Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics

A total of 30 credit hours is required for the MSAEM and students must complete the following requirements for the Plan I (Thesis) option.

Core Course Requirement (6 hours)

Complete two core courses, one from each core designation.

Mechanics Core

• AEM 500 Intermediate Fluid Mechanics
• AEM 546 Intermediate Solid Mechanics
• AEM 562 Intermediate Dynamics

Mathematics Core

• GES 551 Matrix and Vector Analysis
• GES 554 Partial Differential Equations
• AEM 548 Stochastic Mechanics

Elective Requirement (18 hours)

Complete 18 hours of elective coursework that are approved by the program advisor.

Thesis Requirement (6 hours)

• AEM 599 Thesis Research

Submit a written thesis and defend in front of a thesis committee for approval by the committee and the UA Graduate School.

At least 18 hours of the 30 hours must be AEM designation.

With approval of the UA Graduate School, a maximum of 12 hours of graduate credit for coursework completed at another institution may be applied toward the 30 credit hour coursework requirement for the MSAEM Plan II degree. The maximum of 12 hours of graduate transfer credit includes the 6 hours of credit transferred from TPS, if applicable. All credit toward the MSAEM degree, including transfer credit, must have been earned during the six years (18 fall, spring, and summer semesters) immediately preceding the date on which the MSAEM degree is to be awarded. Students who have earned post-baccalaureate course credit are encouraged to explore transfer credit opportunities.

A total of 30 credit hours is required for the MSAEM and students must complete the following requirements for the Plan II (Non-Thesis) option.

Core Course Requirement (6 hours)

Complete two core courses, one from each core designation.

Mechanics Core

• AEM 500 Intermediate Fluid Mechanics
• AEM 546 Intermediate Solid Mechanics
• AEM 562 Intermediate Dynamics

Mathematics Core

• GES 551 Matrix and Vector Analysis
• GES 554 Partial Differential Equations
• AEM 548 Stochastic Mechanics

Elective Requirement (24 hours)

Complete 24 hours of elective coursework that are approved by the program advisor.

Comprehensive Examination or Culminating Experience

Students pursuing the MSAEM Plan II degree option have the choice of completing one of the following options:

• Complete a culminating experience and receive faculty advisor approval for the written report detailing the culminating experience. Students must have completed at least 18 hours of coursework prior to submitting the written report for the culminating experience.
• 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.

At least 18 hours of the 30 hours must be AEM designation.

Students that seek credit for Test Pilot School (TPS) completed through the United States Air Force may send official transcripts from the TPS to the UA Graduate School for transfer credit. The student must receive a grade of at least a B in TPS for the credit to be transferable. Additionally, the transfer of credit from TPS is subject to the restrictions placed on the transfer of credit by the Graduate School and the AEM Department. A maximum of 6 hours can be transferred. For additional information, visit the transfer credit policy at the UA Graduate School website.