This is a named option within the Engineering Mechanics, MS.
The Aerospace Engineering named option of the Master of Science degree in Engineering Mechanics is an accelerated coursework-only program, where students will learn advanced mechanics topics pertaining to the aerospace field. The curriculum is structured around the areas of fluid mechanics, rigid-body dynamics, structural dynamics, aerospace mechanics and materials, and computation. The 2-3 semester program is intended to provide a rigorous masters-level education and increased earning potential.
Admissions
Please consult the table below for key information about this degree program’s admissions requirements. The program may have more detailed admissions requirements, which can be found below the table or on the program’s website.
Graduate admissions is a two-step process between academic programs and the Graduate School. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as the program(s). Once you have researched the graduate program(s) you are interested in, apply online.
| Fall Deadline | December 15 |
| Spring Deadline | September 1 |
| Summer Deadline | This program does not admit in Summer. |
| GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) | Not required.* |
| English Proficiency Test | Every applicant whose native language is not English, or whose undergraduate instruction was not exclusively in English, must provide an English proficiency and meet the Graduate School's minimum requirements (https://grad.wisc.edu/apply/requirements/#english-proficiency). Test scores must have been earned within two years of the anticipated term of enrollment. Minimum scores are as follows:
|
| Other Test(s) (e.g., GMAT, MCAT) | n/a |
| Letters of Recommendation Required | 3 |
- *
Submitted scores will not be used in admission decisions.
Application Requirements and Process
Degree
For admission to graduate study in Engineering Mechanics, an applicant must have a bachelor's degree in engineering, mathematics, or physical science, and an undergraduate record that indicates an ability to successfully pursue graduate study. International applicants must have a degree comparable to a regionally accredited US bachelor’s degree. All applicants must satisfy requirements that are set forth by the Graduate School.
GPA
The Graduate School requires a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on the equivalent of the last 60 semester hours from the most recent bachelor's degree or a master's degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Application Materials
Each application must include the following:
- Graduate School Application
- Academic transcripts
- Statement of purpose
- Resume/CV
- Three letters of recommendation
- English proficiency score (if required)
- Application fee
Academic Transcript
Within the online application, upload the undergraduate transcript(s) and, if applicable, the previous graduate transcript. Unofficial copies of transcripts are required for review, but official copies are required for admitted applicants. Do not send transcripts or any other application materials to the Graduate School or the Department of Mechanical Engineering unless requested. Review the requirements set by the Graduate School for additional information about degrees/transcripts.
Statement of Purpose
In this document, applicants should explain why they want to pursue further education in Engineering Mechanics and discuss which UW faculty members they would be interested in doing research with during their graduate study (see the Graduate School for more advice on how to structure a personal statement).
Resume
Upload your resume in your application.
Three Letters of Recommendation
These letters are required from people who can accurately judge the applicant's academic performance. It is highly recommended these letters be from faculty familiar with the applicant. Letters of recommendation are submitted electronically to graduate programs through the online application. See the Graduate School for FAQs regarding letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation are due by the deadline listed above.
Applicants earning a BS degree from UW-Madison are not required to obtain any letters of recommendation. Within the Graduate School application, in the letters of recommendation section, you will need to enter at least one contact. This will allow you to get past this section of the application.
English Proficiency Score
Every applicant whose native language is not English, or whose undergraduate instruction was not in English, must provide an English proficiency test score. The UW-Madison Graduate School accepts TOEFL, IETLS and Duolingo scores. Your score will not be accepted if it is more than two years old from the start of your admission term. Country of citizenship does not exempt applicants from this requirement. Language of instruction at the college or university level and how recent the language instruction was taken are the determining factors in meeting this requirement.
TOEFL scores must be a minimum of 100. IELTS scores must be a minimum of 7. Duolingo (DET) scores must be a minimum of 125. These score requirements are higher than the Graduate School minimum requirement.
For more information regarding the Graduate School exemption policy, please see the Graduate School Requirements for Admission.
Application Fee
Application submission must be accompanied by the one-time application fee. See the Graduate School for FAQs for information on the application fee.
Fee grants are available, refer to the applying for a fee grant page for information.
Reentry Admissions
If previously enrolled as a graduate student in the Engineering Mechanics program, and applicants have not earned their degree, but have had a break in enrollment for a minimum of a fall or spring term, an application to resume studies is required. Review the Graduate School: Readmission for policy information. The previous faculty advisor (or another Engineering Mechanics faculty advisor) must be willing to supply advising support and should email the Engineering Mechanics Graduate Student Services Coordinator regarding next steps in the process.
If previously enrolled in a UW-Madison graduate degree, completed that degree, have had a break in enrollment since earning the degree and would now like to apply for another UW-Madison program, applicants are required to submit a new student application through the UW-Madison Graduate School online application. For Engineering Mechanics graduate programs, you must follow the entire application process as described above.
Currently Enrolled Graduate Student Admissions
Students currently enrolled as a graduate student at UW-Madison, whether in Engineering Mechanics or a non-Engineering Mechanics graduate program, wishing to apply to this degree program should contact the Engineering Mechanics Graduate Admissions Team (see contact information box) to inquire about the process and deadlines several months in advance of the anticipated enrollment term. Current students may apply to change or add programs for any term (fall, spring, or summer).
Questions
If you have questions, contact emgradadmission@engr.wisc.edu.
Funding
Graduate School Resources
Resources to help you afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid. Further funding information is available from the Graduate School. Be sure to check with your program for individual policies and restrictions related to funding.
Program Information
Students enrolled in this program are not eligible to receive tuition remission from graduate assistantship appointments at this institution.
Additional Resources
Student Loans
Students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents may be eligible to receive some level of funding through the federal direct loan program. Private loans may also be available. Learn more about financial aid at the Financial Aid website.
International Student Services Funding and Scholarships
For information on International Student Funding and Scholarships, visit the International Student Services website.
Minimum Graduate School Requirements
Review the Graduate School minimum academic progress and degree requirements, in addition to the program requirements listed below.
Named Option Requirements
Mode of Instruction
| Face to Face | Evening/Weekend | Online | Hybrid | Accelerated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
Mode of Instruction Definitions
Accelerated: Accelerated programs are offered at a fast pace that condenses the time to completion. Students typically take enough credits aimed at completing the program in a year or two.
Evening/Weekend: Courses meet on the UW–Madison campus only in evenings and/or on weekends to accommodate typical business schedules. Students have the advantages of face-to-face courses with the flexibility to keep work and other life commitments.
Face-to-Face: Courses typically meet during weekdays on the UW-Madison Campus.
Hybrid: These programs combine face-to-face and online learning formats. Contact the program for more specific information.
Online: These programs are offered 100% online. Some programs may require an on-campus orientation or residency experience, but the courses will be facilitated in an online format.
Curricular Requirements
| Minimum Credit Requirement | 30 credits |
| Minimum Residence Credit Requirement | 16 credits |
| Minimum Graduate Coursework Requirement | 15 credits must be graduate-level coursework. Refer to the Graduate School: Minimum Graduate Coursework (50%) Requirement policy: https://policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-1244. |
| Overall Graduate GPA Requirement | 3.00 GPA required. Refer to the Graduate School: Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirement policy: https://policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-1203. |
| Other Grade Requirements | Students must earn a C or above in all formal coursework. Students may not have more than two incompletes on their record at any one time. |
| Assessments and Examinations | No formal examination required. |
| Language Requirements | No language requirements. |
Required Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering Analysis Course | 3 | |
| Engineering Analysis I | ||
| Engineering Analysis II | ||
| Technical Elective: may be fulfilled through any of the following options | 3 | |
| Special Topics in Engineering Mechanics (Topic: Mechanics Seminar) 1 | ||
| Introduction to Engineering Research (Graduate Student Section ONLY) | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Advanced Independent Study | ||
| Courses numbered 700 and above | 3 | |
Students must take at least one course (3 credits) in E M A in any course numbered 700 or greater. 2 | ||
| Depth Requirement (Topical Areas) | 12 | |
Students must complete at least two of the five topical areas below. 3 | ||
| Remaining Courses | 9 | |
The additional courses required to meet the 30-credits minimum for completion of the degree must be selected from among the courses listed in the topical areas or elective course lists below. | ||
| Total Credits | 30 | |
- 1
E M A 601 Special Topics in Engineering Mechanics: Mechanics Seminar may be taken twice (total of 2 credits) for this degree. It is offered in the Fall and Spring terms only.
- 2
Seminar, research, and co-op courses (such as E M A 790 Master's Research and Thesis, E M A 890 Pre-Dissertator Research, E M A 990 Research and Thesis, and E M A 702 Graduate Cooperative Education Program) are not eligible to satisfy this requirement.
- 3
To establish sufficient depth in aerospace sciences, the courses selected must involve completion of at least two of the following five topical areas. You should check the future course offerings plans when choosing, since not all courses are offered every year (and hence not all topical areas can be completed every year).
Topical Areas
Fluid and Thermal Sciences1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| E M A 521 | Aerodynamics 2 | 3 |
| Select one: | 3 | |
| Rocket Propulsion | ||
| Gas Turbine and Jet Propulsion | ||
| Intermediate Thermodynamics | ||
| Intermediate Fluid Dynamics | ||
| Heat Transfer | ||
| Intermediate Gas Dynamics | ||
| Topics in Thermodynamics | ||
| Advanced Heat Transfer I-Conduction | ||
| Combustion Processes | ||
| Turbulent Heat and Momentum Transfer | ||
- 1
These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.
- 2
If you have already completed an equivalent course as an undergrad then you may take two courses total from the second list and meet this requirement.
Rigid Body Dynamics1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| E M A 542 | Advanced Dynamics 2 | 3 |
| Select one: | 3 | |
| Flight Dynamics and Control | ||
| Astrodynamics | ||
| Satellite Dynamics | ||
| Kinematics and Dynamics of Machine Systems | ||
| Dynamics of Controlled Systems | ||
| Dynamics of Controlled Systems | ||
| Advanced Computational Dynamics | ||
- 1
These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.
- 2
If you have already completed an equivalent course as an undergrad then you may take two courses total from the second list and meet this requirement.
Structural Dynamics1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one: 2 | 3 | |
| Intermediate Vibrations | ||
| Mechanical Vibrations | ||
| Linear Systems | ||
| Select one: | 3 | |
| Experimental Vibration and Dynamic System Analysis | ||
| Structural Finite Element Model Validation | ||
| Nonlinear and Random Mechanical Vibrations | ||
| Advanced Vibrations | ||
- 1
These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.
- 2
If you have already completed an equivalent course as an undergrad then you may take two courses total from the second list and meet this requirement.
Aerospace Mechanics and Materials1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select two courses: | 6 | |
| Advanced Mechanics of Materials I | ||
| Composite Materials | ||
| Fracture Mechanics | ||
| Heterogeneous and Multiphase Materials | ||
| Viscoelastic Solids | ||
| Theory of Elasticity | ||
| Plasticity Theory and Physics | ||
| Plates, Shells and Pressure Vessels | ||
| Mechanics of Continua | ||
- 1
These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.
Computation1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one: 2 | 3 | |
| Introduction to Finite Elements | ||
| Computational Fluid Dynamics | ||
| Select one: | 3 | |
| Advanced Topics in Finite Elements | ||
| Matrix Methods in Machine Learning | ||
| Introduction to Artificial Neural Networks | ||
| Introduction to Design Optimization | ||
| Introduction to Computational Geometry | ||
| Optimum Design of Mechanical Elements and Systems | ||
| High Performance Computing for Applications in Engineering | ||
| Numerical Linear Algebra | ||
| Numerical Analysis | ||
| Methods of Computational Mathematics I | ||
- 1
These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.
- 2
If you have already completed an equivalent course as an undergrad then you may take two courses total from the second list and meet this requirement.
Fall Elective Course Offerings
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| E C E 717 | Linear Systems | 3 |
| E M A 506 | Advanced Mechanics of Materials I | 3 |
| E M A 521 | Aerodynamics | 3 |
| E M A 524 | Rocket Propulsion | 3 |
| E M A/M S & E 541 | Heterogeneous and Multiphase Materials | 3 |
| E M A 605 | Introduction to Finite Elements | 3 |
| E M A/M E 703 | Plasticity Theory and Physics | 3 |
| E P/E M A 547 | Engineering Analysis I | 3 |
| M E 440 | Intermediate Vibrations | 3 |
| M E/E M A 540 | Experimental Vibration and Dynamic System Analysis | 3 |
| M E/E M A 570 | Experimental Mechanics | 3 |
| M E 573 | Computational Fluid Dynamics | 3 |
Spring Elective Course Offerings
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| E M A 522 | Aerodynamics Lab | 3 |
| E M A 523 | Flight Dynamics and Control | 3 |
| E M A/ASTRON 550 | Astrodynamics | 3 |
| E M A/M E 570 | Experimental Mechanics | 3 |
| E M A 610 | Structural Finite Element Model Validation | 3 |
| E M A 611 | Advanced Mechanical Testing of Materials | 3 |
| E M A 630 | Viscoelastic Solids | 3 |
| E M A 642 | Satellite Dynamics | 3 |
| E M A 705 | Advanced Topics in Finite Elements | 3 |
| E M A 710 | Mechanics of Continua | 3 |
| E M A 747 | Nonlinear and Random Mechanical Vibrations | 3 |
| M E 563 | Intermediate Fluid Dynamics | 3 |
| M E 569 | Applied Combustion | 3 |
| M E 572 | Intermediate Gas Dynamics | 3 |
| M E 769 | Combustion Processes | 3 |
| M E/CIV ENGR/E M A 775 | Turbulent Heat and Momentum Transfer | 3 |
Fall/Spring Elective Course Offerings (offering varies)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| E M A 700 | Theory of Elasticity | 3 |
| MATH 705 | Mathematical Fluid Dynamics | 3 |
| M E/N E 520 | Two-Phase Flow and Heat Transfer | 3 |
| M E 561 | Intermediate Thermodynamics | 3 |
| M E 564 | Heat Transfer | 3 |
| M E 761 | Topics in Thermodynamics | 3 |
| M E 764 | Advanced Heat Transfer I-Conduction | 3 |
| M E 770 | Advanced Experimental Instrumentation | 3 |
| M E 774 | Chem Kinetics of Combust Systems | 3 |
Other Policy
Students in this program may not take courses outside the prescribed curriculum without faculty advisor and program director approval. Students in this program cannot enroll concurrently in other undergraduate or graduate degree programs.
Graduate School Policies
The Graduate School’s Academic Policies and Procedures provide essential information regarding general university policies. Program authority to set degree policies beyond the minimum required by the Graduate School lies with the degree program faculty. Policies set by the academic degree program can be found below.
Named Option-Specific Policies
Prior Coursework
Graduate Credits Earned at Other Institutions
With faculty advisor approval, students may transfer up to 6 credits of relevant coursework from a prior graduate program. Please review the Graduate Program Handbook (see contact box) for information about use and restrictions to this policy. Coursework earned ten or more years prior to admission is not allowed to satisfy requirements.
Undergraduate Credits Earned at Other Institutions or UW-Madison
With faculty advisor approval, students may transfer a maximum of 7 credits from a UW-Madison undergraduate degree or an ABET-accredited undergraduate degree (from another institution). Only coursework that is applicable to the degree curriculum is eligible (based on UW-Madison course/course equivalency number). These credits will not be allowed to satisfy the minimum graduate coursework (50%) requirement unless taken in courses numbered 700 or above (UW-Madison course equivalent). No credits can be applied toward the minimum graduate residence credit requirement. Coursework earned ten or more years prior to admission is not allowed to satisfy requirements.
Credits Earned as a Professional Student at UW-Madison (Law, Medicine, Pharmacy, and Veterinary careers)
Refer to the Graduate School: Transfer Credits for Prior Coursework policy.
Credits Earned as a University Special Student at UW–Madison
With faculty advisor approval, students may transfer up to 15 credits of coursework taken as a UW–Madison University Special student toward the minimum credit requirement. Only coursework that is applicable to the degree curriculum is eligible. UW–Madison coursework taken as a University Special student would not be allowed to count toward the minimum graduate coursework (50%) requirement unless taken in courses numbered 700 or above or are taken to meet the requirements of a capstone certificate and has the “Grad 50%” attribute. Coursework earned ten or more years prior to admission is not allowed to satisfy requirements.
Probation
The Department of Mechanical Engineering graduate programs satisfactory academic progress policy may be reviewed in the Graduate Handbook (see Contact box for link).
Advisor / Committee
Each student is required to meet with his or her advisor prior to registration every semester.
Credits Per Term Allowed
15 credits
Time Limits
Students are expected to complete the Aerospace MS degree program in one calendar year, i.e., 12 months (summer session plus two semesters).
Grievances and Appeals
These resources may be helpful in addressing your concerns:
- Bias or Hate Reporting
- Graduate Assistantship Policies and Procedures
- Hostile and Intimidating Behavior Policies and Procedures
- Dean of Students Office (for all students to seek grievance assistance and support)
- Employee Assistance (for personal counseling and workplace consultation around communication and conflict involving graduate assistants and other employees, post-doctoral students, faculty and staff)
- Employee Disability Resource Office (for qualified employees or applicants with disabilities to have equal employment opportunities)
- Graduate School (for informal advice at any level of review and for official appeals of program/departmental or school/college grievance decisions)
- Office of Compliance (for class harassment and discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence)
- Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (for conflicts involving students)
- Ombuds Office for Faculty and Staff (for employed graduate students and post-docs, as well as faculty and staff)
- Title IX (for concerns about discrimination)
Department of Mechanical Engineering Grievance Procedures
If a student feels unfairly treated or aggrieved by faculty, staff, or another student, the University offers several avenues to resolve the grievance. Students’ concerns about unfair treatment are best handled directly with the person responsible for the objectionable action. If the student is uncomfortable making direct contact with the individual(s) involved, they should contact the advisor or the person in charge of the unit where the action occurred (program or department chair, section chair, lab manager, etc.). Many departments and schools/colleges have established specific procedures for handling such situations; check their web pages and published handbooks for information. If such procedures exist at the local level, these should be investigated first. For more information see the Graduate School Academic Policies & Procedures: https://grad.wisc.edu/acadpolicy/?policy=grievancesandappeals. The Assistant Dean for Graduate Affairs (engr-dean-graduateaffairs@engr.wisc.edu) provides overall leadership for graduate education in the College of Engineering (CoE), and is a point of contact for graduate students who have concerns about education, mentoring, research, or other difficulties.
-
The student is encouraged to speak first with the person toward whom the grievance is directed to see if a situation can be resolved at this level.
-
Should a satisfactory resolution not be achieved, the student should contact the Associate Chair for Graduate Studies or the John Bollinger Chair of Mechanical Engineering to discuss the grievance. The Associate Chair for Graduate Studies or Department Chair will facilitate problem resolution through informal channels and facilitate any complaints or issues of students. The first attempt is to help students informally address the grievance prior to any formal complaint. Students are also encouraged to talk with their faculty advisors regarding concerns or difficulties if necessary. University resources for sexual harassment, discrimination, disability accommodations, and other related concerns can be found on the UW Office of Compliance website. Other campus resources can be found above.
-
If the issue is not resolved to the student’s satisfaction the student can submit the grievance to the Associate Chair for Graduate Studies in writing, within 60 calendar days of the alleged unfair treatment.
-
On receipt of a written complaint, a faculty committee will be convened by the Associate Chair for Graduate Studies to manage the grievance. The faculty committee will obtain a written response from the person toward whom the complaint is directed. This response will be shared with the person filing the grievance.
-
The faculty committee will determine a decision regarding the grievance. The Associate Chair for Graduate Studies will report on the action taken by the committee in writing to both the student and the party toward whom the complaint was directed within 15 working days from the date the complaint was received.
-
At this point, if either party (the student or the person toward whom the grievance is directed) is unsatisfied with the decision of the faculty committee, the party may file a written appeal. Either party has 10 working days to file a written appeal to the School/College.
-
Documentation of the grievance will be stored for at least 7 years. Significant grievances that set a precedent will be stored indefinitely.
The Graduate School has procedures for students wishing to appeal a grievance decision made at the school/college level. These policies are described in the Graduate School’s Academic Policies & Procedures: https://grad.wisc.edu/acadpolicy/?policy=grievancesandappeals.
Other
Students are strongly discouraged to pursue positions as Project Assistants, Teaching Assistants or Research Assistants during their time in this program, as the rigor and accelerated nature of this program may not accommodate those work time commitments. Students in this program will not receive the tuition remission that is typically part of the compensation package for a graduate assistantship.
Professional Development
Graduate School Resources
Take advantage of the Graduate School's professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career.
People
Professors
Darryl Thelen (Chair) Peter Adamczyk Mark Anderson Riccardo Bonazza
Curt Bronkhorst
Wendy Crone Christian Franck Jaal Ghandhi Sage Kokjohn Dan Negrut Gregory F. Nellis Tim Osswald Frank Pfefferkorn Xiaoping Qian Douglas Reindl David Rothamer Scott T. Sanders Krishnan Suresh Mario F. Trujillo Lih-sheng Turng Fabian Waleffe
Associate Professors
Lianyi Chen Melih Eriten Katherine Fu Tom N. Krupenkin Ying Li Franklin Miller Sangkee Min Wenxiao Pan James Pikul Pavana Prabhakar Alejandro Roldan-Alzate Michael Zinn
Assistant Professors
Yunus Alapan Joseph Andrews Jennifer Franck Corinne Henak Eric Kazyak Allison Mahvi Luca Mastropasqua Jacob Notbohm Josh Roth Shiva Rudraraju Eric Tervo Ramathasan Thevamaran Dakotah Thompson Michael Wagner Wei Wang Michael Wehner Jinlong Wu Xiaobin Xiong Xiangru Xu Lei Zhou
See also Mechanical Engineering Faculty Directory.
people