Aviation Sciences, Ph.D.

The doctor of philosophy program is designed to prepare students to have an understanding of the diverse and multidisciplinary nature of the critical issues facing the aviation industry, to acquire the capacity and experience needed to perform autonomous research that will advance the frontiers of aviation knowledge, and to assume leadership positions within the aviation community in both academic and non-academic settings. The focus of the program is a combination of theory and practice, and dissertation research is oriented for aviation professionals to solve both research- and theory-based aviation problems and apply solutions to real problems in the field.

Admission Requirements

An applicant to the doctoral program in aviation sciences must have a master’s degree from an accredited institution in aviation, engineering, science, technology, education or an equivalent field with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale. The applicant should have enough practical experience to qualify as a professional in the aviation field. Ideally, this would equate to at least three full years of work experience in the aviation industry, government or higher education. International applicants must hold a master’s degree in one of the above fields from an international institution that has provided suitable preparation for doctoral-level studies.

General admission requirements and the process for applying are presented in the Academic Overview  section.

Degree Requirements

The Doctor of Philosophy in Aviation Sciences is conferred on students who successfully complete a minimum of 51 semester credit hours beyond the master’s degree as described below.

General degree requirements are presented in the Academic Overview  section.