Graduate Catalog

Program Structure and Requirements

Overall Program Structure

The MSc AERO program is equivalent to 30 credit hours, distributed as follows: 12 credit hours of Program Core courses, 9 credit hours of Program Elective courses and 9 credit hours of Master’s Thesis. The components of the program are summarized in the table below.

Program Component Credit Hours
Seminar in Research Methods 0
Program Core 12
Program Electives  9
Master’s Thesis  9
Total 30

Program Requirements

Students seeking the degree of MSc in Aerospace Engineering must successfully complete 30 credit hours as specified in the program requirements detailed below, with a minimum CGPA of 3.0. Course selection should be made in consultation with the student’s Main Advisor. All courses have a credit rating of three credits each, except the Seminar in Research Methods and the Master’s Thesis.

Program Core (12 credit hours)

Students must complete the core courses listed below.

Core Courses

 
ENGR 695Seminar in Research Methods

0

ENGR 606Advanced Engineering Mathematics

3

AERO 620Advanced Aerodynamics

3

AERO 630Aerospace Materials and Structures

3

AERO 640Advanced Flight Dynamics and Control

3

Program Electives and Concentrations (9 credit hours)

Students must select three courses from the list below. Subject to approval of the Main Advisor, students can select up to two elective courses (6 credit hours) from other MSc programs at KU.

Program Elective Courses

AERO 611Combustion Theory and Applications

3

AERO 612Advanced Viscous Flow Analysis

3

AERO 621Boundary Layer Analysis

3

AERO 622Structural Dynamics and Aeroelasticity

3

AERO 623Experimental Methods in Aerodynamics

3

AERO 631Mechanics of Composite Materials

3

AERO 632Advanced Composite Materials Manufacturing

3

AERO 650Space Systems Engineering

3

AERO 651Space Systems Design Project I

1

AERO 652Space Systems Design Project II

2

AERO 653Space Propulsion

3

AERO 654Astrodynamics and Mission Analysis

3

AERO 660Aerospace Navigation and Guidance Systems

3

AERO 694Selected Topics in Aerospace Engineering

3

ENGR 602Engineering Numerical Methods

3

Concentration in Guidance Navigation And Control Systems

The MSc in AERO includes an optional concentration in Guidance, Navigation, and Control Systems. Therefore, in addition to the MSc in AERO program learning outcomes, MSc in AERO students choosing this concentration are expected to attain the following concentration specific outcomes:

  1. Assess the application of the relevant theory and techniques to solve complex guidance, navigation and control problems for aerospace vehicles.
  2. Demonstrate the ability to perform functional architecture analysis and design of hardware and software for aerospace guidance, navigation, and control systems.
  3. Apply test and evaluation methods relevant to aerospace guidance, navigation, and control systems for civil and military application

The concentration will be noted on the student academic record (transcript) provided that the student completes the program core as well as:

  • A minimum of 9 credits from the group of courses designated by the concentration.
  • A master’s research thesis within the domain of the concentration.

List of Courses in Space Systems and Technology Concentration

Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Systems

AERO 660

Aerospace Navigation and Guidance Systems*

AERO 661

Aerospace Control Systems*

AERO 662

GNC Systems Design Project*

* Required courses for the concentration.

Concentration in Space Systems and Technology

The program offers an optional concentration in Space Systems and Technology. Students choosing this concentration are expected to attain the following concentration specific learning outcomes:

  1. Demonstrate proficiency in space systems analysis and design.
  2. Acquire skills in advanced satellite development, assembly, integration and testing.

In addition to program specific core courses, students who opt for the concentration in Space Systems and Technology must complete a minimum of three courses (9 credit hours) from the list below and a thesis within the domain of the concentration. The concentration will be specified on the student’s official transcript. (AERO 650, AERO 651, and AERO 652: Indicates required courses for the concentration).

Concentration Courses

AERO 650Space Systems Engineering

3

AERO 651Space Systems Design Project I

1

AERO 652Space Systems Design Project II

2

AERO 653Space Propulsion

3

AERO 654Astrodynamics and Mission Analysis

3

Master’s Thesis (minimum 9 credit hours)

Students must complete a Master’s Thesis that involves original, creative, research-oriented work within the broad field of aerospace engineering, under direct supervision of a faculty advisor from the Aerospace Engineering Department, and at least one other full-time faculty who acts as a co-advisor. The research findings must be documented in a formal thesis and defended successfully in a viva voce examination. Furthermore, the research should lead to publishable quality scholarly articles.

Thesis

AERO 699Master's thesis

9