Curriculum in Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering
A candidate for the M.S. degree in aerospace engineering must comply with the rules and regulations as outlined in the WVU Graduate Catalog and the specific requirements of the Statler College and the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department.
Program Requirements
All M.S. degree candidates are required to perform research (except those pursuing the Coursework Option) and follow a planned program of study. The student’s research advisor, in conjunction with the student’s Advising and Examining Committee (AEC) will be responsible for determining the plan of study appropriate to the student’s needs. The underlying principle of the planned program is to provide the students with the necessary support to complete their degree and prepare them for their career.
Curriculum Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required in all courses. | ||
| A minimum of 60% of courses must be from 500 level or above. | ||
| Course Requirements * | ||
| Plan of Study | ||
| Thesis Option (30 credit hours) | ||
Core Area Courses (6 credit hours) | ||
Mathematics Requirements (6 credit hours) | ||
Additional Courses (12 credit hours) - Any BIOM, BMEG, CE, CHE, CHEM, CPE, CS, EE, IENG, MAE, MATH, MINE, PNGE, PHYS, SENG, EXPH 583, or STAT courses 400-795, as approved by the student’s AEC | ||
| Research (6 credit hours) | ||
Final Oral or Written Examination | ||
Thesis | ||
| Problem Report Option (30 credit hours) | ||
Core Area Courses (6 credit hours) | ||
Mathematics Requirements (6 credit hours) | ||
Additional Courses (15 credit hours) - Any BIOM, BMEG, CE, CHE, CHEM, CPE, CS, EE, IENG, MAE, MATH, MINE, PNGE, PHYS, SENG, EXPH 583, or STAT courses 400-795, as approved by the student’s AEC | ||
| Project Report (3 credit hours) | ||
Final Oral or Written Examination | ||
Formal Written Report or Professional Report/Paper | ||
| Coursework Option (30 credit hours) | ||
Core Area Courses (15 credit hours) | ||
Mathematics Requirements (6 credit hours) | ||
Additional Courses (6 credit hours) - Any BIOM, BMEG, CE, CHE, CHEM, CPE, CS, EE, IENG, MAE, MATH, MINE, PNGE, PHYS, SENG, EXPH 583, or STAT courses 400-795, as approved by the student’s AEC | ||
| Graduate Capstone Project (3 credit hours) | ||
Final Oral or Written Examination | ||
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Mathematics Requirements for All Options (6 Credit Hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Select two of the following (at least one course with MATH prefix): | ||
| Numerical Analysis 1 | ||
| Applied Linear Algebra | ||
| Complex Variables | ||
| Numerical Analysis | ||
| Numerical Solution of PDE | ||
| Modern Algebra 1 | ||
| Linear Algebra | ||
| Number Theory 1 | ||
| Real Variables 1 | ||
| Complex Variables 1 | ||
| Introduction to Dynamical Systems and Applications | ||
| Mathematical Modeling | ||
| Intermediate Differential Equations | ||
| Intermediate Partial Differential Equations | ||
| Advanced Calculus 1 | ||
| Advanced Calculus | ||
| Graph Theory | ||
| Design of Experiments | ||
| Applied Regression Analysis | ||
| Theory of Probability and Statistics 1 | ||
| Theory of Probability and Statistics 2 | ||
| Analytical Methods in Engineering | ||
| Conduction Heat Transfer | ||
| Computational Fluid Dynamics | ||
| Continuum Mechanics | ||
| Energy Methods in Applied Mechanics | ||
| Mathematical Methods in Chemical Engineering | ||
| Digital Signal Processing Fundamentals | ||
| Introduction to Digital Image Processing | ||
| Linear Control Systems | ||
| Optimal Control | ||
| Technology Forecasting | ||
| Applied Linear Programming | ||
| Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics | ||
| Introduction to Mathematical Physics | ||
Core Area Courses for Thesis or Problem Report Options (6 Credit Hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Select two courses in a single core area from the following: | ||
| Area A: Fluid Mechanics and Aerodynamics (FMA) | ||
| Dynamics of Viscous Fluids | ||
| Convection Heat Transfer | ||
or MAE 636 | Fundamentals of Turbulent Flow | |
| Area B: Thermal Sciences and Systems (TSS) | ||
| Advanced Thermodynamics 1 | ||
| Dynamics of Viscous Fluids | ||
| Convection Heat Transfer | ||
| Area C: Dynamics and Controls (D&C) | ||
| Intermediate Dynamics | ||
or MAE 653 | Advanced Vibrations | |
| Feedback Control in Mechanical Engineering | ||
| Area D: Solid Mechanics and Design (SMD) | ||
| Advanced Mechanics of Materials | ||
or MAE 642 | Intermediate Dynamics | |
| Continuum Mechanics | ||
or MAE 653 | Advanced Vibrations | |
| Area E: Materials Science (MS) | ||
| Crystallography and Crystals | ||
| Thermodynamics and Kinetics of Materials | ||
| Microscopy of Materials | ||
Core Area Courses for Coursework Option (15 Credit Hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Select from the following: | ||
| Advanced Thermodynamics 1 | ||
| Dynamics of Viscous Fluids | ||
| Advanced Mechanics of Materials | ||
| Crystallography and Crystals | ||
| Advanced Vibrations | ||
| Feedback Control in Mechanical Engineering | ||
- *
Students who do not hold a baccalaureate degree in aerospace engineering will be required to take a set of undergraduate aerospace engineering courses above and beyond the minimum coursework requirements in order to overcome deficiencies in the aerospace engineering area.
Final Examination
M.S. students following the thesis or problem report option must prepare a written research proposal. The proposal must be approved by the student's AEC at least one semester prior to the final oral examination.
All students, regardless of option, are required to pass a final oral or written examination, administered by their AEC, covering the thesis or problem report and/or related course material.
The student's request for the comprehensive exam for students in the Coursework Only degree option must be filed at least four weeks in advance of the desired date of the exam. The comprehensive exam for students in the Coursework Only degree option must be passed at least 3 weeks before graduation.
Accelerated Bachelor's/Masters in Aerospace Engineering
Degree Requirements
Students must meet the following criteria to qualify for a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering:
- Complete a minimum of 129 credit hours
- Satisfy WVU's undergraduate degree requirements
- Satisfy Statler College's undergraduate degree requirements
- Complete all courses listed in the curriculum requirements with the required minimum grades
- Attain an overall grade point average of 2.00 or better
- Attain a WVU grade point average of 2.00 or better
- Attain a Statler grade point average of 2.00 or better
- A maximum of one math or science course with a grade of D+, D, or D- may apply toward a Statler College degree
- Complete a survey regarding their academic and professional experiences at WVU, as well as post-graduation job placement or continuing education plans
The Statler GPA is computed based on all work taken at WVU with a subject code within Statler College (BIOM, BMEG, CE, CHE, CPE, CS, CSEE, CYBE, EE, ENGR, ENVE, ETEC, IENG, IH&S, MAE, MINE, PDA, PNGE, SAFM, SENG) excluding ENGR 140, ENGR 150, and CS 101. The WVU GPA is computed based on all work taken at West Virginia University. The Overall GPA is computed based on all work taken at West Virginia University and transfer work.
Students must meet the following criteria to qualify for a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering degree:
- Complete a minimum of 18 credit hours
- Satisfy WVU's graduate degree requirements
- Satisfy Statler College's graduate degree requirements
- Complete all courses listed in the curriculum requirements with the required minimum grades
- Attain an grade point average of 3.0 or better
- Minimum of 60% of courses must be from 500 level or above
- Students admitted to this program must have their bachelor's and master's degree conferred simultaneously upon completion of all requirements for both degrees.
Curriculum Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| University Requirements | 16 | |
| Fundamentals of Engineering Requirements | 5 | |
| Math and Science Requirements | 28 | |
| Aerospace Engineering BS Program Requirements | 80 | |
| Aerospace Engineering MS Program Requirements | 18 | |
| Total Hours | 147 | |
University Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Foundations (GEF) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 (31-37 Credits) | ||
| Outstanding GEF Requirements 1, 5, 6, and 7 | 15 | |
| ENGR 191 | First-Year Seminar | 1 |
| Total Hours | 16 | |
Fundamentals of Engineering Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| A minimum grade of C- is required in all Fundamentals of Engineering courses. | ||
| ENGR 101 | Engineering Problem Solving 1 | 2 |
| Engineering Problem Solving (Select one of the following): | 3 | |
| Introduction to Chemical Engineering | ||
| Engineering Problem Solving 2 | ||
| Introduction to Nanotechnology Design | ||
| Introduction to Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Design | ||
| Total Hours | 5 | |
Math and Science Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| A minimum grade of C- is required in all Math and Science courses. | ||
| CHEM 115 & 115L | Fundamentals of Chemistry 1 and Fundamentals of Chemistry 1 Laboratory (GEF 2B) | 4 |
| Calculus I: (GEF 3) | 4 | |
| Calculus 1 | ||
| Calculus 1a with Precalculus and Calculus 1b with Precalculus | ||
| MATH 156 | Calculus 2 (GEF 8) | 4 |
| MATH 251 | Multivariable Calculus | 4 |
| MATH 261 | Elementary Differential Equations | 4 |
| PHYS 111 & 111L | General Physics 1 and General Physics 1 Laboratory (GEF 8) | 4 |
| PHYS 112 & 112L | General Physics 2 and General Physics 2 Laboratory (GEF 8) | 4 |
| Total Hours | 28 | |
Aerospace Engineering BS Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ECON 201 | Principles of Microeconomics (GEF 4) | 3 |
| ECON 202 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 |
| EE 221 | Introduction to Electrical Engineering | 3 |
| EE 221L | Introduction to Electrical Engineering Laboratory | 1 |
| MAE 215 | Introduction to Aerospace Engineering | 3 |
| MAE 241 | Statics | 3 |
| MAE 242 | Dynamics | 3 |
| MAE 243 | Mechanics of Materials | 3 |
| MAE 244L | Dynamics and Strength Laboratory | 1 |
| MAE 316 | Analysis-Engineering Systems | 3 |
| MAE 320 | Thermodynamics | 3 |
| MAE 335 | Incompressible Aerodynamics | 3 |
| MAE 336 | Compressible Aerodynamics | 3 |
| MAE 343 | Intermediate Mechanics of Materials | 3 |
| MAE 345 | Aerospace Structures | 3 |
| MAE 423 | Heat Transfer | 3 |
| MAE 434 & 434L | Experimental Aerodynamics and Experimental Aerodynamics Laboratory | 3 |
| MAE 456 & 456L | Computer-Aided Design and Finite Element Analysis and Computer-Aided Design and Finite Element Analysis Laboratory | 3 |
| MAE 460 | Automatic Controls | 3 |
| MAE 476 | Space Flight and Systems | 3 |
| Area of Emphasis | 12 | |
Aeronautical Engineering | ||
Astronautical Engineering | ||
| Technical Electives * + | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 80 | |
Aerospace Engineering MS Program Requirement
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Plan of Study | ||
| Core Area Courses ++ | 6 | |
| Mathematics Requirement ++ | 6 | |
| MAE 697 | Research | 6 |
| Total Hours | 18 | |
Suggested Plan of Study
Its is important for students to take courses in the order specified as much as possible; all prerequisites and concurrent requirements must be observed. A typical ABM B.S.A.E. & M.S.A.E. degree program completes degree requirements in five year is as shown.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| CHEM 115 & 115L | 4 | MAE 102 | 3 |
| ENGL 101 (GEF 1) | 3 | MATH 156 (GEF 8) | 4 |
| ENGR 101 | 2 | PHYS 111 & 111L (GEF 8) | 4 |
| ENGR 191 | 1 | GEF Elective 6 | 3 |
| MATH 155 (GEF 3) | 4 | GEF Elective 7 | 3 |
| GEF Elective 5 | 3 | ||
| 17 | 17 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| MAE 215 | 3 | MAE 242 | 3 |
| MAE 241 | 3 | MAE 243 | 3 |
| MATH 251 (GEF 8) | 4 | MAE 244L | 1 |
| PHYS 112 & 112L | 4 | MATH 261 | 4 |
| ENGL 102 (GEF 1) | 3 | ECON 201 (GEF 4) | 3 |
| 17 | 14 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| MAE 316 | 3 | EE 221 | 3 |
| MAE 320 | 3 | EE 221L | 1 |
| MAE 335 | 3 | MAE 336 | 3 |
| MAE 343 | 3 | MAE 345 | 3 |
| ECON 202 | 3 | MAE 476 | 3 |
| AOE Course | 3 | ||
| 15 | 16 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| MAE 434 & 434L | 3 | MAE 423 | 3 |
| MAE 456 & 456L | 3 | MAE 460 | 3 |
| Technical Electives* | 6 | AOE Course | 3 |
| AOE Courses | 6 | Technical Electives* | 6 |
| 18 | 15 | ||
| Fifth Year | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| MAE 697 | 3 | MAE 697 | 3 |
| Core Area Course | 3 | Core Area Course | 3 |
| Mathematics Requirement Course | 3 | Mathematics Requirement Course | 3 |
| 9 | 9 | ||
| Total credit hours: 147 | |||
- *
Indicates that this course will be shared with the MS requirements
- +
See BSAE degree for list of technical electives
- ++
See MSAE for list of area of concentration and mathematics requirement courses
Major Learning Outcomes
Aerospace Engineering
The MAE Department is committed to deliver high quality education and research experience to all graduate students in order to enable them to achieve success in their careers, though the following Learning Goals:
- Expertise, depth and breadth in a chosen field of aerospace engineering.
- Capacity to engage in original research, advanced technological discovery and innovation to advance the frontiers of knowledge in the science of the aerospace engineering discipline.
- Capacity of effective high level communication to document, disseminate and transfer knowledge of the science of the aerospace engineering discipline in educational, research or applied workplace settings.
- Appreciation and understanding of the role of the science of the aerospace engineering discipline in a global and societal context.