aerospace engineer phd students in lab

Aerospace Engineering Ph.D.

Doctor of Philosophy

Advance the science and systems that make flight, space exploration and autonomous technologies possible.

Through original research, you’ll help design and develop the aerospace technologies that shape national defense, space exploration and the future of aviation. This doctoral program prepares you to lead innovation at the highest levels of engineering — advancing knowledge while driving real-world impact in one of the world’s most complex and consequential fields.

Program type:
Doctoral Degree
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
2 years
Credit hours:
30

Why earn a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering?

Graduate Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 1
Spring:
Dec. 1
Summer:
May 1

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

In this program, you'll engage in advanced, interdisciplinary aerospace research alongside expert faculty across engineering, autonomous systems, materials, propulsion and space sciences. The collaborative program allows you to tailor your doctoral studies to align with your specific research interests and career goals while working at the forefront of aerospace innovation. You’ll explore topics such as:

  • Hypersonics
  • UAV/UAS technologies
  • Flight dynamics and control
  • Propulsion systems
  • Aerospace structures
  • Space systems engineering

Through completion of this program, you will:

  • Design a personalized curriculum and research pathway aligned with your technical interests and career objectives in industry, government and academia.
  • Conduct original, high-impact research supported by nationally recognized faculty and externally funded initiatives, contributing to peer-reviewed publications and conferences.
  • Gain hands-on experience applying research to real-world aerospace challenges through collaboration with industry and government partners such as NASA, the DoD and leading aerospace companies.
  • Develop analytical, computational and systems-level problem-solving skills required for leadership roles in aerospace research and technology development.
  • Build a strong professional network through faculty mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration and engagement with industry and research centers — positioning you for career opportunities at the forefront of the aerospace field.

UND's Aerospace Engineering Ph.D.

  • Operate within a nationally rare aerospace ecosystem, where an engineering college and one of the country’s largest aviation and aerospace schools coexist, allowing doctoral research to intersect naturally with flight operations, airspace policy, UAS operations and applied aviation science.

  • Conduct doctoral research in unrestricted, real-world airspace, supported by North Dakota’s status as one of only seven FAA-designated UAS test sites, providing consistent access to live testing, experimental flight activity and regulatory collaboration.

  • Benefit from sustained federal and defense research alignment, with UND’s hypersonics, national security, AI and autonomous systems initiatives directly tied to long-term government funding priorities rather than short-term academic trends.

  • Pursue a Ph.D. in a program designed to support working professionals, offering online delivery options that maintain doctoral rigor while allowing students to remain embedded in industry, government labs or research organizations during their studies.

  • Gain early access to defense, autonomy and aerospace compliance work, where research intersects with certification, policy development and operational constraints. This experience is especially valuable in defense, DoD contracting and advanced aerospace system deployment.

  • Graduate from an institution nationally recognized for UAS and autonomous systems leadership, giving your Ph.D. a distinct identity in the job market in defense, aerospace R&D and emerging aviation sectors where applied experience and airspace expertise matter as much as theory.

What can I do with a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering?

134k

Median annual wage for aerospace engineers

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

6%

Percent that employment of aerospace engineers is projected to 2034

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

A Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering prepares you for highly specialized and influential careers across industry, government, national defense and academia. Graduates are trained to lead advanced research efforts, develop next-generation aerospace systems and shape the future of aviation, space exploration and autonomous technologies. Demand for aerospace expertise continues to grow as innovation accelerates in defense, space systems, sustainability and advanced aircraft design. Potential careers include:

  • Aerospace Engineering Manager: Oversee technical teams responsible for designing, testing and deploying aerospace systems and products. Guide complex engineering projects from concept through implementation while balancing technical excellence, regulatory requirements and organizational objectives.
  • Aerospace Research Scientist: Lead original research that advances design, performance and reliability of aerospace vehicles and systems. Focus on areas such as aerodynamics, propulsion structures, materials or flight dynamics, contributing to peer-reviewed publications and funded research initiatives.
  • Aerospace Systems or Instrumentation Expert: Specialize in navigational, measuring and control instrumentation for aircraft, spacecraft and autonomous systems. Apply advanced engineering principles to develop and evaluate systems that ensure precision, safety and performance in complex aerospace environments.
  • Defense Research Scientist: Conduct advanced research for national defense and security applications, supporting the development of aerospace systems, autonomous platforms, propulsion technologies and flight control systems. Works closely with government agencies and defense contractors to address complex national security challenges.
  • Principal or Director of Research & Development: Set research strategy and lead innovation initiatives within aerospace corporations, government laboratories or research organizations. Direct multidisciplinary teams to develop cutting-edge technologies in aviation, space systems, autonomous platforms and advanced instrumentation.
  • Professor or Academic Researcher: Teach and mentor undergraduate and graduate students while conducting funded research at a university. Contribute to the advancement of aerospace engineering knowledge through scholarship, publication and collaboration with industry and government partners.

Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering Courses

ME 466. Aerodynamics. 3 Credits.

This is a course on the fundamentals of aerodynamics for engineers. The course will cover a review of fluid mechanics including inviscid, incompressible, and compressible flows. The course topics include parameters for airfoils and wings, incompressible flow over airfoils and wings of infinite and finite span, shock and expansion waves, quasi-one-dimensional compressible flow through nozzle, subsonic compressible flow over airfoils, supersonic flow over thin airfoils, introduction to viscous flow, and laminar and turbulent boundary layers. Prerequisite: ME 341 with a grade of C or better and ME 306. S.

ME 477. Compressible Fluid Flow. 3 Credits.

Introduction to the theory and application of one-dimensional compressible flow. Course topics include isentropic flow in converging and converging/diverging nozzles, normal shock waves, oblique shock waves, Prandtl-Meyer flow, flow with friction and heat addition. Prerequisite: ME 341 with a grade of C or better and ME 306. On demand.

ME 464. Computational Fluid Dynamics. 3 Credits.

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is an introductory course focused on the numerical solution of partial differential equations (PDEs) using finite difference and finite volume methods. The course topics include the governing equations in fluid dynamics, classification of PDEs, boundary and initial conditions of PDEs, numerical discretization methods, analysis of numerical methods, model equations for incompressible and compressible flows, numerical methods suitable for model equations, and numerical linear algebra. Advanced topics in grid generation and turbulence modeling, important to practical applications of CFD, will also be discussed. Prerequisite: ME 341 with a grade of C or better, ME 306, and MATH 266. On demand.

ME 529. Advanced Finite Element Methods. 3 Credits.

Computer-aided techniques for finite element analysis of engineering systems. Topics include solution algorithm for nonlinear methods, large deflection, inelastic and contact analysis, and analysis of vibrating systems. Prerequisite: ME 429 or consent of instructor.

ME 530. UAS in Engineering Design and Applications. 3 Credits.

Students will be exposed to the emerging role UAS play in both engineering design and applications. Students will study the distinctive requirements when designing or developing components and/or specialized applications used by the UAS industry. Proper mission planning techniques that utilize the unique capabilities of UAS and appropriate regulatory and legal use of UAS will be covered. These objectives will be accomplished through in-class lectures and special guest presentations by leaders in the field, as well as teams of students demonstrating their competence in a capstone engineering design and/or application project. Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor. S, odd years.

SPST 505. Spacecraft Systems Engineering. 3 Credits.

This course will guide the students through the spacecraft design and proposal process for an actual mission. In this course the students will work in teams on individual spacecraft subsystems, participate in an engineering design review, and create a document which can be submitted for funding for a small satellite project. Lectures will provide an overview of the separate spacecraft subsystems involved in a typical mission, the systems engineering approach to spacecraft development, and the grant writing process. Distance students will interact with on-campus students via conferencing software. Prerequisite: SPST 405 or consent of instructor.

Leaders in Engineering

Helping you fulfill your aspirations is our highest priority. We'll work with you to design a custom educational plan that meets your goals.

Explore More Options

Check out the UND aerospace engineering faculty or discover other Ph.D. programs.

Department Contact
Clement Tang
Chair & Associate Professor
P 701.777.5370

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