In special circumstances, the M.S. thesis requirement may be waived, in which case 9 units of graduate work are required. Candidates for the Ph.D. must pass a qualifying examination, complete a minimum of 16 units of graduate courses including mathematics, submit a thesis, pass an oral comprehensive examination prior to starting thesis research, and pass a final examination after completing the thesis. Proficiency in a foreign language is not required. Admission to the doctoral program is based upon course work, the qualifying exam, and an assessment of the candidate's ability to do independent research. The Faculty of the Department of Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering has international stature.
All faculty members teach and conduct research, working closely with students.
Class sizes are typically 4 to 10 students and research groups are typically 3 to 6 students. Each student plans his or her study and research program in consultation with a departmental adviser. Cooperative research programs are also carried out jointly with the Department of Computer Science and the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering. The Computing Services Office provides computer access through remote terminals, workstations, and microcomputer laboratories. Faculty members and students also have access to the most powerful computers at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications at the University.