Aerospace Engineering

Aerospace Engineering at Iowa State University of Science and Technology is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to prepare students for a successful career in the aerospace industry. The curriculum focuses on the fundamental principles of aerodynamics, propulsion, flight mechanics, and aircraft and spacecraft design. Students gain a solid foundation in mathematics, physics, and engineering sciences, enabling them to analyze and solve complex problems related to the development, testing, and operation of aerospace vehicles. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through laboratories, design projects, and internships with industry partners, providing students with practical experience that complements their theoretical knowledge. The faculty comprises leading experts in aeronautics, astronautics, and flight systems, offering mentorship and research opportunities that foster innovation and critical thinking. In addition to technical coursework, students are encouraged to develop teamwork, communication, and leadership skills essential for multidisciplinary collaboration in aerospace projects. The program also includes opportunities for specialization in areas such as aerial vehicle design, spacecraft systems, propulsion technology, and embedded systems. Graduates of the Aerospace Engineering program at Iowa State University are well-prepared for graduate studies or direct employment in aerospace companies, government agencies, and research institutions. They are equipped to contribute to advancements in aircraft and spacecraft technology, participate in aerospace research, and support the development of sustainable and innovative aerospace solutions. The university’s strong industry connections and modern facilities ensure that students receive a cutting-edge education aligned with current and future aerospace challenges. Whether aiming to design the next generation of aircraft or exploring space exploration, students in this program develop the technical expertise, creativity, and problem-solving skills needed for a dynamic and evolving field.

Master of Engineering (with creative component) – A minimum of 27 credits of acceptable coursework is required, with at least 18 credits of coursework in Aerospace Engineering, and a minimum of 3 credits of Aer E 599 (creative component).  The POS for this degree must include at least one course from 4 out of the 5 Aer E core areas. Each student is required to present an open seminar as the first portion of the final thesis defense.   

Master of Engineering (course work only option) – A minimum of 30 credits of acceptable coursework is required, with at least 18 credits of coursework in Aerospace Engineering.  The POS for this degree must include at least one course from 4 out of the 5 Aer E core areas.

Master of Science – A minimum of 21 credits of acceptable coursework, with at least 15 credits of coursework in Aerospace Engineering. In addition, a minimum of 6 credits in Aer E 699 (thesis research) must be taken. This means that there can be 21‐24 credits of coursework with 6‐9 credits of thesis research (for a total of 30 credit hours), while satisfying the above minimum requirements. Further, a thesis is required, which has been found acceptable to the POSC following a thesis defense.  The POS for this degree must include at least one course from 3 of the 5 Aer E core areas. Each student is required to present an open seminar as the first portion of the final thesis defense. 

Aerospace Engineering Core Areas

Aerospace Systems and Design

• Aer E 563 – Introduction to Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (MDO)
• Aer E 565 – System Engineering
• Aer E 568 – Large‐Scale Complex Engineered Systems (LSCES)
• Aer E 511X – Wind Energy System Design

Aircraft Structures

• Aer E 521 ‐ Airframe Analysis
• Aer E 569 ‐ Mechanics of Composite and Combined Materials
• EM 514 ‐ Advanced Mechanics of Materials
• EM 525 ‐ Finite Element Analysis

Astrodynamics and Flight Dynamics

• Aer E 551 ‐ Orbital Mechanics
• Aer E 577 ‐ Linear Systems
• Aer E 578 ‐ Nonlinear Systems
• EM 548 ‐ Advanced Engineering Dynamics

Incompressible/Compressible Aerodynamics

• Aer E 532 ‐ Compressible Fluid Flow
• Aer E 541 ‐ Incompressible Flow Aerodynamics
• Aer E 545 – Advanced Experimental Techniques for Thermal‐Fluid Studies
• Aer E 546 – Computational Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer I

Guidance, Navigation, and Control

• Aer E 531 ‐ Automatic Control of Flight Vehicles
• Aer E 556 ‐ Guidance and Navigation of Aerospace Vehicles
• Aer E 573 ‐ Random Signals and Kalman Filtering
• Aer E 574 ‐ Optimal Control

• Iowa State requires a degree it considers comparable to a US bachelor’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university prior to beginning graduate studies. (For foreign institutions, that would be recognition by the Ministry of Education.) 
• Our graduate application form is only available online. The $100 application fee for international students is nonrefundable. If you prefer not to pay the application fee by credit card, you may complete and print the online application, and attach your personal check. All checks should be in US dollars and made payable to Iowa State University.
• Grade Point Average (GPA)
• Statement of Purpose
• Online Recommendations
• Internet Based TOEFL (iBT) 79, Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT) 550
• IELTS 6.5
• Graduate Records Examination (GRE)
• Financial Statement

Scholarships

• All-USA Academic Award
• The Whirlwind Steel Student Scholarship

The Aerospace Engineering program at Iowa State University of Science and Technology is designed to prepare students for careers in the aerospace industry, including the design, development, testing, and production of aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems. The curriculum provides a comprehensive foundation in aerodynamics, propulsion, aircraft structures, materials, control systems, and systems integration. Students in this program benefit from state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities that support hands-on learning and innovative research. The program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical application, aiming to equip graduates with the skills necessary for leadership roles in aerospace engineering firms, government agencies, and academia.

The coursework includes core engineering principles, advanced topics in aerodynamics, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and materials science, as well as specialized courses in aircraft and spacecraft design, aerospace propulsion, control systems, and avionics. Students are encouraged to participate in research projects, internships, and cooperative education opportunities, often collaborating with industry partners such as NASA, Boeing, and Raytheon, which have a strong presence at the university. These experiences promote real-world problem-solving skills and industry readiness.

The program also emphasizes the importance of sustainability and recent technological advances such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), space exploration technologies, and hybrid/electric propulsion. The faculty comprises experienced researchers and practitioners actively engaged in cutting-edge aerospace research, ensuring that students are exposed to the latest developments and innovations in the field.

Graduates of the Aerospace Engineering program at Iowa State University are well-equipped to pursue careers in aircraft and spacecraft design, manufacturing, testing, and maintenance. They also have opportunities to continue their education at the graduate level or participate in research and development activities related to aerospace technology. The university’s strong ties to industry and government agencies provide students with valuable networking opportunities and pathways to employment.

Overall, the program aims to produce versatile aerospace engineers who are capable of addressing complex engineering challenges, advancing aerospace technology, and contributing to national and international aerospace endeavors. The combination of rigorous academics, research opportunities, industry partnerships, and a commitment to innovation ensures that graduates are competitive in a dynamic and rapidly evolving field.