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Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (M.S.)

Study the latest high-tech innovations, from engines to robotics to spacecraft. Leverage your coursework and state-of-the-art research to prepare for a career in industrial research and development, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or other engineering field.

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Boost your career trajectory with our master’s in mechanical and aerospace engineering degree.

Illinois Institute of Technology’s Master of Science in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering will prepare you for an exciting career path. By combining components of a master’s in mechanical engineering with an aerospace master’s degree, you’ll broaden your skills and knowledge in both fields. Our master’s in mechanical and aerospace engineering degree is ideal if you are considering a career in academia.

Our Master of Science in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering program will introduce you to a wide range of applications, including robotics, engines and rockets, uncrewed aircraft and spacecraft, and driverless cars, among other technological innovations. You can also choose to specialize in:

  • Fluid dynamics
  • Thermal sciences
  • Solids and structures
  • Dynamics and controls
  • Computer-aided design and manufacturing

Domestic students in the master’s in mechanical and aerospace engineering program can pursue the program full-time or part-time. International students are required to be enrolled full-time. All courses and other program components must be completed on campus, as you’ll be learning in cutting-edge facilities and working with the latest equipment and tools to build your skills.

Our Master of Science in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering degree program can be completed within two years if you are enrolled full-time throughout the program and do not take any breaks in between semesters.

Program Overview

Illinois Tech’s master’s in mechanical and aerospace engineering program offers you a number of advantages, including:

  • Gain professional expertise through Illinois Tech’s Elevate program. This one-of-a-kind program guarantees hands-on experiences—including research projects, internships, study away, competitions, short courses, and more—as well as personalized academic and career mentorship, all in pursuit of ensuring that our students graduate with career-readiness.
  • Broaden your knowledge and abilities. By combining aspects of a master’s in mechanical engineering degree program with aerospace engineering studies, you’ll gain more qualifications that employers value—and increase your career opportunities.
  • Live and learn in the heart of Chicago’s tech industry. Home to a growing technology industry, aerospace community, and a hive of startup activity, you’ll love the food, events, culture, and all the adventures Chicago offers. 
  • Benefit from personal career advising. Connect with our Office of Career Services to pursue one-on-one assistance, guidance, and preparation for how to navigate the next steps in your desired career path.
  • Learn from leading experts and accomplished researchers. The faculty who teach in this program all have doctorates in their respective fields and multiple years of onsite, hands-on industry experience. You’ll receive personal attention in small classes, which average 10–20 students.

 

 

Career Opportunities

Our unique program combines components of a master’s in mechanical engineering program with aspects of an aerospace engineering program to prepare you for a wide range of career opportunities. Top employers that have recently hired graduates of Illinois Tech’s Armour College of Engineering programs include Boeing, Ford Motor Company, Amazon, Northrop Grumman, and many more. 

Our master’s in mechanical and aerospace engineering degree program will prepare you for career titles such as:

  • Mechanical engineer
  • Industrial engineer
  • Aerospace engineer

Earning power for these career positions is strong. 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.

Disclaimer for prospective students, please read.
The information provided is sourced from a third party, Lightcast, and is provided here for informational and educational purposes only. Please be advised that the inclusion of the Lightcast resource on this website does not imply endorsement by Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech), nor is it a guarantee of the accuracy of this information. Illinois Tech makes no representation, warranty or guarantee, express or implied, that the information presented herein is reflective of the outcomes you can expect if you enroll in or graduate from an Illinois Tech program. Illinois Tech expressly disclaims any liability regarding Lightcast, or in connection with any actual or potential employment opportunity stemming from information on this site and you hereby irrevocably waive any claim(s) against the Illinois Tech for the same. Your use of this web page is an acknowledgement of your understanding and acceptance of the terms and conditions set forth herein. You are encouraged to conduct your own thorough research into job opportunities and outcomes in your field of study.

Curriculum for our master’s in mechanical and aerospace engineering program

The Master of Science in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering curriculum includes coursework from both the master’s in mechanical engineering and the aerospace engineering master’s programs. The curriculum will advance your knowledge in the fields of mechanical engineering and aerospace engineering through post-baccalaureate coursework and state-of-the-art research. You will have the option of completing a thesis based on your number of approved credit hours, or you can complete the program with pre-approved courses.

Select courses include:

  • Finite Element Methods in Engineering
  • Computational Methods in Materials Science and Engineering
  • Advanced Thermodynamics
  • Advanced CAD/CAM 

View Course Catalog

Admission requirements for our Master of Science in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering program

You’ll need a grade-point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and to have passed the TOEFL (according to the university minimum standards). You must also have completed your bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering1, physics2, industrial engineering1,2, or mathematics1,2.

1 Requires the following course (or equivalent) to be taken prior to first term: MMAE 305 – Dynamics.

2 Requires the following course (or equivalent) to be taken prior to or in the first term: MMAE 443 – System Analysis and Control.

Why Choose Illinois Tech’s Master’s in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Program?

Illinois Tech’s program offers you:

  • A combined mechanical engineering and aerospace engineering master’s degree
  • The opportunity to live and learn in Chicago
  • Guaranteed hands-on experiences through Elevate 
  • Personal career advising to help navigate your career path
  • A personalized, mentored education with expert faculty

Scholarships and Financial Aid for Our Master’s in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Program Students

We work hard to make an Illinois Tech education affordable and accessible. All students admitted to a master’s program at Illinois Tech are automatically considered for a merit-based scholarship—our Graduate Pathway Scholarship—at the time of admission.

Learn more about graduate scholarships and financial aid.