The Department of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics offers a Master of Science in aerospace engineering and mechanics degree via an on-campus program and an off-campus (distance learning) program through the Office of Teaching Innovation and Digital Education. An MSAEM can be earned by coursework only or by a combination of coursework and an approved thesis. Most distance learning students elect to complete the coursework only degree option. On-campus students supported by assistantships are expected to complete an approved thesis.
Admissions
In addition to the minimum Graduate School admission requirements, to be considered for regular admission an application must include:
- Three letters of recommendation (only two letters for Accelerated Masters Program applicants)
- Statement of Purpose
- GRE (optional)
Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics standards are higher than the graduate school minimums, and all application materials are carefully considered. Meeting minimum graduate school requirements does not guarantee admission into the Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics MSAEM program.
Students applying to the Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics MSAEM program without a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering or engineering mechanics are required to complete the following coursework from an accredited university (if not already completed) prior to applying:
- Calculus (12 semester credit hours)
- Ordinary Differential Equations
- 12 semester credit hours of calculus-based engineering mechanics - Statics, Dynamics, Mechanics of Materials and Fluid Mechanics.
Students have the opportunity to enroll in the mechanics courses through the Office of Teaching Innovation and Digital Education as a non-degree seeking (NDS) applicant.
The Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics MSAEM distance program is open to US students as well as international students residing in the US with appropriate visas.
See the Admission Criteria section of this catalog for more information.
Curricular Requirements
The MSAEM degree can be earned by 30 hours of coursework (non-thesis option) or by a combination of 24 hours of coursework, 6 hours of thesis research, and a committee approved thesis that includes an oral defense and written document (thesis option). A 3.0 GPA for coursework is required. Most distance learning students elect to complete the coursework- only degree option. On-campus students supported by assistantships are expected to complete an approved thesis.
For both degree options, students must complete two core courses, one from Mechanics and one from Mathematics.
Elective, thesis and culminating experience requirements are outlined in the Thesis and Non-Thesis links. At least 18 hours must be AEM designation. Non-AEM courses must be approved by the Associate Department Head-Graduate Programs or the student’s research advisor.
Independent study hours AEM 593/AEM 594 counting for elective coursework is limited to 3 hours for Plan I students and 6 hours for Plan II students.
| Plan I: Thesis Option Curriculum | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanics Core | 3 | |
| Select one course: | ||
| Intermediate Fluid Mechanics | ||
| Intermediate Solid Mechanics | ||
| Intermediate Dynamics | ||
| Mathematics Core | 3 | |
| Select one course: | ||
| Matrix And Vector Analysis | ||
| Partial Diff Equations | ||
| Stochastic Mechanics | ||
| Elective Coursework | 18 | |
| AEM 599 | Thesis Research | 6 |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
| Plan II: Non-Thesis Option Curriculum | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanics Core | 3 | |
| Select one course: | ||
| Intermediate Fluid Mechanics | ||
| Intermediate Solid Mechanics | ||
| Intermediate Dynamics | ||
| Mathematics Core | 3 | |
| Select one course: | ||
| Matrix And Vector Analysis | ||
| Partial Diff Equations | ||
| Stochastic Mechanics | ||
| Elective Coursework | 24 | |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Transfer Credit
Transfer credit requests are evaluated by the Graduate School and the AEM department and follow Graduate School policy.
Accelerated Master's Program
The Accelerated Master's Program (AMP) is designed specifically for outstanding UA students to complete the requirements for both their bachelor's degree and a master's degree in aerospace engineering in an accelerated five-year period. Both BSAE and BSME students can apply to the MSAEM program via AMP. General eligibility requirements, maximum number of dual-credit hours allowed and information about scholarships and assistantships are location on the Graduate School's AMP page.
In addition to the graduate school's AMP requirements, the AEM department also requires students applying to AMP to
- Complete prior to admission at least six hours of BSAE or BSME junior-level (300 or higher) core-program courses as listed on the appropriate department's flow chart.
- Submit a statement of purpose and two letters of recommendation.
Applications are evaluated by the Graduate School and the AEM department. Meeting minimum GPA eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.
Students interested in AMP and the MSAEM program can contact the Graduate Program Coordinator for more information.
Students apply for the program online. Applications are evaluated by the Graduate School and the AEM department. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.
Comprehensive Examination/Capstone
Students pursuing the MSAEM Plan II degree option have the choice of completing one of the following options to satisfy the requirement of a culminating experience:
- Complete a capstone project and receive faculty advisor approval for the written report detailing the culminating experience: The research project is an in-depth study of a topic that must be approved by the student's research advisor, an AEM faculty member or an approved non-AEM faculty member on the Graduate Faculty in which the student selects based on mutual research interests. The project is not as comprehensive as a thesis. The project must integrate knowledge and concepts from more than one of the program courses. MSAEM Plan II students may, but are not required to, enroll in three hours of AEM 593 or AEM 594 Special Projects and submit the written reports detailing the culminating experience as part of the AEM 593 or AEM 594 course requirements. The approved written report for the culminating experience must be submitted to their advisor providing sufficient time to evaluate and potentially require edits prior to the end of the semester, usually two to three weeks before final exam week.
- For students currently employed and working in the engineering profession, write a report and receive faculty advisor approval on how knowledge gained from MSAEM coursework has been used and integrated into your work assignments and projects over the past year. The faculty advisor must be an AEM faculty member in which the student selects based on mutual interests. The report is not as comprehensive as a thesis. Examples must integrate specific knowledge, concepts, models, and/or analyses from more than one of the program courses.
The student must complete at least 18 hours prior to starting the culminating experience. For both options, a conference-style technical paper is a good guide.
Plan I: Thesis Option
The MSAEM Thesis option degree requires 24 hours of coursework, 6 hours of thesis research AEM 599), and an approved thesis. Additional requirements to those outlined under Curricular Requirements include:
- 18 hours of the 30 required must have AEM designation or transferred under AEM designation.
- Non-AEM electives must be approved by the student's Research Advisor or the Graduate Program Coordinator.
- Thesis committee requirements follow Graduate School policy. The thesis committee should be formed at least the semester prior to the thesis defense.
- Thesis submission deadlines, document formatting, and graduating semester enrollment requirements follow the Graduate School calendar and policy.
Plan II: Non-Thesis Option
The MSAEM Non-Thesis option degree requires 30 hours of coursework and the completion of a Capstone Project or Comprehensive Exam. Additional requirements to those outlined under Curricular Requirements include:
- 18 hours of the 30 required must have AEM designation or transferred under AEM designation.
- Non-AEM electives must be approved by the student's Research Advisor or the Graduate Program Coordinator.
Time Limits for Degree Completion Requirements
Graduate School Policy
Student Progress Requirement
Students are expected to progress through their degree program in a timely manner and with consultation with their advisor.
Academic Misconduct Information
Graduate School Policy
Withdrawals and Leave of Absence Information
Graduate School Policy
Academic Grievances Information
Graduate School Information
Grades and Academic Standing
Graduate School Policy
Graduate School Deadlines Information
Graduate School Information
Application for Graduation Information
Graduate School Policy
The AEM Department typically does not consider support for in-residence (on-campus) students in the MS program. However, funding opportunities may be available on an individual basis. This funding is either through faculty graduate research assistantships (GRA), department graduate teaching assistantships (GTA), University or other appropriate fellowships and scholarships, or a combination of these sources. Support typically includes a monthly stipend as well as funds to cover tuition, health insurance, and limited college and department fees. Specific details are outlined in the Letter of Appointment or the fellowship/scholarship conditions.
Research and teaching assistantships are evaluated annually. It is the intent to fund students in good standing and meeting performance expectations until the completion of their degree in a timely manner, typically four years, pending availability of funding.
Performance expectations for continuing financial support include:
- Remaining in good academic standing in the department and graduate school,
- Completing required mandatory annual training for teaching, research, and/or laboratory assignments,
- Abiding by all rules and policies held by The University of Alabama, The UA College of Engineering, the Department of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics, and UA Environmental Health and Safety,
- Adequately performing all research duties assigned to them, for example safely and professionally conducting analyses and experiments, mentoring other students, writing papers, and presenting results, in a timely manner as defined by the advisor or record, and
- Adequately performing all teaching duties assigned to them, for example but not limited to teaching, grading, and proctoring, in a timely manner as defined by the instructor of record or their designee for all courses to which the student is assigned responsibilities.
Students who fail to meet one or more of the performance expectations will be subject to termination of the financial support pending a department administrative review by the Department Head and the Associate Department Head of Graduate Programs. Documentation and input, depending on the nature of failure, will be sought from relevant sources, including but not limited to the student’s research advisor, the instructor of record, the departmental graduate committee, departmental and college administration, the graduate school, and appropriate agencies and departments on campus. Depending on the infraction, termination of financial support could be immediate, at the end of the semester, or the end of the time frame outlined by the appointment.
For additional information about financial assistance in the AEM graduate programs, contact the Associate Department Head of Graduate Programs.