QS Rank:

363

Virginia Tech

Virginia

United States

Program Rank

Overview

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A student researcher works on an unmanned aerial system in the Nonlinear Systems Laboratory. The lab provides a facility for research and instruction in dynamics and control of nonlinear systems. It is a core laboratory in the Virginia Center for Autonomous Systems (VaCAS).

This research-oriented degree can focus on one or more specializations, including

aero-hydrodynamics
dynamics and control
structures and structural dynamics
ocean engineering
applied physics
space engineering
applied mathematics

For more information on degree requirements, see the Graduate Study Policies and Procedures Manual.

Research project/final dissertation

This degree requires an in-depth research project, which will serve as the subject of the final dissertation. Recent research projects have focused on:

computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
experimental fluid mechanics (both high and low speed)
instrumentation development
composite materials
structural optimization
flutter analysis
nonlinear flight control
pilot-aircraft interactions
aerodynamic modeling
computer aided design
interdisciplinary design and optimization
trajectory analysis and optimization
and space mechanics and space vehicle design

Many of these projects are tied to industry and government-sponsored programs, and include interaction with personnel and facilities from those organizations.

For more details on thesis requirements and procedures, see the Graduate Study Policies and Procedures Manual.

Graduate checklists

A formal description of the Ph.D. in aerospace engineering, its requirements, and more detailed information on all AOE graduate programs can be found in the graduate checklists.

Preliminary exam and final oral exam

A preliminary written and oral exam and a final comprehensive oral exam are required of all students completing the Ph.D. degree. Guidelines for these exams are described in the AOE Graduate Study Policies and Procedures Manual.

Duration

60 Months

Median Salary

$55,000

Ranking

#62

US World and News Report

#363

QS World University Rankings

Intake

Fall ( Sept - Nov )

Intake

Spring ( Apr - June )

Class Profile

Class Size

Average Age

Language Test Scores

Minimum Score

6.5 / 9

Minimum Score

90 / 120

Diversity

Others:

10%

International:

10%

Maryland:

10%

Washington, D.C.:

10%

Virginia:

45%

North Carolina:

15%

Admissions

Application Deadlines

Spring

Round	Deadline	Decision
Standard Deadline	Sep 1	NA

Eligibility Criteria

APPLICATION MATERIALS

To complete and submit your Executive Ph.D. application, the following application materials are required:

Completed online application form
A scanned copy of official transcripts from all universities or colleges where a degree was conferred
Unofficial web transcripts downloaded through a university's online portal will not be accepted, except for Virginia Tech alumni.
Students with degrees from universities outside the U.S. will need to submit a report from a credential evaluation service. TOEFL/IELTS scores may also be required. See Additional Materials for International Students section below.
A copy of your resume
Three letters of recommendation sent electronically through the application portal
Academic and professional goals statement
Applicants are asked by the Graduate School to provide a 1-2 page double-spaced personal statement that addresses why you are pursuing this degree, why at Virginia Tech, and why now.
In-depth interviews
A $75 non-refundable application fee

Please note that GMAT/GRE test scores are not required to apply to the Executive Ph.D. program, but may be submitted in support of your application.

Application Requirements

What Really Matters When Applying

Statement of Purpose
Required
Passport
Required
Resume
Required
IELTS
Required
Transcript
Required
Provisional Certificate
Required
Degree Certificate
Required
Semester wise Marksheet
Required
General LOR
Required
General LOR
Required
General LOR
Required
Application Fee
75

Career Outcomes

Virginia Tech currently employs more than 8,000 graduate and undergraduate students in positions that are specifically designed to meet unique student needs. Learn more about the types of employment at Virginia Tech.

The Division of Human Resources does not manage university-wide student hiring. Below is a list of resources tailored for Virginia Tech students seeking employment.

Virginia Tech Student Employment and Service Opportunities

Work and Serve in Student Affairs
Dining (800-1,100 jobs annually) - Learn more about how you can feed your career in Dining Services
Recreational Sports
Residence Life (200 residence advisor positions annually)
Student Centers and Activities
Summer Conferences (150 summer jobs annually)

Career and Professional Development

Career and Professional Development - Advising, career topics, population resources and more
Handshake - Career and Professional Development provides Handshake to connect students and recent graduates with employers, and much more
CareerShift - Search, select and store job listings from all job boards and all company job postings

Graduate School Opportunities

Funding for Students
Assistantships - Graduate student assistantship information for students
GLC Weekly Postings - Events, opportunities and service for graduate students

Median Earnings After Graduation

$55,000 / year

Graduation Rate

86%

Prospective Job Roles

Aviation Manager

Design Engineer

Aerospace Engineer

Robotics Engineer

Materials Engineer

Aircraft Maintenance Engineer

Structural Engineer

Propulsion Engineer

Top recruiters

Fees and Funding

Overall Cost

$16,550 / year

Funding Options

Department Funding

FAQs

If you are accepted to Virginia Tech and do not enroll, you can request a deferral until a later semester. This request must be made to the Graduate School from your academic department. If permission to defer is granted, you then will be eligible to enroll for the agreed upon academic term. Your application fee is good for up to one year. If you defer your admission for more than a year, you will have to pay the application fee again.
You can apply to another department if you are not accepted to your first choice, but students are advised not to "shop" for departments that will accept them. Instead you should set definite educational goals and seek a way to fulfill them. Students submitting an application to more than one department will be charged an application fee for EACH department to which they are applying.
The Graduate School will hold denied applications for one year. If you wish to be reconsidered within this period, you must contact your academic department. The Graduate School can only honor requests from the department for an application decision to be appealed. You also will need to supply any additional information you can to strengthen your application (new test scores, reference letters, statement of purpose, etc.).
Admission can be denied for several reasons. Some of the most common reasons: The applicant's TOEFL scores are lower than the minimum of an overall 90 with all sub-scores of at least 20. The applicant is not competitive with other candidates due to the outstanding pool of applications that we have received. The applicant's academic background/goals do not fit the objectives of the program. The applicant's previous academic record does not meet minimum standards. The program is full to capacity and no other applications are being accepted. Application materials were incomplete (Applicant submitted materials past program deadline)
Your application undergoes a thorough holistic review by the Graduate School and by your proposed department. After the review committee meets, a recommendation is sent to the Graduate School. You will be notified by postal mail of the final decision. The Graduate School is unable to release admission decisions over the phone or by email.