10/11/2019 Rachel Chartoff
Written by Rachel Chartoff
The Wright Brothers’ daring first flight at Kitty Hawk. Neil Armstrong’s first walk on the moon. Voyager’s incredible journey of exploration beyond the edges of our solar system. These feats of human ingenuity are examples of the creativity, teamwork, and leadership of aerospace engineers. A new Master of Engineering in Aerospace Systems Engineering program offers an opportunity for today’s generation to join the ranks of these aerospace leaders.
The aerospace systems engineering degree from The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is designed to prepare students for technical innovation and leadership in a highly interdisciplinary environment – achieving breadth and depth that may be missing from undergraduate aerospace engineering studies.
“This program’s mix of technical and systems engineering coursework equips our graduates to effectively coordinate and uniquely contribute to a multidisciplinary team environment,” said Jason Merret, program coordinator and associate professor in Illinois’ Department of Aerospace Engineering.
The curriculum focuses on the aerospace vehicle development process, incorporating studies in structures and materials, optimization, aerodynamics, flight mechanics, orbital mechanics, control, propulsion, industrial design, and human-computer interaction.
Through elective coursework, students can study emerging fields, such as data analytics and network science, and learn how they relate to the systems engineering process. Additional electives from departments across The Grainger College of Engineering allow students to customize their degree to fit their career path.
Merret said the program is designed for individuals who seek a management position or are looking to gain advanced knowledge.
“In two to three semesters, students can graduate from this top-ranked aerospace engineering department and have a competitive advantage over their peers with only undergraduate degrees. Students can have the flexibility to complete the aerospace systems engineering master’s degree online at a pace appropriate for parallel full-time employment.”
Merret also stressed the department’s strong partnerships with the aerospace industry. “This professionally oriented master’s program offers opportunities to work directly on real-world problems and gain practical experience through internships and capstone projects with leading aerospace engineering companies,” he said. “On-campus students who need career guidance or other academic assistance receive support from our dedicated staff in Grainger Engineering’s Center for Professional and Executive Training and Education, including specially designed professional development programming and networking opportunities.”
He added that aerospace companies are looking for employees who have the knowledge and background to improve safety, efficiency, and environmental soundness of aircraft systems—skills that can be gained through this program.
“We can work with students and companies to help mold courses and capstone projects to meet the needs and desires of both parties,” Merret said. “We’re educating a new sort of engineer who communicates effectively across disciplinary boundaries, asks hard questions, and manages diverse teams to solve problems at a systems level.”
For more information, visit the Master of Engineering in Aerospace Systems Engineering website, or contact the program’s staff: MEng Academic Adviser Jenna Russell, jennar@illinois.edu, 217-300-9774 or Graduate Programs Coordinator Staci McDannel, tank@illinois.edu, 217-333-3674.
Submitted by Rachel Chartoff.