Aeronautics and Astronautics

Aeronautics and astronautics deals with the design and analysis of air and space vehicles and a broad spectrum of related engineering science, such as aerodynamics, structural mechanics, automatic controls, flight mechanics, space dynamics, propulsion, plasma dynamics, and related topics.

Undergraduate Program

The department offers the following programs of study:

• The Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering degree

Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering

Department Admission Requirements

Early Admission (Limited number of students admitted through this process)

1. Course requirements: MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126; 10 credits of physical science courses plus accompanying laboratory at the level of PHYS 121, PHYS 122, PHYS 123, or CHEM 142 or above; and 5 credits of English composition. All courses must be completed prior to the July 1 application deadline.
2. Applicants must be currently enrolled at the UW and must have completed a minimum of 15 credits taken in residence at the UW.
3. Grade requirements: Minimum 2.0 grade in each course required for admission and minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA for all courses required for admission.
4. Early admission students may start the autumn-quarter, junior-year program after meeting the requirements and standards for upper-division admission.

Upper-Division Admission

1. Course requirements: MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126, MATH 307, MATH 308, MATH 324*, PHYS 121, PHYS 122, PHYS 123, CHEM 142, A A 210, AMATH 301*, CEE 220, M E 230, CHEM E 260, T C 231, and 5 credits of English composition.

   *AMATH 301 and/or MATH 324 may be taken as late as the autumn quarter of admission but would create an extremely heavy course load if both are taken the same quarter.

2. Grade requirements: At least 75 credits completed, with a minimum GPA of 2.50 in courses required for admission and a minimum grade of 2.0 in each course required for admission consideration.
Completion of the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

Students may also declare into the Aeronautical and Astronautical degree program through the College of Engineering Advanced Admission program (see the College of Engineering section for Advanced Admission entrance and continuation requirements).

Graduation Requirements

1. General Education Requirements (85 credits)
   • Areas of Knowledge: 49 credits as follows:
   • Visual, Literary, and Performing Arts (VLPA), and Individuals & Societies (I&S): 24 credits to include minimum 10 credits in VLPA and minimum 10 credits of I&S, plus four additional credits in either area. Natural World: 25 credits, to include CHEM 142 (5) and PHYS 121, PHYS 122, PHYS 123 (15 credits). An additional 5 credits of natural-world courses.  (See department for list of approved courses.)
   • Mathematics: 24 credits to include MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126, MATH 307, MATH 308, and MATH 324.
   • Written and Oral Communication: 12 credits, to include one 5-credit English composition course from the University list; T C 231; and T C 333 (or department-approved alternative).
2. Major Requirements (95 credits)
   1. Engineering Fundamentals: 16 credits, to include A A 210, CEE 220, M E 230, and CHEM E 260.
   2. Professional Courses: 75 credits. Junior-year professional program courses are all required. The senior year consists of A A 409, A A 410-A A 411 or A A 420-A A 421, A A 447, and 15 credits of senior technical electives. With approval, 3 credits of the latter may be chosen from another area of engineering.
   3. Electives: 4 credits of free electives, which may be used to meet the 180 credits required for graduation.

Student Outcomes and Opportunities

• Learning Objectives and Expected Outcomes: The goals and objectives of the undergraduate program are to provide a challenging and comprehensive education, to develop necessary functional skills and an understanding of the societal context in which engineering is practiced, to provide a solid foundation in the engineering sciences related to aerospace engineering, to provide a strong systems perspective, to develop engineering creativity through design experience, and to prepare graduates to succeed in engineering careers and lifelong learning.

  Graduates of aeronautics and astronautics are skilled in engineering fundamentals, engineering design, laboratory skills, synthesis of various engineering disciplines, and working in a team environment. Graduates are highly regarded by employers in aeronautics, astronautics, energy systems, and related fields. They develop interpersonal skills and a desire for life-long learning that helps them succeed in their chosen careers. Graduates have been successful and valued at local, national, and international industries, as well as at government organizations and institutions of higher learning.

  The B.S.A.A.E. program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012, telephone: (410) 347-7000. The above student outcomes follow closely the ABET suggested outcomes:

  1. An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science and engineering
  2. An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
  3. An ability to design a system, component or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability and sustainability
  4. An ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams
  5. An ability to identify, formulate and solve engineering problems
  6. An understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities
  7. An ability to communicate effectively
  8. The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental and societal context
  9. A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning
  10. Knowledge of contemporary issues
  11. An ability to use the techniques, skills and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice

  The outcomes are attained by ensuring that the students have the following attributes, skills, and abilities upon graduating from the program that map to the above ABET program outcomes.

  1. Graduates will demonstrate a solid mastery of fundamentals in the following aerospace engineering disciplines: fluids, structures, controls, propulsion, flight mechanics, orbital mechanics and energetics.
  2. Graduates will have a combination of analytical, computational, and experimental skills.
  3. Graduates will learn to work and communicate effectively both as individuals and in teams.
  4. Graduates will demonstrate an ability to perform and communicate the results of a multi-disciplinary systems design.
  5. Graduates will show that they can make decisions based on societal need and implications, contemporary issues and ethical considerations.
  6. Graduates will be aware of the need for and will have the skills necessary for life-long learning.

• Instructional and Research Facilities: Visit the department Web page to view current research activities. Undergraduates are encouraged to participate in research activities.
• Honors Options Available: With College Honors. With Distinction (Departmental Honors). See adviser for details.
• Research, Internships, and Service Learning: Internships are arranged individually. See adviser for details.
• Department Scholarships: Scholarships are limited and are usually reserved for students who have junior and senior standing in the department. Deadline for scholarship applications is April 1.
• Student Organizations/Associations: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) student chapter. Sigma Gamma Tau

Graduate Program

Graduate Program Coordinator
211B Guggenheim Hall, Box 352400
206-616-1113
gradadvising@aa.washington.edu

The Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics offers programs that provide a foundation in the aerospace engineering sciences and expertise in various specialized application areas. Three graduate degree options are offered: Master of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics, Master of Aerospace Engineering, and Doctor of Philosophy.

Master of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics (M.S.A.A.)

Admission Requirements

• Grade Point Average: The Graduate School requires that applicants hold a GPA of at least 3.00 for the last 90 quarter hours or 60 semester hours of graded undergraduate course work to be considered for admission. Applicants admitted by the department normally have a minimum GPA of 3.30. Applicants with less than a 3.30 GPA may still be considered for admission if they have other strong credentials, such as graduation from an outstanding undergraduate program and excellent GRE scores.
• Quality and Difficulty of Courses Taken and Universities and Colleges Attended: Each transcript is individually reviewed. The department recognizes that some academic institutions are more competitive and high grades are more difficult to obtain.
• GRE General Test: The department requires applicants to take the general portion of the Graduate Record Examination. Although the department does not have minimum GRE scores, the typical successful applicant to the program has scores in excess of 450 Verbal, 700 Quantitative, 650 Analytical, or 5.0 Analytical Writing. If the applicant wishes to be considered for a graduate assistantship or fellowship, the scores should be received before February 15th.
• Two Letters of Recommendation: Confidential letters may be submitted electronically by recommenders indicated on the on-line application, or placed in sealed envelopes and included with application materials, or sent directly to the department by the recommenders. Writers should be able to rank the applicant’s performance as a student and/or researcher. A referer should send the recommendation in letter format; no special form is used.
• Statement of Objectives: A statement of objectives should be written, providing the department with information about the applicant not found in the transcripts and other official documents. For example, statements can include personal histories, professional and academic goals, and specific research interests if applicable.
• English Requirements for Foreign Students: Minimum TOEFL scores of 580 on the paper-based exam or 237 on the computerized exam are required for foreign students whose native language is not English.
• Prior Degrees: Prospective students should hold an undergraduate degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering. Applicants with strong grades (3.5 and above) in related disciplines (physics, other engineering disciplines) are considered.

Degree Requirements

• All M.S.A.A. degree candidates must have a program of study plan approved by the Graduate Committee of the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

• Before completing 12 credits of graduate course work, file a program of study plan which has been prepared with the assistance of the adviser or with the Graduate Program Adviser. This program is submitted to the Graduate Committee for approval.

• The minimum M.S.A.A. program may consist of either ten courses plus 9 thesis credits, or 13 courses. No more than three of the courses may be at the 400 level (though not in a student's depth area). All courses counted toward the degree must be graded. In addition, each student must enroll in the graduate seminar (A A 520) during each quarter of full-time studies.

  The student's program of study is tailored to the needs and interests of the student. However, each program must include depth in a field of specialization, breadth to include at least one course in each of two different subject areas outside the field of specialization, and analytical strength to include three mathematical courses. Senior sequences in engineering, science, or other appropriate professional fields may be used to make up part of the individualized graduate program. However, only three undergraduate courses are counted toward the minimum requirements (and none in the student's depth area).

• The thesis, if that degree option is chosen, is approved by the student's adviser and second reviewer and submitted to the Graduate School. After submitting one copy of the thesis to the department, two signed, unbound copies of the thesis and receipt for binding fee must be submitted to the Graduate School by the last day of the quarter.

It usually takes one and a half to two years of full-time study to complete the requirements for an M.S.A.A. degree. The Graduate School imposes a time limit of six years for any master's degree.

Master of Aerospace Engineering (M.A.E.)

The M.A.E. program is intended for recent graduates or engineers who wish to expand their knowledge in multidisciplinary areas while also learning other aspects of aerospace engineering, such as business, management, manufacturing, or technical communication.

Admission Requirements

• Grade Point Average: The Graduate School requires that applicants hold a GPA of at least 3.00 for the last 90 quarter hours or 60 semester hours of graded undergraduate course work to be considered for admission. Applicants admitted by the department normally have a minimum GPA of 3.30. Applicants with less than a 3.30 GPA may still be considered for admission if they have other strong credentials, such as graduation from an outstanding undergraduate program and excellent GRE scores.
• Quality and Difficulty of Courses Taken and Universities and Colleges Attended: Each transcript is individually reviewed. The department recognizes that some academic institutions are more competitive and high grades are more difficult to obtain.
• GRE General Test: The department requires applicants to take the general portion of the Graduate Record Examination. Although the department does not have minimum GRE scores, the typical successful applicant to the program has scores in excess of 450 Verbal, 700 Quantitative, 650 Analytical, or 4.0 Analytical Writing. If the applicant wishes to be considered for a graduate assistantship or fellowship, the scores should be received before February 15th.
• Two Letters of Recommendation: Confidential letters may be submitted electronically by recommenders indicated on the on-line application, or placed in sealed envelopes and included with application materials, or sent directly to the department by the recommenders. Writers should be able to rank an applicant’s performance as a student and/or researcher. A referer should send the recommendation in letter format; no special forms are used.
• Statement of Objectives: A statement of objectives should be written providing the department with information about the applicant not found in the transcripts and other official documents. For example, statements can include personal histories, professional and academic goals, and specific research interests if applicable.
• English Requirements for Foreign Students: Minimum TOEFL scores of 580 on the paper-based exam or 237 on the computerized exam are required for foreign students whose native language is not English.
• Prior Degrees: Prospective students should hold an undergraduate degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering. Applicants with strong grades (3.5 and above) in related disciplines (physics, other engineering disciplines) are considered.

Degree Requirements

Students create their own programs of study based on departmental distribution requirements and subject to departmental approval, to include courses in a specialty area, technical and non-technical electives, analytical courses, and a group or independent project. The M.A.E. program includes twelve courses plus 8 credits for the project, or ten courses and one of three business certificate programs.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

The doctoral program consists of lectures, seminars, discussions, and independent study, enabling the student to master and to make original contributions to a particular field.

Admission Requirements

• Grade Point Average: The Graduate School requires that applicants hold a GPA of at least 3.00 for the last 90 quarter hours or 60 semester hours of graded undergraduate course work to be considered for admission. Applicants admitted by the department normally have a minimum GPA of 3.40. Applicants with less than a 3.30 GPA may still be considered for admission if they have other strong credentials, such as graduation from an outstanding undergraduate program and excellent GRE scores.
• Quality and Difficulty of Courses Taken and Universities and Colleges Attended: Each transcript is individually reviewed. The department recognizes that some academic institutions are more competitive and high grades are more difficult to obtain.
• GRE General Test: The department requires applicants to take the general portion of the Graduate Record Examination. Although the department does not have minimum GRE scores, the typical successful applicant to the program has scores in excess of 450 Verbal, 700 Quantitative, 650 Analytical, or 4.0 Analytical Writing. If the applicant wishes to be considered for a graduate assistantship or fellowship, the scores should be received before February 15th.
• Two Letters of Recommendation: Confidential letters may be submitted electronically by recommenders indicated on the on-line application, or placed in sealed envelopes and included with application materials, or sent directly to the department by the recommenders. Writers should be able to rank the applicant’s performance as a student and/or researcher. A referer should send the recommendation in letter format; no special forms are used.
• Statement of Objectives: A statement of objectives should be written providing the department with information about the applicant not found in the transcripts and other official documents.For example, statements can include personal histories, professional and academic goals, and specific research interests.
• English Requirements for Foreign Students: Minimum TOEFL scores of 580 on the paper-based exam or 237 on the computerized exam are required for foreign students whose native language is not English.
• Prior Degrees: Prospective students should hold undergraduate and graduate degrees in aerospace or mechanical engineering with a minimum GPA of 3.40. Applicants with strong grades (3.4 and above) in related disciplines (physics, other engineering disciplines) are considered.

Degree Requirements

• The Departmental Qualifying Examination: To take the department qualifying examination, students must have a 3.40 GPA in technical course work at the graduate level. In addition, they must have an M.S.A.A. degree or its equivalent, must have a faculty member accept them into their research program and agree to serve as their thesis advisor, supervise their Ph.D. research, and chair their Qualifying Exam Committee.

• The General Examination: Upon successful completion of the qualifying examination, a Ph.D. supervisory committee chaired by the student's major adviser is appointed. The general examination is expected to be taken within one year after the qualifying examination, but no sooner than two years after the beginning of graduate study. At least three weeks prior to the exam, students provide the members of their committee a document outlining their proposed research.

• The Completion of Coursework: The department requires at least 18 credits of course work in addition to that for the M.S.A.A. degree. A form listing the courses to be taken must be approved by the student's adviser and placed in the student's file.

• The Preparation of the Dissertation: The dissertation requires a substantial effort, generally equivalent to at least one year of full-time study, and must demonstrate original and independent research and achievement.

• The Final Examination: When the dissertation is completed to the satisfaction of the chair of the Supervisory Committee, a reading committee of three is appointed from the student's committee. If the reading committee agrees that the dissertation is satisfactory, then the final examination is scheduled. That examination is generally devoted to a presentation and defense of the dissertation.

Research Activities

Facilities

Additional Information

Most students are financially supported by the department as teaching or research assistants, or by their employers. For further information on this or other aspects of department programs, contact the Graduate Program Coordinator, 211B Guggenheim Hall, Box 352400, or visit the department's Web site.