Aerospace Engineering Doctoral Programs

At the University of Dayton School of Engineering, our research, particularly in the areas of nanomaterials, energy systems, and fuels and combustion — as led by the von Ohain Fuels and Combustion Center — is enhanced by our relationship with the Air Force Research Laboratories. You'll have the remarkable opportunity to conduct research with this world leader in the development of aircraft and aerospace materials. Our goal is to help you turn your ideas and interests into real-life research.

You choose: part- or full-time schedule. Our program offers convenient day and evening classes to accommodate.

Plan of Study

University Catalog for overview and courses for aerospace engineering doctoral programs.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Aerospace Engineering

A minimum of 60 semester hours:

• 30 hours of course work beyond the M.S. and 30 hours of research leading to a dissertation.

Doctor of Engineering (D.E.) in Aerospace Engineering

A minimum of 60 semester hours:

•  39 semester hours beyond the M.S. and 21 hours of research leading to a dissertation.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the online application, you should submit the following:

1. Official academic records of all previously attended colleges or universities must be submitted directly from the colleges or universities to the Office of Graduate Admission Processing. Hand-carried transcripts, official copies marked Issued to Student and unofficial copies are not acceptable.
2. Three letters of recommendation from professors or employers.
3. A personal statement or resume.
4. Results from the GRE are not required. However, candidates are welcome to submit a score in support of their application.

Applicants must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited program in engineering, physics, chemistry, applied mathematics or other appropriate program of study. Applicants with a different undergraduate degree may be required to complete prerequisites. Applicants should have at least a 3.0 cumulative grade-point average on a 4.0 scale. Some programs require higher GPAs for admission. In some cases, applicants with a GPA below 3.0 may be admitted on a conditional basis.

Additional requirements apply for international students.

Application Deadlines

Applications accepted on a rolling basis with the following approximate general deadlines:

• Fall Term: June 15th
• Spring Term: November 15th
• Summer Term: March 15th

Please contact your department chair to follow up on exact deadlines.