Graduate Degrees in Aerospace Engineering Sciences

Aerospace Engineering Sciences

Ranked among the top five public aerospace graduate programs in the U.S., CU Boulder’s Ann and H.J. Smead Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences is internationally recognized for its research and education leadership in aerospace engineering, and earth and space sciences.

With 56 faculty members and more than 500 graduate students, the master’s and doctoral degree programs will prepare you to meet the engineering needs of the 21st century through the understanding, conception, design and application of aerial and spacecraft systems.

Degree Types

MS ᐧ Professional MS ᐧ PhD

 

Top Green College

(Princeton Review, 2025)

 

No. 46 among public universities in the country

(U.S. News & World Report, 2026)

 

5 Nobel Laureates

Since 1989

Take a video tour of our 180,000-square-foot Smead Aerospace Sciences Building.

Tackle challenges in aerospace technology and science in a breadth of focus areas. 

Be part of what’s next. The department invests more than $15 million annually on research.

Degree Options & Application Requirements

Aerospace Engineering
Aerospace Engineering

Aerospace Engineering

Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering

  • Can be completed in 2 years
  • Requires focus area
  • Requires master’s thesis or nonthesis coursework, which may consist of 2 semesters of graduate project or an approved certificate
Application Deadlines & Requirements

To learn about the upcoming term application deadlines, please visit the Graduate School website.

   For program details, review the course catalog for the MS in aerospace engineering sciences.

Professional Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering

  • Must be completed in 4 years
  • Focus area not required
  • Can be completed 100% online
Application Deadlines & Requirements

To learn about the upcoming term application deadlines, please visit the Graduate School website.

   For program details, review the course catalog for the professional MS in aerospace engineering sciences.

Doctor of Philosophy in Aerospace Engineering

  • Can be completed in 4–6 years
  • Must pass preliminary and comprehensive departmental examinations
  • At least 30 dissertation credits required
Application Deadlines

To learn about the upcoming term application deadlines, please visit the Graduate School website.

   For program details, review the course catalog for the PhD in aerospace engineering sciences. 

Dual Graduate Degree in Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Management

  • Must complete 45 credits
  • Focus area required for traditional MS students
  • Must be admitted to aerospace engineering program first, then apply to engineering management program
Application Deadlines & Requirements

To learn about the upcoming term application deadlines, please visit the Graduate School website.

   For program details, review the course catalog for the MS in aerospace engineering sciences and ME in engineering management. 

Graduate Certificate in Aerospace Engineering Management

  • The certificate in aerospace engineering management is designed for students enrolled in the MS in Aerospace Engineering or ME Engineering Management, as well as other master's degree programs (computer science, electrical engineering and mechanical engineering)
  • Requires 9 credit hours
Application Deadlines & Requirements

To learn about the upcoming term application deadlines, please visit the Graduate School website.

   For program details, review the course catalog for the graduate certificate in aerospace engineering management.

Graduate Certificate in Astrodynamics and Satellite Navigation Systems

  • This certificate requires a completed undergraduate degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or its equivalent
  • Undergraduate courses must include calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations, two semesters of undergraduate calculus-based physics, and at least two semesters of upper-division undergraduate courses in engineering or physics
  • Requires 18 credit hours
Application Deadlines & Requirements

To learn about the upcoming term application deadlines, please visit the Graduate School website.

   For program details, review the course catalog for the graduate certificate in astrodynamics and satellite navigation systems.

Graduate Certificate in Hypersonics

  • This certificate requires a completed undergraduate degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or its equivalent
  • Undergraduate courses must include calculus, linear algebra and differential equations; two semesters of undergraduate calculus-based physics; and at least two semesters of upper-division undergraduate courses in engineering or physics
  • Requires 12 credit hours
Application Deadlines & Requirements

To learn about the upcoming term application deadlines, please visit the Graduate School website.

   For program details, review the course catalog for the graduate certificate in hypersonics.

Graduate Certificate in Radio Frequency Engineering for Aerospace

  • This certificate is open to new and current degree-seeking Aerospace Engineering Sciences (AES) and Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering (ECEE) students.
  • Requires 18 credit hours
Application Deadlines & Requirements

To learn about the upcoming term application deadlines, please visit the Graduate School website.

   For program details, review the course catalog for the graduate certificate in radio frequency engineering for aerospace.

Graduate Certificate in Remote Sensing

  • This certificate requires a completed undergraduate degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or its equivalent
  • Undergraduate courses must include calculus, linear algebra and differential equations; two semesters of undergraduate calculus-based physics; and at least two semesters of upper-division undergraduate courses in engineering or physics
  • Requires 12 credit hours
Application Deadlines & Requirements

To learn about the upcoming term application deadlines, please visit the Graduate School website.

   For program details, review the course catalog for the graduate certificate in remote sensing.

Graduate Certificate in Space Domain Awareness

  • Requires 15 credit hours
  • Students also pursuing other graduate certificates cannot use the same courses to count for both certificates
Application Deadlines & Requirements

To learn about the upcoming term application deadlines, please visit the Graduate School website.

   For program details, review the course catalog for the graduate certificate in space domain awareness.

Research Areas

  • Astrodynamics and Satellite Navigation Systems 
  • Autonomous Systems 
  • Bioastronautics
  • Fluids, Structures and Materials
  • Remote Sensing, Earth and Space Science

Learn More About Research Areas at CU Boulder

Funding Opportunities

We understand funding opportunities play a major role in helping you to decide whether a program is right for you. At CU Boulder, PhD students are supported through research and teaching assistantships. Students are also encouraged to apply for their own sources of funding.

  Explore General Funding   Explore Department-Specific Funding

Graduate Student Resources

Student success is best met with holistic support and resources. CU Boulder offers robust resources, programming and opportunities to help students establish meaningful connections, adjust to graduate student life and find assistance when they need it. Whether it’s academic, social, or health and wellness support, the university provides an array of resources to meet the diverse needs of our students.  

Graduate Student Organizations

Explore ways to connect with other graduate students on campus, online and off campus, locally and internationally.

Diversity, Equity, Access & Inclusion

Learn about our commitment to ensuring our graduate education is accessible and welcoming for all students.

Health & Wellness

Find resources with contact and location information for a broad range of services.

Leadership Development

Attend regular, graduate-specific workshops and seminars to hone practical and professional skills before entering the job market.

Peer Mentoring Program

Connect with an established graduate peer mentor who serves as your guide through the graduate student experience.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Go to Admissions