Research in aerospace engineering covers the fields of aeronautics and space technology. The AME Doctoral programs require the completion of a minimum of 57-59 units of graduate credit, depending upon the student's educational background (see below), plus 18 units of Dissertation:
- Direct B.S. to Ph.D. track - Please note that admission to the Direct B.S. to Ph.D. track requires the demonstration of exceptionally good performance in academics and research by the applicant during the course of his/her undergraduate career. This track requires 59 units of coursework. Students who are on the Direct B.S. to Ph.D. track must take the Qualifying Examination no later than their fifth semester in residence for the Ph.D. degree (first semester of their third year).
- University of Arizona AME M.S. to Ph.D. - This track requires 57 units of coursework. Students who completed the requirements for the M.S. degree with the University of Arizona AME Department must take the Qualifying Examination no later than their second semester in residence for the Ph.D. degree (second semester of their first year). In addition, 24-30 units may be transferred from the UAAME M.S. degree program to the Ph.D. program.
- Non-University of Arizona AME M.S. to Ph.D. - This track requires 57 units of coursework. Students who completed the requirements for the M.S. degree at another institution must take the Qualifying Examination no later than their third semester in residence for the Ph.D. degree (first semester of their second year). Up to 30 units may be transferred from an MS degree, subject to Graduate College rules for credit transfer, and if they are appropriate for inclusion in the student's Ph.D. Plan of Study.