About

The objectives of the Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering (M.S.A.E.) degree are to provide a quality graduate educational program that will complement the existing undergraduate and graduate curricula in mechanical engineering. The aerospace graduate program will improve and enhance the capabilities of those students seeking careers in the aerospace field and supporting engineering work for the aerospace and aviation technology community. The majority of students seeking the M.S.A.E. degree will have undergraduate degrees in the fields of mechanical or aerospace engineering, or closely related fields of engineering, applied physics, or applied mathematics; some will already have graduate degrees in the more conventional areas of engineering or the sciences. Those individuals with engineering (as well as physical science) interests will use the M.S.A.E. to develop careers as well as improve their skills in the aerospace and aviation industry. Students enrolling in the program on a full-time basis will likely assist engineering faculty in obtaining sponsored project funding and performing innovative aerospace and aviation engineering research.

Available Options

  • Non-Thesis Track
  • Thesis Track
  • Integrated BS-MS Track

Accreditation

For information regarding accreditation at UNLV, please head over to Academic Program Accreditations.

Learning Outcomes

M.S.A.E. Non-Thesis Track

The M.S.A.E. non-thesis track strives to provide a learning centered environment where accomplished faculty share their experience and knowledge with students so that graduates of the program can:

  1. Demonstrate a advanced technical knowledge of state-of-the-art and evolving areas associated with  the mechanical engineering field so that they can lead and direct engineering and scientific industry teams in their chosen field of study.
  2. The ability to solve open-ended design problems.
Outcomes

Graduates of the program will demonstrate a strong technical knowledge in chosen mechanical engineering field by passing a comprehensive exam or a design project in the student's major area of study near the completion of the degree program.

Assessment
  1. Comprehensive exam/design project
  2. Track graduates career shortly after graduation
Requirement

Requires 33 credits of approved graduate courses. At least 18 credits must be earned from 700-level courses, of which 15 credits must be in engineering. To complete the Non-Thesis option, students must also successfully complete the Design Project course (ME 796-Design Project in Mechanical Engineering) or pass a comprehensive written and oral exit exam before receiving their degree.

M.S.A.E. Thesis Track

The M.S.A.E. thesis track strives to provide a learning centered environment where accomplished faculty share their experience and knowledge with students so that graduates of the program can:

  1. Demonstrate a advanced technical knowledge of state-of-the-art and evolving areas associated with the mechanical engineering field so that they can lead and direct engineering and scientific industry teams in their chosen field of study.
  2. Demonstrate the ability to work creatively and independently on research topics.
Outcomes

Graduates of the program will:

  1. Demonstrate a strong technical knowledge in chosen mechanical engineering field by successfully completing course work and integrating knowledge learned in their course work into a thesis.
  2. Demonstrate the ability to learn independently by completing a creative or research project and reporting on this activity in a thesis which should include:
    • A hypothesis (or hypotheses)
    • A set of objectives and goals
    • A critical literature review
    • A theoretical, experimental and/or modeling study
    • A conclusion
  3. Demonstrate the ability to communicate technical information both orally and in writing at an acceptable level of proficiency.

Assessment

  1. MS thesis
  2. Thesis defense (oral exam)
  3. Track graduates career shortly after graduation
Requirement

Requires 33 credits of approved graduate courses. At least 18 credits must be earned from 700-level courses, of which 15 credits must be in engineering. To complete the Non-Thesis option, students must also successfully complete the Design Project course (ME 796-Design Project in Mechanical Engineering) or pass a comprehensive written and oral exit exam before receiving their degree.

Career Possibilities

Graduates in Aerospace Engineering may pursue a variety of career paths in aircraft design and development, propulsion, and aerodynamics. Some work in related fields in industry and others obtain an advanced degree.

Requirements

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Documents/Downloads

Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering

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Non-Thesis Track

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Thesis Track

Integrated BS-MS Track

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Contacts

Department of Mechanical Engineering

The Department of Mechanical Engineering prepares students for the lifelong practice of mechanical engineering and related engineering disciplines. Our students to become problem solvers through applying science to deal with the relations among forces, work, or energy, and power in designing systems, which ultimately contributes to the betterment of the human environment.

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Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering

The College of Engineering provides students a well-rounded foundation in several engineering disciplines for a successful career in engineering and computer science. Through the hands-on, experiential education experience we offer, students are enabled to achieve excellence in their respective fields.

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