PhD in Aerospace Engineering at University of Florida

University of Florida

United States of America, Gainesville

University Rank:#212

Study Aerospace Engineering at University of Florida, a PhD degree offered at its main campus in Gainesville , United States of America. This Full Time program is delivered on campus in English and takes approximately 5 years to complete. Students benefit from a structured learning experience designed to build both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The next intake is scheduled for January 9, 2027.

About PhD in Aerospace Engineering

Program Information

The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering offers the degrees of Master of Science (thesis or non-thesis), Master of Engineering (thesis or non thesis), and Doctor of Philosophy in Aerospace Engineering. Official minimum requirements for these degrees are given in the Graduate Degrees section of this catalog.

Master of Science & Master of Engineering

Any master's degree candidate may elect to pursue the Master of Science degree (M.S.), however only those holding ABET-accredited baccalaureate degrees in engineering may choose the Master of Engineering degree (M.E.). All other degree requirements remain the same.

A total of 30 credit hours is required for the Master's degree. The Master's degree, with thesis option, includes a minimum of 24 graded credit hours of coursework (excluding S/U courses) and up to 6 credits of thesis research. For students pursuing the non-thesis degree option, a total of 30 graded credit hours (excluding S/U courses) is required. For both the thesis and non-thesis degree, up to 6 credits of out of department coursework at the 3000 or 4000 level (excluding EGN courses and S/U courses) may be completed to satisfy degree requirements, as long as the coursework completed is included in an approved Plan of Study.

A comprehensive final examination is required by the Graduate School for the M.E. or M.S. non-thesis degree option. Passing the written qualifying Ph.D. exam may substitute for the M.S. non-thesis examination for those continuing towards for Ph.D. Note: The exam must be completed in either the semester of graduation or the proceeding semester in which the degree is to be conferred.

Doctor of Philosophy

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) is a research intensive degree requiring independent mastery of a field of knowledge. As such, considerable flexibility is allowed by the Graduate School and by MAE in the tailoring of individual programs.

All Ph.D. students must take a minimum of 39 graded credit hours (excludes S/U graded courses) beyond the B.S. degree. Students are expected to complete a Plan of Study by the second term of enrollment, which should include a tentative title for the student's dissertation. As the student progresses toward the degree, any significant deviations in their program from the approved Plan of Study should be discussed and approved by the student's advisor, and recorded in the submission of a revised Plan of Study.

Guidelines for Plan of Study

During the first year of graduate study, each student should complete a minimum of three didactic courses in the Fall and Spring semesters. Generally, core courses are selected, as well as an appropriate mix of elective courses for the chosen specialization. (Ph.D. Students should include coursework to prepare for the qualifying exam.) Except for a minority of students doing interdisciplinary specializations whose Plans of Study will be reviewed by the Graduate Committee, a student will follow the requirements of one of the three MAE graduate study groups:

Dynamics, Systems, and Control (DSC)
Solid Mechanics, Design, and Manufacturing (SMDM)
Thermal Science and Fluid Dynamics (TSFD)

The Plan of Study (and qualifying exam if a Ph.D. student) will be based upon the chosen group. Please reference the MAE degree programs and requirements (http://www.mae.ufl.edu/current/graduate/degree-programs-requirements) for complete details.

Additional information about the department and graduate programs can be found at http://www.mae.ufl.edu.

Aerospace Engineering (PHD)

SLO 1 Knowledge
Ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems. Ability to critically read and integrate engineering research literature.

SLO 2 Skills
Ability to use applied mathematical and/or modern experimental techniques. Ability to use modern engineering tools for practice at an advanced level.

SLO 3 Professional Behavior
Ability to communicate effectively.

Aerospace Engineering (MS and ME)

SLO 1 Knowledge
Ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems.

SLO 2 Skills
Ability to use applied mathematical techniques. Ability to use modern engineering tools for practice at an advanced level.

Requirements and Admission Criteria for PhD in Aerospace Engineering at University of Florida

Entry Requirements

Applicants who should complete the SSAR:

Attended a high school regionally accredited in the United States for at least three years.
Attended a DODEA (Department of Defense Education Activity) school.

Applicants who should not complete the SSAR:

Attended a secondary school located outside the United States for more than one semester.
Studied a curriculum that did not follow the standard U.S. system.

Required: At least three full years of your most recent secondary school transcripts, including courses in progress (grades 9, 10 and 11 + senior schedule) in both the native language of instruction and a word for word certified English translation (if applicable). Unofficial transcripts are accepted electronically via the status Check Status page for the review process, while official transcripts and translations are required upon enrollment.

English Requirements

IELTSMin 6
TOEFLMin 80

English Program Requirements

All applicants, regardless of citizenship, must demonstrate English proficiency. English proficiency examination results, such as TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test, are encouraged for non-native English speakers, but are not required for freshman admission. SAT or ACT results are required for all freshman applicants.

Tuition and Fee Information for PhD in Aerospace Engineering at University of Florida

How to Apply for PhD in Aerospace Engineering at University of Florida

Start by exploring our more than 250 degree programs to determine the application requirements and if additional items, such as transcripts, portfolios or recommendation letters, are needed in your application. Application deadlines also vary by department, so be sure to apply before the deadline.

Regardless of program, all graduate students apply using the UF graduate school application through CollegeNET. You will select your college and major within the application. Complete the application and pay the $30 non-refundable application fee. Review your application carefully before submission, as changes cannot be made once the application is submitted.

The Office of Admissions does not provide an application fee waiver. If needed, check directly with the program to which you are applying. Additionally, if your application is not considered because the application deadline is passed, UF will not issue you a refund for the application fee. It is important to know the application deadlines for the intended major.

If you are applying to more than one program, you must complete an application for each program and pay the non-refundable application fee

Official test scores must be sent to UF electronically by the testing agency.

GRE

Review your program requirements to determine if GRE scores are needed. Most applicants must submit GRE scores, but some programs in the College of the Arts do not require these. When using electronic delivery, select school code 5812 (University of Florida). UF does not superscore the GRE.

GMAT

All MBA applicants must submit satisfactory scores on the Graduate Management Admissions Test. GMAT scores may also be accepted by certain MHA, Sport Management, and Food and Resource Economics programs. Contact individual departments for specific requirements. When ordering your scores from GMAC, select the department you intend to apply to here at the University of Florida.

Fundamentals of Engineering

Some engineering programs will accept FE scores as a substitute for the GRE. Contact individual programs for requirements.

Exemptions

Applicants with a previous graduate or professional degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution may be exempt from the Graduate Record Exam or Graduate Management Admission Test at the program's discretion.

Verifying Receipt of Scores

Requested scores generally arrive to UF within 2-4 weeks

Send your transcripts to the UF Office of Admissions.

For the purpose of initial review, the Office of Admissions accepts unofficial transcripts. These can be uploaded through your Application Status page.

Applicants who receive an offer of admissions should arrange to have official transcripts sent to the UF Office of Admissions from each postsecondary institution attended. If you attended UF as your postsecondary institution, you do not have to order a transcript from the Office of the University Registrar. Official transcripts can be sent to UF in two ways: paper transcript received by UF in a sealed envelope or electronic transcripts sent from your institution directly to UF, which can save up to two weeks response time. UF accepts electronic transcripts through FASTER, Parchment, National Student Clearing House, ScribbleSoft, e-Scrip Safe, Credential Solutions, SCOIR or Transcripts Plus.

All academic credentials become property of the university. They will not be returned to you or forwarded to a third party. For diplomas and academic credentials that are only issued once, please send an attested or certified copy of the original.

Transcript updates can be found within your Application Status page. Transcripts uploaded or received by mail will display on the Application Checklist as Transcript - Under Review. Once the transcripts are reviewed, these checklist items will be removed, and the Awaiting Transcript checklist items will be updated accordingly. We process transcripts as quickly as possible. The Admissions Office prioritizes the review of transcripts needed for students to register for the current term.

Pursuant to Florida Statute, your application requires inclusion of all post-high school education and employment, as well as information about ongoing international affiliations and research funding. Ensure this information is included on your curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé that is uploaded within your graduate application.

If the program of interest requires recommendation letters, these should be submitted electronically through the admissions application. You must request these recommendations prior to submitting your application. You cannot add or delete recommendations once your application has been submitted. If your recommendation is supplied by paper or PDF, check with your academic program to inquire if this will be accepted.

You can check the receipt of materials by the Office of Admissions on the Check Status page. This page will only reflect information concerning materials forwarded directly to the Office of Admissions and does not include materials that are required to be sent directly to your academic unit.

Approximately 24-48 hours after submitting your online application, your 8-digit UF Identification Number (UFID) will be available on the status of your application. Use the same username and password used to submit your CollegeNET application.

Your UFID is unique to you and should be used in all email communication and any subsequent applications submitted. If you do not use your UFID in communications and submissions, it is difficult for us to match your test scores, transcripts, and financial aid information to your academic record.

PhD in Aerospace Engineering at University of Florida

University of Florida

United States of America, Gainesville