UCF Aviation Programs: Soaring Towards the Future of Aerospace

The University of Central Florida (UCF) stands as a pivotal institution in shaping the future of the aerospace industry. Located a mere 35 miles from Florida’s Space Coast, UCF boasts direct connections to leading aerospace companies, space agencies, and innovators, including NASA, Blue Origin, Lockheed Martin, and Boeing. This proximity and collaborative spirit have cemented UCF's role in developing the systems, data, and workforce essential for the next era of space exploration. UCF's aviation programs benefit from world-class researchers, direct connections to the space industry, and a unique location, making it an ideal place for students to participate in an industry that’s about to take off, no matter what field they’re interested in.

A Legacy of Partnership with NASA

For over six decades, UCF has cultivated a trusted partnership with NASA, propelling research and serving as a direct pipeline for talent and innovation. UCF's commitment to space research extends beyond mere aspiration; it actively contributes to advancements that resonate throughout the aerospace sector. The university is ranked as the No. 1 supplier of graduates to the aerospace and defense industries, further attesting to its significance in the field.

Shaping the Future of Space Commercialization

Leading the charge in space commercialization is Greg Autry, Associate Provost for Space Commercialization and Strategy at UCF. As a respected NASA advisor and industry authority, Autry has served on the agency’s White House liaison team and its Agency Review Team. Space is no longer just a frontier - it’s the foundation of a global economy projected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035.

Comprehensive Aerospace Engineering Programs

UCF offers a range of aerospace engineering programs designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in this dynamic field. These programs include bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, each tailored to meet the evolving needs of the industry.

Bachelor's Degrees

UCF provides a wide range of opportunities within each discipline. With more than 100 bachelor’s degrees available, students can choose a major that’s personalized to their passion and goals, whether their path is coding, research, design, or leadership. Students can declare a major while completing their UCF admissions application, or select undeclared major while completing their UCF admissions application.

Read also: Guide to Aviation Scholarships

Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering (MSAE)

The Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering (MSAE) program at UCF is designed to prepare students for careers as engineers in aerospace. Ranked among the best by U.S. News & World Report, the MSAE program empowers students to make bold decisions that inspire more efficient and effective aeronautics projects, from advanced design to flight controls and engines to environmental considerations.

The program includes fields of controls and dynamics, aerodynamics, propulsion, thermal analysis, and design. The MSAE is awarded upon completion of a minimum of 30 credit hours, including 12 credit hours of required courses, 12 credit hours of elective courses selected from an approved list of courses, and an additional 6 credit hours in either a thesis or nonthesis option.

The MSAE program offers three different tracks, each with its own unique curriculum:

Thermofluid Aerodynamics Systems Design and Engineering: This track prepares students for careers as engineers in aerospace.
Other tracks: Depending on the track you pursue, required courses range from nine to twelve credits. Each track also requires certain prerequisite courses, such as differential equations, flight structures and flight mechanics.

Aerospace engineer graduates can choose to work in a number of industries, including space, defense, air travel and sustainable energy. With a projected growth of four percent through 2028, many employers are already looking for the next generation of leaders.

The MSAE may be completed fully online, although not all elective options or program prerequisites may be offered online. Newly admitted students choosing to complete this program exclusively via UCF online classes may enroll with a reduction in campus-based fees. International students (F or J visa) are required to enroll in a full-time course load of 9 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters. Only 3 of the 9 credit hours may be taken in a completely online format.

Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering

The Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering at UCF is designed for students seeking a higher level of education and research training. It requires completion of 72 credit hours at the graduate level post-bachelor’s degree. Fifty-seven of the credit hours must be comprised of 5000- and 6000-level classes while 15 credit hours must be devoted to the doctoral dissertation.

The program is tailored for students who:

Have an M.S. degree in engineering or aerospace engineering and are seeking a higher level education and research training.
Have a B.S. degree in mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, aerospace engineering or a closely related discipline and are seeking the Ph.D. with an M.S.

Cutting-Edge Research and Facilities

UCF's commitment to advancing space exploration is exemplified through its cutting-edge research and state-of-the-art facilities. These resources enable faculty and students to contribute significantly to the aerospace industry.

Exolith Lab

Planetary scientist Daniel Britt founded the Exolith Lab - a world-class facility for space hardware testing and regolith simulant research. Exolith’s test bin hosts the world’s largest simulated lunar surface, replicating the moon’s South Pole region - the next target for human exploration through NASA’s Artemis program. Replicating Regolith, enabling Safer, Smarter Space Missions.

Aerospace Medicine

Emmanuel Urquieta, an expert in human spaceflight health, is developing the nation’s first aerospace medicine degree and residency program. Understanding how space affects the human body is essential to sustaining life beyond Earth. Improving Health in Space and on Earth.

Lunar-VISE Mission

Planetary scientists Kerri Donaldson Hanna and Adrienne Dove are leading NASA’s Lunar-VISE mission, which will send a robotic lander and rover to the moon’s unexplored Gruithuisen Domes. Their work reveals how the moon formed and evolved - and uncovers resources that could sustain human presence and fuel exploration deeper into space. Unlocking the Moon’s Untapped Potential, Sustaining Human Presence Beyond Earth.

Bone Density Research

Biomedical engineer Melanie Coathup develops advanced technologies and therapies to protect, repair and rebuild bone. Extended missions can lead to radiation- and microgravity-induced bone loss, weakening the body over time. Bolstering Bone Density, Safeguarding Human Health in Space.

Terraforming Mars

Accomplished UCF physics researcher and planetary scientist Ramses Ramirez and collaborators have boldly reimagined terraforming Mars by using the planet’s own resources.

Stephen W. Baily Geoarcheological Research Group

Planetary scientist Philip Metzger ’00MS ’05PhD, former NASA physicist and founder of UCF’s Stephen W. Baily Geoarcheological Research Group.

Experiential Learning and Industry Connections

UCF emphasizes experiential learning, providing students with hands-on opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills. The university's strong industry connections further enhance these experiences, preparing students for successful careers in aerospace.

UCF Aviation Challenge Expo

The University of Central Florida hosts the Aviation Challenge Expo to assist in developing a workforce ecosystem designed to support the aviation and aerospace industries. UCF's Institute for Simulation & Training has created a one-day experiential learning event for the next generation of workers. Students have the opportunity to compete in flight challenges for various prizes, hear from aviation and aerospace representatives, learn from experts in the field through interactive exhibits, and get inspired about aviation and aerospace careers through resources and networking with various camps and programs around Central Florida.

Career Services

At UCF, students have the opportunity to participate in undergraduate research projects and access numerous resources and services from Career Services - from discovering their interests and UCF majors to exploring careers and industries to preparing for internship or job searches.

A Supportive and Engaging Environment

UCF fosters a supportive environment that encourages students to develop their interests and grow as individuals. With over 250 degree programs, students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in new challenges, explore groundbreaking research opportunities, and enjoy a student-centered approach to higher education. The university also offers opportunities for students to broaden their views of the world through UCF Abroad.

Preparing for Licensure and Certification

While licensure or certification may be available in the field of aerospace engineering, UCF's programs do not directly lead to such credentials upon graduation. However, the professional preparation students receive meets the educational requirements for licensure as a professional engineer and may still assist them in such pursuits. The licensing authority and requirements for professional engineers falls under the jurisdiction of the licensing board for the state, territory, or foreign entity in which engineer practices. UCF advises students who intend to pursue such credentialing to contact the applicable state credentialing authority to familiarize themselves with its specific requirements.

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