AA-PHD - Aeronautics and Astronautics (PhD)

All students must satisfy the university’s basic requirements for the PhD degree outlined in the GAP 3.2.1 Residency Policy for Graduate Students.

An MS degree is not required to apply to the PhD program in Aeronautics and Astronautics. Students with a bachelor’s degree who ultimately intend to complete a PhD are strongly encouraged to apply directly to the PhD program rather than the MS program.

Students admitted to our PhD program who do not already have an MS in a related discipline conferred when they begin the program must complete the Aeronautics and Astronautics MS degree requirements before receiving the PhD.

The MS program is designed for students who intend to proceed directly to a professional career in aeronautics and astronautics. However, in rare cases, an MS student may be able to transition into the PhD program. To do so, the student must have commitment from a professor willing to fund and advise the student throughout their PhD Such students may submit an application for the PhD program in the Autumn Quarter (mid-October deadline) of their second year in the MS program. Applications require a reference letter and the official commitment of one faculty member to advise and fund them. Admit decisions are relayed by the end of the application quarter. Students must also be eligible to take the qualifying examination in spring quarter of their second year.