Graduates are expected to demonstrate critical thinking, an ability to do an independent, original investigation, and mastery of an area of scholarly literature.
Admission Requirements
For unconditional admission to the PhD programs for applicants with a completed (or soon to be completed) MS degree in a relevant field from an accredited American university or recognized international institution:
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a relevant graduate and undergraduate degree history,
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a 3.25 GPA on all relevant graduate course work at the time of admission,
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one letter of reference from a faculty member who can speak to the candidate’s research capacity,
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a written statement from a faculty member in the MAE Department indicating a commitment to advising the student during the first academic year of the student’s program of study.
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scores on the GRE examination are not required but can be considered in support of an admissions decision if submitted.
For unconditional admission to the PhD programs for applicants requesting admission directly from the baccalaureate degree:
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a 3.25 GPA on the last 60 relevant hours of a baccalaureate degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering or a related field, and either
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a score of 155 (quantitative) on the GRE examination or
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an average GPA above 3.25 on all attempts at mathematics courses taken at all prior four-year or two-year institutions that would not include a pattern of course repeats with grade replacement or excessive course withdrawals. It is expected that the mathematics course work would include a standard calculus sequence, at least one course in differential equations, and preferably a course in linear algebra.
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one letter of reference from a faculty member who can speak to the candidate’s research capacity,
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a written statement from a faculty member in the MAE Department indicating a commitment to advising the student during the first academic year of the student’s program of study.
International Applicants
For additional admissions information for international applicants see the graduate admissions page.
Program Description
The PhD in Aerospace Systems Engineering or in Mechanical Engineering requires the successful completion of an independent research project culminating in a dissertation.
The Program of Study consists of a minimum of 66 course and research semester hours beyond the B.S degree. A minimum of 18 semester hours of coursework beyond the Department’s MS degree is required. The Program of Study also includes two examinations, the qualifying exam which consists of two parts, and the dissertation defense which is formally referred to as the Final Comprehensive exam. The two-part qualifying exam includes a written preliminary examination and a subsequent oral exam including the proposal of a dissertation topic. Descriptions of all examinations are provided in the MAE Department Office.
General Program Policies
Course Selection
Up to three 500 level courses may be counted towards the PhD degree.
The majority of credit hours, not counting dissertation hours, must be from MAE. Otherwise, graduate courses from the College of Engineering or College of Science are allowed to be counted towards the degree. For a course to count towards the degree, a grade of C or better in 600 and 700 level courses, or B and better in 500 level courses is required.
Students must register for dissertation credit hours the semesters of their PhD proposal and defense, minimum of 3 credit hours in those semesters.
GPA Requirements
The minimum overall GPA for PhD is 3.0. Falling below this will put you in academic probation. To graduate a minimum average GPA of 3.0 is required for 1) all courses taken, 2) all courses on the program of study, and 3) all 600 and 700 level courses.
Curriculum Structure for Both Options
Additional Information and Program Documents
Coordinator for Mechanical Engineering and Aerospace Systems Engineering
For initial and non-thesis advising contact the Graduate Program Coordinator:
Dr. Keith Hollingsworth
256.824.5421
Keith.Hollingsworth@uah.edu
