Aerospace Engineering Sciences | University of Colorado at Boulder

Prospective Graduate Student Frequently Asked Questions

General Inquiries
Application Process
Establishing Colorado Residency
International Applicants
Financial Aid
Taking Aerospace Engineering Courses

General Inquiries

Q: What are the minimum admissions standards required to apply for the Aerospace Engineering Graduate Program?

Note: the department does not fund masters students.

Q: I have taken graduate level courses from another engineering program. Are any of these courses transferable?

A: In some cases, a limited number of graduate level course credits can be transferred from another accredited institution and applied toward a masters or Ph.D. degree. These credits must be approved by the AES Graduate Curriculum Committee and the Graduate School. Students who have completed their first semester in the masters or Ph.D. program are eligible to seek transfer credit. Students seeking a degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder must complete the majority of their coursework while enrolled in a graduate program as a degree seeking student.

Q: How do I schedule a visit to the Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences?

A: You are welcome to visit the college and speak with the graduate advisor, Ann Brookover, (303-492-6416) anytime during her regular office hours (8-1 and 2-4, M-F). You do not need an appointment but it is helpful if you email ahead, ann.brookover@colorado.edu. Click here for maps and driving directions. It is recommended that visitors park in metered lots designated for public parking, which are located around campus. The meters are $1.50-$1.75/hour depending on location. Faculty also welcome visitors, but appointments should be made directly with them via email.

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Application Process

Q: How do I apply to the Aerospace Engineering Sciences (ASEN) graduate program at the University of Colorado/Boulder campus?

A: For information about our program, faculty and research projects, as well as information on application materials, please visit our website, http://www.colorado.edu/aerospace/. For program information, click on 'Graduate Programs', then 'Graduate Handbook.' For application materials, click 'Prospective Students' and go to Graduates, 'Applying' and follow the links.

Q: Do you offer a distance learning program? How do I apply?

A: Distance Learning coursework is offered for a MS and ME degree through the Center for Advanced Engineering and Technology Education (CAETE). For information about CAETE, please log on to their website at: http://caete.colorado.edu. Courses for Aerospace can be taken through the Course Library, with the professor's permission. When you log onto the CAETE website, click on 'Course Library' from the home page or follow the link at: http://caete.colorado.edu/IEC; the Aerospace courses offered under that program will be listed.

If you have questions about the CAETE program, please contact Robin McClanahan at: Robin.McClanahan@colorado.edu

Note: At this time, the MS degree is not available through CAETE for the following focus areas:

- Aerospace Engineering Systems (except for the structures and materials thrust which is offered through CAETE)

For program information, click on 'Graduate Programs', then 'Graduate Handbook.' For application materials, click 'Prospective Students' and go to Graduates, 'Applying' and follow the links.

Q: What is the deadline to submit my application for admission for SPRING admission?

A: The deadline to submit an application for spring admission is October 1. The international application deadline is August 1.

All application materials should be received by the application deadline. Application materials include: signed application, application fee, statement of purpose, official GRE scores from an examination taken within the last 5 years, TOEFL scores if required, 4 letters of recommendation, and official transcripts from all post secondary institutions attended (including courses taken for college credit during high school and study abroad).

Q: What is the deadline to submit my application for FALL admission?

A: The deadline to submit an application for fall admission is January 15. The international application deadline is December 1.

All application materials should be received by the application deadline. Application materials include: signed application, application fee, statement of purpose, official GRE scores from an examination taken within the last 5 years, TOEFL scores if required, 4 letters of recommendation, and official transcripts from all post secondary institutions attended (including courses taken for college credit during high school and study abroad).

Q: How many letters of recommendation are required?

A: A minimum of four letters of recommendation should be submitted. For current students and recent graduates, recommendations from faculty members are particularly important. You may submit letters of recommendation with your application, or your recommenders may send the letters directly to Aerospace Engineering Sciences.

Q: How long are my GRE scores valid?

A: The GRE General Test measures critical thinking, analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning skills that have been acquired over a long period of time and that are not related to any specific field of study. Information about the GRE is available on the Educational Testing Service website, www.gre.org. Current GRE Board policy states that your scores are reportable for 5 years. Your scores are retained for the 5 testing years following the testing year in which you tested. All scores earned during this time will be reported to each institution you designate. The Aerospace Engineering Admissions Committee will not accept scores older than 5 years.

Note: for spring 2012 application, applicants must test before August 1st in order to produce GRE results, and a complete application, by the application deadline. Applicants who cannot test before August 1st should apply for the fall 2012 term.

Q: What criteria does the admissions committee use to evaluate applicants for admission?

A: In evaluating applicants for admission, the Admissions Committee relies on the completed application form, the report of GRE scores, your undergraduate GPA and official transcripts, as well as your statement of purpose and recommendations from persons who have had an opportunity to observe your ability and performance. Your GRE scores and GPA are considered in the context of the entire application. The quality of your undergraduate institution will be considered. Substantial consideration is accorded to special qualities such as motivation, undergraduate program, diversity in economic, social, or cultural background, employment or other experience, leadership, and perseverance in overcoming personal handicaps or disadvantages. Graduate level work is also considered. The department's desired scores are at least 157 verbal, 158 quantitative, and 4.5 analytical writing (new scoring scale), or 560 verbal, 740 quantitative, and 4.5 analytical writing (old scoring scale), and the desired undergraduate GPA is 3.4.

Q: I previously applied to the University of Colorado at Boulder, Aerospace Engineering Sciences. How do I reapply?

A: Applicants who decline an offer of admission or were not offered admission may choose to reapply. Reapplication includes: submission of a new application, application fee, a valid GRE score, statement of purpose, and recommendations. Application files are retained for only one year after the year of original application. If you are reapplying within one year, your retained application and all supporting documents will be included in your new application for admission. It is suggested that you freshen your application - i.e. statement of purpose, resume, and letter(s) of recommendation. If it has been longer than one year since you applied, we no longer have any of your previous application materials and you will need to begin the application process again.

Establishing Colorado Residency

Q: How do I become a resident of the state of Colorado for in-state tuition purposes?

A: Residency classification is governed by state statute. To be eligible for in-state classification, applicants must establish domicile (legal residence) in Colorado one year prior to the first day of class for the term for which in-state status is sought. Note: students may establish their residency while enrolled in the College of Engineering.

Applicants and students who have become eligible for a change to in-state status must submit a petition with documentation in order to have their status changed. Please direct questions regarding residency status to the Tuition Classification Office (rather than to the College of Engineering), Regent Administrative Center 105; telephone 303-492-0907; "email; or website.

Q: I am a member of the armed forces. Can I qualify for in-state tuition?

A: Active duty members of the armed forces of the United States and Canada on permanent duty stationed in Colorado, and their dependents (as defined by military regulations), are eligible for in-state status regardless of domicile or length of residence.

For further information regarding tuition classification please contact the Tuition Classification Officer, located in Regent Administration Center 105; telephone 303-492-0907; "email; or website.

International Applicants

Q: How do I submit my application materials?

A: International applicants follow the on-line application process outlined on the prospective pages and all supplementary materials (letters of recommendation, etc.) should be mailed directly to the department, University of Colorado, Aerospace Engineering Sciences, 429 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309.

Official transcripts go directly to the Office of International Admissions, University of Colorado, 65 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309 for evaluation of the equivalency of a U.S. Bachelors degree, and a GPA conversion to the 4.0 grading scale, if possible. Transcripts do NOT come directly to the department and failure to follow this instruction will delay processing of your application.

Official Letters of recommendation should NOT be sent to the Office of International Admissions; they should come directly to the department. Whenever possible recommenders should submit their recommendations using the online recommendation process contained in the online application. Paper recommendations are strongly discouraged.

Q: I am currently living outside the United States. How do I get an application or catalog mailed to me?

A: At this time, hard copies of application and program information materials are not available. For information about our program, faculty and research projects, as well as information on application materials, please visit our website, http://www.colorado.edu/aerospace/. For program information, click on 'Graduate Programs', then 'Graduate Handbook.' For application materials, click 'Prospective Students' and go to Graduates, 'Applying' and follow the links.

Q: What are the graduation admission requirements for international applicants?

A: Aerospace Engineering Sciences at CU-Boulder has established minimum standards for graduate admission. Applicants must:

1. Have undergraduate courses in calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations.
2. Have two semesters of undergraduate calculus-based physics.
3. Have at least two semesters of upper-division undergraduate courses in engineering or physics.
4. Hold a baccalaureate degree in engineering, sciences, or mathematics from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. More information is available on the international admissions website, http://www.colorado.edu/prospective/international/.
5. Have an undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.40. For overseas institutions that use a different grading scale, a score equivalent to the 0-4.00 system is computed by the University of Colorado, Office of International Admissions.
6. Provide official GRE scores. Unofficial copies will not be accepted. The department's desired scores are at least 157 verbal, 158 quantitative, and 4.5 analytical writing (new scoring scale), or 560 verbal, 740 quantitative, and 4.5 analytical writing (old scoring scale).
7. Provide four letters of recommendation.
8. Provide a statement of purpose.
9. The application fee is $70.00 U.S.

Prior to admission, applicants from countries where English is not the native language must demonstrate a full command of the English language by making a satisfactory score of 560 (paper) or 220 (computer) or 83 (internet) on the Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL).

You are not required to submit the TOEFL if,

1. your native language is English, or
2. you have completed at least one year of full-time study at a U.S. institution, or at an institution in a country where English is the native language, at the time you apply, and within two years from your desired admission term. More information is available at, http://ucw.colorado.edu/prospective/international/quickfacts.html

International students should have the financial resources to support themselves for at least the first year in the program.

Note: the department does not fund masters students.

The estimated expense for the non-resident student to attend is $43,123 U.S., for the academic year. This figure includes room and board, books, tuition and fees. Summer tuition, transportation and incidental costs should be added to this amount. International applicants are expected to have private and/or governmental financial support for the duration of study at the university. Limited financial aid may be available but only after two semesters of superior academic performance and proof of proficiency in the English language. Consequently, due to the current world and economic situation, one should not apply without sufficient financial resources to complete the program for which they are applying.

If you meet the above requirements, and would like more information, please use our website at http://www.colorado.edu/aerospace/ for the necessary application forms. We are sorry but we are unable to send applications and catalogs to addresses outside the U.S. and its protectorates.

More information about the graduation admission requirements for international students is available on the University of Colorado International Admissions website, http://www.colorado.edu/prospective/international/requirements/grad-requirements.html.

For information about the aerospace program, faculty and research projects, as well as information on application materials, please visit our website, http://www.colorado.edu/aerospace/. For program information, click on 'Graduate Programs', then 'Graduate Handbook.' For application materials, click 'Prospective Students' and go to Graduates, 'Applying' and follow the links.

Financial Aid

Q: How do I apply for financial aid?

A: In most instances a graduate student will be eligible for enough aid to cover his or her total cost of attendance. The cost of attendance (budget) includes tuition and fees, books and supplies, rent and utilities, food, medical, transportation, and personal expenses. Please note that car expenses (payments, insurance, repairs), credit card payments, and rent/utilities over the budgeted amount are not included. It is very important to keep your expenses within the budget.

Financial aid includes Federal Direct Stafford/Ford Loans (maximum $25,000), Graduate PLUS loan, grants, scholarships, fellowships, work-study, and/or private alternative graduate loans. No credit check is required in order to receive federal Stafford loans, but students must be "credit-worthy" to receive Graduate PLUS loan and private alternative graduate loans. You may not borrow more than your cost of attendance. If you wish to borrow private alternative loans, YOU MUST COMPLETE A SEPARATE APPLICATION FOR THESE LOANS. Some lenders used by University of Colorado at Boulder students are:

CitiAssist
1-800-692-8200 Operator 302
www.studentloan.com

Wells Fargo
1-800-658-3567
www.wellsfargo.com/student/

You can apply on the web or by phone for the Wells Fargo loan.
For CitiAssist loans, you can apply using a paper application or on the web. The lender will do a credit check, then either mail an application/promissory note to you, or you may be able to sign the promissory note electronically. Sign and date the promissory note/application and return it to the lender. The CU Office of Financial Aid will certify your loan electronically. A few days before classes begin, after you are registered, most alternative private graduate loan checks will pay to your bill and may result in a refund. If your check requires an endorsement, you will receive an email instructing you to pick it up at the Bursar's Office.

PLEASE NOTE: Since you must have good credit to receive private graduate loans, you should request a credit report as soon as possible. Call Equifax at 1-800-685-1111, Experian at 1-800-682-7654, and/or Trans-Union at 1-800-888-4213. If there are mistakes on your report, do what is necessary to get them corrected.

For more information regarding your eligibility for financial aid, please contact the CU Office of Financial Aid, 303-492-5091, www.colorado.edu/finaid.

Q: What are the expected tuition and fees?

A: Tuition and mandatory fees are located at http://www.colorado.edu/prospective/graduate/finances/tuition.html. In June of each year, the Board of Regents determines the tuition and mandatory fees for the upcoming year.

Q: How do I apply for teaching assistantships, research assistantship, and fellowships?

A: Funding is offered to the most outstanding PhD applicants. PhDs who do not have a faculty advisor and funding are not admitted to the PhD program.

The department does not fund Masters students.

The admissions committee automatically considers admitted entering students for fellowships; there is no separate fellowship application for entering applicants. Fellowship recipients are selected during the admissions process, and in most circumstances, recipients will be notified before their $200 enrollment deposit is due.

MS Students:

The department does not fund MS students..
Individual faculty members may offer research assistantships to MS students.

Ph.D. students:

Students meeting the rigorous admission requirements for the PhD are admitted to a focus area, matched with a faculty advisor, and are guaranteed financial support for up to 4 years to completion of the doctoral degree, as funds remain available. This continued financial support will be renewed each year provided that the student is making acceptable progress as evidenced by progression through the preliminary and comprehensive exams, and annual progress reviews by her/his thesis committee. Support for longer periods of study are allowed, but are not guaranteed by the department.

This support may be subject to the availability of continued funds in the student’s selected research area. It is provided primarily by the advisor or focus area, through external fellowships, contracts & grants. In the case of an unexpected loss of funding, the student may be required to switch fields in order to keep their financial support. One year of support (typically the first year) can be provided by a departmental fellowship.

For further information regarding teaching and research assistantships, and other sources of financial assistance, please visit the Graduate School website, http://www.colorado.edu/prospective/graduate/finances/assistance.html.

In addition to institutional scholarships and grants, you may wish to participate in a self-directed scholarship search for private scholarship funds. Please refer here (and similar sites) for more information on free scholarship databases.

Taking Aerospace Engineering Courses

Q: I have not been admitted as a graduate student to the University of Colorado College of Engineering; may I take aerospace courses?

A: Graduate level courses offered on the main CU-Boulder campus are open for credit to graduate students enrolled at the University of Colorado on a space available basis with the instructor's consent. If you are currently enrolled as a graduate student at the University of Colorado, please email the instructor directly.

Students who are not graduate students enrolled at the University of Colorado can take courses through the distance learning program. For information about the University of Colorado-Boulder's distance learning program (CAETE), please log on to the CAETE website at: http://caete.colorado.edu. Courses for Aerospace can be taken through the Course Library, with the professor's permission. When you log onto the CAETE website, click on 'Course Library' from the home page or follow the link at: http://caete.colorado.edu/IEC; the Aerospace courses offered by the CAETE program will be listed.

If you choose to take courses through the CAETE program and have them count toward a master's degree at CU, you must apply to the Aerospace Engineering Sciences department and be admitted as a master's student. (Note: you cannot earn a Ph.D. through the CAETE program, but may use qualifying courses toward meeting the Ph D course credit requirements.)

All graduate school courses are open to auditors under campus rules, based on space availability and the instructor's consent. Click here for more information.