This is a named option within the Engineering Mechanics, M.S.

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. 

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 in English must provide an English proficiency test score and meet the Graduate School minimum requirements (https://grad.wisc.edu/apply/requirements/#english-proficiency).
Other Test(s) (e.g., GMAT, MCAT) n/a
Letters of Recommendation Required 3

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 U.S. 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 basis on the equivalent of the last 60 semester hours from the most recent bachelor's degree. In special cases, students with grade point averages lower than 3.0 who meet all the general requirements of the Graduate School may be considered for admission on probation.

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

DEADLINES

To apply to the EM program, complete applications, including supportive materials, must be submitted as described below and received by the following deadline dates:

  • Fall Semester—December 15
  • Spring Semester—September 1 

ACADEMIC TRANSCRIPT

Within the online application, upload the undergraduate transcript(s) and, if applicable, the previous graduate transcript. Unofficial copies of transcripts will be accepted for review, but official copies are required for admitted students. Please do not send transcripts or any other application materials to the Graduate School or the Department of Mechanical Engineering unless requested. Please 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. 

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 or IETLS 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. 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. It is non-refundable and can be paid by credit card (MasterCard or Visa) or debit/ATM. Additional information about the application fee may be found here (scroll to the ‘Frequently asked questions).

Fee grants are available through the conditions outlined here by the Graduate School.

QUESTIONS:

If you have questions, please contact emgradadmission@engr.wisc.edu.

REENTRY ADMISSIONS

If you were previously enrolled as a graduate student in the Engineering Mechanics program, have not earned your degree, but have had a break in enrollment for a minimum of a fall or spring term, you will need to re-apply to resume your studies. Please review the Graduate School requirements for previously enrolled students. Your previous faculty advisor (or another EM faculty advisor) must be willing to supply advising support and should e-mail the EM Graduate Student Services Coordinator regarding next steps in the process.

If you were 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; you are required to submit a new student application through the UW-Madison Graduate School online application. For EM 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 EM or a non-EM graduate program, wishing to apply to this degree program should contact the EM Graduate Admissions Team 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, please contact emgradadmission@engr.wisc.edu.

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

FEDERAL 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. These loans are available to qualified graduate students who are taking at least 4 credits during the fall and spring semesters, and 2 credits during summer. Private loans are also available. Learn more about financial aid at their website. 

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES FUNDING AND SCHOLARSHIPS

For information on International Student Funding and Scholarships visit the ISS website.

On This Page

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. Details can be found in the Graduate School’s Minimum Graduate Coursework (50%) policy (https://policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-1244).
Overall Graduate GPA Requirement 3.00 GPA required.
This program follows the Graduate School's GPA Requirement policy
(https://policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-1203).
Other Grade Requirements Courses in which grades of BC, C, or below are received cannot be counted toward the degree except as follows: 1) Credits of C will be allowed provided they are balanced by twice as many credits of A or by four times as many credits of AB, 2) Credits of BC will be allowed provided they are balanced by twice as many credits of AB or by an equal number of credits of A.
Assessments and Examinations No formal examination required.
Language Requirements No language requirements.

Required Courses

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
E P/​E M A  5473E M A 601 (Mechanics Seminar)1If needed, 4 additional credits14
E M A 601 (Mechanics Seminar)1Select an additional 12 credits12 
Select an additional 9 credits9  
 13 13 4
Total Credits 30
  • Students must take at least one class (3 credits) in E M A in any course numbered 700 or greater. 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.
  • 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). 
  • The additional courses required to meet the 30-credit minimum for completion of the degree should be selected from among the courses listed below.
1

Some credit can be transferred in.

TOPICAL AREAS

Fluid Mechanics1

E M A 521 Aerodynamics 23
Select one:3
M E 563
 Intermediate Fluid Dynamics
E M A 524
 Rocket Propulsion
M E 572
 Intermediate Gas Dynamics
M E/​CIV ENGR/​E M A  775
 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

E M A 542 Advanced Dynamics 23
Select one:3
E M A 523
 Flight Dynamics and Control
E M A/​ASTRON  550
 Astrodynamics
E M A 642
 Satellite Dynamics
M E 451
 Kinematics and Dynamics of Machine Systems
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

Select one: 23
M E 440
 Intermediate Vibrations
E M A 545
 Mechanical Vibrations
E C E 717
 Linear Systems
Select one:3
M E/​E M A  540
 Experimental Vibration and Dynamic System Analysis
E M A 610
 Structural Finite Element Model Validation
E M A 747
 Nonlinear and Random Mechanical 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

Select two courses:6
E M A 506
 Advanced Mechanics of Materials I
E M A/​M S & E  541
 Heterogeneous and Multiphase Materials
E M A/​CIV ENGR/​M E  508
 Composite Materials
E M A 622
 Mechanics of Continua
E M A 630
 Viscoelastic Solids
E M A 700
 Theory of Elasticity
E M A/​M E  703
 Plasticity Theory and Physics
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

Select one: 23
E M A 605
 Introduction to Finite Elements
M E 573
 Computational Fluid Dynamics
Select one:3
E M A 705
 Advanced Topics in Finite Elements
M E 548
 Introduction to Design Optimization
M E 748
 Optimum Design of Mechanical Elements and Systems
MATH/​COMP SCI  714
 Methods of Computational Mathematics I
E M A/​COMP SCI/​E C E/​E P/​M E  759
 High Performance Computing for Applications in Engineering
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.

ELECTIVE COURSES

Fall Elective Course Offerings

E C E 717 Linear Systems3
E M A 506 Advanced Mechanics of Materials I3
E M A 521 Aerodynamics3
E M A 524 Rocket Propulsion3
E M A/​M S & E  541 Heterogeneous and Multiphase Materials3
E M A 605 Introduction to Finite Elements3
E M A 622 Mechanics of Continua3
E M A/​M E  703 Plasticity Theory and Physics3
E P/​E M A  547 Engineering Analysis I3
M E 440 Intermediate Vibrations3
M E/​E M A  540 Experimental Vibration and Dynamic System Analysis3
M E/​E M A  570 Experimental Mechanics3
M E 573 Computational Fluid Dynamics3

Spring Elective Course Offerings

E M A 522 Aerodynamics Lab3
E M A 523 Flight Dynamics and Control3
E M A/​ASTRON  550 Astrodynamics3
E M A/​M E  570 Experimental Mechanics3
E M A 610 Structural Finite Element Model Validation3
E M A 611 Advanced Mechanical Testing of Materials3
E M A 630 Viscoelastic Solids3
E M A 642 Satellite Dynamics3
E M A 705 Advanced Topics in Finite Elements3
E M A 747 Nonlinear and Random Mechanical Vibrations3
M E 563 Intermediate Fluid Dynamics3
M E 569 Applied Combustion3
M E 572 Intermediate Gas Dynamics3
M E 769 Combustion Processes3
M E/​CIV ENGR/​E M A  775 Turbulent Heat and Momentum Transfer3

Fall/Spring Elective Course Offerings (offering varies)

E M A 700 Theory of Elasticity3
MATH 705 Mathematical Fluid Dynamics3
M E/​N E  520 Two-Phase Flow and Heat Transfer3
M E 561 Intermediate Thermodynamics3
M E 564 Heat Transfer3
M E 761 Topics in Thermodynamics3
M E 764 Advanced Heat Transfer I-Conduction3
M E 770 Advanced Experimental Instrumentation3
M E 774 Chem Kinetics of Combust Systems3

 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, graduate or certificate 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 Work from Other Institutions

With advisor and EM Graduate Studies Committee approval, students may use 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.

UW–Madison Undergraduate

With program approval, students are allowed to count up to 7 credits of coursework from the following list of courses:

E P/​E M A  547 Engineering Analysis I3
E P/​E M A  548 Engineering Analysis II3
E M A 303 Mechanics of Materials3
E M A/​M E  307 Mechanics of Materials Lab1
E M A 405 Practicum in Finite Elements3
E M A 405 Practicum in Finite Elements3
E M A 506 Advanced Mechanics of Materials I3
E M A/​CIV ENGR/​M E  508 Composite Materials3
E M A 519 Fracture Mechanics3
E M A 542 Advanced Dynamics3
E M A/​M E  570 Experimental Mechanics3
E M A 605 Introduction to Finite Elements3
E M A 611 Advanced Mechanical Testing of Materials3
E M A 622 Mechanics of Continua3
E M A 642 Satellite Dynamics3
E M A 705 Advanced Topics in Finite Elements3

These may be counted toward the Minimum Graduate Degree Credit Requirement as applicable. No credits may be counted toward the minimum graduate residence credit requirement. Coursework earned five or more years prior to admission to a master's degree is not allowed to satisfy requirements.

UW–Madison University Special

With program approval, students are allowed to count up to 15 credits of coursework numbered 400 or above taken as a UW–Madison Special student toward the minimum graduate residence credit requirement, and the minimum graduate degree credit requirement. UW–Madison coursework taken as a University Special student would not be allowed to count toward the 50% graduate coursework minimum unless taken in courses numbered 700 or above. Coursework earned five or more years prior to admission to a master’s is not allowed to satisfy requirements.

Probation

This program follows the Graduate School's Probation policy.

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). One additional semester is permitted to complete the requirements, if needed.

Grievances and Appeals

These resources may be helpful in addressing your concerns:

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.

  1. 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.

  2. 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. 

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

Graduate School Resources

Take advantage of the Graduate School's professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career. 

PROFESSORS

Darryl Thelen (Chair)
Peter Adamczyk
Mark Anderson
Riccardo Bonazza
Wendy Crone
Christian Franck
Jaal Ghandhi
Sage Kokjohn
Roderic Lakes
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

Joseph Andrews
Jennifer Franck
Corinne Henak
Eric Kazyak
Allison Mahvi
Luca Mastropasqua
Jacob Notbohm
Josh Roth
Shiva Rudraraju
Stephan Rudykh
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