Aerospace Engineering

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Embark on a journey into the future of flight and space exploration with Iowa State University's Aerospace Engineering graduate program. Our program offers an advanced curriculum designed to prepare students for careers in aerospace research, design, development, and manufacturing.
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Our faculty and students conduct cutting-edge research in nondestructive evaluation; complex systems; computational and experimental aerodynamics; astrodynamics; guidance, navigation, and control; aircraft icing; composite structures; and micro/nano mechanics of materials. Our department has had the privilege to educate some of the most accomplished and distinguished leaders of industry, government, and academia.


Degrees Offered:

  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
  • Master of Engineering (M.Engr.)
  • Master of Science (M.S.)
  • Online Master of Engineering (M.Engr.)

Research Areas: 

  • Advanced Materials Systems
  • Aerodynamics
  • Combustion and Aero-Structural Interaction
  • Aviation Biofuels
  • Complex Systems and Optimization
  • Guidance, Controls, and Astrodynamics
  • Non-destructive Testing and Evaluation

How long does it take to earn a degree?

  • Median time to earn the doctorate: 4.0 years (Methods)
  • Median time to earn the master’s: 1.8 years (Methods)
Online Degree Information

Maddi England

aere-info@iastate.edu
515-294-9669
Aerospace Engineering Graduate Program
Dept of Aerospace Engineering
Iowa State University
537 Bissell Road
1200 Howe Hall
Ames, IA 50011

Learning Goals

  • Conduct comprehensive literature review/survey in the relevant field of study to identify knowledge gaps.
  • Formulate research objectives that will lead to significant contributions to the field of study.
  • Conduct quality research via appropriate scientific methods, in teams or independently.
  • Interpret research results appropriately, integrating them into the existing knowledge in the discipline.
  • Disseminate research findings orally and through technical and scholarly writing to advance the knowledge base.
  • Follow ethical practice and professionalism.

Admission Requirements

Graduate College Requirements:

  • 4 year Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
  • Academic Records/Transcripts
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA (Program may alter requirement.)
  • Proof of English Proficiency.

Program Specific Requirements:

International Requirements:

  • Financial Statement:  Application
  • English Proficiency Minimum:
    TOEFL Paper (PBT) 550
    TOEFL Internet (iBT) 80
    IELTS 6.5
    PTE 53
    Duolingo 115 (approved though Spring 2026)

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

January 15 for following fall admission; September 1 for following spring admission.

Application Details:

This program is open to domestic and international students.

Application Instructions