Emphasizes using parallel computers to solve engineering and scientific problems. Presents both the message passing and data parallel approaches. Numerous programming examples and computer code demonstrations will be used. Students will have access to the new IBM RS/6000 computer lab as well as supercomputers at some of the national centers. The IBM RS/6000 unix workstation and high-quality projection equipment will be used in instruction. Prerequisites: CMPSC 201 or 120, Math 220, Math 230 or 231, Math 251.

  • AERSP 597E (Sp02). OBJECT ORIENTED PROGRAMMING . (3).

  Object oriented programming is the dominant approach to software development for almost all large programming projects. This course will introduce object oriented programming using primarily Java, but will also discuss C++ and UML.

  • AERSP 597F (FA00). SMART STRUCTURES (3).
  • AERSP 597F (SP99). ADVANCED COMPOSITE STRUCTURES (3).

  Analysis techniques for composite beams, plates, and shells, energy and finite element formulations, elastic tailoring concepts, buckling of composite structures. Prerequisites: Aersp 302, EMCH 471 or equivalent introductory course in composite materials.

  • AERSP 597I. SPACECRAFT ENVIRONMENT INTERACTIONS. (3).

  This course will examine various aspects of spacecraft aerodynamics and interactions with the space environment. The course will include some aspects of spacecraft design and the latest computational methods for calculating spacecraft aerodynamic forces and moments and thruster plume contamination.

  • AERSP 597K (FA00). SMALL SCALE TURBOMACHINERY (3).
  • AERSP 597K (ME 597K) (SP01). ELASTIC AND DYNAMIC STABILITY (3).

  Elements of structural dynamics and stability, buckling and snap-through elastic bodies, stability of gyroscopic continua, stability of dynamic systems. Prerequisites: Aersp 304 or ME 440 or equivalent introductory course in system dynamics, Aersp 597I or ME 552 also suggested.

In addition to the general Graduate School requirements established by the University, the department imposes a number of specific requirements.

• The entering M.Eng. or M.S. student must hold a bachelor's degree in engineering, physical science, or mathematics, and may be required to complete (without degree credit) undergraduate course work in fluid and solid mechanics and intermediate mathematical analysis, if not already completed.
• The department will consider students with a 3.0 junior/senior average (on a 4.0 scale) and with the appropriate course backgrounds for admission to the M.Eng. or M.S. program; students with special backgrounds, abilities, and interests may request a waiver to the minimum 3.0 grade-point average. The best-qualified applicants will be accepted up to the number of spaces that are now available to new students.
• Admission to the Ph.D. program requires satisfactory completion of a master's program in engineering, physical science, or mathematics.

Admission is granted by the dean of the Graduate School on the recommendation of the Department of Aerospace Engineering. Qualified students may be admitted at the beginning of each Fall or Spring academic semester, August or January. Summer admission may be considered for students supported on Research Assistantships.

HOW TO APPLY TO THE GRADUATE PROGRAM IN AEROSPACE ENGINEERING:

You must formally apply to the Penn State Graduate School. There are three ways to do this.  The preferred method is to fill out an application online.  If you are unable to do this, please download and print an Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) version of the application form and complete it.  As a last resort, you can request (by mail) that a paper application be mailed to you.

1) Preferred Method: Apply online using the Penn State Graduate School secure server. (The easiest way to apply.)

The electronic application fee is $45. Online credit card payment is possible, but you may also pay by check or money order.

2) Alternate Method: Download an application (in .pdf format) and mail in a paper copy. Print or Type and Print (Not quite as easy.)

(Get Acrobat Reader to view and print PDF files.)

The paper application fee is $60. You may pay by check or money order.

3) Last Resort: Request that a paper application be sent to you by post, then return it. Mail (do not email) your request to:

Penn State Aerospace Engineering Graduate Program

229 Hammond

University Park, PA 16802

The paper application fee is $60. You may pay by check or money order.

Graduate Enrollment Services
The Pennsylvania State University
114 Kern Building
University Park, PA 16802

• DO NOT SEND CASH.
• Attach the Fee Form that was provided with the application.
• An international money order or a check must be drawn on a U.S bank; it should be made payable to "The Pennsylvania State University." A canceled check will serve as your receipt.

Penn State Aerospace Engineering Graduate Program

229 Hammond

University Park, PA 16802

• Two official transcripts sent directly from all institutions attended, both undergraduate and graduate.
  • Transcript Request Form (.pdf) Type and Print
  • International applicants must submit official or attested university records, with certified translations if the records are not in English -- notarized copies are not sufficient. These must be in sealed envelopes from each institution.
• Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score report (Institution Code 2660, Departmental Code 1601).
• Official Test Of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score report.
  • Required of all applicants whose native language is not English.
  • Minimum required scores: 560 on paper-based test, 220 on computer-based.
• Application for Visa (for non-U.S. Students).
• Required Graduate Documentation Do not send copies of articles, theses, or reports. (Place all publication bibliographies in the "Notes" area.)
• Two letters of recommendation (use the recommendation form) sent directly from your references to the address above.
• Optional: One-page cover letter (encouraged).
• Optional: Resume (encouraged). We are interested in your activities outside of class as well.

NOTE: Please do not submit information with your application that was not requested, e.g., reports, individual education plans, medical records, statements from doctors, or legal documents. Such information will be discarded.

Please do not staple, tape, or hole-punch requested items, or place them in separate envelopes.

Check the status of your application here.

For application inquiries, please email only gradaero@engr.psu.edu.

• Aerospace Engineering Graduate Program FAQs
• Admission to the Penn State Graduate School
• Penn State Office of International Students and Scholars
• Dr. David B. Spencer, Director of Graduate Studies, 229 Hammond, (814) 865-6431.
• Ms. Robin Grandy, Graduate Program Staff Assistant, 229 Hammond, (814) 865-6431.

Graduate students are frequently supported through a variety of government and industrial fellowships and by research and teaching assistantships.

• Academic-year stipends for half-time research assistant (RA) or teaching assistant (TA) positions ranged from $12,915 to $13,905 for the 2003-4 academic year, plus tuition (approximately $5,232 (in-state) to $9,636 (out-of-state), per semester). RA positions usually include summer support, at a rate comparable to that of the academic year stipend ($4,230-4,539).
• A few add-on fellowships are available from Penn State's College of Engineering and Graduate School. These are highly competitive, and students must be nominated by departments.
• Academic year stipends for fellows averaged $16,000.

Financial stipends generally increase at an annual rate of 2-3 percent annually. Federal Perkins and Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency loans are available upon evidence of need.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONCERNING FINANCIAL AID

• Aerospace Engineering Graduate Program FAQs (Fellowship info!)
• Penn State Graduate School Fellowship Information Sources
• Dr. David B. Spencer, Director of Graduate Studies, 229 Hammond, (814) 865-6431.