The Graduate Astronautical (GA) Engineering program provides the student with a broad education in the scientific and engineering disciplines associated with Astronautical Engineering, as well as in-depth study in selected specialty areas. The program’s core courses are designed to ensure graduates have a solid foundation in the areas of orbital mechanics, space environment, attitude determination and control, telecommunications, remote sensing, space structures, and rocket propulsion. Specialty sequences are available in, but not limited to, these important aspects of astronautical engineering.
The program is fully accredited, leading to a Master of Science degree in Astronautical Engineering. The discipline of Astronautical engineering is dedicated to the design, testing and development of spacecraft, missiles, launch vehicles and related systems. Air Force quota students normally enter as a class in September and are scheduled to graduate in March after 18 months of study. Program entry date and length may vary for other students. Please see the Department Blue Book for further details.
Bachelor's Degree Required: ABET-accredited BS degree in Aeronautical, Astronautical, Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or Engineering Mechanics.
Undergraduate Mathematics Course Required: Calculus, Ordinary Differential Equations
Test Required: GRE - 153V/148Q (within the last five years)
GPA Required: Overall - 3.0; Mathematics - 3.0; Major - 3.0
*Waivers to the above criteria are sometimes granted, and are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Individuals whose academic credentials fall below any of the above criteria but feel they should be given additional consideration due to other potential qualifying factors are encouraged to apply. Please contact the Center at 937-255-6565 x4753 for additional information.
Military personnel, international officers, and civilians who apply to AFIT for full-time graduate study under the sponsorship (full pay and allowances) of a military service or Government organization, but fail to meet the criteria above may be admitted by the faculty in the appropriate department. Please refer to AFIT’s Master’s Degree Eligibility for additional information.
Program Educational Objectives (PEOs)
Student Outcomes (SOs)
Graduates of the GA program will:
Maj Robert A. Bettinger
Degree Type: Master's
Delivery Method: In-Residence
Degree Requirements