About this Program

The Doctor of Philosophy programs in Aerospace Engineering are advanced research degrees requiring a written dissertation offering new and unique contributions of a fundamental nature. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in the many facets of engineering including teaching, research and development, design, and consulting.

Program Highlights

  • The University’s close associations with area industries, consulting firms, government agencies, and research laboratories create a stimulating environment for the pursuit of graduate studies

  • Students may select specializations in such technical areas as: aerodynamics and fluids, thermodynamics and energy, dynamics and controls, materials and structures, design and manufacturing

AT A GLANCE
Degree Level
Graduate
Degree Earned
Doctor of Philosophy
Concentration
Aerospace Engineering
Delivery Modes
On-Campus

Careers

Check out these ideas from Â鶹´«Ã½'s Center for Career & Leadership Development and the . A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians

$71,340 Median Salary

Operate, install, calibrate, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.

Aviation Inspectors

$73,720 Median Salary

Inspect aircraft, maintenance procedures, air navigational aids, air traffic controls, and communications equipment to ensure conformance with Federal safety regulations.

Aerospace Engineers

$115,300 Median Salary

Perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. May conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. May recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques.

Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers

$55,400 Median Salary

Assemble, fit, fasten, and install parts of airplanes, space vehicles, or missiles, such as tails, wings, fuselage, bulkheads, stabilizers, landing gear, rigging and control equipment, or heating and ventilating systems.

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Aerospace Engineering at Â鶹´«Ã½?
Students entering the Doctor of Philosophy program in Aerospace Engineering should meet the minimum university admission requirements Graduate Admission.

For admission as a regular student, the applicant must have earned a Master's degree from an accredited institution in either aerospace engineering, engineering mechanics, mechanical engineering, a related branch of engineering or a closely related field, such as physics or mathematics.

For those applicants with degrees in fields other than aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering or engineering mechanics, previous course work should include the subject matter considered prerequisite for the doctoral program in either aerospace engineering or engineering mechanics. In other cases, a remedial study plan may be designed by the GPD upon the applicant's request.

  • A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 on a 4.00 scale at the Master's level may be admitted as a regular graduate student

  • An applicant with a GPA of a least 3.25 and who shows evidence of improvement may be admitted as a provisional student. Students are transferred to regular status following completion of twelve semester hours of course work with a GPA of at least 3.00

  • GRE Scores. The GPD may waive the GRE requirement for applicants with Master's degrees in AE, EM or ME from Â鶹´«Ã½, or for applicants with exceptional academic achievements

  • TOEFL scores if applicable. A minimal score of 550 is required

  • International students must also submit a statement of adequate financial resources to cover their educational expenses. This requirement is satisfied if the Department offers financial aid through teaching or research assistantships, fellowships, etc

Cost of Attendance

We believe in providing students with transparent and accessible information about the cost of attendance. 

Review the estimated tuition rates for the 2024-25 academic year (subject to change). Non-resident rates are charged for anyone who is not a current Virginia resident, including international students.

Virginia Resident
Cost Per-Credit $620
Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States
Cost Per-Credit $642
Non-Resident
Cost Per-Credit $1,486

Ways to Fund Your Degree

There are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending Â鶹´«Ã½, including scholarships, assistantships, and student loans. For more details about financial aid at Old Dominion, visit the Financial Aid Office page.

Contact

Associate Professor

241J KAUFMAN HALL
NORFOLK, 23529