PhD in Aeronautics and Astronautics

Class Profile

Class Size

25

Average Age

27

Average Work Experience

2 Years

Diversity

Others:

16%

International:

9%

Illinois:

11%

Indiana:

48%

Ohio:

8%

Michigan:

7%

Career Outcomes

Median Earnings After Graduation

$1,10,000 / year

Job Placement

97%

Top recruiters

IBM

Google

Amazon

Microsoft

Apple

Intel

Lockheed Martin

Boeing

Raytheon

NASA

Tesla

SpaceX

Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees

$29,918 / year

Overall Cost

$45,000 / year

FAQs

• What are the career prospects for PhD graduates?
  
  Purdue AAE PhD graduates are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, and government. They contribute to advancements in human space missions, autonomous aerial systems, propulsion technologies, and more, benefiting from Purdue’s strong industry connections and extensive research opportunities.
• Are there funding or fellowship opportunities for PhD students?
  
  Yes, most PhD students are supported through research or teaching assistantships, which cover tuition and provide a stipend. The AAE GAANN Fellowship offers three years of funding for eligible PhD students interested in teaching or research careers, with applications due by February 28, 2025.
• What is the structure and duration of the PhD program?
  
  The PhD is a full-time, research-intensive program. Students complete advanced coursework, develop expertise in their chosen research area, and conduct original research culminating in a dissertation. The program is designed to prepare graduates for leadership roles in aerospace engineering.
• What research areas can I pursue in this program?
  
  Purdue’s PhD program offers research in six key areas: Aerodynamics Aerospace Systems Astrodynamics and Space Applications Autonomy and Control Propulsion Structures and Materials Each area integrates theoretical, computational, and experimental methods.
• What are the application deadlines for the PhD program?
  
  For residential (on-campus) entry, the fall deadline for full funding consideration is December 1, with a final deadline of May 1. For spring entry, the deadline is October 1. There is no summer entry for the PhD program.
• What are the entry requirements for the PhD in Aeronautics and Astronautics at Purdue University?
  
  Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or equivalent (A=4.0) from their most recently conferred undergraduate, graduate, or professional degree. Completion of a master’s degree is required, and a commitment from a Purdue AAE faculty member to serve as PhD advisor is necessary. Supporting documents include transcripts, recommendation letters, an academic statement of purpose, a personal history statement, GRE scores, and a resume. International students must meet Purdue’s English proficiency requirements, typically demonstrated by TOEFL (minimum 80 iBT) or IELTS (minimum 6.5 overall).