aerospace sciences student at graduation

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

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.

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

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.

  • Get a unique perspective 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

121K

Median salary for an aerospace program manager

Payscale.com

131K

Median salary for aerospace engineers, 2023

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 Managers develop and implement strategies to ensure national security through the application of cutting-edge aerospace technologies. They oversee and coordinate defense-related aerospace projects.
  • Aerospace Laboratory Directors lead research and development initiatives in specialized laboratories. They design and execute experiments, manage research teams, and collaborate with industry partners to drive innovation in aerospace technology.
  • Aerospace Program Directors play a crucial role in overseeing the planning, execution, and success of aerospace programs within private companies or government agencies. They are responsible for managing resources and ensuring the timely delivery of aerospace products and services.
  • Aerospace Science Researchers conduct in-depth research, publish scholarly articles, and explore emerging trends to contribute to the theoretical foundations and practical applications of aerospace sciences.
  • Federal Agency Policymakers influence and shape policies related to aerospace and aviation at the national level. They work with government agencies to develop regulations, standards, and guidelines that govern the aerospace industry.
  • Higher Education Professors teach courses, mentor students, and engage in research to advance the aerospace industry.
  • Senior Aerospace Engineers are integral members of aerospace technology companies. They lead engineering teams, contribute to the design and development of aerospace systems, and execute complex projects.
  • Senior Aircraft Engineers lead initiatives related to aircraft design, maintenance, and improvement, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and the incorporation of cutting-edge technologies.

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.

Online Aerospace Sciences Ph.D. Degree

2#

best online graduate programs

EDsmart

1#

best online college in North Dakota

Forbes

Live Online Aerospace Ph.D. Courses

Synchronous classes are held in real-time. If you’re the kind of learner who likes active discussion and immediate feedback through live interaction, you’ll enjoy this online course format.

Every class is different, but generally, you’ll log into a virtual classroom at scheduled times to:

  • Listen to a lecture.
  • Ask questions.
  • Participate in class discussions.
  • Conduct group activities.
  • Participate in video-sharing.
  • Have chat conversations.
  • Use interactive whiteboards.
  • Take live polls.

You should prepare for your classes by finishing any assigned readings, compiling questions for your instructor, and thinking about how to contribute to the next live class.

Campus Visits

Ph.D. students may be expected to come to campus for research as the discretion of their Committee. Traditionally, this results in minimally one-week on campus per year, but individual students will need to consult with their Committee to determine how much on campus, if any, is needed. Additionally, a Ph.D. candidate should be present for the Ph.D. dissertation defense.

Leading Online Aerospace Sciences Ph.D.

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs.

No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

  • Same degree: All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
  • Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
  • Real interaction: You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
  • Your own academic advisor: As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
  • Free online tutoring: We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
  • Unlimited academic coaching: Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
  • Full online access: Dig into virtual research at UND's libraries. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
  • 24/7 technical support: UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
  • Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

  • Affordability
  • Student satisfaction (retention rate)
  • Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
  • Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)

First in Space

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

Read Sara's Story

Explore More Options

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

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