Aerospace Engineering (D.E., Ph.D.)
Aerospace Engineering Doctoral Programs
Beginning with the Wright Brothers, our region has a long history of innovation and design in aerospace engineering. The University of Dayton is the ideal place for you to develop your skills and advance your career.
Our students and faculty spend time in research laboratories on campus, as well as facilities at the University of Dayton Research Institute, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Air Force Research Laboratories and several major private industries, including GE Aerospace. We’re also home to a state-of-the-art Low Speed Wind Tunnel, a Water Tunnel and a Merlin Flight Simulator, one of a few in the world.
Our graduate students are mentored by top notch faculty. Research and expertise of these faculty include the following:
- Experimental aerodynamics
- Computational fluid dynamics
- Aircraft structures and additive manufacturing
- Aircraft fuels and thermal management
- Hypersonic aerodynamics and aerothermodynamics
- Thermal management
Our faculty have led research projects from funding agencies including the National Science Foundation, NASA, Department of Defense, Department of Energy and more.
Program of Study
University Catalog for overview and courses.
We offer two doctoral-level degree programs in aerospace engineering:
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.): A minimum of 60 semester hours - 30 hours of coursework beyond the M.S. and 30 hours of research leading to a dissertation.
- Doctor of Engineering (D.E.): A minimum of 60 semester hours - 39 hours of coursework beyond the M.S. and 21 hours of research leading to a dissertation.
Admission Requirements
In addition to the online application, you should submit the following:
- Official academic records of all previously attended colleges or universities must be submitted directly from the colleges or universities to the Office of Graduate Admission Processing. Hand-carried transcripts, official copies marked “Issued to Student” and unofficial copies are not acceptable.
- Three letters of recommendation from professors or employers.
- A statement of research and a résumé.
- Results from the GRE are not required. However, candidates are welcome to submit a score in support of their application.
Applicants must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited program in engineering, physics, chemistry, applied mathematics or other appropriate program of study. Applicants with a different undergraduate degree may be required to complete prerequisites. Applicants should have at least a 3.0 cumulative grade-point average on a 4.0 scale. In some cases, applicants with a GPA below 3.0 may be admitted on a conditional basis.
Additional requirements apply for international students.
Application Deadlines
Applications accepted on a rolling basis with the following approximate general deadlines:
- Fall Term: June 15th
- Spring Term: November 15th
- Summer Term: March 15th