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Online Master’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering

Advance your expertise with KU’s online master’s in aerospace engineering. Study aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, and aerospace systems in a flexible program designed for working engineers.

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What is an online master’s in aerospace engineering?

An online master’s in aerospace engineering focuses on the design, analysis, and performance of aircraft and aerospace systems. You’ll study areas such as aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, materials, and flight systems to solve complex engineering challenges.

At KU, the program is designed for working engineers who want to deepen technical expertise while continuing their careers. The fully online format provides flexibility while maintaining a strong emphasis on real-world application and systems-level thinking.

Students can pursue either a Master of Science (M.S.) or Master of Engineering (M.E.) in Aerospace Engineering. Both options require a minimum of 30 credit hours. The M.S. includes thesis and research pathways for those interested in advanced technical investigation, while the M.E. focuses on applied engineering and systems design.

Coursework is developed in collaboration with faculty advisors to align with each student’s technical interests and career goals. KU’s aerospace engineering graduate program is ranked among the top programs nationally by U.S. News & World Report and is part of a School of Engineering at an AAU member and Carnegie R1 research university.

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Why choose KU for an online aerospace engineering degree?

Earning your online master’s in aerospace engineering from the University of Kansas connects you to a School of Engineering known for its research and industry relevance. KU is an AAU member and Carnegie R1 research university, and its aerospace engineering graduate program is ranked among the top in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

KU’s program stands apart through its combination of research strength, industry relevance, and flexible online delivery. Courses are designed for working engineers who want to deepen their technical expertise without stepping away from their careers, with a focus on real-world application in aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, and flight systems.

Because the degree is delivered through KU’s School of Engineering, the curriculum reflects how aerospace challenges are approached in professional settings—integrating analysis, design, and systems thinking. Students work with faculty to shape a plan of study aligned with their interests and long-term goals.

Most students complete the 30-credit-hour program in about two years, depending on their schedule. The online format provides flexibility while maintaining the rigor and expectations of KU’s on-campus engineering programs.

Explore KU’s online engineering master’s programs to find the option that best fits your goals.

What careers are possible with an online master’s in aerospace engineering?

The KU online master’s in aerospace engineering prepares engineers for advanced roles designing aircraft, spacecraft, propulsion systems, and complex engineering systems across aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing industries.

Graduates pursue roles such as:

  • Aerospace Engineer
  • Mechanical Engineer
  • Electronics Engineer
  • System Engineer
  • Engineering Manager
  • Principal Manger
  • Mechanical Design Engineer

Professionals in these roles may:

  • Design and analyze aircraft, spacecraft, and advanced engineering systems
  • Develop propulsion, structural, and aerodynamic models
  • Lead engineering teams and large-scale technical projects
  • Apply simulation and modeling tools to solve complex engineering challenged
  • Integrate mechanical, electrical, and software systems in aerospace environments

Career Outlook & Earning Potential

Demand for engineers with advanced technical expertise continues to grow across aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing sectors. Organizations increasingly seek engineers with graduate-level training who can lead complex engineering projects and work across multidisciplinary systems. Demand for aerospace engineers continues to grow as industries invest in advanced aircraft, defense systems, and space technologies.

186,505
Jobs in 2025
+8.5%
Projected Growth 
(2025–2035)
12,904
Annual Openings
$126,800
Median Annual Earnings
($60.95 / hourly)

*Source: Lightcast. Information shown is national aggregate data and is not specific to the KU program. KU students are not guaranteed to achieve these positions or income levels.

Program Snapshot

Aug 13
Fall 2026 Application Deadline
100%
Online

Advance in Aerospace Engineering

Earn Your Online Master’s with KU
Propel your career with flexible online coursework in aerodynamics, propulsion, and design.
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Learn more about this online program

Get more info on admission, deadlines, tuition and financial aid, career paths, and more when you fill out the form below. We’ll be in touch to answer any questions and help you get started.

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Program Snapshot

2
years to complete degree
100%
online

How flexible is online learning at KU?

KU’s online degree programs are designed with your busy schedule in mind and offer the flexibility to study wherever — and often whenever — is most convenient for you. Our online courses are taught by the same highly regarded faculty and expert instructors and consist of the same rigorous curriculum and instruction as our on-campus programs.

Degree Requirements & Curriculum

Degree Requirements for the M.E.

At least 30 credit hours of graduate-level courses; which shall include either 3 or more credit hours in aerospace design or at least 3 and up to 6 semester hours of approved management courses.

Degree Requirements for the M.S.

The M.S. offers two options - a minimum of 30 credit hours including 6 hours earned towards the completion of a thesis or a minimum of 30 hours including 3 hours towards the completion of a project.

Course Schedule Examples

Find course schedule examples for the M.S. thesis course schedule with an emphasis in aircraft control and for the M.E. course schedule with an emphasis in structures

Curriculum

Click below for a full list of courses and descriptions for the M.E. and M.S. online programs.

FAQ: online master’s in aerospace engineering

Spring 2026:

  • Priority Application Deadline: Oct. 2
  • Final Application Deadline: Jan. 6

Fall 2026:

  • Priority: Jan. 6
  • Final: Aug. 13

Students typically complete this degree in two years.

Yes, the online master’s is offered fully remote.

A master’s in aerospace engineering prepares you for roles in aircraft and spacecraft design, systems engineering, testing, and advanced manufacturing. Common career paths include aerospace engineer, systems engineer, propulsion engineer, structural analyst, and flight test engineer.

Graduates may work in industries such as aerospace and defense, aviation, space systems, and advanced manufacturing. Employers include private aerospace companies, government agencies, and research organizations.

At KU, the program emphasizes applied problem-solving across aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, and aerospace systems, helping graduates build the technical depth needed for complex engineering roles.

Yes. KU’s online master’s in aerospace engineering is designed to be completed fully online, allowing students to continue working while earning their degree. Courses are delivered in a flexible format, with structured coursework and faculty support that mirrors the rigor of KU’s on-campus engineering programs.

The program is built for working engineers, making it possible to balance graduate study with professional and personal responsibilities while developing advanced technical skills.

KU’s online aerospace engineering master’s combines the research strength of an AAU member and Carnegie R1 university with a flexible format designed for working engineers. The program emphasizes how aerospace systems are designed, analyzed, and tested in real-world settings, with coursework in areas such as aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, and flight systems.

KU’s aerospace engineering graduate program is ranked among the top programs nationally by U.S. News & World Report, reflecting the strength of its faculty and research. Students also have the flexibility to tailor their coursework with guidance from faculty, aligning the program with their technical interests and career goals.

Together, this combination of academic rigor, applied learning, and flexibility helps distinguish KU’s program from more rigid or theory-only online options.

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