Graduate Degrees
Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering
The Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering provides an in-depth training opportunity with a focus on research requiring independent mastery of the field of study. Graduates are trained to solve complex problems and perform independent research investigations, which leads to career opportunities in research, academia, and advanced technical positions in the aeronautics and space industries. Applicants may enter the Ph.D. program following the completion of an M.S. or directly after the bachelor’s degree.
Research Areas
- Aerodynamics
- Space
- AI/Machine Learning
- Controls
- Solid Mechanics and Mechanisms
- Fluid Dynamics
- Heat Transfer
- Vibrations
- Autonomy
- Propulsion
| Core & Math (9 Credits) | EAS Courses (9 Credits) |
|---|---|
| EML 6105 Advanced Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics (3 Credits) | EAS 6021 Aerospace Systems (3 Credits) |
| EML 6653 Applied Elasticity (3 Credits) | EAS 6123 Advanced Aerodynamics (3 Credits) |
| EML 6060 Analysis in Mechanical Engineering (3 Credits) | EAS 6406 Advanced Aircraft Stability and Control (3 Credits) |
Required courses from the Masters level can be used to meet the requirements in the post-bachelors Ph.D., with approval.
*Students entering with a bachelor’s degree may also apply for the master’s degree “along the way” provided they have completed the course requirements for the M.S. in Aerospace Engineering as listed in the Graduate Catalog.
| TBA |
Minimum of 18 hours of elective coursework at the 5000 level or above without counting Independent Study, Graduate Internship, Directed Research, or Dissertation Hours Courses. Or other graduate course approved by the Graduate Director.
| EAS 7980 Dissertation: Doctoral Credit Hours: 2-12 |
| TBA |
Qualifying Examination
Successful passage of the Doctoral Qualifying (or Comprehensive) Examination is a requirement for admission to candidacy. The purpose of the exam is to measure the aptitude and capability of the student for productive independent research in mechanical engineering, as well as to demonstrate the student’s in-depth knowledge of their chosen research domain.
The exam consists of a written research paper comprising an annotated literature survey in the student’s chosen research area, a discussion and comparison of the prior art in this field, and identification of a promising research area and problem domain(s) of interest to the student and advisor. The research paper is presented in a meeting to a Dissertation Supervisory Committee.
No student will be allowed to take the examination if the cumulative GPA of all courses taken at USF is below 3.00, if they have not chosen a major professor and formed a supervisory committee, or if they hold conditional or provisional admission status in the major. Students will be given a maximum of two attempts to pass the qualifying examination. Failure in the second attempt will result in being dismissed from the doctoral program.