QS Rank:
363
Virginia Tech
Virginia
,United States
Program Rank
47
Program Name
PhD in Aerospace Engineering
Deadline
December 30th, 2024
Overview
View Official pageA 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
17
Average Age
31
Diversity
Others:
10%International:
10%Maryland:
10%Washington, D.C.:
10%Virginia:
45%North Carolina:
15%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
- 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
Eligibility Criteria
English Proficiency Tests
IELTS
6.5
TOEFL
90
Application Requirements
Here's everything you need to know to ensure a complete and competitive application—covering the key documents and criteria for a successful submission.
Application Fee: 75
Transcript
Statement of Purpose
Passport
Resume
IELTS
Provisional Certificate
Degree Certificate
Semester wise Marksheet
General LOR
General LOR
General LOR
Application Deadlines
Standard Deadline | |
---|---|
Spring | Sep 1, 2024 |
Fall | Dec 30, 2024 |
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.
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