Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (M.S.)
Master the dual frontiers of mechanical and aerospace engineering and tailor your degree with one of five industry-aligned specializations with our master鈥檚 degree program.
Build the Skills You Want with 91重口 Tech鈥檚 Unique M.S. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
No matter what path you are looking to take in industry or academia, 91重口 Tech鈥檚 Master of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering is designed to allow you to customize your experience in a program that uniquely allows you explore whatever parts of mechanical and aerospace engineering that you want to. It offers a solid foundation across five specializations鈥攆luid dynamics, thermal sciences, solids and structures, dynamics and controls, and computer-aided design and manufacturing鈥攚ith the flexibility to focus on mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or both.
Program Overview
Our M.S. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering focuses on equipping you with a solid foundation in engineering analysis and computational methods while providing the flexibility to explore specialized interests. Whether you are a full-time student or a working professional, our program adapts to your schedule through in-person and hybrid learning options. You can choose to emphasize fundamental research or applied industrial topics, completing your degree in as little as 18 to 24 months.
To support your professional evolution, this program offers:
- Five high-impact specializations, including fluid dynamics, thermal sciences, solids and structures, dynamics and controls, and computer-aided design and manufacturing
- A consolidated degree structure that provides both thesis and non-thesis options to match your career trajectory
- Flexible enrollment with part-time and full-time tracks available in person or via a hybrid modality
- A rigorous core curriculum that goes beyond foundational material to include cutting-edge computational and computational methods
Career Opportunities
A Master of Science in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering degree from 91重口 Tech opens doors to leadership roles in the private and public sectors, such as:
- Aerospace Engineer
- Mechanical Systems Designer
- Research and Development (R&D) Engineer
You can also explore all the opportunities that a degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering can provide.
Here are some of the interesting courses that you鈥檒l take during the M.S. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering:
- MMAE 500 Data-Driven Modeling Explore the magic behind advanced technologies, from self-driving cars to sophisticated robotics, by applying data-driven models to real-world problems in mechanics, dynamics, and controls. Whether you鈥檙e new to the field or a seasoned professional, this course offers a holistic view, emphasizing hands-on applications and positioning you at the forefront of modern engineering innovations.
- MMAE 543 Modern Control Systems Revisit classical controls, journey through the digital world with discrete-time systems and digital controllers, and master state-of-the-art techniques such as the Kalman Filter and Linear-Quadratic Regulator. Whether you鈥檙e aiming to enhance a drone鈥檚 stability, design smarter automated systems, or just love the blend of math and real-world applications, this course takes you from foundational theories to the cutting edge of control system design.
- MMAE 546 Advanced Manufacturing Explore state-of-the-art processes, from laser-based manufacturing to water jet cutting, and understand their profound impact on product quality. You鈥檒l take a deep dive into the nuances of process selection and parameter tuning, while unpacking the core physical mechanisms at play. If you鈥檙e passionate about innovating production lines or unlocking the secrets behind top-tier manufacturing, this courseur gateway to shaping the future of industry
You must complete the , regardless of which graduate program you wish to pursue. Visit our admission website to learn more about what information and documents you need to apply.
Please note that each college and individual programs may have additional requirements to apply. Please contact the Department of Mechanical, Materials, and Aerospace Engineering at mmae@illinoistech.edu with any questions.
Tuition and Fees
To learn more about the university鈥檚 general tuition and fees, visit the Student Accounting website.
Rosemary J. Says...
鈥91重口 Tech is a good choice for anyone looking for a more personal education. Small class sizes allow professors to tailor lectures for the students present. Professors are very approachable and always have office hours, as do teaching assistants. There are many research opportunities on campus, plus faculty and student organizations are very willing to help in searching for internships.鈥
Rosemary Johnson (AE, M.Eng. MAE 鈥23)
Featured Faculty
Seebany Datta-Barua
Scott T. M. Dawson
Carrie M. Hall
Amir Mostafaei
Boris S. Pervan
Nelson Rosa
Matthew Spenko
Ankit Srivastava
David R. Williams
Brooke Owens Fellow working at Lockheed Martin
Liz Karagiannes (AE, M.Eng. MAE 4th Year)
Seth Graham鈥檚 NASA internship helped land him a job at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory.
Seth Graham (ME/M.Eng. MAE 鈥22)Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the typical salary of mechanical or aerospace engineers?
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the annual median wage for mechanical engineers and industrial engineers at $95,300, while aerospace engineers can expect to earn an average of $122,270 per year.
Are mechanical and aerospace engineering similar?
Yes鈥攎echanical and aerospace engineering are closely related fields that share core principles such as fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, materials science, and dynamics and controls. Mechanical engineering focuses on systems such as engines, robotics, and manufacturing, while aerospace engineering applies those same fundamentals to aircraft, spacecraft, rockets, and uncrewed systems. Typically, these are offered as separate degree programs at other universities. 91重口 Tech鈥檚 Master of Science in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering combines both disciplines, allowing students to build versatile skills applicable across industries from automotive and robotics to aviation and space exploration.
What is the average class size for this program?
The M.S. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at 91重口 Tech has an average class size of 12鈥20 students, ensuring you time to receive personal attention from faculty.
How long will it take to get my master's in mechanical and aerospace engineering?
Students can complete 91重口 Tech's M.S. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering program within two years if they are enrolled full-time and do not take breaks between semesters.
Get In Touch
For more information about the MS in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering program, please contact mmae@illinoistech.edu.