Online and Distance Degrees > Degree Programs > PhD in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in
Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics

Primarily Online

Program Overview

The primarily online PhD in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics gives you the opportunity to become a thought-leader in the field of engineering. Your significant contributions can lead to job promotions, faculty appointments, impactful research discoveries and more.

Program Format
Primarily Online
Credit Hours
60
Tuition Per Hour
$440

Lead Innovation in the Field of Engineering

The program is specifically designed for engineering professionals with five or more years of experience within their field. Through this primarily online program you can earn an affordable, research-based degree that allows you to propose, complete and defend an approved dissertation on a research topic that contributes to the field of aerospace engineering and/or engineering science and mechanics – all while working full time.

Other than delivery format, this PhD program in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics is identical to the degree program offered on campus.

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

Application DeadlineApril 30 for fall admission and September 30 for spring admission
Other Program SpecificsRequired campus visit once each semester with faculty advisor; Live, in-person proctoring is required to complete exams

Curriculum

You will work directly with a faculty advisor to complete the program requirements. Courses are offered following the on-campus schedule. Lectures are available online. Exams are taken off-campus but require live proctors approved by the Office of Teaching Innovation and Digital Education. You have the option of pursuing this program either part-time or full-time to accommodate your schedule. The PhD in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics Curriculum is available on the College of Engineering’s webpage.

This PhD program is completed primarily online through alternative residency, which means you are required to meet with your advisor on campus at least once a semester. Your dissertation proposal and defense are also required to be on campus. For additional requirements, contact the Graduate Program Coordinator.

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 primarily online PhD in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics must apply for admission to The University of Alabama’s Graduate School. Graduate school minimums to be considered for regular admission are:

A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university
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. It is essential to contact faculty with similar research interests and arrange an on-campus visit prior to applying to the program. Gaining faculty interest and support is essential in the application review.

Students without an MS degree in aerospace, mechanical or civil engineering or physics should first consider applying and completing the MSAEM 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 College of Continuing Studies as a non-degree seeking applicant (NDS).

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

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