Degree: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Field of Study: Aerospace Engineering

Program Overview

Students wishing to pursue an Aerospace Engineering PhD must successfully pass the doctoral qualifying examination. Qualifying exams (QE) are offered in the spring and fall semesters for each of the research concentration areas listed below and they originate from the three required courses for each concentration area. Full-time students should take the QE with the consent of their advisor after taking their three required classes and before the start of their 4^th semester in the program.

PhD Policies

For PhD policies and procedures, please review the School of Graduate Studies section of the General Bulletin.

Program Requirements

The Aerospace Engineering PhD minimum course requirements are as follows:

Depth Courses

All programs of study must include a minimum of 18 credit hours (six graduate-level courses) in aerospace engineering and/or the student's research concentration area beyond the student's BS degree. These courses should follow a logical development in the student’s research concentration area and be determined in conjunction with the student’s dissertation advisor to meet the objectives of the student's dissertation research topic.

Breadth and Basic Science Courses

A minimum of 18 credit hours (six graduate-level courses) beyond the student's BS degree are required to fulfill the breadth and basic science courses. The basic science requirement is satisfied by taking two courses in science or mathematics. Four additional courses are needed to provide breadth outside the student's area of research.

Dissertation Research

All doctoral programs must include a minimum of 18 credit hours of thesis research, EMAE 701

Residence and Teaching Requirements

All doctoral programs must meet the residency requirements of the School of Graduate Studies and the teaching requirements of the Case School of Engineering.

In addition to these requirements, students in this program must complete a three-semester sequence of 0-credit hour courses to confirm attendance at departmental seminars.

Concentration Requirements

Depending on their research area of interest, students should select courses from the list below to fulfill the depth requirement and with the approval of their advisor. Other technical, math and science courses within and outside of EMAE may also be acceptable with approval of their advisor.

Aeronautics

Biomechanics

Dynamics, Control and Manufacturing

Fluids and Thermal Sciences

Solid Mechanics

Interdisciplinary

Take any three of the above required courses with the consent of your instructor and satisfy the other degree requirements.