Head of the Department: W. C. Solomon
Correspondence and Information: Department of Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 306 Talbot Laboratory , 104 South Wright Street, Urbana, IL 61801; (217) 333-2651
GRADUATE FACULTY
Professors: L. A. Bergman, C. E. Bond, J. D. Buckmaster, B. A. Conway,
J. C. Dutton, J. I. Palmore, J. E. Prussing, L. H. Sentman, W. C. Solomon
Associate Professors: R. A. Beddini, M. B. Bragg, R. L. Burton, K. D. Lee, N. S. Namachchivaya
Assistant Professors: V. L. Coverstone-Carroll, P. H. Geubelle, E. Loth, M. S. Selig, P. G. Voulgaris, S. R. White
Emeritus Professors: H. H. Hilton, A. I. Ormsbee, K. R. Sivier, S. M. Yen, A. R. Zak
GRADUATE PROGRAM
The Department of Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering offers graduate
programs leading to the degrees of master of science and doctor of philosophy.
Study and research are planned to prepare graduates for fundamental and applied
work in airplane, missile, and space flight engineering. Typical areas of
concentration are aerodynamics, computational fluid dynamics, composite
materials, structures, structural dynamics, aeroelasticity, stochastic
dynamics, combustion and propulsion, chemical lasers, optimal orbit analysis,
guidance and control, space mechanics, and solar and wind energy.
ADMISSION
Typically, the prerequisite for graduate study is the equivalent of the
undergraduate curriculum required at the University of Illinois at
Urbana-Champaign for a bachelor's degree in aeronautical and astronautical
engineering; however, graduates of curricula leading to degrees in other fields
of engineering, the physical sciences, or mathematics may also be admitted to
advanced study. Admission requirements of the Graduate College apply.
MASTER OF SCIENCE
Candidates for the degree of master of science are required to complete a
minimum of 8 units of credit: 7 units of course work and 1 unit of thesis
credit. At least 3 units must be in 400-level courses, and 2 of these 3 units
must be in aeronautical and astronautical engineering. Only 1 of the 7 units
can be a special project class. For students terminating their studies with the
M.S. degree, a nonthesis option is available by departmental petition. Those
not writing a thesis are required to complete a minimum of 9 units of credit.
At least 4 units must be in 400-level courses, and 3 of those 4 units must be
in aeronautical and astronautical engineering.
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
All students desiring to enter the doctoral program are eligible to take the
aeronautical and astronautical engineering qualifying examination during the
term they earn their seventh unit of graduate credit, excluding Aeronautical
and Astronautical Engineering 499 (Thesis Research). An exam is given at least
once a year, and successful passage is required. Students who enter with the
master's degree typically take the qualifying exam during the first semester
following their admission to the program. Admission to the doctoral program is
based upon the course work, the qualifying examination, and an assessment of
the candidate's ability to do independent research. Although there is no
specific GPA requirement to continue from M.S. to Ph.D., as a guide, the
candidate will be expected to maintain a minimum 4.0 GPA (A = 5.0) in courses
taken in the M.S. program.
Because of the wide range of interests in the field of aeronautical and astronautical engineering, there are no specific course requirements for the program of study leading to the degree of doctor of philosophy. Each student plans a program in consultation with a departmental adviser. Courses offered by departments other than the Department of Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering may be included in the area of study when these courses are of particular value to the work that students desire to emphasize. The program of study must meet with the approval of the departmental adviser. Minimum requirements for the degree consist of 8 units of course credit beyond the master's degree, successful completion of the preliminary examination, and a satisfactory thesis developed from 8 units of thesis research. Of the total course units, beyond the master of science course requirement, only 2 units maximum can be special project classes. Of the total Ph.D. course work requirements, at least 6 units must be at the 400 level, and 4 of these 6 units must be in aeronautical and astronautical engineering.
FINANCIAL AID
Financial aid for graduate students is available in the form of fellowships,
teaching and research assistantships, and tuition waivers. A block grant from
the National Aeronautics and Space Administration supports a multidisciplinary
research and training program. Qualified candidates are considered for
financial support upon application. In addition, graduate students making
satisfactory progress toward their degrees may be considered for financial
support.
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