PhD in Aerospace Engineering

The objective of the Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering is to provide an opportunity for highly motivated students with a strong science and engineering background to participate in a program of research and course work in the areas of Aerodynamics & Propulsion, Dynamics & Control, and Structures & Materials while earning their doctoral degree.

The degree is conferred primarily in recognition of original research and completion of a dissertation resulting in journal publications. In addition, a minimum number of advanced courses that help students build a solid foundation for Ph.D. level research is required.

Although the program is designed for delivery through traditional residential format, provisions are in place to allow highly qualified working individuals in industry or government to participate, when appropriate arrangements can be made.

Candidates in this program do classwork and research in aerospace structures, propulsion and aerodynamic systems, and have access to state-of-the-art labs and facilities.

Aerospace Engineering deals with the scientific principles that govern the design of airplanes, spacecraft, and jet engines. The Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering degree program allows highly motivated students with a strong science and engineering background to conduct research and coursework in the areas of aerospace structures, propulsion, and aerodynamic systems, while earning their doctoral degree.

Admission to the program is reserved for candidates at the bachelor and masters levels, with high academic achievement and a desire to advance their career through scientific inquiry and knowledge discovery in areas related to aerospace engineering.

Program coursework focuses on cutting-edge research and development. Students have access to state-of-the-art labs designed specifically for instruction and research in aerodynamics, propulsion, dynamics, control, structures, and materials. 

DETAILS

About Aerospace Engineering at the Daytona Beach, FL Campus

The Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering program at ERAU’s Daytona Beach Campus targets domestic and international students, as well as working professionals with bachelor’s or master's degrees in aerospace engineering (or closely related engineering disciplines), who have exemplary track records of academic achievement in their course work, and demonstrated keen interest and ability for engaging in research and independent inquiry.

Housed in the Aerospace Engineering Department of the College of Engineering, the program features three areas of concentration: Aerodynamics and Propulsion, Structures and Materials, and Dynamics and Control.

Candidates for this degree program can expect areas of research to include:

• Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
• Aeroacoustics
• Air-breathing propulsion
• Rocket propulsion
• Combustion
• Experimental thermo-fluid sciences
• Simulation of aerodynamics and propulsion systems
• Health monitoring of aerospace structures
• Smart materials and structures
• Adaptive structures
• Composite materials
• Functionally graded materials
• Dynamics and control of manned and unmanned aircraft
• Parameter identification of aircraft
• Space mission design
• Design and control of spacecraft
• Orbital debris remediation
• Spacecraft rendezvous and proximity operations
• Control of chaotic systems

Being adjacent to Daytona Beach International Airport and the NextGen Test Bed, and just 50 miles north of Kennedy Space Center, ERAU’s Daytona Beach Campus puts students in the middle of the aerospace industry.

Learn More about the Daytona Beach, FL Campus

View the Daytona Beach Catalog Listing

Financial aid is available in the form of teaching and research assistantships. Please contact the program coordinator for more information.

Transfer credit: Up to 2 relevant courses can be transferred from another institution upon approval of the program coordinator.