Master’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering Programs

Completing a master’s degree in aerospace engineering is a fantastic choice for anyone interested in aircraft, spacecraft, and military technology. Analytical problem solvers with strong mathematical skills will find completing a master’s in this field the perfect choice for growing their career. 

The field of aerospace engineering can be divided into two subfields — astronautical engineering and aeronautical engineering, which are outlined below.

Learn more about becoming an aerospace engineer in this complete career guide.

Master’s in Aerospace Engineering School Listings

1. Arizona State University Campus Immersion

   Tempe, AZ

   
   Program: Aerospace engineering (MS)
   Credits: 30
   Cost per credit: $858 in state | $1,361 out of state
   GMAT Required: No
   Delivery Method: Campus
   Learn more: Program Details

2. Auburn University

   Auburn, Alabama

   
   Program: Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering
   Credits: 30
   Cost per credit: $577 in state | $1,1731 out of state
   GMAT Required: Yes
   Delivery Method: Online
   Learn more: Program Details

3. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

   San Luis Obispo, California

   
   Program: MS Aerospace Engineering
   Credits: 45
   GMAT Required: Yes
   Delivery Method: Campus
   Learn more: Program Details

4. California State University-Long Beach

   Long Beach, California

   
   Program: Aerospace Engineering, M.S.
   Credits: 30
   Cost per credit: $924 in state | $1,716 out of state
   GMAT Required: No
   Delivery Method: Campus
   Learn more: Program Details

5. Case Western Reserve University

   Cleveland, Ohio

   
   Program: MS in Aerospace Engineering
   Credits: 30
   Cost per credit: $2,182
   GMAT Required: No
   Delivery Method: Campus
   Learn more: Program Details

6. Cornell University

   Ithaca, New York

   
   Program: M.s. Program In Mechanical Engineering
   Credits: 48
   Cost per credit: $1,750
   GMAT Required: No
   Delivery Method: Campus
   Learn more: Program Details

7. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach

   Daytona Beach, Florida

   
   Program: Master Of Science In Aerospace Engineering
   Credits: 30
   Cost per credit: $806
   GMAT Required: No
   Delivery Method: Campus, Online
   Learn more: Program Details

8. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide

   Cincinnati, Ohio

   
   Program: Master Of Science In Aerospace Engineering
   Credits: 30
   Cost per credit: $1,695 (Campus) | $806 (Online)
   GMAT Required: Yes
   Delivery Method: Campus, Online
   Learn more: Program Details

9. Florida Institute of Technology

   Melbourne, Florida

   
   Program: Aerospace Engineering, M.S.
   Credits: 30
   Cost per credit: $1,270
   GMAT Required: No
   Delivery Method: Campus
   Learn more: Program Details

10. Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus

    Atlanta, Georgia

    
    Program: Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering
    Credits: 33
    Cost per credit: $586 in state | $1,215 out of state
    GMAT Required: No
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    Learn more: Program Details

11. Iowa State University

    Ames, Iowa

    
    Program: MS in Aerospace Engineering
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $588 in state | $1,488 out of state
    GMAT Required: Yes
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program Details

12. Johns Hopkins University

    Baltimore, Maryland

    
    Program: Space Systems Engineering Master's Program
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $2,097
    GMAT Required: No
    Delivery Method: Hybrid, Online
    Learn more: Program Details

13. Mississippi State University

    Starkville, Mississippi

    
    Program: Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $514
    GMAT Required: No
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program Details

14. Missouri University of Science and Technology

    Rolla, Missouri

    
    Program: Master's Degree in Aerospace Engineering
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $750 in state | $1200 out of state
    GMAT Required: Yes
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program Details

15. Morehead State University

    Morehead, Kentucky

    
    Program: Space Systems Engineering, M.S.
    Credits: 36
    Cost per credit: $570
    GMAT Required: Yes
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program Details

16. New Mexico State University-Main Campus

    Las Cruces, New Mexico

    
    Program: Aerospace Engineering - Master of Science
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $288 in state | $1,001 out of state
    GMAT Required: Yes
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program Details

17. North Carolina State University at Raleigh

    Raleigh, North Carolina

    
    Program: Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $505
    GMAT Required: No
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    Learn more: Program Details

18. Ohio State University-Main Campus

    Columbus, Ohio

    
    Program: Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $756 in state | $1663 out of state
    GMAT Required: No
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program Details

19. Purdue University-Main Campus

    West Lafayette, Indiana

    
    Program: Master in Aerospace Engineering
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $1,139 in state | $1,449 out of state
    GMAT Required: Yes
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program Details

20. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

    Troy, New York

    
    Program: Mechanical, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering M.S.
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $2,440
    GMAT Required: No
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program Details

21. Rice University

    Houston, Texas

    
    Program: Master of Mechanical Engineering with a focus on Aerospace Engineering
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $2,189 in state | $3006 out of state
    GMAT Required: No
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program Details

22. San Diego State University

    San Diego, California

    
    Program: Masters in Aerospace Engineering
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $359 in state | $755 out of state
    GMAT Required: Yes
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program Details

23. San Jose State University

    San Jose, California

    
    Program: Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering (MSAE)
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $359 in state | $755 out of state
    GMAT Required: No
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program Details

24. Santa Clara University

    Santa Clara, California

    
    Program: Master of Science Program in Aerospace Engineering
    Credits: 46
    Cost per credit: $1,121
    GMAT Required: Yes
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program Details

25. Texas A&M University-College Station

    College Station, Texas

    
    Program: Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering
    Credits: 32
    Cost per credit: $892 in state | $2,009 out of state
    GMAT Required: Yes
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program Details

26. The Pennsylvania State University

    University Park, Pennsylvania

    
    Program: Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $1,019 in state | $1,733 out of state
    GMAT Required: Yes
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program Details

27. The University of Alabama

    Tuscaloosa, Alabama

    
    Program: (MS) In Aerospace Engineering
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $440
    GMAT Required: Yes
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program Details

28. The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

    Knoxville, Tennessee

    
    Program: Aerospace Engineering Major, MS
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $716 in state | $1,740 out of state
    GMAT Required: No
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program Details

29. The University of Texas at Arlington

    Arlington, Texas

    
    Program: Aerospace Engineering Master Of Science Degree Program
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $736 in state | $1565 out of state
    GMAT Required: Yes
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program Details

30. The University of Texas at Austin

    Austin, Texas

    
    Program: Master of Science Aerospace Engineering
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $1,215 in state | $1,729 out of state
    GMAT Required: Yes
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program Details

31. University at Buffalo

    Buffalo, New York

    
    Program: Aerospace Engineering MS
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $471 in state | $963 out of state
    GMAT Required: Yes
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program Details

32. University of Alabama in Huntsville

    Huntsville, Alabama

    
    Program: Aerospace Systems Engineering, MSASE
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $1,782
    GMAT Required: Yes
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program Details

33. University of Arizona

    Tucson, Arizona

    
    Program: Aerospace Engineering (MS)
    Credits: 32
    Cost per credit: $882 in state | $1,974 out of state
    GMAT Required: Yes
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program Details

34. University of California-Los Angeles

    Los Angeles, California

    
    Program: MS in Engineering-Aerospace
    Credits: 36
    Cost per credit: $1,400
    GMAT Required: Yes
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program Details

35. University of California-San Diego

    La Jolla, California

    
    Program: M.S. Programs in Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
    Credits: 36
    Cost per credit: $325 in state | $745 out of state
    GMAT Required: No
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program Details

36. University of Central Florida

    Orlando, Florida

    
    Program: Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering (MSAE)
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $370 in state | $1,194 out of state
    GMAT Required: Yes
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    Learn more: Program Details

37. University of Cincinnati-Main Campus

    Cincinnati, Ohio

    
    Program: MS in Aerospace Engineering & Engineering Mechanics
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $746 in state | $1,333 out of state
    GMAT Required: No
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program Details

38. University of Colorado Boulder

    Boulder, Colorado

    
    Program: Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $815 in state | $1,805 out of state
    GMAT Required: No
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program Details

39. University of Dayton

    Dayton, Ohio

    
    Program: Aerospace Engineering (M.S.)
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $1,030
    GMAT Required: Yes
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program Details

40. University of Florida

    Gainesville, Florida

    
    Program: Master Of Science Degree In Aerospace Engineering
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $637 in state | $1,507 out of state
    GMAT Required: No
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program Details

41. University of Houston

    Houston, Texas

    
    Program: Aerospace Engineering, MS
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $428 in state | $936 out of state
    GMAT Required: Yes
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program Details

42. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

    Champaign, Illinois

    
    Program: MS in Aerospace Engineering
    Credits: 32
    Cost per credit: $1,098 in state | $2,084 out of state
    GMAT Required: Yes
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    Learn more: Program Details

43. University of Kansas

    Lawrence, Kansas

    
    Program: Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $416 in state | $988 out of state
    GMAT Required: No
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program Details

44. University of Maryland-College Park

    College Park, Marylan

    
    Program: Master's In Aerospace Engineering
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $812 in state | $1,769 out of state
    GMAT Required: No
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program Details

45. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

    Ann Arbor, Michigan

    
    Program: Aerospace Engineering MSE
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $2,033 in state | $3,473 out of state
    GMAT Required: Yes
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program Details

46. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

    Minneapolis, Minnesota

    
    Program: Master Of Science Degrees In Aerospace Engineering And Mechanics
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $658 in state | $995 out of state
    GMAT Required: No
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program Details

47. University of Nevada-Las Vegas

    Paradise, Nevada

    
    Program: Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering
    Credits: 33
    Cost per credit: $314 in state | $660 out of state
    GMAT Required: Yes
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program Details

48. University of Notre Dame

    Notre Dame, Indiana

    
    Program: Aerospace Engineering: MSAE
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $3,446
    GMAT Required: No
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program Details

49. University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus

    Norman, Oklahoma

    
    Program: Master of Science in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering
    Credits: 36
    Cost per credit: $335 in state | $993 out of state
    GMAT Required: Yes
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program Details

50. University of South Carolina-Columbia

    Columbia, South Carolina

    
    Program: M.S. in Aerospace Engineering
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $572 in state | $1,240 out of state
    GMAT Required: Yes
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program Details

51. University of Southern California

    Los Angeles, California

    
    Program: Ms in Aerospace Engineering
    Credits: 27
    Cost per credit: $2,424
    GMAT Required: No
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    Learn more: Program Details

52. University of Washington-Seattle Campus

    Seattle, Washington

    
    Program: Master of Aerospace Engineering
    Credits: 45
    Cost per credit: $402 in state | $1,330 out of state
    GMAT Required: No
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    Learn more: Program Details

53. Utah State University

    Logan, Utah

    
    Program: MS in Aerospace Engineering
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $146 in state | $488 out of state
    GMAT Required: Yes
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program Details

54. Washington University in St Louis

    St. Louis, Missouri

    
    Program: MS in Aerospace Engineering
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $2,187
    GMAT Required: No
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program Details

55. West Virginia University

    Morgantown, West Virginia

    
    Program: Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $513 in state | $1,449 out of state
    GMAT Required: No
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program Details

56. Western Michigan University

    Kalamazoo, Michigan

    
    Program: Master's In Aerospace Engineering
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $731 in state | $1,096 out of state
    GMAT Required: Yes
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program Details

57. Wichita State University

    Wichita, Kansas

    
    Program: Aerospace Engineering - Masters Degree Program
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $308 in state | $758 out of state
    GMAT Required: No
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program Details

58. Worcester Polytechnic Institute

    Worcester, Massachusetts

    
    Program: MS in Aerospace Engineering
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $1,610
    GMAT Required: No
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    Learn more: Program Details

59. Wright State University-Main Campus

    Fairborn, Ohio

    
    Program: Master of Science in Aerospace Systems Engineering
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $660 in state | $1,125 out of state
    GMAT Required: Yes
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program Details

What is Astronautical Engineering?

Space exploration has recently undergone a renaissance wherein private corporations, such as SpaceX, are replacing NASA and other government organizations as industry leaders. 

Humanity’s expansion into space is no longer simply a result of curiosity. Reaching the cosmos has more practical applications ranging from global internet coverage to tourism to the eventual mining of asteroids for precious metals. 

To make this possible, a great deal of innovation must create faster, longer range, and more affordable vehicles that can get us into space. Aerospace engineers are at the heart of this innovation, and obtaining a master’s degree in this field will allow you to partake in this fascinating endeavor.

What is Aeronautical Engineering?

For those who want a more “down-to-earth career,” obtaining a master’s in aerospace engineering can open doors to careers in the civilian and military aviation industries. For those passionate about aviation, designing, developing, testing, and manufacturing aircraft is about as immersed as one can get in this field short of being an actual pilot. 

Companies such as Boeing or Airbus are at the forefront of aircraft manufacturing. In an ever more globalized and climate-conscious economy, transporting large amounts of people safely, comfortably, and efficiently is more important than ever. Thousands of hours and massive capital investments have gone into developing greener and more comfortable commercial aircraft such as the Boeing B-787 Dreamliner or Airbus A-350. One of the main benefits of participating in the development of a new aircraft is the diversity of skills needed. 

Designing an aircraft requires specialized knowledge in fluid mechanics, electrical engineering, mechatronics, material science, and even interior design. Being on a team of aerospace engineers and developing a new aircraft will provide many opportunities to test and expand one’s knowledge continually. Similarly, a career in military aviation offers many of the same benefits as one in the commercial aviation business, with the added responsibility and prestige of supporting our nation’s defense capabilities. 

Obtaining a master’s degree in aerospace engineering can lead to more broad careers in the defense industry, not just aviation. Corporations such as Lockheed Martin and Raytheon supply our military with equipment such as UAVs, ballistic missiles, missile defense systems, and smart bombs. Developing this equipment requires varying degrees of aerospace engineering knowledge.

How to Get a Master’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering?

Completing an aerospace engineering master’s degree will include building on a certain aspect of the core knowledge obtained while studying other scientific topics and engineering during an undergraduate degree.  

Most master’s programs offer the choice between a full-time or part-time class load. A full-time curriculum is the preferred option for those solely focused on learning. However, those currently employed in their field may opt for a part-time class load to balance their schooling and work.

Most master’s programs provide specialized curriculums for areas in aerospace engineering that you might be interested in. Here is a glance at some of these specializations:

Aeronautics

The general science of researching, designing, and manufacturing aircraft. A very broad field, aeronautics includes light aircraft, commercial aviation, military aviation, and UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles).

Aircraft Guidance Control

The design and development of guidance systems to manage air traffic control and enable aircraft to reach their destination safely. A field mostly preoccupied with radar, GPS, and collision avoidance systems.

Aerodynamics

This is the study of how objects move through the air. Those specializing in aerodynamics can expect to spend their careers conducting research and optimizing current and future aircraft designs. Proper aerodynamics is a crucial aspect of an aircraft’s design as it affects both its performance and efficiency. 

Space Mission Design and Planning

Sending spacecraft into the cosmos requires careful design and meticulous planning. Ensuring costly space missions are carried out in the safest and most cost-efficient manner while completing their objective will be the purpose of this focus.

Spacecraft Design

Newer, more advanced propulsion systems and materials enable the development of next-generation spacecraft with lower costs and increased capabilities. Additionally, the privatization of space travel by companies such as SpaceX creates more opportunities to work in space exploration. Specializing in spacecraft design can help one pursue a career in this exciting field.

Online Aerospace Engineering Master’s Degree Programs

Over 20 universities offer online master’s degree programs in aerospace engineering. Some programs are fully online, whereas others offer hybrid courses where class time is split between virtual and in-person learning. The main benefit of online courses is that they provide flexibility. This is especially important to professionals already working full-time jobs who may not be able to attend in-person classes. Students themselves can decide when and how they will complete their coursework.

An online curriculum is delivered differently than it would be in person. Universities offering online courses have innovated clever new ways to deliver learning material. Existing in-person classes may simply be recorded and uploaded online for later viewing for the lecture portion. Other times, instructors may use certain media designed for online lectures such as powerpoints and interactive programs. Classes may also be conducted in the form of a video group call using software such as Zoom or Google Classrooms. Students can ask instructors questions in real-time during these sessions, just like during an in-person class. However, if this does not work out schedule-wise for a particular student, these sessions are recorded for later viewing.

Completing homework assignments will also differ significantly from traditional classes. Often, an online platform will be used for assigning homework. Assignments will typically take a form resembling a quiz where answers are either multiple choice or  typed in. Alternatively, some assignments may simply be done on paper in the traditional way, except instead of turning it in during class, you will simply take a picture and upload it to the class website.

Here are a few examples of online courses one might sign up for while completing an online master’s degree in aerospace engineering :

Aerospace Composite Design

Most modern air/spacecraft are made from composite materials such as aluminum alloys and carbon fiber. Understanding the material properties and abilities is crucial when designing stronger, lighter, and more efficient modern aircraft. Undergraduate engineering topics such as strengths of materials, material science, statics, and dynamics will be revisited and built upon.

Additive Manufacturing

Hobby 3-D printing is the first thing that comes to mind when additive manufacturing is mentioned. However, this technology has increasingly played a role in aerospace engineering. From rapid prototyping to the manufacturing of complex shapes that better optimize strength and aerodynamics, additive manufacturing will likely be an important part of this industry in coming years. Courses in additive manufacturing will likely teach students about the benefits and limits of this technology, along with 3-D printing methods and workflow.

Aircraft Propulsion

Aircraft propulsion courses will focus on the study of propulsion systems such as radial, turboprop, turbofan, and turbojet engines. Such courses will likely build on previously learned engineering topics such as thermodynamics, heat transfer, and the strengths of materials.

Dynamics, Stability, and Control of Vehicles

Designing a propulsions system and durable airframe is not the only aspect of aerospace engineering. Air and spacecraft require complicated systems to ensure stable flight and adequate maneuverability, which this course will focus on. The dynamic relationship between controls, software, hardware, and aircraft mechanics will be covered at length.

Aerospace Engineering Master’s Programs

When considering a master’s degree, the most logical question is how much it will cost. 

The cost of tuition will vary depending on whether you enroll in an online or in-person program. Likewise, out-of-state tuition will be substantially greater than in-state tuition. The cost of an online degree may be substantially lower than an in-person degree because your current living accommodations may not need to change. In the end, the university itself will be the most important factor when it comes to tuition costs.

Most universities operate on a per-credit basis. The cost will vary substantially depending on which university is selected. The University of Washington charges $535 per credit for Washington state residents and $985 per credit for nonresident or international students. Prestigious universities will charge significantly more. Private schools, on the other hand, like Columbia University, charge a flat rate of $1,936 per credit hour regardless of state residency.

When it comes to funding postgraduate studies, several options are available.  Traditional finance methods, such as student loans and grants, are typically utilized. The most popular method of funding your education is through federal financial aid. This aid provides around $20,500 in unsubsidized loans each year, but supplementary “Direct PLUS Loans” may be available if more money is needed. Due to relatively low-interest rates and deferment options,  federal loans are the preferred method of financing secondary education. However, private student loans may be an option if one does not qualify for these loans or needs additional funding.  Scholarships are also available to help cover educational costs.

Many scholarships are available for students wishing to pursue a STEM degree. Some of these scholarships are offered through universities directly, whereas others may be provided by businesses looking for future employees. Your qualification for these scholarships usually depends on your previous academic achievements, racial and ethnic background, socio-economic background, and other such attributes. One useful resource for finding the correct scholarship for your graduate program is scholarships.com. 

A master’s degree normally requires 30 to 36 credits to complete. The pace at which these credits are earned, at least in online learning, can be heavily influenced by the student’s scheduling needs. Master’s programs can be finished in just over a year or spread out over several years, depending on the student’s preferences.

Not all aerospace engineering master’s degrees are structured in the same way. Some programs may be course-based only. Others may require you to complete a thesis, a project that integrates a student’s coursework and pushes them to demonstrate an understanding of the topics covered in their master’s program. A thesis may only involve the university itself or a partnership with industry professionals.

Internship opportunities may be included in some master’s programs. These allow you to apply the methods and skills you learned to a real-world application and may be required as an alternative to completing a thesis. Exposure to the industry can offer valuable knowledge that may not be gained in a classroom.

Aerospace Engineer Master’s Jobs

Some common job opportunities for those holding a master’s degree in aerospace engineering include the following:

• Aerodynamics Engineer: An aerodynamics engineer will design and conduct aircraft testing, analyze aspects of aviation concerning aero physics, select appropriate aircraft materials, and present results of experiments to colleagues who may not be as technically skilled.
• Aeronautical Engineer: An aeronautical engineer will aid the design and development of aircraft (both commercial and military) and possible missile systems. Day-to-day tasks may include creating prototypes and using CAD software to improve designs of aircraft components.
• Procurement Officer: The purchasing of goods and services for a corporation from manufacturers, importers, and wholesalers is handled by procurement officers. These purchases are often complex and require strong organization and negotiation skills along with the technical knowledge gained by completing a master’s in aerospace engineering. 
• Mission and Payload Specialist: As the title suggests, this career will entail aiding space missions by collecting data, conducting experiments, and other related activities. A mission and payload specialist will likely be involved in every step of a manned or unmanned space mission, and thus their career will be more proactive than others in this list.
• Data Processing Manager: Computer-based simulations are becoming an increasingly important aspect of aerospace engineering due to newly available technology and lower costs. Data collected from these simulations must be processed and interpreted by engineers who will then decide which design changes are appropriate. As a data processing manager, you will be overseeing this process.
• Inspector and Compliance Officer: Skilled professionals are needed to ensure the safety of future aircraft passengers. Inspectors and compliance officers ensure that aircraft manufacturers comply with all safety standards and regulations, thus minimizing accident risks. These individuals may be employed by the government, airlines, or aircraft manufacturers.

Master’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering Career Outlook

As of May 2020, the median annual pay for aerospace engineers was $118,610, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. The job outlook for this career field is three percent which matches the cumulative national growth rate for all careers. An aerospace engineer will generally work in an office or laboratory setting and make frequent trips to manufacturing and testing facilities.

Master’s in Aerospace Engineering FAQs

The information provided was meant as a brief introduction to what earning a master’s degree in aerospace engineering may entail and why one would go about doing so. Below are some common questions that may be asked if you are considering furthering your education in this field.