UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK · UNITED STATES
Doctor of Philosophy in Aerospace Engineering
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
—
Duration
7.0
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- 36Credit hours of coursework required
- 12Dissertation research credit hours
- 3.0Minimum GPA requirement
The University of Maryland offers a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Aerospace Engineering designed to prepare students for advanced research and development roles. The program requires a minimum of 36 credit hours of coursework beyond the bachelor's degree, with at least 12 of these credits completed at the University of Maryland. Additionally, a minimum of 12 semester hours of dissertation research is required. Students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher to remain in good standing.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the academic requirements for the PhD in Aerospace Engineering?
- You need a bachelor's degree and a minimum of 36 credit hours of coursework beyond it, with at least 12 credits taken at the University of Maryland. You must maintain a 3.0 GPA and fulfill specific requirements in Major Area, Minor Area, and Math/Science coursework, with at least 9 credits at the 600 level or higher.
- What English proficiency test scores are required for international applicants?
- For IELTS, a minimum score of 7.0 is required. For Duolingo, a score of 120 is needed. Scores must be less than two years old.
- How long does the PhD program typically take?
- The program requires a minimum of 36 credit hours of coursework and 12 credit hours of dissertation research. While no specific duration is stated, students must typically advance to candidacy within five years of admission.
- What are the tuition fees for international students?
- International students pay a special tuition rate that is the same for residents and non-residents. Additional graduate student fees are charged, and tuition and fees are subject to change.
- What are the steps to apply and progress through the PhD program?
- The application process involves submitting transcripts and English proficiency scores. Within the program, you must complete a coursework plan, pass a qualifying examination, and then a comprehensive examination to advance to candidacy before completing dissertation research and defense.
- Are there any funding or scholarship opportunities for PhD students?
- The program offers MAGE Student Employment Opportunities and Administrative Graduate Assistantships, though tuition rates are not fully covered by these or other assistantships and fellowships.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's DegreeMinimum of 36 credit hours of coursework beyond the bachelor's degree. At least 12 credits must be completed at the University of Maryland. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA. Specific coursework is required in Major Area (18+ credits), Minor Area (6+ credits), and Math/Science (9+ credits). At least 9 credits overall must be at the 600 level or higher.
Master's DegreeStudents entering with an M.S. in a related field may be granted up to 24 credits of coursework. All students must still pass qualifying and comprehensive exams and fulfill coursework requirements.
IELTS7.0
Duolingo120
TOEFL
Official English proficiency test scores must be submitted and be less than two years old. Use reporting code 5814 for UMD. Waivers may be considered under specific circumstances.
Fees
Tuition (international)Students in this program pay a special tuition rate which does not differ between residents and non-residents. Additional graduate student fees are charged. Tuition and fees are subject to change.
Tuition (home)Students in this program pay a special tuition rate which does not differ between residents and non-residents. Additional graduate student fees are charged. Tuition and fees are subject to change.
Living—
Tuition rates are not fully covered by graduate assistantships, fellowships, or tuition remission.
How to apply
1. Complete Coursework PlanList required coursework on the Doctoral Coursework Plan as early as possible, ensuring it meets Major Area, Minor Area, and Math/Science requirements.
2. Pass Qualifying ExaminationStudents must pass a qualifying examination to assess their aptitude and knowledge in their technical area. The exam involves a written summary and an oral defense.
3. Pass Comprehensive ExaminationAfter passing the qualifying exam, students must take and pass a comprehensive examination covering all course material on their doctoral coursework plan.
4. Advance to CandidacyApply for and be admitted to candidacy after successfully completing the comprehensive examination and having your doctoral dissertation proposal approved.
5. Complete Dissertation ResearchConduct and complete Ph.D. dissertation research, registering for at least 12 semester hours of ENAE 899 (Ph.D. thesis research).
6. Defend DissertationSuccessfully defend your dissertation in an oral exam administered by a committee of five graduate faculty members.
Scholarships
MAGE Student Employment Opportunities—
Administrative Graduate Assistantships—
Frequently asked questions
What are the academic requirements for the PhD in Aerospace Engineering?
+
You need a bachelor's degree and a minimum of 36 credit hours of coursework beyond it, with at least 12 credits taken at the University of Maryland. You must maintain a 3.0 GPA and fulfill specific requirements in Major Area, Minor Area, and Math/Science coursework, with at least 9 credits at the 600 level or higher.
What English proficiency test scores are required for international applicants?
+
For IELTS, a minimum score of 7.0 is required. For Duolingo, a score of 120 is needed. Scores must be less than two years old.
How long does the PhD program typically take?
+
The program requires a minimum of 36 credit hours of coursework and 12 credit hours of dissertation research. While no specific duration is stated, students must typically advance to candidacy within five years of admission.
What are the tuition fees for international students?
+
International students pay a special tuition rate that is the same for residents and non-residents. Additional graduate student fees are charged, and tuition and fees are subject to change.
What are the steps to apply and progress through the PhD program?
+
The application process involves submitting transcripts and English proficiency scores. Within the program, you must complete a coursework plan, pass a qualifying examination, and then a comprehensive examination to advance to candidacy before completing dissertation research and defense.
Are there any funding or scholarship opportunities for PhD students?
+
The program offers MAGE Student Employment Opportunities and Administrative Graduate Assistantships, though tuition rates are not fully covered by these or other assistantships and fellowships.