MS in Aerospace Engineering - Online and Distance Degrees

Program Overview

The online MSAEM is a convenient degree program that has been educating leaders in aerospace and mechanics for more than 20 years.

Graduates of this highly competitive program are equipped to excel in the global job market. You will be prepared to work in industries that design or build aircrafts, missiles or systems for national defense.

Online Program Format

30 Credit Hours

$480 Tuition Per Hour

Earn your Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics online from The University of Alabama while continuing to work full time.

This program was designed with the working adult in mind, so the classes are offered online to meet your schedule.

The UA College of Engineering was established in 1837, making it one of the first five engineering schools in the nation. Since then it has grown to become a leader in the field, boasting a large network of accomplished alumni and professors throughout the aerospace industry.

Live, in-person proctoring is required to complete exams.

Application Deadline	June 30 for fall admission, November 30 for spring admission, and March 31 for summer admission
Other Program Specifics	Live, in-person proctoring is required to complete exams
Scholarships and Grants Available	Discover a range of scholarships and grants to support your educational journey

Curriculum

The online MSAEM program requires 30 credit hours and allows you the flexibility to pursue either a Non-Thesis or Thesis option. Most distance learning students elect to complete the non-thesis option.

Other than delivery format, this program is identical to the degree program offered to traditional campus students. Live campus lectures are recorded and then made available to distance learning students. You will turn in all assignments online and examinations are conducted in predetermined, proctored locations thereby requiring no campus visits.

Learn more about the curriculum options below. Please note that courses are subject to change.

Thesis Option

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.

Transfer Credit

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.

Non-Thesis Option

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.

Test Pilot School

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.

Admission

Currently, the program is open to US students as well as international students residing in the US with the appropriate visas. Applicants interested in pursuing the online MSAEM must apply for admission to The University of Alabama’s Graduate School. Graduate school minimums to be considered for regular admission are:

Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or at least 3.0 for the last 60 hours completed

AEM department standards are higher than the graduate school minimums, and all application materials are carefully considered: statement of purpose, transcripts, optional test scores (GRE), and letters of recommendation. Meeting minimum graduate school requirements does not guarantee admission into the program.

Students without a BS in aerospace, mechanical or civil engineering are required to complete the following coursework from an accredited university (if not already completed) prior to admission to the MSAEM program: Calculus (12 credit hours), Ordinary Differential Equations, Statics, Dynamics, Mechanics of Materials and Fluid Mechanics. The engineering mechanics courses (Statics, Dynamics, Mechanics of Materials and Fluid Mechanics) must be calculus based. Students have the opportunity to enroll in the mechanics courses through the UA Office of Teaching Innovation and Digital Education as a non-degree seeking applicant (NDS).

Review specific program admission requirements for the Department of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics and Graduate School.

Application Deadlines – fall semester – June 30; spring semester – November 30; summer semester – March 31

Find more information and learn about restrictions related to this degree program that may exist regarding licensure in the state in which you reside.