PhD in Aeronautics and Astronautics

Class Profile

Class Size

25

Average Age

27

Average Work Experience

2 Years

Diversity

Others:

2%

Two or more races:

3%

Asian:

20%

Black or African American:

6%

Hispanic or Latino:

13%

White:

56%

Career Outcomes

Median Earnings After Graduation

$1,10,000 / year

Graduation Rate

93%

Top recruiters

IBM

Google

Amazon

Microsoft

Apple

Intel

Lockheed Martin

Boeing

Raytheon

NASA

Tesla

SpaceX

Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees

$55,100 / year

Overall Cost

$60,100 / year

FAQs

• What are the career prospects for graduates?
  
  Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in academia, industry, and research institutions, contributing to advancements in aerospace engineering and related fields.
• Are there funding opportunities for PhD students?
  
  Most PhD students receive funding through fellowships, research assistantships, or teaching assistantships. The program is well-funded, offering support for tuition and living expenses to admitted students.
• What is the application process?
  
  Applicants must submit an online application, three letters of recommendation (at least two from faculty), transcripts, and indicate their research interests and preferred faculty. A match with faculty research interests is crucial for admission.
• What research areas are available?
  
  Applicants select one of twenty research areas as their primary subplan and can indicate additional preferences and faculty of interest. Research spans aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, dynamics, control, space systems, and more.
• What are the main degree requirements?
  
  Students must demonstrate a solid foundation in aerospace engineering fundamentals (assessed via preliminary oral exams), complete a cognate requirement (three credits in a related but distinct discipline), and fulfill the Responsible Conduct of Research and Scholarship requirement (four mandatory workshops).
• What is the structure and duration of the PhD program?
  
  The PhD typically requires five years of full-time study. It includes graduate coursework, an oral preliminary coursework examination (usually after the second or third semester), and the completion of an original dissertation.
• What are the entry requirements for the PhD in Aeronautics and Astronautics at the University of Michigan?
  
  A master’s degree is not required; many applicants apply during their final undergraduate year. The program is highly selective, with about a 10% admission rate. Applicants should have a strong background in fundamental aerospace engineering or a closely related field.