University of Michigan

What you'll study

This master’s programme covers core and advanced topics in aeronautics and astronautics through a blend of coursework, laboratory work and research. Students typically follow a curriculum that includes foundational subjects and elective tracks, allowing specialisation in areas such as aerodynamics, propulsion, structural mechanics, flight dynamics and controls, and space systems.

• Core topics: fluid dynamics and compressible flow, aircraft and rocket propulsion, structural analysis and composite design, flight dynamics and control, and numerical methods for engineering.
• Advanced electives: computational fluid dynamics (CFD), aeroelasticity, hypersonics, plume and nozzle flows, space vehicle design, orbital mechanics and guidance, navigation and control (GNC).
• Laboratory and practical work: wind tunnel testing, propulsion test stands, structural test rigs, avionics and instrumentation labs, and student-led design/build/test projects.
• Research and thesis options: students may choose a thesis or non-thesis pathway. Thesis students undertake supervised research that can lead to publication; non-thesis students typically complete advanced project courses or a capstone design sequence.
• Interdisciplinary opportunities: electives and collaborations are often available with departments such as materials science, robotics, electrical engineering, and computer science for work in autonomy, advanced materials for structures, and systems integration.

Entry requirements

Applicants are generally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, or a closely related quantitative discipline. Academic preparation in calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, mechanics, thermodynamics and introductory fluid mechanics is typically required.

• Academic transcripts: strong undergraduate performance in relevant coursework.
• Supporting documents: a statement of purpose outlining research or career goals, a curriculum vitae or résumé, and two to three academic or professional references.
• English language proficiency: required for applicants whose first language is not English; standardised test scores are accepted according to the university’s policy.
• Standardised tests: the programme’s consideration of tests such as the GRE varies; consult the department’s admissions guidance for current practice.
• Additional expectations: relevant research experience, project work or industry internships strengthen an application. Prospective research students should identify potential faculty advisors whose interests align with theirs.

Career prospects

Graduates of this programme enter a wide range of technical and leadership roles across aerospace and adjacent industries. Common career pathways include:

• Design and analysis engineer roles for aircraft, rotorcraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), focusing on aerodynamics, structures, propulsion or systems integration.
• Space systems engineering positions in satellite design, launch systems, mission planning, guidance and control, and satellite operations.
• Propulsion and propulsion-test engineering in both commercial and defence sectors, working on jet engines, rocket motors and hybrid propulsion systems.
• Roles in modelling, simulation and computational engineering using CFD, finite-element analysis and system simulation tools.
• Research and development careers in national laboratories, government agencies and university research groups; many graduates continue to PhD study.
• Technology and systems integration careers in sectors such as autonomous systems, automotive advanced mobility, robotics and consulting.

Why study at University of Michigan

The University of Michigan offers a broad and deep aerospace curriculum supported by substantial experimental and computational resources, enabling students to gain hands-on experience with wind tunnels, propulsion test facilities and structural test equipment. The department has active research groups across the full spectrum of aeronautical and astronautical engineering, giving access to funded projects, interdisciplinary centres and opportunities to publish.

Students benefit from strong industry connections and an extensive alumni network in aerospace and related sectors, which supports internships, collaborative projects and career placement. The university’s emphasis on both rigorous fundamentals and real-world system design prepares graduates for technical and leadership roles in industry, government and research.