CU Boulder's Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences (AES) is internationally recognized for its research and education leadership in aerospace engineering, Earth and space sciences. Its world-renowned engineers and scientists tackle challenges in aerospace technology and science, focusing on Astrodynamics and Satellite Navigation Systems (ASN); Autonomous Systems (AUT); Bioastronautics (BIO), Fluids, Structures and Materials (FSM); and Remote Sensing, Earth and Space Science (RSESS).

With more than 50 faculty members and over 550 MS and PhD students, our graduate programs prepare aerospace engineering students to meet the needs of our 21st-century society through the understanding, conception, design and application of aerial and spacecraft systems. 

In the MS program we focus on hands-on, experiential learning, technical and organizational expertise, and end-to-end mission and systems perspectives via course-based degree options. 

Research opportunities for MS students are very limited and are not funded. Students interested in completing an MS thesis are encouraged to take a few of our courses before deciding to pursue that route.

For more information, visit the department's Prospective Graduate Students webpage and our Graduate Student Handbook.

Requirements

Program Requirements

Students must complete a total of 30 credit hours, equivalent to 10 classes, with a grade of B- or better and a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00. Of these 30 credits, at least 24 credit hours must be completed at the 5000 level or above, and at least 18 of those credits must be in Aerospace Engineering (ASEN) courses, and one approved math course. (Note: EMEN 5405 Fundamentals of Systems Engineering counts as an ASEN class. Seminar credits, even those earned in other disciplines, do not count toward the MS degree.)

Up to 6 credits can be taken at the 4000 level in approved engineering, math and science departments (ECEN, CVEN, MCEN, CHEN, CSCI, ATOC, ASTR, PHYS, MCDB, APPM, MATH, STAT, CHEM, IPHY, GEOL, ENVD). ASEN courses level 4000 or below do not count towards AES graduate degrees.  

Focus Area-Defined Courses

Some focus areas offer the option to take additional courses to satisfy the non-thesis option. This will represent at least an additional six credit hours with respect to the minimum requirement to obtain a MS with that focus area. 

Required Math Course:
Choose one:3
Statistical Estimation for Dynamical Systems 1
Mathematics for Aerospace Engineering Sciences 1
Engineering Data Analysis Methods
ASEN 5327
Numerical Methods in Engineering and Science
Special Topics (Multi-Object Filtering Theory)
Uncertainty Quantification
Numerical Solution of Partial Differential Equations
Random Processes for Engineers
Theory and Application of Digital Filtering
Detection and Extraction of Signals from Noise
Introduction to Applied Statistical Methods
4000, 5000, 6000, or 7000 level APPM course
4000, 5000, 6000, or 7000 level MATH course
4000, 5000, 6000, or 7000 level STAT course
Choose one of the following:
Thesis Option
The MS thesis must consist of original and independent research conducted by the graduate student under the supervision of the faculty advisor. The thesis topic must be related to the major field.
Master's Thesis
Non-Thesis Option (Select One)
Graduate Projects I
and Graduate Projects II (6 credits)
Required courses leading to an approved certificate (or completion of the dual ASEN/EMP degree)
Course-only option (FSM and AUT)

Please visit our Graduate Student Handbook for focus area requirements and coursework offerings. 

Time Limit

All degree requirements must be completed within four years of the date of commencing coursework. Most students complete the degree in approximately two years.

Astrodynamics and Satellite Navigation Systems (ASN)

Requirements of the MS degree in the Astrodynamics and Satellite Navigation Systems focus area are:

  • Three ASN Core Classes
  • One ASEN MS Course or Required course from an outside (non-ASN) AES Focus Area. The outside course is any course not listed under the ASN curriculum.
Core Courses9
Choose three:
Spacecraft Attitude Dynamics and Control
Statistical Estimation for Dynamical Systems
Space Flight Dynamics
Analytical Astrodynamics
Introduction to Global Navigation Satellite Systems
Additional Course
Choose one ASEN MS Course or Required course from an outside (non-ASN) AES focus area3
Elective Courses Offered by ASN Focus Area
Interplanetary Mission Design
Advanced Spacecraft Dynamics and Control
Spacecraft Formation Flying
Space Vehicle Guidance and Control
Optimal Trajectories
Advanced Astrodynamics
Satellite Geodesy
Statistical Orbit Determination
Advanced Global Navigation Satellite Systems: Software and Applications
Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Receiver Architecture
Special Topics (Celestial Mechanics & Advanced Astrodynamics)
Special Topics (GNSS for Remote Sensing)
Special Topics (Multi-Object Detection, Tracking, and Characterization)

Autonomous Systems (AUT)

Students are required to take one course from three of the following topic areas:

Autonomous Decision-Making
Algorithmic Motion Planning
Special Topics (Decision-Making Under Uncertainty)
Control Theory
Linear Control Systems
Nonlinear Control Systems
Dynamics and Modelling of Vehicles
Special Topics (Small UAS Dynamics and Control)
Special Topics (System Identification for Control)
Estimation and Sensor Fusion
Statistical Estimation for Dynamical Systems
Programming for Embedded Systems
Microavionics: Introduction to PIC Microcontrollers for Aerospace Systems
Advanced Robotics
Embedded System Design
Principles of Embedded Software
Mechatronics and Robotics I
Elective Courses Offered by AUT Focus Area
Automatic Control Systems
Special Topics (Aerobotics)
Special Topics (Machine Learning for Aerospace)
Special Topics (Cooperative Control)
Special Topics (Hybrid Control Systems)
Special Topics (Stochastic Verification and Synthesis)

Bioastronautics (BIO)

Students are required to take two Core courses and one course from each of the following areas:

Core Courses6
ASEN 5016Space Life Sciences3
ASEN 5158Space Habitat Design3
Choose one:3
Medicine in Space and Surface Environments
Spacecraft Life Support Systems
Human Operation of Aerospace Vehicles
Extravehicular Activity
Choose one:3
Spacecraft Attitude Dynamics and Control
Mechanics of Aerospace Structures
Linear Control Systems
Statistical Estimation for Dynamical Systems
Space Flight Dynamics
Analytical Astrodynamics
Introduction to Global Navigation Satellite Systems
Aerospace Environment
Elective Courses Offered by BIO Focus Area
Medicine in Space and Surface Environments
ASEN 5327
Independent Study (for MS students)
Spacecraft Life Support Systems
Human Operation of Aerospace Vehicles
Extravehicular Activity
Independent Study (for PhD 'pre/non-thesis' topic)

Fluids, Structures and Materials (FSM)

Requirements of the MS degree in the Fluids, Structures and Materials (FSM) focus area are:

  • Two Core Classes in your chosen track, and one Core course in the other FSM track.
  • Two electives from the FSM focus area, with at least one in your chosen track. (See Graduate Handbook for detailed listing.)
  • Attending 50% of the “Fluid, Structures and Materials” seminars each semester.
Core Courses
Fluids Sub-Track
Fundamentals of Fluid Dynamics
Fundamentals of Gas Dynamics
Special Topics (Molecular Thermodynamics and Kinetics)
Structures and Materials Sub-Track
Introduction to Finite Elements
Mechanics of Aerospace Structures
Dynamics of Aerospace Structures
Elective Courses Approved by FSM Focus Area
Fluids
Boundary Layers and Convection
ASEN 5321
Special Topics (Introduction to Hypersonics)
Experimental Fluid Mechanics
Turbulent Flows
Molecular Gas Dynamics and DSMC
Computational Fluid Dynamics
Special Topics (Advanced Turbulence Simulation)
Special Topics (Flow Control)
Special Topics (Isogeometric Analysis)
Special Topics (Mathematical Foundations of Finite Element Analysis)
Special Topics (Stabilized and Multiscale Finite Element Methods)
Classical Thermodynamics
Heat Transfer
Flow Visualization
Introduction to Combustion
Reacting Flows
Structures and Materials
Introduction to Aeroelasticity
Spacecraft Design
Fundamentals of Systems Engineering
Composite Structures and Materials
Large Space Structures Design
Special Topics (Deployable and Lightweight Structures)
Special Topics (Design Optimization in Aerospace Systems)
Special Topics (Introduction to Phononics)
Special Topics (Inverse Methods)
Special Topics (Nonlinear Mechanical Vibration)
Nonlinear Finite Element Methods
Advanced Finite Element Methods for Plates, Shells, and Solids
Uncertainty Quantification
Special Topics (Isogeometric Analysis)
Special Topics (Mathematical Foundations of Finite Element Analysis)
Special Topics (Molecular Dynamics)
Advanced Mechanics of Materials I
Advanced Mechanics of Materials 2
Plates and Shells
Computational Finite Inelasticity and Multiphase Mechanics
Mechanical Behavior of Materials
Special Topics in Mechanical Engineering (Mechanics of Composite Materials)
Special Topics in Mechanical Engineering (Mechanics of Soft Materials)

Remote Sensing, Earth and Space Science (RSESS)

Note that MS students using the Remote Sensing Certificate for their degree requirements in lieu of an MS thesis or two semester graduate projects may count a maximum of 2 of the 4 required RSESS focus area courses toward the certificate requirement.

Data or Numerical Analysis Methods Primary Courses
Choose one:3
Engineering Data Analysis Methods
Data Assimilation & Inverse Methods for Earth & Geospace Observations
Remote Sensing Data Analysis
Methods in Applied Mathematics: Fourier Series and Boundary Value Problems
APPM 5570
APPM 5580/STAT 5610
Random Processes for Engineers
Theory and Application of Digital Filtering
Detection and Extraction of Signals from Noise
Introduction to Mathematical Statistics
Introduction to Time Series
Instrumentation Fundamentals Primary Courses
Choose one:3
Microavionics: Introduction to PIC Microcontrollers for Aerospace Systems
Introduction to Global Navigation Satellite Systems
Remote Sensing Instrumentation Design
Radar and Remote Sensing
Mission Design and Development for Space Sciences
Space Instrumentation
Fundamentals of Spectroscopy for Optical Remote Sensing
Lidar Remote Sensing
Physical Sciences of Earth and Space Primary Courses
Choose one:3
Introduction to Atmospheric Radiative Transfer and Remote Sensing
Aerospace Environment
Special Topics (Aerospace Environment: Upper Atmospheres )
Introduction to Magnetospheres
Atmospheric Thermodynamics and Dynamics
Introduction to Physical Oceanography
Dynamics of the Atmosphere and Oceans
Astrophysical and Space Plasmas
Introductory Plasma Physics
Astrodynamics and Satellite Navigation Systems
Choose one:3
Linear Control Systems
Statistical Estimation for Dynamical Systems
Space Flight Dynamics
Analytical Astrodynamics
Fundamentals of Fluid Dynamics
Spacecraft Design
Satellite Geodesy
Total Credit Hours12

Dual Degree Program

MS in Aerospace Engineering Sciences and ME in Engineering Management

Students may complement their aerospace engineering master’s degree with a Master of Engineering (ME) in Engineering Management. To complete the Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Management dual degree program, students must be admitted to Aerospace Engineering first, and apply to Engineering Management afterwards.

Requirements

The dual degree consists of 45 credits: 24 credits based on Aerospace Engineering requirements and 21 based on Engineering Management requirements, as detailed below.

For more information, visit the Engineering Management Program's MS Aerospace Engineering Sciences & ME Engineering Management webpage.

Aerospace Engineering

At least 24 credits at the 5000 level or above:

  • At least 18 credits in Aerospace Engineering (ASEN) courses. (Note: EMEN 5405 Fundamentals of Systems Engineering counts as an ASEN class).
  • One approved math course (3 credits)
  • Professional MS students do not follow focus area-specific requirements and do not require the completion of a certificate, graduate projects or MS thesis
  • Traditional MS students:
    • Completion of an approved certificate, graduate projects (6 credits) or MS thesis (6 MS thesis credits)
    • Fulfill focus area-specific requirements

Review our Graduate Student Handbook for details on focus area requirements, GPA and grade minimums, and other information.

Engineering Management

Students must complete at least 21 credits. Visit the Engineering Management website for details.