Graduate Admissions

Earning an advanced degree in aerospace engineering from Illinois prepares you for success in exceptional academic, industrial and professional careers. You can start now.

Illinois graduate programs lead to the degrees of Master of Science (M.S.), Master of Engineering (M.Eng.), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in aerospace engineering. The M.S. and M.Eng. are also offered as online degree programs.

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Andres Goza and his student Nirmal Nair trained a controller that determined a specific value on the spectrum from very stiff to very loose. The controller was built using reinforcement learning, and trained to select a stiffness to improve lift on the airfoil.

M.Eng.

The Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) is a coursework-only, industry-focused master's degree offered both online and on campus. Students gain hands-on skills and are poised to accelerate their careers. 

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students working on  plane in OPEL

M.S. Non-Thesis

The Master of Science (M.S.) non-thesis is a coursework-only degree program offered online or on campus. It blends practical experiences with advanced, in-depth academic work that can be leveraged to pursue a doctoral degree in the future.

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Ansell research group. Matt Lauer in gray polo shirt.

M.S. with Thesis

The Master of Science (M.S.) with thesis is an on-campus, research-oriented degree that prepares students for doctoral programs or careers in research. This program centers collaboration with faculty and features opportunities for independent study.

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Ph.D.

The Doctor of Philosophy degree requires vigorous research alongside faculty and peers as well as a part-time teaching assistantship for at least one semester. Both traditional and direct admit (no M.S. requirement) are available.

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Focus Areas 

You may pursue major studies in one of the following general areas: 

Certificate Programs

Enhance your career path by earning a certificate. Up to 12 credit hours of coursework can be transferred toward a master's degree. Certificates are offered in:

Graduate Contacts

Huck Beng Chew

Huck Beng Chew   
Associate Head &
Director of Graduate Studies

Siggi Schroth

Siggi Schroth
Graduate Advisor

Jeff Rudisill
Graduate Advisor