Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering Graduate Programs

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around graduate programs in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, focusing on the transition from an applied physics background to aerospace engineering, the relevance of specific undergraduate courses, and recommendations for graduate schools, particularly in the northeastern United States.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether pursuing a Master's in Mechanical Engineering (M.E) is necessary before entering Aerospace Engineering, expressing concern about potential gaps in knowledge without an M.E undergraduate degree.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of identifying specific branches of aerospace engineering, such as navigation and control, structures, materials, aeronautics, or propulsion, before selecting a graduate program.
  • A participant expresses a primary interest in propulsion and seeks clarification on whether their applied physics background is sufficient for direct entry into aerospace engineering or if an M.E program is required first.
  • One suggestion is made to strengthen the background by focusing on plasma physics and taking undergraduate courses in fluid physics as preparation for aerospace studies.
  • Another participant advises that aerospace engineering relies heavily on applied Newtonian mechanics and recommends filling technical electives with mathematics, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering courses, while also suggesting an upper-level course in general relativity.
  • A participant inquires about graduate programs in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering that offer funding opportunities for Master's students, specifically mentioning research interests in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), heat transfer, and propulsion.
  • Virginia Tech is mentioned as a potential program for consideration.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the necessity of an M.E degree before pursuing aerospace engineering, with some emphasizing the importance of a solid foundational background while others focus on specific interests within aerospace fields. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best path forward for someone with an applied physics background.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the need for a strong understanding of fundamentals and the relevance of specific courses, but there are no consensus views on the exact requirements for transitioning into aerospace engineering from an applied physics background.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering graduate studies in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, particularly those with backgrounds in physics or related fields, and those interested in specific research areas within aerospace engineering.

NBAJam100
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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 what 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 what 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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