Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering Graduate Programs

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the transition from an applied physics degree to a career in aerospace engineering, particularly for a junior student interested in mechanical and aerospace engineering. Key points include the importance of obtaining a Master's in Mechanical Engineering (M.E) before pursuing aerospace engineering, as it may help fill knowledge gaps. The student is advised to explore various branches of aerospace, such as propulsion, and to strengthen their background with relevant coursework in fluid physics, thermodynamics, and control theory. Recommendations for graduate schools in the Northeast, specifically Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, are sought, along with strategies to enhance their application to engineering programs. Additionally, the need for a solid understanding of fundamental engineering principles is emphasized, along with the potential for funding opportunities in graduate programs, particularly in areas like computational fluid dynamics and heat transfer.
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Hey guys, i just have a few quick questions about the above topic.

1st off, i am in currently a junior earning my applied physics degree with my concentration in engineering (engineering physics i guess you could say). As time went on i realized i was interested in mechanical/ aerospace engineering. So:

1.) Before i get concerned about aero, should i focus on getting an M.E masters? It seems to me that aerospace is more in depth M.E so without a M.E undergrad degree, jumping into aerospace might leave many gaps. I am hoping I am wrong there, because aerospace engineering is something i am really interested in.

2.) What are some good grad schools for M.E in the north east, specifically, Pa/Nj/Ny area?

3.) As an applied physics student applying to a masters engineering program, what are some things i could do to make myself stand out and appeal to the engineering crowd more?

Thanks for the input everyone!
 
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You need to know waht branch of areospace are you into...

Navigation and control?
Structures?
Materials?
Aeronautics?
Propulsion?

Be sure you know a little bit about what they do before trying to make a choice of colleges.
 
Artus said:
You need to know waht branch of areospace are you into...

Navigation and control?
Structures?
Materials?
Aeronautics?
Propulsion?

Be sure you know a little bit about what they do before trying to make a choice of colleges.


Yeah, propulsion is my main interest, but i was more curious as to whether or not my background in applied physics is good for going straight into aerospace, or would i have to go through an M.E program first
 
Be sure your background is good. You can focus on plasma physics and take undergrad courses on fluid physics as a preparation. It's a start I think.
 
Aerospace engineering is, like most of engineering, applied Newtonian mechanics. Make sure you truly understand your fundamentals. Fill your technical electives with classes from mathematics (good for any discipline), mechanical engineering (thermodynamics and aerodynamics) and maybe even electrical engineering (control theory). If you can take an upper undergrad/lower-level graduate course in general relativity, do so. Quantum mechanics is generally holds much less important in aerospace engineering than it does in physics.
 
anyone know of any good ME/AE programs where MS students are likely to get funding for their thesis? My research interests are in CFD, heat transfer, and propulsion
 
Virginia Tech
 
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