Florida Institute of Technology
High Tech with a Human Touch
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
| Degree Programs | Major Codes |
|---|---|
| BS - Aerospace Engineering | 7044 |
| BS - Mechanical Engineering | 7131 |
| MS - Aerospace Engineering | 8134 |
| MS - Mechanical Engineering | 8131 |
| Ph.D. - Aerospace Engineering | 9134 |
| Ph.D. - Mechanical Engineering | 9131 |
Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering
| Major Code: | 7044 | Degree Awarded: | Bachelor of Science |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delivery Mode(s): | Classroom | Location(s): | Main Campus - Melbourne |
| Admission Status: | Undergraduate | Age Restriction: | No |
The field of aerospace engineering has grown rapidly in recent decades to assume a vital role in modern human endeavors. Ranging from manned lunar excursions, exploration of the solar system and ecological study of Earth, to beneficial commerce on space stations and high-quality products for humans and military concerns, the contributions from the aerospace engineering profession have been profound. Aerospace engineers are currently involved in space station operations and are expected to take part in future moon-base and space station missions, as well as manned exploration of Mars. The many spin-offs from their involvement in these activities in space will surely benefit humanity just as has their previous space involvement.
The aerospace engineering undergraduate curriculum at Florida Tech presents the fundamentals underlying modern aerospace engineering and prepares the student for a lifetime of continued learning. During the freshman and sophomore years, emphasis is placed on mathematics and physics, while aerospace engineering is introduced through a sequence of three courses. The sophomore and junior years direct the student toward the engineering sciences, including materials science, thermodynamics and fluid mechanics. During the junior and senior years, the study becomes progressively centered on the specific issues facing practicing aerospace engineers. The student uses the basic tools imparted during the first two years and applies them in studies of aerodynamics, propulsion systems, aerospace structures and design projects. Other courses taken during the last two years expand the student’s knowledge in the fields of mechanics of solids, electric circuits, flight stability and control, and mission analysis. Technical electives taken during the junior and senior years allow the student to direct the program toward specific areas of personal interest, such as flight training and human factors engineering, space science, mathematics, computer science or other engineering disciplines.
Laboratory experiences are essential to the education of engineers, and these are provided in chemistry, physics, computers, materials, fluids, structures and experimental aerodynamics. The capstone of the educational process is embodied in the aerospace engineering design project, which synthesizes and focuses elements from the various disciplines into a design activity of current aerospace engineering interest. The faculty of the program serve jointly in the supervision and consultation for these projects.
Students are encouraged to define career objectives early in the program (preferably during the sophomore year), so that in consultation with faculty advisers, electives can be selected that are best suited to the achievement of specific goals.
Students may also choose to benefit from the experience gained through the cooperative education program. After graduation, the aerospace engineering student is prepared to pursue a career in either industry or government as a practicing engineer, or to enter graduate study in engineering, applied mechanics or mathematics.
Educational Objectives
The broad educational objectives of the aerospace engineering program at Florida Tech are:
Academic fundamentals: Graduates have successfully applied and integrated their knowledge of fundamental principles in their chosen career.
Engineering practice: Graduates have used their engineering skills in the successful completion of an engineering project.
Teamwork and communication: Graduates have demonstrated the ability to communicate their ideas and technical results verbally, in writing and via presentations, and are effective team members.
Professional development: Graduates have advanced their knowledge and contributed to the profession and society.
Degree Requirements
Candidates for a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering must complete the minimum course requirements outlined in the following curriculum.
Freshman Year
| FALL | CREDITS | |
| ASC 1000 | University Experience | 1 |
| CHM 1101 | General Chemistry 1 | 4 |
| COM 1101 | Composition and Rhetoric | 3 |
| CSE 1502 | Introduction to Software Development with C++ or CSE 1503 Introduction to Software Development with FORTRAN (CL) |
3 |
| MAE 1201 | Introduction to Aerospace Engineering | 1 |
| MTH 1001 | Calculus 1 | 4 |
| 16 | ||
| SPRING | CREDITS | |
| COM 1102 | Writing about Literature | 3 |
| MAE 1202 | Aerospace Practicum | 2 |
| MTH 1002 | Calculus 2 | 4 |
| PHY 1001 | Physics 1 | 4 |
| PHY 2091 | Physics Lab 1 | 1 |
| Social Science Elective | 3 | |
| 17 | ||
Sophomore Year
| FALL | CREDITS | |
| HUM 2051 | Civilization 1 | 3 |
| MAE 2081 | Applied Mechanics: Statics | 3 |
| MAE 2201 | Aerospace Fundamentals | 2 |
| MTH 2001 | Calculus 3 | 4 |
| PHY 2002 | Physics 2 | 4 |
| PHY 2092 | Physics Lab 2 | 1 |
| 17 | ||
| SPRING | CREDITS | |
| CHE 3260 | Materials Science and Engineering | 3 |
| CHE 3265 | Materials Science and Engineering Lab | 1 |
| MAE 2082 | Applied Mechanics: Dynamics | 3 |
| MAE 3191 | Engineering Thermodynamics 1 | 3 |
| MTH 2201 | Differential Equations/Linear Algebra | 4 |
| Humanities Core Course* | 3 | |
| 17 | ||
Junior Year
| FALL | CREDITS | |
| COM 2223 | Scientific and Technical Communication | 3 |
| ECE 4991 | Electric and Electronic Circuits | 3 |
| MAE 3064 | Fluid Mechanics Lab |
1 |
| MAE 3161 | Fluid Mechanics |
3 |
| MAE 3083 | Mechanics of Materials | 3 |
| MTH 3210 | Introduction to Partial Differential Equations and Applications |
3 |
| 16 | ||
| SPRING | CREDITS | |
| MAE 3150 | Aerospace Computational Techniques | 3 |
| MAE 3162 | Compressible Flow | 3 |
| MAE 3241 | Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics | 3 |
| MAE 3291 | Junior Design (Q) | 1 |
| MAE 4281 | Aerospace Structural Design | 3 |
| MAE 4284 | Aerospace Structures Design Lab | 1 |
| Technical Elective** | 3 | |
| 17 | ||
Senior Year
| FALL | CREDITS | |
| MAE 3260 | Experimental Aerodynamics | 3 |
| MAE 4014 | Control Systems | 3 |
| MAE 4262 | Rockets and Mission Analysis | 3 |
| MAE 4263 | Space Flight Mechanics | 3 |
| MAE 4291 | Aerospace Engineering Design 1 (Q) | 3 |
| Technical Elective** | 3 | |
| 18 | ||
| SPRING | CREDITS | |
| MAE 4242 | Aircraft Stability and Control | 3 |
| MAE 4261 | Air-breathing Engines | 3 |
| MAE 4292 | Aerospace Engineering Design 2 (Q) | 3 |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Humanities Elective | 3 | |
| 15 | ||
TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED 133
| *Humanities Core Courses | |
| HUM 2052 | Civilization 2: Renaissance Through Modern |
| HUM 2142 | World Art History 2: Early Modern to Post-Colonial |
| HUM 2212 | British and American Literature 1 |
| HUM 2213 | British and American Literature 2 |
| HUM 2331 | American History: Pre-Columbian to Civil War Era |
| HUM 2332 | American History: From Reconstruction to the Present |
Not all humanities core courses are offered online or every term; check the current schedule of classes for humanities core options.
**A list of recommended Technical Electives is available from the department. Up to six credit hours of Technical Electives may be replaced by the following: Flight 1 (AVF 1001), Flight 2 (AVF 1002), Aeronautics 1 (AVT 1001), Aeronautics 2 (AVT 1002).
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
| Major Code: | 7131 | Degree Awarded: | Bachelor of Science |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delivery Mode(s): | Classroom | Location(s): | Main Campus - Melbourne |
| Admission Status: | Undergraduate | Age Restriction: | No |
Mechanical engineers are deeply involved in activities that are essential to our modern civilization. These activities include the research, development, design and testing of materials, structures and machines for the generation of power, transportation and the production of electricity by the conversion of energy from various sources including chemical, nuclear, solar and geothermal; conception and design of all types of machines that serve humans and their many needs; construction and operation of production machinery for the manufacture of materials and consumer products; and instrumentation, control and regulation of these and other types of manual and automatic mechanical systems.
The mechanical engineering undergraduate curriculum at Florida Tech presents the fundamentals underlying modern mechanical engineering and prepares the student for a lifetime of continued learning. During the freshman and sophomore years, the emphasis is placed on mathematics and physics. An introduction to engineering in the freshman year previews the field and gives the students their first experience in engineering design. The sophomore and junior years direct the student toward the engineering sciences, including mechanics of solids, thermodynamics and fluid mechanics. During the junior and senior years, the study becomes progressively centered on the specific issues facing practicing mechanical engineers. The student uses the basic tools imparted during the first two years and applies them in studies of machine systems, instrumentation, automatic controls, thermal systems and design projects. Other courses taken during the last two years expand the student’s knowledge in the fields of thermal energy systems, heat transfer, electronics, vibrations and mathematics. Technical electives taken during the senior year allow the student to direct the program toward specific areas of personal interest.
Laboratory experiences are essential to the education of engineers, and these are provided in chemistry, physics, computer-aided design, materials, fluids and heat transfer. The capstone of the educational process is the senior mechanical engineering design project, which synthesizes and focuses elements from the various disciplines into a design activity of current mechanical engineering interest. The faculty serve jointly in the supervision and consultation for these projects.
The nuclear technology area of emphasis curriculum consists of four courses, available as free and/or technical electives. The objective is to train students from a broad spectrum of engineering disciplines (i.e., mechanical, electrical, civil and chemical) that will be needed to construct, operate, maintain and regulate nuclear power plants and associated facilities. The nuclear technology curriculum is interdisciplinary.
After graduation, the mechanical engineering student is prepared to pursue a career either in industry or government as a practicing engineer, or to enter graduate work in engineering, applied mechanics or mathematics. In some cases, mechanical engineering graduates also enter professional schools of medicine, law or business.
Students are encouraged to define career objectives early in the program (preferably during the sophomore year) so that in consultation with faculty advisers, electives can be selected that are best suited to the achievement of specific goals.
Educational Objectives
The broad educational objectives of the mechanical engineering program at Florida Tech are:
Academic fundamentals: Graduates have successfully applied and integrated their knowledge of fundamental principles in their chosen career.
Engineering practice: Graduates have used their engineering skills in the successful completion of an engineering project.
Teamwork and communication: Graduates have demonstrated the ability to communicate their ideas and technical results verbally, in writing and via presentations, and are effective team members.
Professional development: Graduates have advanced their knowledge and contributed to the profession and society.
Degree Requirements
Candidates for a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering must complete the minimum course requirements as outlined in the following curriculum.
For definitions of electives for engineering programs, see the Academic Overview section.
Freshman Year
| FALL | CREDITS | |
| ASC 1000 | University Experience | 1 |
| CHM 1101 | General Chemistry 1 | 4 |
| COM 1101 | Composition and Rhetoric | 3 |
| MAE 1024 | Introduction to Mechanical Engineering | 3 |
| MTH 1001 | Calculus 1 | 4 |
| Social Science Elective | 3 | |
| 18 | ||
| SPRING | CREDITS | |
| COM 1102 | Writing about Literature | 3 |
| CSE 150x | Introduction to Software Development (CL) |
3 |
| MTH 1002 | Calculus 2 | 4 |
| PHY 1001 | Physics 1 | 4 |
| PHY 2091 | Physics Lab 1 | 1 |
| 15 | ||
Sophomore Year
| FALL | CREDITS | |
| CHE 3260 | Materials Science and Engineering | 3 |
| CHE 3265 | Materials Lab | 1 |
| COM 2223 | Scientific and Technical Communication | 3 |
| MAE 2081 | Applied Mechanics: Statics | 3 |
| MTH 2001 | Calculus 3 | 4 |
| PHY 2002 | Physics 2 | 4 |
| 18 | ||
| SPRING | CREDITS | |
| MAE 2024 | Solids Modeling and 3-D Mechanical Design Principles | 3 |
| MAE 2082 | Applied Mechanics: Dynamics | 3 |
| MAE 3083 | Mechanics of Materials | 3 |
| MAE 3191 | Engineering Thermodynamics 1 | 3 |
| MTH 2201 | Differential Equations/Linear Algebra | 4 |
| PHY 2092 | Physics Lab 2 | 1 |
| 17 | ||
Junior Year
| FALL | CREDITS | |
| HUM 2051 | Civilization 1 | 3 |
| MAE 3090 | Design of Machine Elements | 3 |
| MAE 3161 | Fluid Mechanics | 3 |
| MAE 3192 | Engineering Thermodynamics 2 | 3 |
| MTH 3210 | Introduction to Partial Differential Equations and Applications |
3 |
| 15 | ||
| SPRING | CREDITS | |
| MAE 3024 | Computer-Aided Engineering | 3 |
| MAE 3064 | Fluid Mechanics Lab | 1 |
| MAE 3091 | Theory of Machines | 3 |
| MAE 4171 | Principles of Heat Transfer | 3 |
| MAE 4190 | Design Methodologies and Practice (Q) | 1 |
| Humanities Core Course* | 3 | |
| Technical Elective | 3 | |
| 17 | ||
Senior Year
| FALL | CREDITS | |
| ECE 4991 | Electric and Electronic Circuits | 3 |
| MAE 4024 | Mechanical Vibrations | 3 |
| MAE 4071 | Thermal Systems Design | 3 |
| MAE 4074 | Heat Transfer Lab | 1 |
| MAE 4193 | Mechanical Engineering Design 1 (Q) | 3 |
| Technical Elective | 3 | |
| 16 | ||
| SPRING | CREDITS | |
| MAE 4014 | Control Systems | 3 |
| MAE 4175 | Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning | 3 |
| MAE 4194 | Mechanical Engineering Design 2 (Q) | 4 |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Humanities Elective | 3 | |
| 16 | ||
TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED 132
| *Humanities Core Courses | |
| HUM 2052 | Civilization 2: Renaissance Through Modern |
| HUM 2142 | World Art History 2: Early Modern to Post-Colonial |
| HUM 2212 | British and American Literature 1 |
| HUM 2213 | British and American Literature 2 |
| HUM 2331 | American History: Pre-Columbian to Civil War Era |
| HUM 2332 | American History: From Reconstruction to the Present |
Not all humanities core courses are offered online or every term; check the current schedule of classes for humanities core options.
Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering
| Major Code: | 8134 | Degree Awarded: | Master of Science |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delivery Mode(s): | Classroom | Location(s): | Main Campus - Melbourne, Patuxent |
| Admission Status: | Graduate | Age Restriction: | No |
The master of science degree can be earned in one of three major areas: aerodynamics and fluid dynamics, aerospace structures and materials, and combustion and propulsion. Because the purpose of each program is to prepare the student for either a challenging professional career in industry or for further graduate study, the programs do not permit narrow specialization. Emphasis is on required coursework in several disciplines in which an advanced-degree engineer in a typical industrial position is expected to have knowledge and problem-solving expertise beyond that normally obtained during an undergraduate engineering education.
The master of science degree can be earned on either a full-time or a part-time basis. Full-time students can complete the program in a minimum of three semesters (four in the case of graduate student teaching assistants). Students beginning their coursework during the spring semester will be able to register for full course loads, although the commencement of thesis work will normally be delayed.
Graduate student teaching assistants are required to successfully complete a three-day teaching assistant seminar offered in August and January of each year.
Admission Requirements
An applicant should have an undergraduate major in a field related to aerospace engineering. Applicants whose bachelor’s degrees are in other fields are normally required to take some undergraduate coursework in addition to the program described below, as determined by the department head. Applications are also invited from graduates with undergraduate majors in the physical sciences or mathematics. In these cases, at least one year of undergraduate coursework in aerospace engineering is normally required before starting the master of science program. In evaluating an international application, due consideration is given to academic standards in the country where the undergraduate studies have been performed.
Master’s applicants should take the GRE General Test. Applicants from foreign countries must meet the same requirements as applicants from the United States.
General admission requirements and the process for applying are presented in the Academic Overview section of the university catalog.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering is offered with both thesis and nonthesis options. Each option requires a minimum of 30 credit hours of coursework. Prior to the completion of nine credit hours, the student must submit for approval a master’s degree program plan to indicate the path chosen and the specific courses to be taken. For the thesis option, up to six credit hours of thesis work may be included in the 30 credit hourss requirement. The thesis can be primarily analytical, computational or experimental; or it can be some combination of these. In each case, students must demonstrate the ability to read the appropriate engineering literature, to learn independently and to express themselves well technically, both orally and in writing. For the nonthesis option, a student may replace the thesis with additional elective courses and a final program examination, following approval of a written petition submitted to the department head. Generally, students wishing to pursue an academic career are encouraged to choose the thesis option.
Curriculum
The program of study leading to the master’s degree in aerospace engineering is offered in the three listed areas of specialization. The minimum program requirements consists of nine credit hours of core courses, six credit hours of mathematics and 15 credit hours (which may include six credit hours of thesis) of electives. Within the 15 credit hours of electives, six credit hours of coursework are restricted electives. The department maintains a list of restricted electives for each specialization.
The nine credit hours of core courses must be chosen in consultation with the student’s adviser from one of the lists below.
| Aerodynamics and Fluid Dynamics | |
| MAE 5110 | Continuum Mechanics |
| MAE 5120 | Aerodynamics of Wings and Bodies |
| MAE 5130 | Viscous Flows |
| MAE 5140 | Experimental Fluid Dynamics |
| MAE 5150 | Computational Fluid Dynamics |
| MAE 5160 | Gas Dynamics |
| MAE 5180 | Turbulent Flows |
| MAE 6130 | Experimental Methods in Turbulence |
| Aerospace Structures and Materials | |
| MAE 5050 | Finite Element Fundamentals |
| MAE 5060 | Applications in Finite Element Methods |
| MAE 5410 | Elasticity |
| MAE 5430 | Design of Aerospace Structures |
| MAE 5460 | Fracture Mechanics and Fatigue of Materials |
| MAE 5470 | Principles of Composite Materials |
| MAE 5480 | Structural Dynamics |
| Combustion and Propulsion | |
| MAE 5130 | Viscous Flows |
| MAE 5150 | Computational Fluid Dynamics |
| MAE 5160 | Gas Dynamics |
| MAE 5310 | Combustion Fundamentals |
| MAE 5320 | Internal Combustion Engines |
| MAE 5350 | Gas Turbines |
| MAE 5360 | Hypersonic Air-breathing Engines |
Electives are selected from these course offerings and appropriate courses in mathematics, in consultation with the student’s adviser and committee. The topics of emphasis for aerospace engineering in the three areas of specialization include aerodynamics, computational fluid dynamics, experimental fluid dynamics, flow instability theory, combustion, aerospace propulsion and power, aerospace structures, composite materials, fracture mechanics and fatigue of materials.
Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering
| Major Code: | 8131 | Degree Awarded: | Master of Science |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delivery Mode(s): | Classroom | Location(s): | Main Campus - Melbourne, Patuxent |
| Admission Status: | Graduate | Age Restriction: | No |
All master of science options can be earned on either a full-time or a part-time basis. A two-year projection of course offerings is available on request. Course offerings are arranged to permit the master’s program to be completed by full-time students in a maximum of two calendar years.
Admission Requirements
The undergraduate backgrounds of applicants for admission to the master’s degree programs vary considerably. For this reason, a variety of master’s degree options are available. The applicant should have a bachelor of science or equivalent degree from a mechanical engineering program accredited by ABET. In evaluating an international application, consideration is given to academic standards of the school attended and the content of the courses leading to the degree obtained. Master’s applicants are required to take the GRE (General Test).
Applicants whose bachelor’s degrees are in other engineering fields, mathematics, or the physical sciences may be accepted, but will be required to remedy any deficiencies by satisfactorily completing a number of undergraduate courses in preparation for graduate study in mechanical engineering.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering is offered with both thesis and nonthesis options. Each option requires a minimum of 30 credit hours of approved graduate study; however, within each option, course choices vary considerably. Prior to the completion of nine credit hours, the student must submit for approval a master’s degree program plan to indicate the path chosen and the specific courses to be taken.
The minimum program requirements consist, depending on the specialization, of a minimum of nine credit hours of core courses, six credit hours of mathematics and 15 credit hours of electives (which may include six credit hours of thesis). Within the 15 credit hours of electives, six credit hours of coursework are restricted electives. The department maintains a list of restricted electives for each specialization.
Curriculum
Regardless of which degree path the student chooses, the degree candidate must choose one of the following areas of specialization.
Listed below are required and elective courses for the master of science specializations.
Automotive Engineering
Three courses selected in consultation with the student’s adviser from the list below:
| MAE 5130 | Viscous Flows |
| MAE 5220 | Convection Heat Transfer |
| MAE 5310 | Combustion Fundamentals |
| MAE 5316 | Mechatronics |
| MAE 5320 | Internal Combustion Engines |
| MAE 5460 | Fracture Mechanics and Fatigue of Materials |
| MAE 5486 | Crashworthiness |
| MAE 5610 | Advanced Dynamics |
| MAE 5630 | Modeling and Simlation of Dynamic Systems |
Specialization in this area is concerned with the application of fundamental engineering science concepts and basic mechanical and aerospace engineering methodologies to the design and analysis of modern vehicles for land, sea and air transportation, and their components and systems.
Biomedical Engineering
Three courses selected in consultation with the student’s adviser from the list below:
| Required Courses | |
| BIO 5210 | Applied Physiology |
| BME 5702 | Biomedical Applications in Physiology |
| One course from the following | |
| BME 5103 | Transport Processes in Bioengineering |
| BME 5259 | Medical Imaging |
| BME 5569 | Biomaterials and Tissue Regeneration |
| BME 5710 | Orthopedic Biomechanics |
| BME 5720 | Biomedical Instrumentation |
| BME 5740 | Cellular Biomechanics |
Biomedical engineering applies engineering and science methodologies to the analysis of biological and physiological problems and the delivery of healthcare. The biomedical engineer serves as an interface between traditional engineering disciplines and living systems, and may focus on either, applying the patterns of living organisms to engineering design or engineering new approaches to human health. A biomedical engineer may use his/her knowledge of engineering to create new equipment or environments for such purposes as maximizing human performance or providing non-invasive diagnostic tools. Students can choose elective courses in their area of interest offered by other engineering disciplines.
Dynamic Systems, Robotics and Controls
Three courses selected in consultation with the student's adviser from the list below:
| MAE 5316 | Mechatronics |
| MAE 5318 | Instrumentation and Measurement Systems |
| MAE 5480 | Structural Dynamics |
| MAE 5610 | Advanced Dynamics |
| MAE 5630 | Modeling and Simulation of Dynamic Systems |
| MAE 5650 | Robotics |
| MAE 5660 | Robot Control |
The student’s program of study in this area will be tailored to provide the background and training to pursue a career in a desired and related area of interest. Examples of related areas include design and control of dynamic systems, robotics, vibration, automotive engineering, energy and power systems, etc.
Structures, Solid Mechanics and Materials
Three courses selected in consultation with the student's adviser from the list below:
| MAE 5050 | Finite Element Fundamentals |
| MAE 5060 | Applications in Finite Element Methods |
| MAE 5410 | Elasticity |
| MAE 5420 | Advanced Mechanical Design |
| MAE 5460 | Fracture Mechanics and Fatigue of Materials |
| MAE 5470 | Principles of Composite Materials |
Specialization in this area focuses on analytical and computational techniques as they apply in design. Each student plans a program of study in consultation with a member of the faculty whose professional field is related to the student’s interests.
Thermal-Fluid Sciences
Three courses selected in consultation with the student's adviser from the list below:
| MAE 5130 | Viscous Flows |
| MAE 5210 | Conduction Heat Transfer |
| MAE 5220 | Convection Heat Transfer |
| MAE 5230 | Radiation Heat Transfer |
| MAE 5310 | Combustion Fundamentals |
Specialization in this area focuses on heat transfer, combustion and energy systems. Analytical, computational and experimental techniques are emphasized.
Doctor of Philosophy in Aerospace Engineering
| Major Code: | 9134 | Degree Awarded: | Doctor of Philosophy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delivery Mode(s): | Classroom | Location(s): | Main Campus - Melbourne |
| Admission Status: | Graduate | Age Restriction: | No |
The doctor of philosophy degree program is offered for students who wish to carry out advanced research in any of the three areas of specialization listed under the master of science program or in human-centered design described below. Other research areas within the field of aerospace engineering may be pursued depending on current faculty interests and available facilities.
Admission Requirements
A candidate for the doctoral program in aerospace engineering will normally have completed a master’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering, or a closely related area of engineering, and have adequate preparation in areas of fundamental science and mathematics.
Doctoral applicants should have strong academic records including a 3.2 cumulative GPA during master’s degree study, provide three letters of recommendation and take the Graduate Record Examination General Test.
General admission requirements and the process for applying are presented in the Academic Overview section of the university catalog.
Degree Requirements
The degree of doctor of philosophy is conferred primarily in recognition of creative accomplishment and the ability to investigate scientific or engineering problems independently, rather than for completion of a definite curriculum. The program consists of advanced studies and research leading to a significant contribution to the knowledge of a particular problem. A student’s research may have analytical, computational or experimental components, or some combination of these. Each student is expected to complete an approved program of study beyond that required for a master’s degree as determined by the dissertation committee, pass the comprehensive examination (both written and oral parts), present a dissertation proposal acceptable to the student’s committee, complete a program of significant original research, and prepare and defend a dissertation detailing the research.
The program consists of a minimum of 42 credit hours of study beyond the master’s degree. Of the minimum 42 credit hour requirement, at least 24 shall be for dissertation registration.
The purpose of the comprehensive examination is to cover the student’s area of specialization and areas important to the major field. The examination is given when, in the judgment of the student’s advisory committee, the student has had sufficient preparation in his/her field of study by completing significant coursework in the major area, two related areas of specialization and mathematics, and by initiating doctoral research. The examination must normally be taken before the end of the student’s fourth academic semester after admission into the doctoral program. The written portion of the examination consists of individual parts given by each member of the advisory committee. These written examinations are intended to cover each of the student’s areas of specialization and mathematics. The written portion of the comprehensive examination is followed by an oral component that provides the advisory committee an opportunity for a more in-depth assessment of the student’s readiness for doctoral candidacy. Subsequent to completion of both written and oral components of the comprehensive examination, a dissertation proposal must be submitted to the student’s advisory committee for evaluation. Upon determining that the proposed research is of doctoral quality and that completion is feasible, the student is advanced to candidacy for the doctoral degree.
General degree requirements are presented in the Academic Overview section of the university catalog.
Curriculum
The doctoral program of study must be approved by the student’s advisory committee and the department head. Considerable latitude is allowable in course selection, although appropriate advanced courses are expected to form a part of the student’s program. A representative distribution of these courses taken beyond the master’s degree should include, as a minimum, six courses in any combination from the major area, the two related areas and mathematics. The following illustrates a minimum credit requirement for the doctoral program of study beyond the master’s degree.
| Coursework and Dissertation Summary | CREDITS |
| Major Area of Specialization, two related Areas of Specialization and Mathematics | 18 |
| Dissertation | 24 |
| TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED | 42 |
Selected course offerings from other engineering and science programs can be taken to fulfill the related area requirements. Each student takes mathematics courses from those offered each semester based on the areas of interest and in consultation with the student’s committee. Note that the dissertation credits are a minimum and the committee may require additional credits if they feel sufficient work has not been completed.
Human-Centered Design
The program in human-centered design (HCD) is offered for students who wish to carry out advanced research, innovation and leadership in the academic world, as well as fill equivalent positions in industry and government. The program may be completed through one of three areas: aerospace engineering, operations research or computer science. Other research areas within the field may be pursued depending on current trends in the Human-Centered Design Institute (HCDI) of Florida Tech.
The program is designed to attract students who have the greatest potential for expanding the frontiers of knowledge and art of HCD, and in transferring this knowledge and art to others. It is open to graduate students who have a strong interest in people and are ready to learn about applied human and social sciences. HCD requires significant breadth and depth of understanding in engineering, mathematics and science, the mastery of several specialized subjects and the creativity to extend the body of knowledge and art on a particular subject through significant original research.
Each candidate is expected to publish major portions of their dissertation in refereed conferences and journals, and is strongly encouraged to actively participate in research activities of the HCDI while pursuing the degree. The student’s advisory committee and the director of the HCDI must approve the doctoral program of study.
Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering
| Major Code: | 9131 | Degree Awarded: | Doctor of Philosophy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delivery Mode(s): | Classroom | Location(s): | Main Campus - Melbourne |
| Admission Status: | Graduate | Age Restriction: | No |
The doctor of philosophy degree is offered for students who wish to carry out advanced research in any of the four optional areas of specialization listed under the master of science program. Other research areas may or may not correlate well with current faculty interests and laboratory facilities. In such cases, the mechanical engineering department head should be consulted to determine the feasibility of pursuing advanced research topics that are outside of the four optional areas listed.
Admission Requirements
A candidate for the doctoral program will normally have completed a master’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field and have adequate preparation in areas of science and mathematics fundamental to his or her field of study. In addition, a student enrolled in the master’s program may apply to work directly toward the doctoral degree after completing at least 18 credit hours of graduate coursework at Florida Tech with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5.
Doctoral applicants should have superior academic records, provide letters of recommendation and take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test.
General admission requirements and the process for applying are presented in the Academic Overview section of the university catalog.
Degree Requirements
The degree of doctor of philosophy is conferred primarily in recognition of creative accomplishment and ability to investigate scientific or engineering problems independently, rather than for completion of a definite course of study. The work should consist of advanced studies and research leading to a significant contribution to the knowledge of a particular problem. A student’s research may have analytical, computational or experimental components, or some combination. Each student is expected to complete an approved program of study beyond that required for a master’s degree, pass the comprehensive written/oral examination, complete a program of significant original research, and prepare and defend a dissertation concerning the research.
The purpose of the comprehensive examination is to cover the student’s major field of study and related fields important to the major field. The examination is given when, in the judgment of the student’s advisory committee, the student has had sufficient preparation in his/her field of study by completing significant coursework in at least two areas of specialization and by initiating doctoral research. The examination is normally taken before the end of the student’s fourth academic semester, as counted from admission into the doctoral program. The written portion of the examination consists of individual examinations given by each member of the advisory committee. These written examinations are intended to cover each of the student’s areas of specialization. The written portion of the comprehensive examination is followed by an oral component administered by the student’s advisory committee. The oral examination provides the advisory committee an opportunity to complete the examinations in each of the student’s specialty areas. Subsequent to completion of both written and oral components of the examination, a dissertation proposal must be submitted to the student’s advisory committee for evaluation. Upon determining that the proposed research is of doctoral quality and that completion is feasible, the student is advanced to candidacy for the doctoral degree.
| Coursework and Dissertation Summary | CREDITS |
| Doctoral coursework beyond master’s degree (minimum) | 18 |
| Doctoral research and dissertation (minimum) | 18 |
| TOTAL MINIMUM BEYOND THE MASTER’S DEGREE | 42 |
General degree requirements are presented in the Academic Overview section of the university catalog.
Curriculum
The student’s master’s and doctoral coursework combined should include a minimum of 24 credit hours in mechanical engineering and 9 credit hours in mathematics. The doctoral program of study must be approved by the student’s adviser and the department head. The distribution of these courses should include courses in each of the four areas of specialization, and as a minimum should have the credit distribution given below:
| Major Area of Specialization (including master’s courses) | 18 |
| Related Areas of Specialization (including master's courses) | 9 |
| Mathematics (including master's courses) | 9 |