Aerospace Engineering, M.S.

Students often choose Florida Tech for their aerospace engineering master’s degree because of the excellent academic environment.

Our low student-to-faculty ratio allows professors to serve as mentors and to work closely with graduate students on advanced research projects.

Here, you’ll learn from the best. Our aerospace engineering faculty are highly experienced in aerospace systems and leaders in innovative aerospace research. They have won numerous prestigious research grants from NASA, the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Navy and the National Science Foundation—and they share a special dedication to teaching and working with every student.

Because many students are already working professionals, peer collaboration and faculty-led research both contribute to valuable learning experiences.

At Florida Tech, you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with expert faculty on cutting-edge aerospace research in labs equipped for serious discovery—from wind tunnels and shock tubes to rocket and turbine thrust stands.

Many students present at major conferences or publish in top journals like Aerospace America and the Journal of Fluid Mechanics.

As an aerospace engineering M.S. student, you’ll have the opportunity to choose an area of specialization that aligns with your interests.

Each specialization offers a variety of core course options, and you’ll collaborate with your advisor to select the best courses, including advanced mathematics, to support your goals.

Four specializations are offered:

• Aerodynamics and fluid dynamics
• Aerospace structures and materials
• Combustion and propulsion
• Flight mechanics and controls

You’ll also tailor your program further through electives and, if applicable, a thesis project, making your graduate experience uniquely yours.

Students are encouraged to complete and defend a thesis, and this option is especially recommended for those considering doctoral studies.

The thesis provides in-depth research experience, allowing you to explore a specific topic and contribute new insights to aerospace engineering. Your thesis can take an analytical, computational or experimental approach—or a blend of all three. Working closely with faculty mentors offers personalized guidance and networking opportunities.

Those opting not to complete a thesis take additional electives and a comprehensive final examination. This allows you to demonstrate your understanding of the discipline and readiness for professional challenges.

Florida Tech is in a high-tech corridor in the heart of the Space Coast—NASA-Kennedy Space Center on Cape Canaveral is just north of us.

You’ll benefit from Florida Tech’s strong connections to leading aerospace companies and government agencies and have plenty of opportunities to form a valuable network that can lead to aerospace engineering career options.

When it’s time to relax, you’re just minutes from 72 miles of beautiful beaches and a short trip away from the Florida Keys or the Orlando theme parks.

Florida Tech is surrounded by aerospace organizations and industry, such as NASA-Kennedy Space Center, Patrick Space Force Base, Boeing Co., Northrop Grumman Corp., SpaceX, Embraer, GE, L3Harris Technologies Inc. and Piper Aircraft—providing excellent internship and employment opportunities for students working towards a master’s degree in aerospace engineering.

Students at Florida Tech can work side-by-side with professionals in some of the most prestigious names in engineering through challenging aerospace engineering internships.

Internships allow graduate students to get hands-on experience at leading aerospace companies and government laboratories in aerodynamics and fluid dynamics, aerospace structures and materials, space flight dynamics and controls and combustion and propulsion.

At Florida Tech, our campus is a hub of global connections, where students from the U.S. and around the world come together to create a rich, dynamic environment. This sense of community fosters mutual understanding and collaboration, reflecting the increasingly interconnected world we all share.

Whether you're a U.S. student seeking to broaden your horizons through interacting with peers from different countries or an international student exploring new opportunities in the U.S., Florida Tech offers a place for learning, sharing and growing in a truly global setting.

Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or a related field. We invite those with undergraduate majors in the physical sciences or mathematics to apply, as well.  

To ensure students from fields outside of aerospace engineering are prepared for the advanced coursework and thus positioned for success, some additional undergraduate coursework may be required before starting the master’s program.

Prospective graduate students who are ready to apply may do so at any time. Students beginning their studies during the spring semester will be able to register for full course loads, although the commencement of thesis work will normally be delayed.

For details regarding application and admission, please see the university's graduate admission requirements.