PhD in Aeronautics and Astronautics

Class Profile

Class Size

25

Average Age

27

Average Work Experience

2 Years

Diversity

Black or African American:

12%

Others:

8%

Two or more races:

5%

Asian:

15%

Hispanic or Latino:

12%

White:

48%

Career Outcomes

Median Earnings After Graduation

$1,10,000 / year

Job Placement

96%

Top recruiters

IBM

Google

Amazon

Microsoft

Apple

Intel

Northrop Grumman

Lockheed Martin

Boeing

Raytheon

NASA

Tesla

SpaceX

Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees

$61,990 / year

Overall Cost

$1,00,550 / year

FAQs

• What is the application process and what documents are required?
  
  Applications are submitted through the department’s online portal and require transcripts, a statement of objectives (covering research interests, professional experience, and personal background), and usually letters of recommendation. Applicants should clearly articulate their motivation and preparedness for graduate work in aerospace engineering.
• What are the tuition fees for the PhD in Aeronautics and Astronautics?
  
  For 2025, full regular graduate tuition is $30,995 per term (fall and spring). There are reduced tuition rates for doctoral students approved for non-resident status in later semesters.
• What are the main research areas in the department?
  
  Research areas include Aerospace Computational Engineering, Aerospace Energy and the Environment, Air-Breathing Propulsion, Aircraft Systems Engineering, Air Transportation Systems, Autonomous Systems, Communications and Networks Controls, and more.
• What is the structure and duration of the PhD programme?
  
  The PhD typically takes 3–4 years to complete. Students must complete coursework in a major field (at least 5 subjects), a minor field (usually 3 technical subjects), and two graduate-level mathematics subjects. They must also participate in a doctoral research and communication seminar, register for thesis units every semester, and complete milestones including qualifying exams, a thesis proposal, and a thesis defense.
• What are the entry requirements for the PhD in Aeronautics and Astronautics at MIT?
  
  Applicants should have a strong background in mathematical and physical sciences and/or engineering. While a bachelor’s degree is required for entry into the master’s program, direct entry to the PhD is possible for those with a relevant master’s degree, but all PhD candidates must pass a Field Evaluation to become doctoral candidates. Degrees need not be in aeronautics or astronautics, but preparedness for the field should be addressed in the application statement.