Aerospace Engineering, MSAE (MEMS)

The Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering (MSAE) at Washington University in St. Louis offers advanced training for students who want to deepen their knowledge of aircraft design, aerodynamics, propulsion, flight dynamics, and aerospace structures. Offered through the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science within the McKelvey School of Engineering, the program suits students with an engineering or related technical background who want to develop specialized expertise through a flexible curriculum, with the choice of a coursework-based degree or a thesis pathway involving independent research.

Curriculum Structure

The MSAE requires 30 credit units and offers two completion options. The coursework option typically consists of 10 courses, distributed across 6 units of applied mathematics, 15 units of aerospace coursework, and 9 units of electives. The thesis option requires at least 24 units of coursework and 6 units of master's research, followed by a written thesis and an oral defense. Students work with a departmental adviser to plan a curriculum that aligns with their academic interests and career goals.

Year 1: Aerospace Fundamentals and Technical Specialization

During the first stage of study, students develop advanced knowledge of aerospace engineering through courses in aerodynamics, propulsion, applied mathematics, and engineering analysis. They may take MEMS 5700: Aerodynamics, which covers compressible flow, airfoil theory, wing performance, and aerodynamic design, alongside MEMS 5701: Aerospace Propulsion, which explores jet, ramjet, rocket, and gas-turbine propulsion systems. Students also complete applied mathematics coursework to strengthen their analytical and computational skills for solving complex engineering problems.

Year 2: Advanced Applications, Design, and Research

As students progress, they can deepen their expertise through advanced electives in aircraft performance, flight dynamics, structural analysis, and aerospace vehicle design. Relevant courses include MEMS 5704: Aircraft Structures, which examines structural analysis, thin-walled components, and aircraft stability, and MEMS 5707: Flight Dynamics, which focuses on vehicle motion, flight stability, control augmentation, and simulation using MATLAB. Students following the thesis option also complete at least six units of MEMS 7998: Master's Research, prepare a thesis, and defend their work orally before a faculty committee. These year descriptions are illustrative rather than a prescribed two-year sequence; the actual duration depends on the student's course plan and study pace.

Focus Areas

Students can build expertise across several aerospace engineering disciplines:

• Aerodynamics and Fluid Mechanics: Studying airflow, compressible flow, airfoil design, wing performance, and computational fluid dynamics.

• Aerospace Propulsion: Exploring jet engines, gas turbines, ramjets, rocket propulsion, and propulsion system performance.

• Aircraft Structures and Materials: Analyzing structural strength, thin-walled components, aircraft stability, elasticity, and structural design.

• Flight Dynamics and Control: Investigating aircraft motion, stability, vehicle simulation, and control systems.

• Aircraft Performance and Design: Evaluating takeoff, climb, range, endurance, flight envelopes, and aircraft design requirements.

• Rotary-Wing and Wind Energy Systems: Examining the aerodynamics and dynamics of helicopters, fans, and wind turbines.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates can develop the ability to apply advanced mathematical and engineering principles to aerospace challenges, evaluate aerodynamic performance, analyze propulsion systems, and assess the structural behavior of aircraft components. They can also strengthen their skills in flight dynamics, computational modeling, aircraft design, and engineering problem-solving. Students who choose the thesis pathway gain additional experience in independent research, technical communication, and presenting and defending engineering findings.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The MSAE supports students preparing for technical and research-oriented roles in aerospace engineering, including aircraft design, propulsion development, aerodynamic analysis, flight dynamics, structural engineering, and aerospace systems development. The curriculum's flexibility allows students to build expertise relevant to their intended professional direction, while the thesis option provides a route for students interested in research or doctoral study. The official graduate program bulletin does not specify separate ABET accreditation for this master's degree; applicants who require a particular accreditation should confirm the applicable status directly with the university.

Reputation (Employability and Rankings)

Washington University in St. Louis offers aerospace engineering education through its McKelvey School of Engineering and the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science. The department's aerospace curriculum includes specialized courses in aerodynamics, propulsion, aircraft structures, flight dynamics, and aircraft design, providing students with opportunities to develop skills relevant to the aerospace industry. The university's official program bulletin does not provide a specific aerospace master's employability rate or a dedicated national ranking for this degree, so no numerical ranking or employment statistic is included here.