PROGRAM AT A GLANCE
Program
Doctorate
2
Years
Elevate Your Education
The Aerospace Engineering PhD program offers students the opportunity, through both coursework and research, to meet the highest standards of academic achievement in the core areas: Aerodynamics. Aerospace Systems Design. Astrodynamics and Space Applications, Dynamics and Control. Propulsion. Structures and Materials.
The Doctor of Philosophy degree in Aerospace Engineering is intended for students who have earned an MS or BS degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field of Engineering.
This program has potential ties to state-regulated professional licensure or certification in the field. For more information on how this program may prepare you in that regard, please visit https://apq.ucf.edu/files/Licensure-Disclosure-CECS-Aerospace-Engineering-PhD-June2020.pdf.
Highlights
No. 1 supplier of graduates to the aerospace and defense industries, including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrup Grumman, SpaceX, Blue Origin, NASA Centers and DoD/DoE Research Laboratories
27% of Lockheed Martin employees in Orlando are UCF grads
Projected job growth for aerospace engineers is 4% through 2028
Aerospace engineers have an annual median pay of $116K
Application Deadline
Fall
July 1
Spring
December 1
Ready to Get Started?
In addition to the general UCF graduate application requirements, applicants to this program must provide:
– One official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended
– Official, competitive GRE score taken within the last five years
– Bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering or a closely related discipline
– Résumé
– Statement about educational, research, and professional career objectives
– Three letters of recommendation
Please note that UCF now accepts unofficial transcripts with your application.
For specific questions regarding the degree, please contact our graduate faculty advisor, Professor Jihua “Jan” Gou.
The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering offers funding via fellowships, teaching assistantships and research assistantships. For more information on funding opportunities and the degree itself, visit the UCF Graduate Catalog.
While licensure or certification may be available in this field of study, our program does not directly lead to such licensure or certification upon graduation. The professional preparation you receive in our program meets the educational requirements for licensure as a professional engineer and may still assist you in such pursuits; however, the licensing authority and requirements for professional engineers falls under the jurisdiction of the licensing board for the state, territory, or foreign entity in which engineer practices.
If you intend to pursue such credentialing in your state or elsewhere, we strongly advise you to contact the applicable state credentialing authority to familiarize yourself with its specific requirements. Alternatively, you are welcome to contact undergraduate advisor Lynn Grabenhorst with questions in this regard and we will do our best to assist you in your career planning.