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Low Observable Materials Engineering

Low Observable Materials Engineering

Program Description

The Department of the Air Force has a need for a workforce that is competent in Low Observables (LO) Materials Engineering. The Graduate LO Materials Engineering Certificate Program is designed for students with traditional engineering backgrounds (mechanical, electrical, aerospace, etc.) and produces graduates who can effectively approach and analyze complex LO materials problems, design feasible solutions, and select an appropriate solution. The intended audience consists of early to mid-career civilian, military, and Department of Defense (DoD) contractors working with military systems employing LO materials for survivability.

The curriculum consists of five graduate level courses for a total of 20 graduate credits. These courses provide the basic building blocks for all Air Force and DoD Low Observable Material Engineers. The program is intended to be three quarters in length starting in the summer term where a student would take the LO introduction course and then two courses during the fall and winter terms respectively. The typical program duration is approximately 12 months. If the student is not able to take two courses per quarter as indicated, the time to complete extends to 24 months. No additional electives or research hours are required for the certificate.

Admissions Requirements

Degree Required: Any accredited B.S. degree in the fields of science or engineering. 

Mathematics: Courses in calculus-based physics and dynamic systems are helpful, but not required.

Test Required: None

GPA Required: Overall – 3.0;  Mathematics – 3.0

Waivers to the above criteria may be granted on a case-by-case basis. Individuals who do not meet the above criteria are still encouraged to apply.

NOTE: This certificate is available to US citizens only.

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Outcomes & Objectives

Program Educational Objectives (PEOs):

  • A graduate will have a general understanding of the purpose and requirements for the design and application of low observable materials and the implications to aircraft design.

  • A graduate will have a basic understanding of electromagnetics and the interaction of electromagnetic fields with materials.

  • A graduate will have the skills to effectively participate on evaluation teams of both competing designs as well as proposed processes from competing contractors for low observable designs.

Student Outcomes (SOs):

  • A graduate will understand the science, phenomenology, and technology involved in the areas of LO materials, LO design/integration, and sustainment.

  • A graduate will be able to apply concepts in the areas of LO materials, LO material system design/integration, and sustainment.

  • A graduate will understand data, working independently and in groups, with a focus on the application of LO materials, LO design/integration, and sustainment.

  • A graduate will demonstrate the ability to understand various materials performances.

  • A graduate will demonstrate the ability to analyze LO material design decisions and ramifications.

  • A graduate will demonstrate familiarity with the fundamental knowledge required to design and develop the next generation of materials.

Degree Information

Degree Type: Certificate


Delivery Method: In-Residence


Degree Requirements

All students successfully completing and maintaining a GPA of at least 3.0 in the Low Observables Materials Engineering program (20 credit hours) will receive a certificate and have the completed certificate noted on their AFIT graduate transcript.

NOTE: Students wishing to obtain a master’s degree may apply up to 12 quarter hours of courses taken as part of the certificate program in a non-degree seeking status. The credits obtained while working on this certificate can be applied immediately or at some future time in partial fulfillment of an AFIT LO master’s degree.

The courses comprising the program are offered in-residence and are listed below:

EENG 529 - Introduction to Low Observable Engineering

MATH 504 - Differential Equations of Mathematical Physics

EENG 622 - Advanced Electromagnetics I

EENG 624 - Electromagnetic Characterization of Materials

MATL 680 - Materials Characterization

Graduate School Catalog
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Air Force Institute of Technology
2950 Hobson Way
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH 45433-7765
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