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Aerospace Sciences Ph.D.

Doctor of Philosophy in Aerospace Sciences

Become part of the next generation of aerospace leaders to oversee cutting-edge advancements in aviation and space.

Successful aerospace professionals possess broad backgrounds linking science, engineering, policy, business and law. Get your doctoral education from a world-renowned center for aerospace learning, the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences at UND.

Program type:
Doctoral Degree
Format:
On Campus or Online
Est. time to complete:
4-7 years
Credit hours:
90
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Why earn a Ph.D. in aerospace science?

Application Deadline
Fall:
Feb 1

Application opens on August 1. Completed applications and all required materials must be received by February 1.

UND's Aerospace Sciences Ph.D. program provides interdisciplinary teaching and research at the highest academic level. Our goal is to graduate highly educated aerospace scholars and leaders. You'll learn skills to mix technology and science with an understanding of the politics and economics of the aerospace fields. You'll enhance your analytical, technical, research and communication skills through classroom and research activities. The result will be capabilities to carry out independent, original and applied aerospace research at a high level.

You'll experience outstanding faculty focus while in the program. Leverage faculty expertise drawn from disciplines such as:

  • Aerodynamics
  • Aerospace engineering
  • Aviation management
  • Business
  • Computer Science
  • Machine learning and artificial intelligence
  • Orbital mechanics
  • Planetary science
  • Public policy and law
  • Remote sensing
  • Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)

Aerospace Science Ph.D. at UND

  • Gain the extensive technical knowledge needed to be a successful leader in the industry by applying solutions gained through theory and applied research.

  • Be part of a program nationally acclaimed for achievements in aviation education, atmospheric research, space studies, and earth system science and policy research.

  • Gain unique perspectives and training that integrates and combines traditional disciplines related to space.

  • Access an extensive and involved alumni network that provides real-time industry feedback to research and development work by dissertation candidates.

  • Pursue the doctorate from anywhere in the world with our online synchronous curriculum, while still receiving real time faculty and student interaction.

  • Conduct research in the Space Studies department's Human Spaceflight Lab or Observatory.

Careers with a Ph.D. in Aerospace Science

118K

Median salary for an aerospace program manager

Payscale.com

123K

Median salary for an aerospace engineer

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

A doctoral degree in Aerospace Sciences from UND lets you further develop the critical skills needed to fill leadership roles. These opportunities span government and research agencies, educational institutions and private aerospace and aviation companies.

UND bearers of doctoral degrees have gone onto careers in top space exploration enterprises and aerospace technology companies. Some opportunities graduates can expect include:

  • Aerospace defense manager
  • Aerospace laboratory director
  • Aerospace program director
  • Aerospace science researcher
  • Federal agency policymaker
  • Higher education professor
  • Senior aerospace engineer
  • Senior aircraft engineer

Aerospace Sciences Ph.D. Courses

AVIT 521. Ethics in Aerospace. 3 Credits.

The course will introduce ethical concepts and frameworks used in professional decision-making. Students will engage with faculty and outside speakers to weigh decisions in the applicable ethical frameworks. Students participation will include graded elements of formal case presentations, class discussion sessions, essay examinations and review of scholarly and trade journal articles. The course will have a strong emphasis on research project design to assess dynamics of ethical decision-making in different populations, as well as exploring educational opportunities in the aerospace industry.

SPST 565. Space Law. 3 Credits.

This course serves as a graduate-level introduction to the field of Law as applied to Space Law. The course examines the origins and evolution of the laws of outer space from the beginnings of the space age to the present. International laws governing access and use of space, and national laws regulating governmental and commercial activities in space are reviewed and analyzed. On demand.

SPST 410. Life Support Systems. 3 Credits.

A review of the physiological effects of living in space including a discussion of current and near-term life support systems equipment for the provision of oxygen, water, food, and radiation protection. In addition, a review will be made of the issues associated with the development of fully closed ecological life-support systems that will be essential to the long-term development of space. On demand.

SPST 512. Human Performance in Extreme Environments. 3 Credits.

This course identifies the impact that the stressors of extreme environments have on human performance. The course objectives are to highlight the differences and similarities among extreme environments and to demonstrate that, despite the differences lessons learned from operations in a given extreme environment can be effectively applied to other environments. Although settings such as space, mountains, or deep sea exhibit unique characteristics, the human physiological and psychological reactions and adaptations to these extreme settings stay similar. On demand.

AVIT 520. Strategic Airport Planning. 3 Credits.

This course will explore the elements of airport planning within the public administration domain. Emphasis will be placed on individual airport's strategic plans, how airports operate efficiently and effectively with changing regulations and economic fluctuations in the global marketplace.

AVIT 513. Aviation Safety Management Systems. 3 Credits.

An in-depth study of aviation safety management concepts and principles as they relate to effective safety programs within the airlines, corporate aviation, general aviation and airports.

First in Space

Sara Sabry, the first Egyptian to reach space, is pursuing a doctorate in Aerospace Sciences at UND.

Read Sara's Story

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Explore More Options

Connect with the space studies and aviation faculty you'll work with at UND's world-renowned center for aerospace learning.

  • Department of Space Studies
  • Department of Aviation
  • John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences
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