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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’s degree program.

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Build the Skills You Want with Ï㽶´«Ã½â€™s Unique M.S. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

No matter what path you are looking to take in industry or academia, Ï㽶´«Ã½â€™s 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—fluid dynamics, thermal sciences, solids and structures, dynamics and controls, and computer-aided design and manufacturing—with 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 Ï㽶´«Ã½ 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. 

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 Ï㽶´«Ã½ Institute of Technology (Ï㽶´«Ã½), nor is it a guarantee of the accuracy of this information. Ï㽶´«Ã½ 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 Ï㽶´«Ã½ program. Ï㽶´«Ã½ 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 Ï㽶´«Ã½ 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.

Here are some of the interesting courses that you’ll 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’re 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’re aiming to enhance a drone’s 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’ll take a deep dive into the nuances of process selection and parameter tuning, while unpacking the core physical mechanisms at play. If you’re 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’s general tuition and fees, visit the Student Accounting website.

Rosemary Johnson

Rosemary J. Says...

“Ï㽶´«Ã½ 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.â€

Rosemary Johnson (AE, M.Eng. MAE ’23)

Featured Faculty

Seebany Datta Barua

Seebany Datta-Barua

Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Scott T. M. Dawson

Scott T. M. Dawson

Associate Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Carrie M. Hall

Carrie M. Hall

Professor Associate Dean for Undergraduate Affairs, Armour College of Engineering
Amir Mostafaei

Amir Mostafaei

Associate Professor
Boris Pervan

Boris S. Pervan

Frank Gunsaulus Faculty Fellow in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Director, CARNATIONS
Nelson Nelson

Nelson Rosa

Assistant Professor; Mechanical, Materials, and Aerospace Engineering Department
Matthew Spenko

Matthew Spenko

Interim Department Chair Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Co-Pi, CARNATIONS
Ankit Srivastava

Ankit Srivastava

Professor of Mechanical Engineering
David Williams

David R. Williams

Professor Emeritus, Research Professor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Seth Graham
Career Oriented

Seth Graham’s NASA internship helped land him a job at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory.

Seth Graham (ME/M.Eng. MAE ’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—mechanical 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. Ï㽶´«Ã½â€™s 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 Ï㽶´«Ã½ has an average class size of 12–20 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 Ï㽶´«Ã½'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.