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Aerospace Engineering at MIT – Eligibility, Syllabus & Admission

By upGrad Abroad Team

Updated on Jun 23, 2025 | 1.94K+ views

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Looking to pursue aerospace engineering at MIT? MIT’s Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AeroAstro) ranks No. 1 for both undergraduate and graduate aerospace programs. The program covers space propulsion, autonomous flight, satellite systems, and human-machine engineering—within a single ABET-accredited framework.

If you want to design aircraft, build rockets, or work on deep-space missions, MIT gives you the labs, funding, and top researchers to make it possible.

Below, you’ll find the MIT Aerospace Engineering requirementsGPA cutoffsGRE and IELTS/TOEFL score ranges, and the AeroAstro deadlines for 2025—all in one place to help you apply smart.

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Why Study Aerospace Engineering at MIT?

Feature

What You Get

Direct Access to Leadership

1:1 meetings with department heads

Named Advisors

2+ per student level (UG & PG)

Full Lab Access (post-EHS)

Mandatory EHS 404 + safety training

Academic Dashboards

Real-time tracking for Course 16 and 16-ENG

Hands-On Learning

Unified Engineering, Capstone projects, Maker Labs

20+ Reporting Channels

Title IX, grievance portals, peer support (dREFS)

Global Internships

Study abroad and NASA-linked research via MISTI

VC-Backed Startup Support

$10K Pitchfest + mentorship

Community & Recognition

15+ clubs, DEI events, and annual awards

Explore MIT Courses and Application Resources

Aerospace Engineering Courses Offered at MIT

MIT’s Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AeroAstro) offers structured, accredited programs ideal for applicants who meet the MIT Aerospace Engineering requirements, including GPA and GRE score expectations.

At the undergraduate level, you can choose from two ABET-accredited degrees: Course 16 (BS in Aerospace Engineering) and Course 16-ENG (BS in Engineering). Both follow MIT’s General Institute Requirements and offer hands-on training in labs, team design projects, and technical electives.

At the graduate level, MIT offers SM, MEng, and PhD programs through AeroAstro. These are research-focused and align with key MIT AeroAstro research areas in 2025, including autonomy, deep space systems, and human-machine interaction.

MIT Aerospace Engineering Degrees – Quick Overview

Program

Level

Highlights

BS in Aerospace Engineering (Course 16)

Undergraduate

Core subjects + labs; prepares for MIT AeroAstro grad programs

BS in Engineering (Course 16-ENG)

Undergraduate

Flexible track with themes like robotics, space systems, or sustainability

Master of Science (SM)

Graduate (2 years)

Research-based with thesis; needs 66+ credit units and GRE scores

Master of Engineering (MEng)

Graduate (1 year)

Coursework-focused; optional team project

PhD / ScD

Doctoral

Requires original research, thesis defense, and faculty mentorship

All degrees fall under the MIT ABET accreditation for aerospace programs, and faculty across AeroAstro are leaders in propulsion, satellite design, and unmanned systems. MIT’s Aerospace Engineering curriculum prepares students for advanced research, industry leadership, or doctoral study.

So if you're targeting MIT AeroAstro scholarships, applying by the deadline for Aerospace Engineering at MIT, and aligning your SOP with department priorities can help you stand out.

Checking Eligibility and Entry Criteria?

MIT Aerospace Engineering Curriculum and Course Structure

The Aerospace Engineering curriculum at MIT gives students hands-on experience from the first year. It combines deep theory with labs, projects, and research. Whether you're applying for the Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering (Course 16), the more flexible Course 16‑ENG, or graduate studies like SMMEng, or PhD, each program builds your skills in flight systemspropulsionrobotics, and space technologies.

Features of MIT AeroAstro Curriculum

  • Core focus areas: fluid mechanicsthermodynamicspropulsionsystems control, and autonomy
  • Strong lab exposure through Unified Engineering modules
  • Team-based design projects and simulation labs
  • Thesis or capstone required in both UG and PG tracks
  • Tracks aligned with MIT’s ABET accreditation and global engineering standards
  • Access to MIT AeroAstro research centers and faculty mentorship

MIT Aerospace Engineering Curriculum Highlights

Program Level

Core Focus

Key Features

Undergraduate

Unified Engineering, Flight Systems, Control Systems

Labs, capstone design, communication-intensive modules, ABET-accredited

Graduate (SM/MEng)

Propulsion, AI/ML in Aerospace, Space Systems

Thesis or project-based, 66+ credit units, GRE & English scores required

PhD / ScD

Independent Research in AeroAstro Labs

Proposal defense, thesis publication, expert faculty mentorship

The MIT Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics also offers research assistantships and funding for projects in satellite systems, human-machine integration, and high-speed aerodynamics.

Curious About MIT Placements and Outcomes?

Eligibility Criteria for Aerospace Engineering at MIT

MIT admits only the most prepared candidates to its ABET-accredited program in the MIT Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics. A high STEM GPA, verified language scores, and evidence of research or design work signal that you can handle the rigorous MIT Aerospace Engineering curriculum and contribute to MIT AeroAstro research areas 2025.

Eligibility Requirements – UG vs PG at MIT AeroAstro

Requirement

Undergraduate (Course 16 / 16-ENG)

Master’s / PhD

GPA / Marks

≥ 90 % in PCM (CBSE/ISC) or ≥ 3.8 / 4.0 USA scale – aligns with the MIT AeroAstro GPA cutoff for first-year selection

≥ 3.6 / 4.0 in B.S. engineering; successful admits often show ≥ 3.8

Standard Tests

SAT/ACT optional for 2025; NEET not required; no GRE

MIT GRE scores for engineering: GRE is optional but recommended for PhD and some SM tracks; strong scores (Quant 165+) strengthen your profile.

English Proof

IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL iBT 100 (international only)

Same as UG; waiver if prior degree taught in English

Math & Physics Rigor

AP Calc BC or HL Math; college-level mechanics preferred

Vector calculus, differential equations, control theory expected

Portfolio / Projects

Robotics club, CAD models, or flight design reports strengthen profile

Peer-reviewed paper, capstone design, or coded simulation preferred

Research Exposure

Bonus but not mandatory

1+ year in propulsion, autonomy, or space systems boosts odds

Other Must-Haves

Co-curriculars in aero clubs, leadership, community outreach

Clear alignment with a research supervisor; funding plan or MIT AeroAstro scholarships option

Citizenship Rules

No national quotas; visa handled after admit

Same; funded admits must clear ITAR if working on export-controlled topics

Want to Explore Aerospace Courses at MIT?

Admission Process for Aerospace Engineering at MIT

MIT uses a document-first review system, especially at the graduate level. There are no routine interviews, so your application must match the MIT AeroAstro faculty research scope and program goals. You need to submit accurate transcripts, language scores, and test reports before the deadlines. 

MIT AeroAstro Admission Steps (2025 Intake)

Step

What to Submit

Deadline (UG / PG)

1 Online application (UG: MyMIT / PG: GradApply) Nov 1 (EA), Jan 4 (RD) / Dec 15 (Grad)
2 Transcripts, TOEFL/IELTS, GRE scores Uploaded by deadline
3 SOP, LORs, resume or optional portfolio 3 LORs + 1 tailored SOP
4 Application fee or waiver request $75–$100 USD
5 Decision release March (UG) / Feb (Grad)

Admission Requirements for Aerospace Engineering at MIT

Factor

Competitive Range

Notes

GRE Scores (PG) Quant 165+, Verbal 155+ Highly recommended for PhD
TOEFL (iBT) 105–110+ Needed for all international students
UG Accept Rate ~4% overall No department-specific cut-offs
PG Accept Rate (AeroAstro) ~7–10% Based on fit + research scope

MIT AeroAstro deadlines are strict. Missed documents lead to rejection—even with great scores. Start early, track document uploads, and match your SOP to labs like Space Systems or Gas Turbine Lab.

Fees and Cost of Studying Aerospace Engineering at MIT

MIT charges the same base tuition fee for both undergraduate and graduate programs. However, students must also plan for housing, books, and health insurance. Living costs in the Boston-Cambridge area are high, so budgeting in advance is important.

MIT AeroAstro Fee Structure for 2025

Cost Category

Annual Estimate (USD)

Approximate INR (₹)

Tuition (UG/PG)

$59,750

₹49,50,000

Living Expenses

$22,000

₹18,20,000

Books and Supplies

$1,000

₹83,000

Health Insurance

$3,000

₹2,48,000

Personal Expenses

$2,000

₹1,65,000

Total Estimated Cost

$87,750

₹72,66,000

Students applying for Aerospace Engineering at MIT should also consider research assistantships, which can significantly reduce the total cost. Many graduate students cover tuition through these positions.

Scholarships and Financial Aid at MIT

MIT offers a mix of need-based aid, fellowships, and paid research or teaching roles to help students manage the cost of study. Undergraduate students can apply for need-based MIT scholarships, while graduate students benefit from assistantships and external funding.

MIT Aerospace Engineering Financial Aid Options (2025)

Financial Aid Option

Support Offered

Notes

MIT UG Need-Based Scholarship

Full/Partial Tuition + Living Allowance

Based on parental income and financial documents

Graduate Research/Teaching Assistant

Tuition + Monthly Stipend (RA/TA)

Assigned by department or faculty for SM/PhD students

AeroAstro Fellowships

Partial or Full Funding

Competitive; offered by department

External Fellowships (e.g., Fulbright)

Full Tuition + Stipend

Apply directly via fellowship program

MIT UROP (Undergraduate Research)

$1,700–$2,500 per semester

Paid projects, available from Year 1 for UG students

Deadlines for most financial aid options align with program application deadlines. Plan early to secure funding, especially for international students seeking RA/TA roles in Aerospace Engineering at MIT.

Looking Beyond MIT?

Career Scope After Aerospace Engineering at MIT

If you meet the MIT AeroAstro GPA cutoff and submit a competitive application, you gain access to high-paying jobs and funded PhD roles—both in USA and globally.

Top Job Roles After MIT Aerospace Engineering

Degree Level

Popular Roles

Avg. Salary (USD / INR)

UG (Course 16)

Aerospace Engineer, Systems Analyst

$95,000 ≈ ₹79 Lakhs/year

Master’s (SM/MEng)

Propulsion Engineer, GNC Specialist

$125,000 ≈ ₹1.04 Cr/year

PhD

Chief Systems Architect, R&D Scientist

$150,000+ ≈ ₹1.25 Cr/year

Top Employers for MIT AeroAstro Graduates

  • NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
  • Boeing Defense and Space
  • Lockheed Martin Skunk Works
  • SpaceX and Blue Origin
  • Raytheon Missiles & Defense
  • Joby Aviation, Anduril, AeroVironment
  • MIT-affiliated aerospace startups via 10K Pitchfest and Sandbox Fund

Graduates often work with teams on satellite design, supersonic flight, and autonomous space navigation—areas that align with MIT AeroAstro research areas 2025.

Research, PhD, and Postdoc Pathways from MIT AeroAstro

If you're aiming for academic or high-tech research, MIT offers pathways into:

  • Fully funded PhD in propulsion, controls, or autonomous systems
  • Postdoctoral fellowships at MIT Lincoln Lab, AFRL, or ETH Zurich
  • MIT AeroAstro’s NEET, SuperUROP, and MISTI global research placements
  • Joint research with faculty listed under MIT AeroAstro faculty profiles

You must clear MIT GRE scores for engineering, maintain a GPA ≥ 4.0, and align your interests with a faculty lab.

Tips to Improve Your MIT Aerospace Engineering Career Outcomes

Follow these MIT AeroAstro acceptance tips to improve your profile:

  • Start networking with faculty during the application phase
  • Highlight relevant project work, internships, and coding skills
  • Tailor your SOP to match MIT Aerospace Engineering curriculum strengths
  • Be ready for shortlisting stages like the MIT AeroAstro interview process

Free Courses to Help You Prepare for MIT. Get clarity on applications, exams, and how to make your profile stand out.

Need Help with Your MIT Application? Get 1-on-1 guidance on eligibility, SAT scores, SOPs, and timelines.

FAQs on Aerospace Engineering at MIT

What is the acceptance rate for Aerospace Engineering at MIT in 2025?

Is MIT good for aerospace engineering compared to Stanford or Caltech?

Do I need GRE for MIT Aerospace Engineering MS or PhD programs?

Can international students apply for Aerospace Engineering at MIT?

What are the top research areas in MIT’s Aerospace Engineering program?

How competitive is it to get into MIT’s undergraduate aerospace program?

What GPA is required for MIT AeroAstro graduate admissions?

Does MIT offer scholarships for Aerospace Engineering students?

Are internships available through MIT Aerospace Engineering programs?

What coding or math skills are expected for Aerospace Engineering at MIT?

What is the average starting salary after graduating from MIT Aerospace Engineering?

Can I apply for MIT Aerospace Engineering with a mechanical engineering background?

Is research experience mandatory for MIT Aerospace Engineering MS or PhD?

What’s the difference between MIT’s AeroAstro MS and MEng programs?

How long does it take to complete a PhD in Aerospace Engineering at MIT?

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