12 Best Online Aerospace Engineering Master’s Degree Colleges

If you’ve always been fascinated with airplanes, rockets, spaceships, or satellites and how they seem to operate in the vast space above, you have probably earned a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering already.

However, if you want to expand your knowledge in that specialty, you may opt to pursue a master’s degree program in online classes.

Earning this graduate degree does not only require a Bachelor of Science degree in aerospace engineering but many schools and universities also accept other related areas of studies as your foundation of the study, such as an earth and science-related degree program.

An advanced degree program usually requires students to complete an intensive thesis or research papers, but some programs do not include such concepts. This will depend on which master’s degree learning style you prefer.

One thing that is offered as a strong point about distance learning programs is that you can study on the side while already practicing a profession at the same time. Online programs are a great way to go!

The Lowdown

An astronautics aerospace engineering program offers graduates many lucrative job opportunities in the aerospace industry. If you are interested in furthering your career, you should consider an online Master’s degree program in Aerospace Engineering.

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In contradiction to what most people expect about this program, you don’t need to be a particular genius to take part in a distance education master’s degree program in the aerospace program.

With mathematical, and analytical skills, as well as a willingness to learn the complexity of space design and operations, you’re on the right path to supporting your career to accelerate and move forward.

This higher education will provide you with opportunities for problem-solving and inventing innovative designs for solutions in the aerospace industry.

Aerospace engineers contribute to society through their efforts and expertise in developing innovative, tangible products like air transportation systems, missiles, and much other navigational equipment. An enormous responsibility lies among aerospace engineers working for the private companies and public sectors regarding research and development.

There are no constraints on the kind of industry you can network with since companies engaged in communication, air transportation, and manufacturing have an openings for this job in their respective sectors.

From improving propulsion systems, testing the resistance of materials, and developing aircraft to be efficient and eco-friendly, this field of study will never bore you or give you idle time.  

The Bureau of Labor Statistics found that aerospace engineers’ demand will increase by about 6% between 2021 and 2031. Get familiarized more with aerospace engineering programs if you want to earn a living, which is challenging but is highly attributed to the overall growth and improvement of technology globally.

It sure is financially lucrative, making all your hard work and efforts worth it. Read along and learn more information about the offerings of master’s degrees in aerospace engineering programs below. 

Methodology

Aerospace engineering graduate programs qualify you for high-level positions in the industry and are particularly most suitable for career advancement. That’s why it matters to get the best education and training from only the most reputable schools offering the best aerospace engineering online program.

Our Best Online Aerospace Engineering Master’s Degree Colleges feature universities everywhere in the United States offering accredited university programs in online or hybrid classes. They stand out in terms of the condensed yet rigorous coursework they provide students so they emerge as the best-trained graduates who can contribute to the field.

Impeccably credentialed faculty, excellent student support (including career services and network opportunities because of robust alumni), high performance in academic rankings, and esteem among academic organizations were also considered in creating this list.

Financial aid for a Master’s degree program in Aerospace Engineering students, if any, is also featured on this list.

Please see our Methodology page for more information. Let’s take a more detailed look at the colleges and universities offering some of the best online Aerospace Engineering master’s degree programs.

Best Online Aerospace Engineering Master’s Degree Colleges

North Carolina State University

This master’s degree in aerospace engineering offered by North Carolina State University is a 100% distance learning program that does not require any campus attendance.

This curriculum is designed to support students to earn a Master of Science degree in just 18 months. If you only have one year to afford to study graduate school, this program is perfect for you. 

Their online courses are all structured similarly to on-campus classes and are taught simultaneously. The best features of this program are convenience and flexibility.

You don’t need to complete a thesis or go through a final oral exam as long as you meet the required number of credit hours in this program. 

Location:

• Raleigh, North Carolina

Accreditation:

• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Program Features:

• 30 online graduate credit hours
• Operated by a single advisor

Course Options:

• Principles of Structural Vibration
• Advanced Engineering Thermodynamics
• Engineering Design Optimization
• Fracture Mechanics

Admissions:

• Competitive TOEFL score for international students
• Overall GPA of at least 3.0
• Must have finished a related technical area as an undergraduate major
• Three sets of recommendation letters

Financial Aid:

• Scholarships
• Grants
• Loans
• Work-study programs

What’s Unique About the Program:

• This program does not require you to prepare a thesis or take an oral exam.

Kent State University

Whether you want to attend your master’s degree in aerospace engineering entirely online or a hybrid learning style, Kent State University gives you the liberty to choose your preferred type of learning.

This program has been newly offered and is formatted to provide an advanced theoretical and research-oriented curriculum to its students.

It mainly focuses on the significant depth of learning in aerospace-specific disciplines. This program goes beyond the simplex and foundation of a BS engineering degree. If you want to engage in a more challenging higher education program in aerospace engineering, choose to enroll at Kent State University.

Location:

• Kent, Ohio

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission 
• member of the North Central Association

Program Features:

• 31 total credit hours

Course Options:

• Mathematics
• Engineering electives
• Research requirement

Admissions:

• BS degree in aerospace engineering or related major
• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• Three sets of recommendation letters
• Official transcripts
• English language proficiency results

Financial Aid:

• Scholarships

What’s Unique About the Program:

• This online master’s degree in aerospace engineering is new and was recently offered by Kent University. It was launched in the fall of 2022. 

Georgia Institute of Technology

At Georgia Tech, the Master of Aerospace Engineering program is particularly for students specializing in Aerodynamics and Fluid Mechanics, Flight Mechanics and Control, Propulsion and Combustion, Aeroelasticity and Structural Dynamics, System Design and Optimization, and Structural Mechanics and Materials Behavior.

You can meet your professional goals effectively through the support of your program advisor.

This master’s program’s best feature is its flexibility! You can tailor-fit your courses according to your educational goals. This distance learning program emphasizes the use of digital learning tools for online lectures. Be prepared to participate in discussion boards, video conferences, and other digital activities.

Student-faculty interactions will be digitally captured, and you can view them on demand too. You will have access to an account where you can monitor and submit your homework, exams, assignments, and tasks.

Location:

• Atlanta, Georgia

Accreditation:

• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Program Features:

• 33 hours required, which must include three credit hours for Special Problems research; or 24 hours required and 9 hours of thesis work and research
• A GPA of 2.7 is required

Course Options:

• Turbulent Flows
• Advanced Aerodynamics
• Computational Fluid Dynamics
• High-temperature Gas Dynamics
• Aeroacoustics

Admissions:

• Undergraduate degree in aerospace engineering or any related field of study

Financial Aid:

• Scholarships
• Grants
• Loans
• Work-study

What’s Unique About the Program:

• Georgia Tech’s distance learning program integrates numerous digital learning tools for better student support and a more engaging learning experience.

University of Florida

A master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Florida comes in two options. You can either go for the thesis-degree option or the non-thesis one.

This program requires a final examination for all MS students. There are three broad areas included in this graduate program. However, you will have many considerable opportunities that can overlap these three areas.

You will be among the 400 students enrolled in the university’s graduate programs. You will be encouraged to work across traditional disciplines to gain an in-depth understanding of the overall master’s courses.

The three broad areas are the following: Dynamics, Systems, and Control, Solid Mechanics, Design and Manufacturing, and Thermal Sciences and Fluid Dynamics. You can take part in many online lectures, collaboration among faculty and students, and research groups.

Location:

• Gainesville, Florida

Accreditation:

• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Program Features:

• Requires 30 total credits for completion
• Thesis-degree option: Minimum of 24 credits for graded coursework and six credits for thesis research
• Non-thesis degree option: 30 graded credit hours required

Course Options:

• Biodynamics
• Fluid Dynamics
• Robotics
• Space Systems
• Heat Transfer

Admissions:

• BS in Engineering degree or other related studies
• Statement of purpose
• Two letters of recommendations
• GPA of 3.0 or higher
• IELTS test results for international students

Financial Aid:

• Glenn And Deborah Renwick Scholarship 

What’s Unique About the Program:

• UF’s Master of Aerospace Engineering program can be completed on-campus or through distance learning. 

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is recognized as a top leader in aviation and aerospace education. Their Master of Science in aerospace engineering is designed to help students prepare for their future careers in aircraft, spacecraft, and satellite design industries.

If you already have a degree in aerospace engineering or other related engineering studies, you can enroll in this higher education.

With a balance of practical and theoretical teaching methods, you will maximize their most current techniques and tools. The faculty members also have hands-on experience in their respective expertise so they can provide you with real-life experiences, advice, and guidance.

Location:

• Daytona Beach, Florida

Accreditation:

• Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Program Features:

• Total of 30 credits for completion

Course Options:

• Navigation and Control
• Aeroelasticity
• Nanomaterials
• Structural Health Monitoring
• Structural Design Optimization

Admissions:

• High school and college transcripts
• ACT and SAT score results
• $50 nonrefundable application fee
• Application form

Financial Aid:

• Federal and State Grants
• Federal and Private Student Loans
• State Programs
• Institutional and Private Scholarships

What’s Unique About the Program:

• This program is the perfect degree if you want to proceed in Aerospace Research and Development or pursue a job as an Engineering education professor.

Auburn University

Auburn University’s Aerospace Engineering department provides two choices for master’s students. You can either go for a thesis or non-thesis option, which will offer you many opportunities to sharpen your skills in aerospace development, maintenance, operation, system design, and manufacturing.

This online aerospace engineering master’s degree is more than enough for you to earn a competitive advantage over other employees and applicants.

Auburn University features a broad range of master’s courses. Expect to enroll in classes that tackle computational fluid dynamics and control, orbital mechanics, propulsion, structures, structural dynamics, and aerodynamics. 

Location:

• Auburn, Alabama

Accreditation:

• Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET

Program Features:

• 30 credit hours are required for completion
• 10 to 15-week terms

Course Options:

• Applied Orbital Mechanics
• Rocket Propulsion
• Space Propulsion
• Dynamic Simulation

Admissions:

• BS in Aerospace Engineering or Mechanical Engineering or any other related field of studies
• GPA of 3.0 at least
• Three sets of recommendation letters
• Official transcripts
• Resume
• 160 GRE score for quantitative reasoning and 150 GRE score for verbal reasoning

Financial Aid:

• Loans
• Grants
• Federal work-study
• scholarships

What’s Unique About the Program:

• All of Auburn University’s Online Master of Aerospace Engineering courses are delivered via video streaming. 

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Advance your career while maintaining a work-life balance by taking advantage of the online Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering program at Missouri University of Science and Technology. They offer the most flexible learning system, depending on your preference, availability, and career goals.

Their master’s degree in aerospace engineering is structured so that professional workers will still sustain the demands of their existing careers yet prepare for their future.

The courses offered in this program are similar in both classroom-style and online styles of learning. Expect to take comprehensive courses related to aerodynamics and propulsion, control, materials and structure, dynamics, and stability. With this interdisciplinary higher study, there is no doubt that you will reach your educational goal.

Location:

• Rolla, Missouri

Accreditation:

• The Higher Learning Commission

Program Features:

• 30 credit hours in total for completion
• Thesis program: 21 credit hours of coursework and six credit hours of research
• Non-thesis program: 30 credit hours of coursework and up to 6 hours which can be from out-of-department courses

Course Options:

• Aerodynamics and Propulsions
• Stability
• Materials and Structure
• Dynamics

Admissions:

• BS degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering or any related field of studies
• GPA of 3.0 at least
• GRE score results
• TOEFL or IELTS score results for international students

Financial Aid:

• Federal Stafford Loan
• Scholarships

What’s Unique About the Program:

• This program is very flexible and is structured for working professionals who want to study on the side.

Purdue University

Many international students go to Purdue University when it comes to STEM disciplines. Their acclaimed aeronautics department has been one of the best among colleges and universities nationwide.

It had just gotten even better when Purdue designed an online program called the Master of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics Aerospace Engineering. It is perfect for those working engineers who want to pursue advanced education flexibly.

While enrolled in this program, you can be guided by an academic advisor who will work with you according to your Plan of Study. You will be asked about your educational goals, and there will be sets of courses that will be aligned for you to take. With all their online tools and software, you’ll never have any inconvenience taking all the classes.

Location:

• West Lafayette, Indiana

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC-NCA) 

Program Features:

• 30 credit hour non-thesis option

Course Options:

• Aerodynamics
• Aerospace Systems
• Structures and Materials
• Astrodynamics and Space Applications
• Propulsion

Admissions:

• GPA of 3.0 at least
• Application form
• Statement of purpose
• Resume
• Official transcripts
• Three sets of recommendation letters
• Recent TOEFL scores for international students

Financial Aid:

• Boiler Affordability Grant
• Student Employment
• Free Money
• Cover Remaining Costs

What’s Unique About the Program:

• This program is explicitly intended for working engineers who want to study advanced education in Aerospace Engineering.

University of Virginia

Suppose you are looking for a university that offers a distance learning program that has proven a track record of consistent educational quality. In that case, you should enroll at the University of Virginia.

Continue your employment without getting distracted by the troubles of physically attending classes on campus. You can finish your advanced degree in aerospace engineering through their convenient online program.

They offer a Master of Engineering in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, which allows you to learn the same coursework as the traditional route, minus the hassles.

All of their courses are on live video streaming so that you can engage in real-time with your professor. However, you may also access recorded classes if you can’t make it on time for the live lecture.

Location:

• Charlottesville, Virginia

Accreditation:

• Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools 

Program Features:

• 30 credit hours are required for completion
• Must have a grade of C or better
• No thesis requirement

Course Options:

• Mechanical Vibrations
• Multibody Mechanical Systems
• Engineering Mathematics
• Finite Element Analysis

Admissions:

• GRE test scores
• Official Transcripts
• GPA of 3.0 at least
• Three sets of recommendation letters

Financial Aid:

• Scholarships
• Grants

What’s Unique About the Program:

• Students get access to a Plan Of Study to track down and keep up with their advanced degree and career goals.

University of Illinois – Urbana Champaign

Consistently ranked among the most elite online programs all over the US, the University of Illinois offers an online Master of Science in aerospace engineering with no thesis and research required. You can experience the same design and quality of classes, assignments, projects, and exams with the classroom-style learning style.

If you are currently working but want to level up your academics, enroll in this online program. You will have up to five years to finish this master’s program.

It is designed to sustain foundational expertise in the fields of aerospace engineering fundamentals. So you will be having classes in Fluid Mechanics, Dynamics and Controls, Solid Mechanics and Materials, and Mathematics. 

Location:

• Champaign County, Illinois

Accreditation:

• The Higher Learning Commission

Program Features:

• 32 credit hours are required for completion
• Non-thesis and non-research program

Course Options:

• Aerodynamics
• Fluid Dynamics
• Combustion
• Propulsion
• Structural Mechanics

Admissions:

• GPA of 3.0 at least
• Graduated BS in aerospace engineering or related majors
• GRE test scores
• English proficiency test results for non-native speakers

Financial Aid:

• Merit-based Scholarships
• Student loans
• Need-based grants

What’s Unique About the Program:

• This program ranks 7th in the best Master in Science program for Aerospace Engineering listing of the US News and World Report.

Iowa State University

At Iowa State University, the Aerospace Engineering Department offers an online graduate program that prioritizes research and education conducted by individual faculty.

The good thing about such coursework is that there are no requirements for specific courses. This makes a flexible situation for you to learn, and you can take advantage of help coming from your major professor.

An exceptional faculty will guide you as you share your educational and career goals. You can have a mentor as you finish the program. This master of science program requires a thesis and research. It is perfect for those wanting to pursue a Ph.D.

Location:

• Ames, Iowa

Accreditation:

• The Higher Learning Commission

Program Features:

• 30 credit hours required for completion
• Requires a thesis and is research-oriented

Course Options:

• Advanced Engineering Analysis
• Applied Formal Methods
• Aerodynamics

Admissions:

• Official transcripts
• Statement of purpose
• Letters of recommendation
• English proficiency test for foreigners

Financial Aid:

• Scholarships

What’s Unique About the Program:

• You will have an exceptional faculty and mentor who can guide you through the program and help you achieve your career goals.

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Offering both tracks, which are thesis and non-thesis options, will give you enough flexibility to choose how you want to achieve your educational goals.

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University are some of the recognized leaders when it comes to aerospace engineering. If you want a master’s degree that focuses on expertise in the fields of aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, and flight mechanics, choose to enroll in this distance learning program.

With their sophisticated format for online learning, you won’t have difficulty keeping up with the coursework. You can accommodate working full-time and starting your own family while accelerating your studies in aerospace engineering.

Their staff and faculty members will always provide you with reliable support, ensuring students have a significant overall online experience.

Location:

• Blacksburg, Virginia

Accreditation:

• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Program Features:

• Available in both thesis track and non-thesis option
• Thesis track: 9 to 12 credits from electives courses; 10 credits of research and thesis
• Non-thesis track: 18 credits from approved electives; 3 to 6 credits of project and report

Course Options:

• Vehicle Structures
• Advanced Aero and Hydrodynamics
• Numerical Methods
• Vehicle Dynamics and Control

Admissions:

• Official transcripts from your BS degree in engineering, mathematics, or physics
• Statement of Interest
• Curriculum vitae
• TOEFL score for international students
• GRE scores
• Three sets of recommendation letters

Financial Aid:

• Need-based aid
• Merit-based scholarship

What’s Unique About the Program:

• Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University’s Aerospace Engineering department are currently invested in scintillating research for creating new technologies that will contribute to aerospace travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the courses and skills acquired in a Master’s in Aerospace Engineering degree?

An aerospace engineering online program will allow you to learn and master many courses that deal with both Engineering and Technology.

Some of the courses you will need to enroll in the MS degree would range from the following areas:

• Robotics
• Marine Engineering
• Automotive Engineering
• Mechatronics
• Transportation Engineering

Many related studies will contribute to the overall skills required as an aerospace engineer. 

When it comes to the skillset that you can develop from this degree, you can expect to increase your technical and soft skills in problem-solving and analysis. You will nurture your innovative spirit, be more attentive to details, and be a good project manager and communicator to your team.

Future aerospace engineers are required to hold all these skills. You will have many future opportunities to collaborate and work with professionals and teams representing other fields of mechanical and aerodynamic groups and organizations.

If you can balance work and study with the same level of passion and perseverance, it would be best to proceed to a master’s degree in aerospace engineering today. As an MS graduate in aerospace engineering, you will qualify to participate in intensive and large-scale research projects. Working in the engineering or research and development department will be your forte. 

What are the career opportunities after finishing an Online Master’s in Aerospace Engineering?

After you finish your bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, you will be able to seize many job opportunities related to your expertise.

Many industries, such as the armed forces, airline companies, and aviation authorities, are frequently on the hunt for talented candidates who can collaborate with them for development and innovative studies.

However, after you finish your master’s degree, a set of more opportunities will be handed out easily for your taking. Higher job positions and lucrative salary offers await you, be it in the current company you’re serving or in some other larger engineering firms. 

After all, as you have already acquired specialist knowledge in areas like mechanics, stress engineering, aircraft design, aerodynamics, and materials and structures, then there is no doubt that you can land a more rewarding job as soon as possible.

Here are some of the career opportunities that are accessible for you to take:

How much does a Master’s in Aerospace Engineering graduate earn?

As already mentioned, aerospace engineering jobs are not easy and mediocre. It requires specialized skills and consistent hard work. Nevertheless, it also entails a higher salary, depending on the company or industry you’re employed in. 

According to the BLS, an aerospace engineer’s average salary working in the United States is $126,880. Their 2022 report shows that their total pay ranges from $78,170 at the lowest and $176,280 at the highest 10%.

Your salary fee will be based on your tenure and years of experience in your field of expertise. Rates will also vary depending on demographics and state locations.

As you become more experienced, you will be promoted and level up your skills and salary. Employees working in the R&D department related to engineering and sciences industries are known to get paid more than the average. Also, people who the federal government employs earn more decently than the median, on average.

It is said that among responses received, the job satisfaction rate is 3.9 out of 5. This data shows that most employed aerospace engineers are very likely to be satisfied with their work and salaries!

Key Takeaways

A Master of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering online will afford you many job options.

If you are looking for career advancement in the field of aerospace engineering sciences, you can easily earn your education through a quality distance education degree program.

Professional development is imperative in this field, of course. Ongoing learning opportunities will allow you to excel and is often a requirement.

The aerospace engineering industry is fun, exciting, and lucrative!

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