MSc in Aerospace Engineering - Khalifa University

The degree of Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering (MSAE) is awarded for successfully completing the requirements of a program of study, which includes taught courses as well as a thesis. The thesis is an independent investigation of specialized areas within the general field of Aerospace Engineering (AERO) and associated disciplines.

The M.Sc. degree gives candidates the opportunity to deepen their knowledge in the broad field of Aerospace Engineering, and contribute to the process of discovery and knowledge creation through the conduct of original research.

Candidates for this degree are taught and supervised by experienced faculty and are expected to demonstrate initiative in their approach and innovation in their work. In addition to successfully completing the taught course component of the program, candidates prepare and present a thesis on their chosen area. Research may be undertaken in several topics corresponding to the areas of focus identified by the University.

Career Opportunities

The Aerospace Engineering graduate program at Khalifa University is one of the most cutting edge, state-of-the-art and innovative programs in the region. The program offers world-class graduate-level engineering education and research opportunities. The earned skills during the study period will trigger highly logical thought process that can translate well into industrial applications.

A graduate of the program will learn how to apply advanced skills related to aerospace engineering and make calculations on every aspect of an aircraft/spacecraft design. This includes aerodynamics, propulsion, stability and control, materials and manufacturing, electronic systems and much more.

Due to the diverse range of studied subjects, job opportunities are not only limited to aerospace related industries, they can be found in different disciplines. The program aims to attract students with a diverse background in Mechanical, Materials, Electronics, Mechatronics and other related disciplines of engineering and science, and cultivate them with unmatched academic and research expertise to lead projects in various high-tech industries.

The graduates can become outstanding researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, industrial leaders as well as strong independent academic scholars. Their skills develop in areas that include but are not limited to: aerodynamics, astronautics, space mechanics, composite materials, aircraft/spacecraft/UAV Design, flight stability and control, aeroelasticity, and propulsion.

The job prospects are very wide and varied, with opportunities doing many different jobs within the aviation and space sector. In addition to global aerospace employers such as Boeing, Airbus, Diehl, and NASA, within the UAE, the graduates can work in the defense and security sector, Tawazun Group, STRATA, Yahsat, MBRSC, Mubadala Group, GAL, Calidus, Etihad and Emirates airlines, and the educational sector. Furthermore, graduates go through rigorous training and research experience to help them pursue their studies at PhD level.

Program Educational Objectives

The educational objectives of the MSAE program are to produce graduates who:

Advance professionally and be recognized as leaders in their respective careers in Aerospace Engineering in industry, government, and academia.
Apply their technical expertise to address the needs of society in a critical, creative, ethical, and innovative manner to solve problems related to Aerospace Engineering that are locally and globally relevant.
Further develop their knowledge and skills through graduate education and professional schools.

Student Learning Outcomes

Stemming from the university’s overarching goals, the MSc in Aerospace Engineering program aims to fulfill the following set of outcomes:

Identify, formulate, and solve advanced Aerospace Engineering problems through the application of modern tools and techniques and advanced knowledge of mathematics and engineering science.
Acquire knowledge of contemporary issues in the field of Aerospace Engineering and develop an aptitude for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Design and conduct experiments, as well as analyze, interpret data and make decisions.
Conduct research and document and defend the research results.
Function in teams and communicate effectively.
Conduct themselves in a professional and ethical manner.

Overall Structure

The Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering (MSAE) program consists of a minimum of 30 credit hours. The required program credits are distributed as follows: 12 credits of core program (including 3 credits of Mathematics course and 0 credits of Engineering Seminar course), 9 credits of elective courses, and 9 credits of Master’s thesis work.

A student may organize the selection of the elective courses and the master’s thesis topic to follow a concentration within the broad field of the Aerospace Engineering. In such cases, the concentration will be noted on both the student’s transcript.

The table below presents a summary of the MSAE degree program structure and requirements. All the MSAE program courses, with the exception of the Seminar in Research Methods and the Master’s Thesis, have a credit rating of three credits each.

Summary of MSc in Aerospace Engineering degree program structure:

Category	Credits Required
Program Core	12
Program Electives	9
Seminar in Research Methods	0
Master’s Thesis	9
Total	30

Program Requirements

A student seeking the degree of MSAE must successfully complete a minimum of 30 credited hours with a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.0/4.0. The student must also submit a master’s thesis and pass the viva voce examination.

Program Core

Program Electives

Students must complete a minimum of 9 credits of electives from the list of courses below. Students can also select up to two elective courses (6 credits) from other MSc programs in the College of Engineering at KU, subject to the approval of their research advisor.

AERO/MEEN 611	Combustion Theory and Applications
AERO 621	Boundary Layer Analysis
AERO 622	Structural Dynamics and Aeroelasticity
AERO 623	Experimental Methods in Aerodynamics
AERO 631	Mechanics of Composite Materials
AERO 632	Advanced Composite Materials Manufacturing
AERO 650	Space Systems Engineering
AERO 651	Space Systems Design Project
AERO 653	Space Propulsion
AERO 654	Astrodynamics and Mission Analysis
AERO 694	Selected Topics in Aerospace Engineering
ENGR 602	Engineering Numerical Methods

AERO Master’s Thesis

A student must complete a master’s thesis that involves original creative research-oriented work within the broad field of AERO, under the direct supervision of a main advisor, who must be a full-time faculty in the Aerospace Engineering Department, and at least one other full-time faculty who acts as co-advisor. The research findings must be documented in a formal thesis and defended successfully in a viva voce examination. Furthermore, the research should lead to publishable quality scholarly articles.

AERO 699

Master’s Thesis (minimum 9 credits)

Space System & Technology Concentration

The MSc in AERO program includes an optional concentration in Space Systems and Technology. Therefore, in addition to the MSAE program learning outcomes, MSAE students choosing this concentration are also expected to attain the following concentration specific outcomes:

Demonstrate proficiency in space systems analysis and design.
Acquire skills in advanced satellite development, assembly, integration and testing.

The concentration will be noted on the student academic record (transcript) provided that the student completes the program core as well as:

A minimum of 9 credits from the group of courses designated by the concentration.
A master’s research thesis within the domain of the concentration.

List of Courses in Space Systems and Technology Concentration

Space Systems and Technology
AERO 650	Space Systems Engineering*
AERO 651	Space Systems Design Project*
AERO 653	Space Propulsion
AERO 654	Astrodynamics and Mission Analysis

* Required courses for the concentration.

Guidance, Navigation, and Control Systems Concentration

The MSc in AERO includes an optional concentration in Guidance, Navigation, and Control Systems. Therefore, in addition to the MSc in AERO program learning outcomes, MSc in AERO students choosing this concentration are expected to attain the following concentration specific outcomes:

Assess the application of the relevant theory and techniques to solve complex guidance, navigation and control problems for aerospace vehicles.
Demonstrate the ability to perform functional architecture analysis and design of hardware and software for aerospace guidance, navigation, and control systems.
Apply test and evaluation methods relevant to aerospace guidance, navigation, and control systems for civil and military applications.

The concentration will be noted on the student academic record (transcript) provided that the student completes the program core as well as:

A minimum of 9 credits from the group of courses designated by the concentration.
A master’s research thesis within the domain of the concentration.

List of Courses in Space Systems and Technology Concentration

Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Systems
AERO 660	Aerospace Navigation and Guidance Systems*
AERO 661	Aerospace Control Systems*
AERO 662	GNC Systems Design Project*

* Required courses for the concentration.

Typical study plans for full-time and part-time students enrolled in the MSc in AERO program are shown below in Table 1 and Table 2, respectively.

Tables 3 and 4 show the study plans of full-time and part-time students enrolled in the MSc in AERO program with a concentration.

Each student is expected to select the courses in consultation with her/his academic advisor.

Table 1: Typical Study Plan for Full-Time Students

Fall Semester

· ENGR 606 Advanced Engineering Mathematics

· AERO 620 Advanced Aerodynamics

· AERO 630 Aerospace Materials and Structures

· AERO 640 Advanced Flight Dynamics and Control

· ENGR 695 Seminar in Research Methods

Spring Semester

· Elective course 1

· Elective course 2

· Elective course 3

· AERO 699 Master’s Thesis

Summer Terms

· AERO 699 Master’s Thesis

Table 2: Typical Study Plan for Part-Time Students

	Semester 1	Semester 2
Year 1	· ENGR 606 Advanced Engineering Mathematics · AERO 620 Advanced Aerodynamics · ENGR 695 Seminar in Research Methods	· AERO 640 Advanced Flight Dynamics and Control · Elective course 1
Year 2	· AERO 630 Aerospace Materials and Structures · Elective course 2	· Elective course 3 · AERO 699 Master’s Thesis
Year 3	· AERO 699 Master’s Thesis

Table 3: Typical Study Plan for Full-Time Students Enrolled in a Concentration

Fall Semester

· Core Course 1

· Core Course 2

· Core Course 3

· Core Course 4

· ENGR 695 Seminar in Research Methods

Spring Semester

· Concentration Elective Course 1

· Concentration Elective Course 2

· Concentration Elective course 3

· AERO 699 Master’s Thesis

Summer Term

· AERO 699 Master’s Thesis

Table 4: Typical Study Plan for Part-Time Students Enrolled a Concentration

	Semester 1	Semester 2
Year 1	· Core Course 1 · Core Course 2 · ENGR 695 Seminar in Research Methods	· Core Course 3 · Core Course 4
Year 2	· Concentration Elective Course 1 · Concentration Elective Course 2	· Concentration Elective Course 3 · AERO 699 Master’s Thesis
Year 3	· AERO 699 Master’s Thesis

Students must consult with their respective advisors on the courses that they will enroll in, the required pre-requisites, and the thesis topic selection. Full-time graduate students must register for 9 to 12 credits, including thesis credits, during a regular semester (Fall and Spring) and a maximum of 6 credits during a Summer term. In the case of part-time students, the credit load is normally 6 credits during a regular semester as well as the summer term.

Students can only register for thesis credits after successfully completing a minimum of 9 credits of the core courses of the master’s program they are enrolled in. It is to be noted that the minimum pass grade for graduate courses is a “C” letter grade. Students should consult the Graduate Catalog to learn about the graduate programs, the grading system, graduation requirements, and other pertinent matters.