Aerospace

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Through the Clark School at the University of Maryland, students benefit from the Department of Aerospace Engineering’s cutting-edge educational facilities, dedicated faculty, and ties with leading companies and government agencies.

The Master of Engineering program is designed to broaden your knowledge in industry and prepare you to work both in the public and private sectors. This program is a great option for working engineers and technical professionals looking to advance their career or to transition into the aerospace engineering field.

Our Aerospace Engineering program prepares graduates to design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles. Students earning a Master of Engineering degree will gain the expertise needed to develop new technologies in areas such as structures, propulsion systems, vehicle movement and control, and overall vehicle design for use in aviation, defense systems, and space exploration.

The Graduate Certificate in Engineering in Aerospace offers students the opportunity to specialize in Rotorcraft, Space, or General Aerospace Engineering to tailor their certificate to a specific career path. 

Course Finder

  • ENAE601 Astrodynamics (3 Credits) | Core

    Mathematics and applications of orbit theory, building upon the foundations developed in ENAE 404 and ENAE 441. Topics include two body orbits, solutions of Kepler's equation, the two-point boundary value problem, rendezvous techniques, and ...

  • ENAE602 Spacecraft Attitude Dynamics and Control (3 Credits) | Core

    Rigid body rotational dynamics of spacecraft; forced and unforced motion, torques produced by the orbital environment; orbit/attitude coupling; gas jet, momentum wheel, and magnetic torque actuators. Elementary feedback attitude regulators ...

  • ENAE631 Helicopter Aerodynamics I (3 Credits) | Elective

    A history of rotary-wing aircraft, introduction to hovering theory, hovering and axial flight performance, factors affecting hovering and vertical flight performance, autorotation in vertical descent, concepts of blade motion and control, aerodynamics ...

  • ENAE632 Helicopter Aerodynamics II (3 Credits) | Elective

    Basic aerodynamic design issues associated with main rotors and tail rotors, discussion of detailed aerodynamic characteristics of rotor airfoils, modeling of rotor airfoil characteristics, review of classical methods of modeling unsteady aerodynamics, ...

  • ENAE633 Helicopter Dynamics (3 Credits) | Elective

    Spring 2025 TuTh 9:30am - 10:45am Anubhav Datta
    Flap dynamics. Mathematical methods to solve rotor dynamics problems. Flap-lag-torsion dynamics and identify structural and inertial coupling terms. Overview on rotary wing unsteady aerodynamics. Basic theory of blade aeroelastic stability ...

  • ENAE634 Helicopter Design (3 Credits) | Elective

    Spring 2025 F 1:00pm - 2:50pm Inderjit Chopra , Vengalattore Nagaraj
    Principles and practice of the preliminary design of helicopters and similar rotary wing aircrafts. Design trend studies, configuration selection and sizing methods, performance and handling qualities analyses, structural concepts, vibration ...

  • ENAE635 Helicopter Stability and Control (3 Credits) | Elective

    Spring 2025 TuTh 2:00pm - 3:15pm Umberto Saetti
    Advanced dynamics as required to model rotorcraft for flight dynamic studies. Development of helicopter simulation models and specifications of handling qualities. Methods for calculation of trim, poles, frequency response, and free flight ...

  • ENAE641 Linear System Dynamics (3 Credits) | Core

    Linear systems; state space, multi-input, multi-output models; eigenstructure; controllability, observability, singular value analysis; multivariable Nyquist condition; observer design; introduction to Kalman filtering. Full state feedback ...

  • ENAE642 Atmospheric Flight Control (3 Credits) | Core

    Exposure to flight guidance and control. Draws heavily from vehicle dynamics as well as feedback theory, and careful treatment of the non-linear aspects of the problem is critical. Conventional sythesis techniques are stressed, although modern ...

  • ENAE651 Smart Structures (3 Credits) | Core

    Topics related to the analysis, design, and implementation of smart structures and systems: modeling of beams and plates with induced strain actuation; shape memory alloys; electro-rheological fluids; magnetostrictor and electrostricter actuators ...

  • ENAE652 Computational Structural Mechanics (3 Credits) | Core

    Spring 2025 TuTh 3:30pm - 4:45pm Sung Lee
    Fundamentals of structural mechanics and computational modeling. Finite element modeling of two- and three-dimensional solids, plates and shells. Geometrically nonlinear behavior. Structural stability such as buckling and postbuckling. ...

  • ENAE653 Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis of Continua (3 Credits) | Elective

    Finite element formulation of nonlinear and time dependent processes. Introduction to tensors, nonlinear elasticity, plasticity and creep. Application to nonlinear solids including aerospace structures, such as shells undergoing finite rotations. ...

  • ENAE654 Mechanics of Composite Structures (3 Credits) | Core

    Spring 2025 MWF 12:00pm - 12:50pm Colleen Murray , Norman Wereley
    An introduction to structures composed of composite materials and their applications in aerospace. In particular, filamentary composite materials are studied. Material types and fabrication techniques, material properties, micromechanics, ...

  • ENAE655 Structural Dynamics (3 Credits) | Core

    Advanced principles of dynamics necessary for structural analysis; solutions of eigenvalue problems for discrete and continuous elastic systems, solutions to forced response boundary value problems by direct, modal, and transform methods. ...

  • ENAE656 Aeroelasticity (3 Credits) | Elective

    Spring 2025 F 2:00pm - 5:00pm David Haas
    Topics in aeroelasticity: wing divergence; aileron reversal; flexibility effects on aircraft stability derivatives; wing, empennage and aircraft flutter; panel flutter; aircraft gust response; and aeroservoelasticity of airplanes. ...

  • ENAE665 Advanced Airbreathing Propulsion (3 Credits) | Elective

    Spring 2025 TuTh 11:00am - 12:15pm Kenneth Yu
    Advanced treatment of airbreathing propulsion technologies, propulsion system analysis, and engine/airframe integration. Topics will vary, but may include novel engine cycles, advanced gas turbine systems, pulsed systems, and high-speed engines, ...

  • ENAE667 Advanced Space Propulsion and Power (3 Credits) | Elective

    Spring 2025 TuTh 12:30pm - 1:45pm Ray Sedwick
    Advanced treatment of selected space propulsion and power technologies, methods of analysis and performance estimation. Topics will vary each year as time permits, but may include cold gas systems, chemical, nuclear, arcjets, beamed energy, ...

  • ENAE672 Low Reynolds Number Aerodynamics (3 Credits) | Elective

    Survey and review of incompressible flow concepts including potential flow, lift and drag, and the Navier-Stokes equations with a focus on low Reynolds number applications. Boundary layers, separation, and transition. Viscous flows. Vortex-dominated ...

  • ENAE674 Aerodynamics of Compressible Fluids (3 Credits) | Elective

    Spring 2025 TuTh 12:30pm - 1:45pm Christopher Cadou
    One-dimensional flow of a perfect compressible fluid. Shock waves. Two-dimensional linearized theory of compressible flow. Two-dimensional transonic and hypersonic flows. Exact solutions of two-dimensional isotropic flow. Linearized theory ...

  • ENAE676 Turbulence (3 Credits) | Elective

    Spring 2025 TuTh 9:30am - 10:45am Pino Martin
    Physical and statistical descriptions of turbulence; review of phenomenological theories for turbulent flows; scales of motion; correlations and spectra; homogeneous turbulent flows; inhomogeneous shear flows; turbulent flows in pipes and channels; ...

  • ENAE681 Engineering Optimization (3 Credits) | Elective

    Methods for unconstrained and constrained minimization of functions of several variables. Sensitivity analysis for systems of algebraic equations, eigenvalue problems, and systems of ordinary differential equations. Methods for transformation ...

  • ENAE682 Hypersonic Aerodynamics (3 Credits) | Elective

    Hypersonic shock and expansion waves, Newtonian theory, Mach methods, numerical solutions to hypersonic inviscid flows, hypersonic boundary layer theory, viscous interactions, numerical solutions to hypersonic viscous flows. Applications to ...

  • ENAE683 High Temperature Gas Dynamics (3 Credits) | Elective

    Aspects of physical chemistry and statistical thermodynamics necessary for the analysis of high temperature flows, equilibrium and nonequilibrium chemically reacting flows, shock waves, nozzle flows, viscous chemically reacting flow, blunt ...

  • ENAE684 Computational Fluid Dynamics I (3 Credits) | Core

    Partial differential equations applied to flow modelling, fundamental numerical techniques for the solution of these equations, elliptic, parabolic, and hyperbolic equations, elements of finite difference solutions, explicit and implicit techniques. ...

  • ENAE685 Computational Fluid Dynamics II (3 Credits) | Elective

    Spring 2025 TuTh 11:00am - 12:15pm James Baeder
    Continuation of ENAE 684. Basic algorithms for the numerical solution of two and three dimensional inviscid and viscous flows. Applications to internal and external flow problems. ...

  • ENAE691 Satellite Design (3 Credits) | Elective

    Systems design of Earth-orbiting satellites, including geostationary communications satellites and low Earth orbit constellations. Basics of orbital motion, communications, and instrument design. Spacecraft systems, structural design, thermal ...

  • ENAE692 Introduction to Space Robotics (3 Credits) | Elective

    Analysis techniques for manipulator kinematics and dynamics. DH parameters, serial and parallel manipulators, approaches to redundancy. Applications of robots to space operations, including manipulators on free-flying bases, satellite servicing, ...

  • ENAE694 Spacecraft Communications (3 Credits) | Elective

    Brief overview of satellite orbits. Radio frequency communications, noise, and bandwidth limitations. Link budget analysis. Modulation and multiplexing approaches, multiple access systems. Satellite transponder and Earth station technology.

  • ENAE696 Spacecraft Thermal Design (3 Credits) | Core

    Thermal sources in space. Black-body radiation; absorptivity and emissivity; radiative thermal equilibrium. Mutually radiating plates, view angles, and interior conduction. Techniques of spacecraft thermal analysis; approaches to passive and ...

  • ENAE697 Space Human Factors and Life Support (3 Credits) | Elective

    Spring 2025 TuTh 3:30pm - 4:45pm David Akin
    Engineering requirements supporting humans in space. Life support design: radiation effects and mitigation strategies; requirements for atmosphere; water, food, and temperature control. Accommodations for human productivity in space: physical ...

  • ENAE741 Interplanetary Navigation and Guidance (3 Credits) | Core

    Spring 2025 TuTh 5:00pm - 6:15pm Brent Barbee
    Interplanetary trajectory construction; patched and multiconic techniques. Methods of orbit and attitude determination; applied Kalman filtering. Guidance algorithms and B-plane targeting. Interplanetary navigation utilizing in situ and radio ...

  • ENAE742 Robust Multivariable Control (3 Credits) | Elective

    Limitations on achievable performance in multivariable feedback systems due to uncertainty. Singular values, matrix norms, multivariable Nyquist stability theory, uncertainty modeling in aerospace systems. Loop-shaping, generalization of Bode ...

  • ENAE743 Applied Nonlinear Control of Aerospace Vehicles (3 Credits) | Elective

    Modern methods of analysis and synthesis of multivariable nonlinear control techniques for aircraft, spacecraft, and space manipulator systems. Topics include passivity and Lyapunov theory, feedback linearization, nonlinear observers, Hamiltonian ...

  • ENAE757 Advanced Structural Dynamics (3 Credits) | Elective

    Model correlation and updating of multi degree-of-freedom structural systems. Wave propagation analysis of structural dynamics. Structural health monitoring and damage detection methods. Stationary and non-stationary methods for vibration analysis. ...

  • ENAE791 Launch and Entry Vehicle Design (3 Credits) | Elective

    Design of aerospace vehicles for atmospheric transit to and from space. Generic formulation of atmospheric flight dynamics. Ballistic and lifting entry trajectories. Estimation of vehicle aerodynamic properties and aerothermodynamic heating. ...

  • ENPM652 Applied Finite Element Methods (3 Credits) | Elective

    General Mechanical
    For engineering and science students with little or no previous knowledge of the FEM. Study of FEM, using straightforward mathematics. Students should understand basic concepts and equations of elasticity and thermal heat flow, be familiar ...

  • ENPM671 Advanced Mechanics of Materials (3 Credits) | Elective

    General Mechanical
    Formulate and quantitatively state the mechanical/physical responses of structural components and configurations subjected to loads, temperature, pre-strains etc. The two methods of anlysis employed are the mechanics of materials approach ...

Requirements specific to the aerospace engineering program include:

  • A bachelor's degree, GPA of 3.0 or better,  in a STEM field from an accredited institution. 
  • Successful completion of all of the following courses (or their equivalent):
    • Math: Calculus I, II, and III, and Differential Equations
    • Engineering: Thermodynamics, and Fluid Mechanics including compressible flow
      Note: If compressible flow is not covered in the Fluid Mechanics course, then an additional course may be required such as ENAE311

For a complete list of admission requirements, visit the Application Process page. Applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. 

Master of Engineering: 30 Credits or 10 Courses

Some core courses in the aerospace Master of Engineering program may be replaced by the technical electives listed above and by other approved technical courses that meet the student's professional interests.  Technical electives must be approved by the academic advisor. There is no research or thesis required for this degree. 

Graduate Certificate in Engineering: 12 Credits or 4 Courses

Students pursuing the Graduate Certificate in Engineering are required to select a specialization. 

General Rotorcraft Space

Select four of the following courses with at least one course
from each of the three subgroups:

  • ENAE641, Linear System Dynamics
  • ENAE642, Atmospheric Flight Control
  • ENAE654, Mechanics of Composite Structures
  • ENAE655, Structural Dynamics
  • ENAE656, Aeroelasticity
  • ENAE674, Aerodynamics of Compressible Fluids
  • ENAE676, Turbulence

Select four of the following:

  • ENAE631, Helicopter Aerodynamics I
  • ENAE633, Helicopter Dynamics
  • ENAE634, Helicopter Design
  • ENAE635, Helicopter Stability and Control
  • ENAE636, Helicopter Dynamics
  • ENAE684, Computational Fluid Dynamics I

Select four of the following: 

  • ENAE601, Astrodynamics
  • ENAE602, Spacecraft Attitude Dynamics and Control
  • ENAE691, Satellite Design
  • ENAE694, Spacecraft Communications
  • ENAE696, Spacecraft Thermal Design
  • ENAE741, Interplanetary Navigation and Guidance
  • ENAE791, Launch and Entry Vehicle Design

Degree Planning Sheets

All students are expected to complete a preliminary course plan for their intended degree program (10-course for MEng or 4-course for GCEN) with the Senior Academic Advisor by the end of their first semester of study. The Degree Planning Sheet lists the core and technical elective requirements for each program, and all courses that are pre-approved for that program. Alternative technical electives must be approved by the same academic advisor. 

Degree planning sheets for all academic programs can be found here.

Please note: MAGE students are assessed the MAGE tuition rates, on campus / remote sites and online as it applies, when enrolled in Professional Master of Engineering (ENPM), Engineering (ENGR) and Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences (CMNS) courses only. MAGE students taking any course outside of ENPM, ENGR or CMNS are assessed the tuition appropriate to the particular course’s tuition rate and/or student's residency status, that is, in-state or out-of-state. A full list of four-letter course codes that fall into the ENPM/ENGR/CMNS tuition structure referenced here, as well as other exceptions to this policy, such as differential tuition courses, are detailed in the "Additional Information" section below.

Fall 2024 - Summer 2025 Tuition and Fees
On Campus (College Park) Courses
Tuition: $1,175.00 per credit hour
Fees: $358.00 for part-time (1 - 8 credits) graduate students taking classes at the College Park campus. 
  $692.50 for full-time (9 or more credits) graduate students taking classes at the College Park campus.
(Tuition x Credit Hours + Fees) One course: $1,175.00 x 3 = $3,525.00 + $358.00 = $3,883.00
  Two courses: $1,175.00 x 6 = $7,050.00 + $358.00 = $7,408.00
  Three courses: $1,175.00 x 9 = $10,575 + $692.50 = $11,267.50
Online Courses  
Tuition: $1,449.00 per credit hour
Fees: N/A
(Tuition x Credit Hours) One course - $1,449.00 x 3 = $4,347.00
  Two courses - $1,449.00 x 6 = $8,694.00
  Three courses - $1,449.00 x 9 = $13,041.00

Additional Information

  • Note regarding Summer Semesters: All students who register for undergrad courses with Office of Extended Studies sections are subject to the summer deadlines. Graduate courses and those with non-Office of Extended Studies sections are subject to the regular billing deadlines as stated on the monthly statements from Student Financial Services, generally the 20th of the month.
  • ENPM Students taking non-ENPM courses with differential tuition: Some other courses throughout the University charge differential (higher) tuition to all students who enroll in specific courses. Often business courses (BMGT)fall under this category, as do courses like telecommunications (ENTS), courses offered through the CMNS Science Academy (MSML, DATA, etc), and the Section PJ0* of CMSC courses. Taking the differential tuition into account in course planning is a student's individual responsibility as ENPM students will be charged the differential tuition of the course they are registered in.  If you are not sure and can not find the answer to whether a course you're looking to enroll in falls in this category, please email mage-advising@umd.edu before you enroll and we can assist.
  • Please note that Advanced Special Students will pay either the in-state or out-of-state graduate tuition rate based on their current status. If you are unsure of your status, please contact the Residency Classification Office.
  • Please note that any student enrolled in an online course will pay the online tuition rate ($1,449.00/credit hour) regardless of their status (including non-degree seeking students (GRAD)).
  • International Students: Effective Fall 2017, the University of Maryland (UMD) began charging a fee of $125 per semester for all newly enrolled students requiring an I-20 issued by the University or degree seeking students in J-1 status.   Students  enrolled in an academic program operating on the 12-week calendar, who require an I-20 isssued by UMD  or a DS-2019 will be charged a fee of $62.50 per term.  UMD will use the revenue from this fee to enhance support for our international students to include improved academic support, expanded assistance for students transitioning to the U.S. and international student-focused cultural events to foster an engaged, supportive community.
  • MAGE students are assessed the MAGE tuition rates, on campus / remote sites and online as it applies, when enrolled in Professional Master of Engineering (ENPM), Engineering (ENGR) and Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences (CMNS) courses only. MAGE students taking any course outside of ENPM, ENGR or CMNS are assessed the tuition appropriate to the particular course’s tuition rate and/or student's residency status, that is, in-state or out-of-state.  Applicable majors codes are:

Course Code College
AMSC CMNS
AOSC CMNS
ASTR CMNS
BCHM CMNS
BEES CMNS
BIOL CMNS
BIPH CMNS
BISI CMNS
BSCI CMNS
CBMG CMNS
CHEM CMNS
CHPH CMNS
CMSC (NOT INCLUDING SECTION PJ0*) CMNS
ENTM CMNS
GEOL CMNS
MAIT CMNS
MATH CMNS
MEES CMNS
MOCB CMNS
NEUR CMNS
PHYS CMNS
STAT CMNS
BIOE ENGR
CHBE ENGR
ENAE ENGR
ENBC ENGR
ENCE ENGR
ENCH ENGR
ENEE ENGR
ENES ENGR
ENFP ENGR
ENMA ENGR
ENME ENGR
ENPM ENGR
ENRE ENGR
ENSE ENGR

 

Headshot of Kenneth Yu

Program Content Advisor

Kenneth H. Yu, PhD

Professor of Aerospace Engineering
Director, Aerospace Engineering Graduate Studies
Director, Advanced Propulsion Research Lab
Department of Aerospace Engineering

Admissions Contact

Emily Golub

Email mage@umd.edu for assistance 

Attend An Open House

Join us online or on campus  to learn more about the University of Maryland Master of Engineering degree programs. Information covered in an Open House includes academic program options as well as application requirements and deadlines. Individuals attending will have the opportunity to ask questions about their program of interest. Admissions coordinators will be on hand to answer admission questions.

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