M.S. in Aerospace Engineering

Program Overview

The M.S. in Aerospace Engineering at UCF is a 30-credit hour program, typically completed within two years. Students have the option to pursue a thesis or a non-thesis track, providing flexibility based on their career aspirations. The program offers three distinct specializations or tracks: "Space Systems Design and Engineering," "Thermofluid Aerodynamic Systems Design and Engineering," and an "Accelerated BS to MSAE" option. Each track allows for a focused and in-depth study of specific aerospace domains, preparing graduates for specialized roles. At least half of the required credits must be at the 6000 level, ensuring advanced graduate-level study.

Curriculum: The 30-credit curriculum for the M.S. in Aerospace Engineering varies depending on the chosen track. For example, the "Space Systems Design and Engineering" track emphasizes control and dynamics, the space environment, instrumentation and communication, structures and materials, and thermal analysis and design. The "Thermofluid Aerodynamic Systems Design and Engineering" track focuses on controls and dynamics, aerodynamics, propulsion, and thermal analysis and design. The "Guidance Control and Dynamics" track (an alternative name for one of the specializations) includes courses heavily related to those fields. Each track requires a specific number of core courses (ranging from 9 to 12 credits) and offers significant elective options (6-15 credits), along with either thesis work or additional coursework to complete the 30-credit requirement. All tracks build upon foundational prerequisite courses like differential equations, flight structures, and flight mechanics.

Research Focus: UCF's M.S. in Aerospace Engineering program has a robust research focus, supported by a faculty actively engaged in cutting-edge areas within mechanical and aerospace engineering. Key research areas include Aerodynamics (computational fluid dynamics, experimental fluid mechanics, flow control, fluid-structure interactions, hypersonic/supersonic flows), Control and Dynamics (astrodynamics, optimal control, robotics, space situational awareness, structural dynamics, swarming robots), Propulsion (advanced laser diagnostics, chemical kinetics, detonations, hypersonic/supersonic reacting flows, turbomachinery), Structures and Materials (adaptive structures, deployable spacecraft structures, high-temperature materials for jet engines, smart composites), and Systems Design and Optimization (multidisciplinary optimization, predictive analytics). The university's strong ties to the U.S. space program and defense industries, including the Florida Space Institute and the newly launched Center of Excellence in Hypersonic and Space Propulsion (HyperSpace Center), underscore its commitment to pioneering research in these critical fields.

Industry Engagement: The University of Central Florida boasts exceptional industry engagement, making it a top supplier of graduates to the aerospace and defense industries. Located in a major aerospace hub, UCF has strong partnerships with industry giants such as NASA, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Siemens Energy, L3Harris, and Embraer. These collaborations provide invaluable opportunities for M.S. students through internships, research projects, and networking events. UCF's proximity to the Central Florida Research Park, which houses high-tech operations for the Army, Navy, and Air Force, further enhances practical experience and job placement. Companies like Lockheed Martin actively recruit and hire UCF graduates, often converting internships into full-time employment, demonstrating the program's direct relevance to industry needs.

Global Perspective: The M.S. in Aerospace Engineering program at UCF fosters a global perspective by preparing students for a universally applicable field that transcends national borders. Aerospace innovations and challenges often involve international collaboration. The department actively promotes a global awareness, exemplified by programs like "Aerospace Abroad," which provides students with international perspectives on aerospace design and manufacturing, including visits to facilities like Embraer in Brazil. This exposure to diverse international aerospace industries, coupled with a curriculum that addresses global trends in aircraft and spacecraft design, propulsion systems, and advanced materials, ensures graduates are well-equipped to contribute to and lead within the global aerospace community.