Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering (MSAE)

Program Description

The Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering (MSAE) is designed to prepare students for careers as engineers in aerospace.

Students may choose from three tracks: Accelerated BS to MSAE, Space Systems Design and Engineering, and Thermofluid Aerodynamic Systems Design and Engineering.

This program has potential ties to professional licensure or certification in the field. For more information on how this program may prepare you in that regard, please visit https://apq.ucf.edu/files/Licensure-Disclosure-CECS-Aerospace-Engineering-MS-June2020.pdf.

Program Tracks

• Aerospace Engineering MSAE, Accelerated BS to MSAE Track
• Aerospace Engineering MSAE, Space Systems Design and Engineering Track
• Aerospace Engineering MSAE, Thermofluid Aerodynamic Systems Design and Engineering Track

Curriculum

The MSAE is awarded upon completion of a minimum of 30 credit hours. Students of the program must select a thesis or nonthesis option. All students are expected to identify an adviser and file an official degree program of study prior to the completion of nine semester hours of study. At least one-half of the required credits must be taken at the 6000 level. Students should consult the Graduate Director for assistance.

Total Credit Hours Required: 30 Credit Hours Minimum beyond the Bachelor’s Degree

The program offers three tracks: Space Systems Design and Engineering, Thermofluid Aerodynamic Systems Design and Engineering, and Accelerated BS to MSAE. Students must be pursuing a track within the discipline. The MSAE is awarded upon completion of a minimum of 30 credit hours, which includes 12 credit hours of required courses, 6 credit hours of specialization, 6-9 credit hours of electives and depending on whether a student selects a thesis or nonthesis option. Thesis option students will be required a minimum of 6 credit hours and nonthesis students will be required to take the course EML 6085 - Research Methods in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering or EML 6918 Directed Research and make a presentation on a chosen topic before a committee of faculty members.

All students are expected to identify an adviser and file an official degree program of study prior to the completion of nine semester hours of study. At least one-half of the required credits must be taken at the 6000 level. Students should consult the Graduate Director for assistance.

For the Accelerated track, the BSAE is awarded after completion of 71 hours of engineering courses and all other university requirements, and the MSAE is awarded upon completion of the master’s program. Courses designated in General Education Program and Common Program Prerequisites are usually completed in the first 60 hours (see engineering major requirements in the Undergraduate Catalog).

A student with an undergraduate degree outside of the selected departmental discipline may be required to satisfy an articulation program. Substitutions to the program of study must meet with the approval of the adviser and the department. More information is available at the department website listed above.

Thesis Option

The thesis option requires 30 credit hours, at least half of which must be at the 6000 level and will include 6 credit hours of thesis credit. A student pursuing the thesis program may not register for thesis credit hours until an advisory committee has been appointed and the committee has reviewed the program of study and the proposed thesis topic.

The College of Engineering and Computer Science requires that all thesis defense announcements are approved by the student’s adviser and posted on the college’s website and on the Events Calendar of the College of Graduate Studies website at least two weeks before the defense date.

Nonthesis Option

The nonthesis option is primarily designed to meet the needs of part-time students and requires 30 credit hours of course work, at least one-half of which must be at the 6000 level. In addition, students pursuing the nonthesis option are required to take EML 6085 - Research Methods in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering as part of their 30-credit-hour course requirement. For students who are not on campus and upon prior approval from the graduate coordinator, EAS 6918 Directed Research (3 credit hours) may be substituted as the student’s independent learning experience. In the case substitution EAS 6918 is approved, a letter must be provided by the member of the faculty supervising the directed research certifying independent learning.

MAE Department Graduate Seminar Requirement

The MAE Graduate seminar is a zero credit hour course (S/U) that is offered each Fall and Spring academic semesters. All MAE graduate students who are pursuing the MSME are required to register, participate, and receive a satisfactory (S) grade for two semesters of MAE Graduate seminar prior to graduation.

Equipment Fee

Students in the Aerospace Engineering MSAE program pay a $90 equipment fee each semester that they are enrolled. Part-time students pay $45 per semester.

Independent Learning

The Independent Learning Requirement is met by successful completion of a master’s thesis for the thesis option. The non-thesis option independent learning experience is provided by the required course, EML 6085 - Research Methods in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (3 credit hours). For students who are not on campus and upon prior approval from the graduate coordinator, EAS 6918 Directed Research (3 credit hours) may be substituted as the student’s independent learning experience. In the case substitution EAS 6918 is approved, a letter must be provided by the member of the faculty supervising the directed research certifying independent learning.

Application Requirements

For information on general UCF graduate admissions requirements that apply to all prospective students, please visit the Admissions section of the Graduate Catalog. Applicants must apply online. All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline.

In addition to the general UCF graduate application requirements, applicants to this program must provide:

• One official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended.
• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or closely related discipline.
• Résumé.
• Statement of educational, research, and professional career objectives.
• Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. only.

Faculty members may choose to conduct face-to-face or telephone interviews before accepting an applicant into their research program.

Additional courses may be required to correct deficiencies. Students should contact the MMAE graduate program director for further information.

Financials

Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans. For more information, see the College of Graduate Studies Funding website, which describes the types of financial assistance available at UCF and provides general guidance in planning your graduate finances. The Financial Information section of the Graduate Catalog is another key resource.

Fellowships

Fellowships are awarded based on academic merit to highly qualified students. They are paid to students through the Office of Student Financial Assistance, based on instructions provided by the College of Graduate Studies. Fellowships are given to support a student’s graduate study and do not have a work obligation. For more information, see UCF Graduate Fellowships, which includes descriptions of university fellowships and what you should do to be considered for a fellowship.