Campuses:
This is archival data. This system was retired as of August 21, 2023 and the information on this page has not been updated since then. For current information, visit catalogs.umn.edu.
Twin Cities Campus
Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics Ph.D.Aerospace Engineering & Mechanics
College of Science and Engineering
Link to a list of faculty for this program.
Contact Information
Director of Graduate Studies, Department of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics, University of Minnesota, 107 Akerman Hall, 110 Union Street S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55455 (612-625-8000; fax: 612-626-1558)
Email:
aem-dgs@umn.edu
Website: http://www.aem.umn.edu
Along with the program-specific requirements listed below, please read the
General Information section of
this
website for requirements that apply to all major fields.
The Department of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics offers a Ph.D. degree in aerospace engineering and mechanics. The Ph.D. program emphasizes engineering sciences that are basic to fluid mechanics, aerospace systems, and solid mechanics. Theoretical, analytical, experimental, and computational aspects of these fields are covered by the courses and research opportunities offered by the department.
Program Delivery
Prerequisites for Admission
The preferred undergraduate GPA for admittance to the program
is 3.20.
A four-year B.S. degree in an engineering, basic science, or mathematics program is required.
Other requirements to be completed before admission:
Admission depends primarily on the applicant's undergraduate record, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
Special Application Requirements:
GRE scores are not required but are strongly recommended for students applying for graduate fellowships. In all cases, these test scores are taken into account if provided. Students are admitted fall semester only. Only under unusual circumstances are students allowed to begin their studies at another time during the academic year.
The application deadline is December 15. Additional information is available at http://www.aem.umn.edu/teaching/graduate/Application_procedures.shtml
International applicants must submit score(s) from one of the following tests:
Key to test
abbreviations
(TOEFL, IELTS, MELAB).
For an online application or for more information about graduate education admissions, see the
General Information section of this
website.
Program Requirements
12 to 30
credits are required in the major.
12 to 30 credits are required outside the major. 24 thesis credits are required.
This program may be completed with a minor.
Use of 4xxx courses toward program requirements is permitted under certain conditions with adviser approval.
A minimum GPA of 3.00
is required for students to remain in good standing.
The Ph.D. program emphasizes coursework and research in engineering sciences that are basic to this field. Options include coursework and research in aerodynamics and aerospace systems, dynamical systems, material properties, and fluid and solid behavior.
The Ph.D. requires about two years of coursework, but the heart of the program is the student's thesis research. The first year of the Ph.D. program is similar to the master's program and most Ph.D. students receive the master's degree. The second year is devoted to more advanced courses and beginning research. Subsequent years include some coursework with increased focus on research. The time required to complete a research project varies, but most students finish the Ph.D. within five years after the bachelor's degree.
The program must include a minimum of 42 credits of approved courses; of these, a minimum of 12 credits must be in AEM courses at the 5xxx or 8xxx level and a minimum of 12 credits outside the major are required. Four semesters of seminar attendance are required (AEM 8000), but only one credit may be used towards the course credit requirements. The remaining 18 course credits may be taken in the major or in any supporting field. No more than 8 credits of 4xxx level courses and no more than 13 credits taken as S/N are allowed.
Required Courses
Take one 2-course sequence in fluids, solids or dynamics
Additional Major Credits
Take an additional 6 credits in AEM at the 5xxx or 8xxx level. The following sequences in controls or computational fluid mechanics may be used, or any other AEM courses chosen in consultation with adviser.
Minor or Supporting Program
Take 12 credits in a minor or supporting program outside AEM
Seminar
1 credit of AEM 8000 may be used towards program credit requirements.
AEM 8000 - Seminar: Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics
(1.0 cr)
Thesis Credits
Take 24 credits after passing preliminary oral exam
AEM 8888 - Thesis Credit: Doctoral
(1.0-24.0 cr)
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Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Periodic Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | AEM 5321/EE 5231 |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | AEM 5451/EE 5251 |
Typically offered: | Fall Even Year |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Periodic Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | AEM 4253/AEM 5253 |
Prerequisites: | [4201 or equiv], [CSci 1113 or equiv], CSE grad student |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall |
Credits: | 1.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | S-N or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 1.0 -24.0 [max 100.0] |
Grading Basis: | No Grade |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |