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Dr. Hassan Jishi is an assistant professor in the College of Aviation at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where he is also the program coordinator of the MS in aerospace engineering program.
Dr. Jishi earned his BS in aerospace engineering and his BS in mechanical engineering from Arizona State University, his BS in aerospace vehicle design from Cranfield University, and his PhD from Khalifa University of Science, Technology, and Research.
OnlineEngineeringPrograms.com: What is something you wish the public understood about aerospace engineering?
Dr. Jishi: Aerospace engineering is often narrowly associated with rockets and space exploration, but its scope is much broader. It encompasses the design, analysis, safety, and optimization of any vehicle that moves through a fluid or even a vacuum. By “fluid,” we mean not just water but also air—so aerospace principles apply to submarines, drones, aircraft, and spacecraft alike.
Beyond the vehicles themselves, aerospace engineering also involves the study of control systems, stability, and the complex logic that governs vehicle behavior under various conditions. Additionally, it encompasses material mechanics and structural applications, focusing on meeting stringent performance and safety requirements while minimizing weight for maximum efficiency. It’s a discipline rooted in both physical mechanics and advanced systems thinking.
OnlineEngineeringPrograms.com: What advice would you give to aspiring students in aerospace engineering?
Dr. Jishi: Mastering mathematics early on is crucial. Math is the language of engineering, and a strong foundation will make it easier to grasp complex aerospace concepts. Aerospace engineering relies heavily on advanced mathematics, including calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, and numerical methods. These mathematical tools are essential for understanding topics such as fluid dynamics, structural analysis, and control systems. Developing strong problem-solving skills through math not only builds technical competence but also gives students an edge when tackling real-world engineering challenges.
OnlineEngineeringPrograms.com: What does the future of the field look like to you?
Dr. Jishi: The future of aerospace engineering is driven by innovation and optimization. We’re witnessing advancements like reusable rockets, exemplified by SpaceX, which are revolutionizing space travel by making it more sustainable and cost-effective. Automation and artificial intelligence are also playing transformative roles, streamlining product development, enhancing system efficiency, and even contributing to autonomous flight technologies. Additionally, there’s growing interest in urban air mobility, sustainable aviation, and hypersonic vehicles, all of which push the boundaries of what aerospace engineering can achieve.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
The online master of science in aerospace engineering (MSAE) program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is one of the most sought-after in the field. Students will enhance their scientific background in aerodynamics and propulsion, dynamics and control, aeronautical engineering, and structures and materials.
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or a related field. Official transcripts, GRE scores, a statement of objectives, a résumé, and three letters of recommendation are required. International students must also provide proof of English proficiency and a credential evaluation for foreign coursework.
The program consists of 30 credits. Core classes include strength and fatigue of materials; engineering materials selection; introduction to the finite element method; and analysis of aircraft plate and shell structures. Electives are available in areas such as system architecture design and modeling; aircraft airworthiness engineering principles, and system quality assurance.
Stanford School of Engineering
The master of science in aeronautics and astronautics at Stanford University prepares students for professional roles in industry, government, and academia. The program emphasizes structural, aerodynamic, guidance and control, and propulsion challenges in aircraft and spacecraft.
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree with a strong technical background in engineering, physics, or a comparable science program. Official transcripts, a statement of purpose, a résumé, and three letters of recommendation are also required. International applicants must provide proof of English proficiency.
This is a broad program that integrates multiple engineering disciplines. Courses cover topics such as applied aerodynamics, mechanical vibrations, smart structures, global positioning systems, the principles of robot autonomy, and space mechanics. The program consists of 45 credits.
The online master of science in aeronautics and astronautics at Purdue University is ranked as one of the best graduate aerospace engineering programs in the country. It is specifically designed for working engineers, offering flexible plans of study that students can shape around their schedules.
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Required application materials include official transcripts, a statement of purpose, a résumé, and three letters of recommendation. International applicants must also provide proof of English proficiency.
The program consists of 30 credits. Courses are offered in the following areas: aerodynamics; aerospace systems; astrodynamics & space applications; autonomy and control; structures & materials; and propulsion. A concentration in Engineering Leadership is also available, where students can take professional-oriented courses in topics related to management.
The online master of science in aerospace engineering (MSAE) program at UCF equips students to advance their careers in the dynamic field of aerospace engineering. Graduates will be prepared to influence the design of aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and more. Notably, UCF is the number one supplier of graduates to aerospace and defense industries in the U.S., and 100 percent of the program’s alumni report employment within a year of graduation.
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Required application materials include official transcripts, a statement of purpose, a résumé, and letters of recommendation. International applicants must also provide proof of English proficiency.
Courses are available in areas such as guidance, navigation, and control; intermediate fluid mechanics; and rock propulsion. Students may choose from three specialized tracks: Space Systems Design and Engineering, Thermofluid Aerodynamic Systems Design and Engineering, and Guidance Control and Dynamics. The program consists of 30 credits.
The online master of engineering (ME) in aerospace engineering program at CSU emphasizes balancing engineering and business objectives, preparing students for strategic decision-making in complex projects. Students may customize their learning into one of the following areas: propulsion, fluid flow, structures, materials and manufacturing, and systems engineering.
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a résumé are also required. International applicants must provide proof of English proficiency.
Foundational courses cover numerical methods in science and engineering, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and material issues in mechanical design. Technical electives are available in areas such as applied computational fluid dynamics; turbomachinery; finite element analysis; processing of polymer composites; and orbit mechanics. The program consists of 30 credits.
North Carolina State University
The online master of science in aerospace engineering (MSAE) at NC State is tailored for working professionals and those unable to attend on-campus classes. The program emphasizes flexibility, allowing students to balance their studies with personal and professional commitments. There is no thesis, no final oral exam, and no on-campus requirement.
Applicants must hold an undergraduate major in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field. Official transcripts with a strong (3.0 or greater) GPA and three letters of recommendation are also required. International students must provide proof of English proficiency.
The curriculum covers key areas such as aerodynamics, aerospace systems, astrodynamics, structures and materials, and propulsion. Courses include topics such as fracture dynamics, finite element analysis, airfoil theory, and micro/nano electromechanical systems. The program consists of 30 credits.
The online master of science in ocean engineering (MS) at Texas A&M University, launching in fall 2025, is designed to equip engineers with advanced knowledge and research skills for careers in areas such as offshore energy, coastal engineering, naval architecture, and academia.
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline. Additional prerequisites may be required for those lacking foundational knowledge in areas like dynamics, fluid mechanics, or mechanics of materials. Official transcripts, a statement of purpose, and three letters of recommendation are also required. International students will need to show proof of English proficiency.
Courses are available in topics such as advanced naval architecture; dynamics of ocean vehicles; turbulence processes; data science for ocean engineers; computational fluid dynamics; coastal engineering; and nonlinear wave dynamics. The program offers both thesis and non-thesis tracks to accommodate diverse professional goals.
The online master of science in ocean engineering at Virginia Tech focuses on computer-aided analysis and design of ships, utilizing methods grounded in first principles. The curriculum emphasizes naval ship design and related topics, preparing students for advanced roles in naval architecture and marine engineering.
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. The application process requires the submission of official transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a résumé. International applicants must also provide proof of English proficiency.
Students can choose between a thesis and a non-thesis option. The coursework covers advanced ship structural analysis, advanced ship dynamics, and applied numerical methods. Elective courses allow for further specialization in topics like submarine design and naval ship system design. A final comprehensive oral exam is required upon completion of the degree requirements. The program consists of 30 credits.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2024), the career outlook for aerospace engineers is promising, with overall employment projected to grow 6 percent in the next decade, which is faster than the average of 4 percent for all occupations from 2023 to 2033.
On average, aerospace engineers earn $134,330 per year. The percentiles for wages for aerospace engineers are:
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2024), the career outlook for marine engineers is also strong, with overall employment for marine engineers and naval architects projected to grow 8 percent in the next decade, which is faster than the average of 4 percent for all occupations from 2023 to 2033.
On average, marine engineers earn $108,110 per year. The percentiles for wages for marine engineers are:
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