MAE Graduate Programs

Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering (MSAE)

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME)

Non-Thesis:

This degree is designed to allow a student to obtain an MS degree in 2 years but, in some cases, can be completed in as few as 18 months. It is intended for students pursuing careers in industry or those who have already begun their careers. Many non-thesis students work full-time and attend college part-time. 

• 6 MAE courses (18 credit hours)
• Up to 3 approved MAE or non-MAE electives (9 credit hours)
• MAE 586 independent project (3 credit hours)

The Director of Graduate Programs serves as academic advisor, and independent project work under a faculty mentor fulfills MAE 586 requirements.

Industry option:

This special option allows non-thesis industry students to replace the MAE586 independent academic project with an industry internship experience. The internship must be 4 to 7 months in duration and take place during a Spring or Fall semester (+/- summer session). Internships are identified by the student. 

• 6 MAE courses (18 credit hours)
• Up to 3 approved MAE or non-MAE electives (9 credit hours)
• MAE 650 industry internship (3 credit hours)

Thesis option:

The thesis option requires in depth research in a topic chosen by the student and their research mentor in addition to graded courses. The degree is appropriate for a student interested in research or considering continuing for a PhD degree.

• 4 MAE courses (12 hours)
• Up to 3 approved MAE or non-MAE electives (9 credit hours)
• MAE 695 thesis research (at least 9 credit hours)
• Research: Committee with chair (research mentor) and 2 other MAE members, final defense and thesis required.

MAE Research Areas

MAE Courses

Available for non-thesis and industry only.

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Doctor of Philosophy in Aerospace Engineering (PhD AE)

Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering (PhD ME)

With Prior MS:

• Transfer up to 18 credits (non NCSU MS) or 30 credits (NCSU MS)
• Graded coursework (at least 39 credits) including transfer credits
• MAE 895 research (at least 24 credits)
• Research: Committee with chair (research mentor), 3 other MAE members, Grad School Rep
  • preliminary exam, final defense and dissertation required.

Direct-to-PhD:

The MAE department gives admission directly into the PhD program from the BS degree for those who are highly qualified. A minimum GPA of 3.5 is a strict requirement for this path. 

• Graded coursework (at least 39 credits)
• MAE 895 research (at least 24 credits)
• Research: Committee with chair (research mentor), 2 other MAE members, Grad School Rep (see MAE graduate handbook for specific details and configuration options)
  • qualifying exam, preliminary exam, final defense and dissertation required.

Research Areas and Courses

MAE Research Areas

MAE Courses