GRADUATE PROGRAM

The Aerospace Engineering Department maintains a graduate program that offers high-quality experiences to prepare students for careers that involve a particular level of specialization and expertise, or that will require broad knowledge across technical fields.  We offer a Master of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering with a specialization in Research – this means that you will undertake a significant thesis project as the primary experience of your program, along with coursework that will let you develop mastery of skills relating to your chosen career path.

Cal Poly Graduate Student Handbook

Aerospace Engineering Department Graduate Program Requirements

Applying to the Program

There are two paths to apply to the graduate program: the normal process is open to qualified applicants with a BS in Aerospace Engineering or related fields. This process is accessed through the Cal State Apply system. The Aerospace Engineering graduate program accepts applicants once per year for studies beginning during the Fall Quarter. A second application path is available to current Cal Poly Aerospace Engineering undergraduate students. This path is referred to as the Blended Program, and more information is available from the Cal Poly Graduate Education office.
 
Note that the deadline for applicants through the normal application process (i.e. external applicants) is typically early January – see the Cal Poly Graduate Education office for specific requirements and deadlines.
Applications for the blended program are accepted during the Fall, Winter, and Spring Quarters. See the Blended Application Summary for more details.

ADVISING

Once you are admitted to graduate study in the Aerospace Engineering Department, all graduate students must complete the forms below prior to graduation. 

    • Working Formal Study Plan
    • Final Formal Study Plan
    • Master’s Thesis Approval Form
    • Request for Graduation Evaluation
You can locate all these forms and more information about the graduate application process on the Graduate Education website.  
 
For additional questions about the program, contact the Aerospace Engineering Graduate Coordinator, Dr. Aaron Drake.

Graduate Seminars

Each graduate student presents a seminar on their research, typically when they are a little more than half finished with their project. This seminar is attended by all Cal Poly Aerospace Engineering graduate students and faculty. It is also open to interested members of the Cal Poly community. Seminars typically take place Thursdays at 11:10am. Specific information is available from the Aerospace Engineering Department office. Graduate students preparing to give their seminar may sign up for a date and time at least one week in advance through the Aerospace Engineering Department office.