Aerospace Engineering at MIT

MIT's Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, commonly known as AeroAstro or Course 16, is one of the world's leading aerospace engineering departments. It is also the oldest collegiate aerospace programme in United States. The department's teaching and research span areas such as aircraft and spacecraft design, autonomous systems, propulsion, space exploration, air transportation, computing, and human-system collaboration. 

For students interested in aerospace engineering at MIT, the department offers: 

• B.S. in Aerospace Engineering (Course 16) 
• B.S. in Engineering with an Aerospace Foundation (Course 16-ENG) 
• Master of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics (S.M.) 
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Aeronautics and Astronautics 
• Doctor of Science (Sc.D.) in Aeronautics and Astronautics 

The sections below explain the degree options, specialisations, admission requirements, application process, deadlines, fees, funding opportunities, and career outcomes in detail. 

Undergraduate Aerospace Engineering Degrees at MIT 

MIT AeroAstro offers two four-year undergraduate pathways: the B.S. in Aerospace Engineering (Course 16) and the B.S. in Engineering with an Aerospace Foundation (Course 16-ENG).  

Both programs combine MIT's General Institute Requirements (GIRs) with aerospace fundamentals, laboratory work, and hands-on design projects. 

Here is a quick comparison of the two options: 

Feature	Course 16	Course 16-ENG
Official Degree	B.S. in Aerospace Engineering	B.S. in Engineering
Main Focus	Broad training across aerospace disciplines	Aerospace foundation with a flexible concentration
Advanced Coursework	Four subjects across at least three areas	Six subjects within a chosen concentration
Best For	Students seeking a traditional aerospace engineering degree	Students interested in combining aerospace with another technical field
Accreditation	ABET aerospace engineering criteria	ABET general engineering criteria
Units in the Major	180-186 units	180-186 units

Main difference: Course 16 follows a broader aerospace curriculum, while Course 16-ENG allows students to build a concentration in areas such as software, autonomy, sustainability, transportation, or engineering management. 

Students apply to Massachusetts Institute of Technology first and choose their major after the first year. 

B.S. in Aerospace Engineering - Course 16 

Course 16 is MIT's dedicated aerospace engineering degree and covers the design, analysis, and operation of aircraft, spacecraft, and aerospace systems. 

Key areas of study include: 

• Materials and structures 
• Fluid dynamics and aerodynamics 
• Thermodynamics and propulsion 
• Signals and systems 
• Dynamics and automatic control 
• Programming and computational methods 
• Probability and statistics 

B.S. in Engineering with an Aerospace Foundation - Course 16-ENG 

Course 16-ENG provides the same aerospace foundation but gives students more flexibility to explore another engineering or interdisciplinary area. 

Core subjects include: 

• Programming 
• Differential equations 
• Materials and structures 
• Signals and systems 
• Fluid dynamics 
• Thermodynamics and propulsion 

Students also take either Dynamics or Principles of Automatic Control, creating additional room for specialization. 

Check out the Latest Massachusetts Institute of Technology Ranking! 

Graduate Aerospace Engineering Degree at MIT 

MIT offers a Master of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics (S.M.), a research-focused graduate degree. The programme takes around 2 years to complete and combines advanced coursework with a faculty-supervised thesis. 

Unlike many master's programmes, there is no fixed study plan. Students work with a faculty advisor to choose courses and research topics that match their interests and career goals. 

What Will You Study? 

Students can explore a wide range of aerospace fields, including: 

• Aerospace computational engineering 
• Aerodynamics and air-breathing propulsion 
• Air transportation systems 
• Autonomy, control, and communications 
• Aerospace energy and environmental systems 
• Humans in aerospace 
• Materials and structures 
• Space propulsion and plasma systems 
• Space systems engineering 

Students may also take relevant courses from other MIT departments when they support their academic or research interests. 

Research and Thesis 

Research is a major part of the S.M. programme. Each student works closely with a faculty advisor and completes a thesis based on an aerospace research topic. 

Depending on the area of study, research may involve: 

• Solving aerospace engineering problems 
• Developing computational or experimental methods 
• Designing and testing aerospace systems 
• Working on projects related to propulsion, autonomy, structures, or space systems 

Doctoral Aerospace Engineering Degrees at MIT 

MIT AeroAstro awards both the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and Doctor of Science (Sc.D.) in Aeronautics and Astronautics.  

These are not separate programmes: they follow the same academic structure and research standards. Students select the title they wish to receive. 

The difference is limited to the name printed on the degree. 

Ph.D. in Aeronautics and Astronautics 

The Ph.D. allows students to investigate an advanced aerospace problem through independent research. Students select a field of study, work with a faculty advisor, and develop an individual academic and research plan. 

The programme generally involves: 

• Advanced study in a chosen aerospace field 
• Research under faculty supervision 
• Formation of a doctoral thesis committee 
• Development of an original research contribution 
• Preparation and defence of a doctoral thesis 

Sc.D. in Aeronautics and Astronautics 

The Sc.D. follows the same programme, evaluation process and research standards as the Ph.D. It does not represent a higher or more specialised qualification.  

Ph.D. or Sc.D.- which should you choose? 

There is no major academic difference between the two degrees. Students can choose either title without affecting their courses, research work, or thesis requirements. 

Requirements for Aerospace Engineering at MIT 

The admission and degree requirements for aerospace engineering at MIT vary by study level. Undergraduate students apply to MIT first and choose their major later, while master's and doctoral applicants apply directly to the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics. 

Undergraduate Requirements 

Students do not apply directly to Course 16 or Course 16-ENG during admission. Instead, they apply to MIT and usually declare their major after the first year. 

Recommended Academic Preparation 

MIT recommends a strong background in: 

• Mathematics, including calculus 
• Physics 
• Chemistry 
• Biology 
• Four years of English 
• The most challenging courses available at your school 

MIT does not publish a minimum GPA, school percentage, SAT score, or ACT score. Applications are reviewed holistically, taking into account academic performance, achievements, and context. 

Degree Requirements 

Once enrolled, students must complete: 

• MIT's General Institute Requirements (GIRs) 
• Course 16 or Course 16-ENG major requirements 
• Laboratory and capstone subjects 

Both undergraduate pathways require approximately 180-186 units within the major. 

Graduate S.M. Requirements 

Applicants to the Master of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics (S.M.) should hold, or be completing, a bachelor's degree. 

While the degree does not have to be in aerospace engineering, MIT expects applicants to have a strong background in: 

• Mathematics 
• Physical sciences 
• Engineering 
• Research or technical project work 

MIT does not publish a minimum GPA for admission. Academic performance, research experience, recommendations, and preparation for the chosen field are all considered. 

Degree Completion Requirements 

Requirement for Masters Pathway	Requirement Details
Graduate Coursework	At least 66 units
AeroAstro Coursework	At least 21 units
Mathematics	One approved graduate-level mathematics subject
Minimum Grade	B or higher in subjects counted toward the degree
Thesis	At least 24 units of thesis work
Residence	Normally one full academic year

Ph.D. and Sc.D. Requirements 

Students entering with a bachelor's degree typically begin in the S.M. programme before continuing to doctoral studies. Applicants who already hold a master's degree may apply through MIT's Master-to-Doctoral pathway. 

The Ph.D. and Sc.D. programmes follow the same academic requirements. 

Coursework Requirements includes:  

Degree Component	Requirement for Completion
First-Year Seminar	2 units
Major Field	60 units
Minor Programme	30 units
Mathematics	24 units
Research & Communication Seminar	3 units
Doctoral Research	Continuous registration throughout the programme
Total Listed Units	287 units

Additional Doctoral Requirements 

Students must also: 

• Pass the doctoral qualifying process 
• Select a faculty advisor 
• Form a doctoral committee 
• Defend a thesis proposal 
• Complete original research 
• Submit and defend a doctoral thesis 

English-Language and Standardised Test Requirements 

If English is not your first language, MIT may require proof of English proficiency. Undergraduate and graduate applicants also have different testing requirements. 

Here are the accepted tests and minimum score requirements: 

Test Name	Undergraduate Applicants	Graduate Applicants
SAT or ACT	Required; no published cut-off	Not required
GRE	Not applicable	Not required or considered
IELTS	Minimum 7.0, 7.5 recommended	Minimum 7.0
TOEFL	Required if applicable; MIT publishes score guidance through admissions	Minimum iBT score of 100
Cambridge English Test	Minimum 185, 190 recommended	Minimum 190
Duolingo English Test	Minimum 120, 125 recommended	Not listed as an accepted test
PTE	Minimum 65, 70 recommended	Not listed as an accepted test

Important: Always check the latest requirements before applying.  

How to Apply for Aerospace Engineering at MIT? 

The application process depends on your level of study. Undergraduate students apply to MIT as a whole and choose their major later, while master's and doctoral applicants apply directly to the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics. 

Here is the application process as per your degree level:  

Undergraduate Application Process 

Students cannot apply directly to Course 16 or Course 16-ENG. They first apply for undergraduate admission to MIT and can choose an aerospace engineering pathway after their first year. 

Here are the steps involved: 

1. Create an MIT application account and choose either Early Action or Regular Action. 
2. Complete the application form, including your academic background, activities, essays, and short responses. 
3. Arrange two teacher recommendations, including one from a mathematics or science teacher and one from a humanities, social science, or language teacher. 
4. Submit school documents, including the Secondary School Report and official transcript. 
5. Report your SAT or ACT scores and English-language test results, if applicable. 
6. Pay the application fee or request a fee waiver if eligible. 
7. Submit the application and track your status through the MIT portal. 

Graduate and Doctoral Application Process 

Master's and doctoral applicants apply directly through the MIT Graduate Admissions portal. 

The application route depends on your academic background: 

• Applicants with a bachelor's degree generally apply to the S.M. programme. 
• Current S.M. students may continue into doctoral study through the qualifying process. 
• Applicants who already hold a master's degree may apply through the Master-to-Doctoral programme. 
• GRE scores are not required or considered for MIT AeroAstro admissions. 

Here are the main application steps: 

1. Select the appropriate AeroAstro programme. 
2. Review faculty research areas that match your interests. 
3. Prepare your objective statements, highlighting your academic background, research experience, and career goals. 
4. Upload academic transcripts from all degree-granting institutions. 
5. Arrange three recommendation letters, preferably from professors or researchers familiar with your work. 
6. Submit English-language test scores, if required. 
7. Pay the application fee and submit your application. 

Required Application Documents 

Here is a quick comparison of the documents required at each level: 

Application Document	Undergraduate Aerospace Program at MIT	S.M. and Doctoral Aerospace Program at MIT
Online Application	Required	Required
Essays or Statements	MIT essays and short responses	Objective statements
Academic Transcripts	Secondary-school transcript	University transcripts
Recommendations	2 teacher recommendations	3 recommendation letters
School Report	Secondary School Report	Not required
SAT or ACT	Required	Not required
GRE	Not applicable	Not required or considered
English-Language Test Score	Recommended for some applicants	Required unless a waiver applies
Activities and Achievements	Included in the application	Covered in the application and statements
Supplementary Portfolio	Optional	Not normally required
Application Fee or Fee Waiver	Required	Required

Important: International applicants follow largely the same admission process as domestic applicants. Student visa documents are usually arranged only after an admission offer has been accepted. 

MIT Aerospace Engineering Application Deadlines 

Application deadlines depend on your level of study. Undergraduate students follow MIT's general admission schedule, while master's and doctoral applicants follow the separate AeroAstro graduate admissions timeline.  

Missing a deadline can delay your application by an entire admission cycle, so it is important to plan and submit all required materials on time. 

Undergraduate Application Deadlines 

Early Action 

• Application, recommendations, school report, and transcript: November 1 
• SAT or ACT scores can be submitted from the latest test taken in November. 

Regular Action 

• Application, recommendations, school report, and transcript: January 4 
• SAT or ACT scores can be submitted from the latest test taken in December. 

Additional Requirement 

• February Updates and Notes Form: Mid-February 

MIT generally releases Early Action decisions in mid-December and Regular Action decisions in mid-March. Admitted students must respond by May 1. 

Graduate and Doctoral Application Deadlines 

• English-language test scores (if required) must be submitted by November 15. 
• The complete application, including all supporting documents, must be submitted by December 1 at 11:59 PM ET. 

Important Things to Know Before Applying 

• MIT AeroAstro's graduate application cycle usually opens in September. 
• Graduate admission is available only for the Fall semester. 
• All transcripts, recommendation letters, statements, and required test scores must be submitted by the application deadline. 

Does Early Action Improve Your Chances? 

No. MIT states that applying through Early Action does not provide an admissions advantage over Regular Action. Students should choose the option that best fits their preparation timeline. 

MIT Aerospace Engineering Fees 

MIT does not charge separate tuition fees for aerospace engineering students. Whether you enrol in Course 16, Course 16-ENG, or a graduate AeroAstro programme, you pay MIT's standard tuition rate. 

Along with tuition, students should also budget for student fees, housing, meals, books, health insurance, and personal expenses. 

Here is an overview of the tuition fees for the 2026-2027 academic year: 

Programme at MIT	Tuition Period	Tuition Fee
Course 16 or Course 16-ENG	One academic year	USD 66,720 (INR 63.6L)
S.M., Ph.D., or Sc.D.	Nine-month academic year	USD 66,720 (INR 63.6L)
S.M., Ph.D., or Sc.D. with Summer Registration	Twelve months	USD 89,775 (INR 85.6L)

Additional Fees 

Students are also required to pay a Student Life Fee of USD 420 (INR 40K) per year. This fee supports student organisations, campus activities, and access to MIT's sports and recreation facilities. 

Application Fees 

Before enrolling, applicants must also pay an application fee: 

• Undergraduate application: USD 75 (INR 7.2K) 
• Graduate application: USD 90 (INR 8.6K) 

Fee waivers are available for eligible applicants. 

Scholarships and Funding for MIT Aerospace Engineering Courses 

MIT offers different funding options for undergraduate and graduate aerospace engineering students. 

• MIT Scholarships support undergraduate students based on financial need. 
• Research Assistantships (RAs) are a major source of funding for master's and doctoral students. 
• Teaching Assistantships (TAs) provide financial support in exchange for teaching-related responsibilities. 
• Fellowships are available through MIT, AeroAstro, and external organizations. 

The funding available to you depends on your degree level, financial circumstances, and appointment or award type. 

Undergraduate Financial Aid 

MIT awards undergraduate financial aid based on financial need, not academic merit, athletic achievements, or extracurricular activities. 

The university follows a need-blind admissions policy and meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students who apply for aid. 

For families with assets: 

• Students from families earning below USD 200,000 (INR 1.91 crore) generally attend MIT tuition-free. 
• Families earning below USD 100,000 (INR 95.4 lakh) generally have no expected parent contribution. 

To apply for financial aid, students usually need to submit: 

• CSS Profile 
• Family income documents through IDOC 
• FAFSA (for eligible domestic applicants) 

Graduate Research Assistantships 

Research Assistantships (RAs) are the most common funding source for AeroAstro graduate students.  

As an RA, you'll work with a faculty member on a research project, which often becomes part of your thesis or doctoral research. 

An RA appointment typically includes: 

• Full tuition coverage 
• Health insurance 
• Monthly stipend 
• Research experience in an MIT laboratory 

Besides financial support, RAs give students the opportunity to work on real aerospace engineering challenges and gain valuable research experience. 

Teaching Assistantships and Fellowships 

Teaching Assistantships (TAs) provide funding while allowing graduate students to support teaching activities within the department. 

TA responsibilities may include: 

• Assisting with laboratory sessions 
• Supporting classroom activities 
• Grading assignments and exams 
• Helping faculty members with course delivery 

TA appointments generally include: 

• Full tuition coverage 
• Health insurance 
• Monthly stipend 

MIT AeroAstro typically offers around 20 TA appointments each year. 

Graduate students may also receive funding through fellowships. Common options include: 

• MIT-sponsored Fellowships: Usually cover tuition, health insurance, and a living stipend for one academic year. 
• AeroAstro Diversity Scholars Fellowships: Generally provide one year of full funding, with some awards eligible for extension. 
• External Fellowships: Offered by government agencies, foundations, and professional organizations. Funding amounts and award periods vary by provider. 

Read more on Scholarships for MIT 

Careers After Aerospace Engineering at MIT 

MIT Aerospace Engineering graduates go on to work in aerospace, space exploration, robotics, defence, and research.  

The programme also offers strong earning potential, with MIT graduates reporting an average starting salary of USD 126,438 (INR 1.21 crore), while aerospace engineers in US earn a median annual salary of USD 134,830 (INR 1.29 crore). 

Common career paths include: 

Career Role	Main Area of Work
Aerospace Engineer	Designing and testing aircraft, spacecraft, and aerospace systems
Aerodynamics Engineer	Improving airflow, drag, and vehicle performance
Propulsion Engineer	Developing aircraft engines and rocket propulsion systems
Flight Controls Engineer	Building guidance, navigation, and control systems
Space Systems Engineer	Designing satellites, spacecraft, and space missions
Robotics and Autonomy Engineer	Developing drones, robots, and autonomous systems
Structural Engineer	Designing safe and lightweight aerospace structures
Research Scientist	Conducting aerospace research in industry or academia
Engineering Manager	Leading technical teams and engineering projects

MIT AeroAstro students have also completed internships at organizations such as NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), NASA Langley Research Center, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, SpaceX, and Virgin Galactic, giving them exposure to real-world engineering projects and industry practices 

Final Thoughts 

Aerospace engineering at MIT offers flexible undergraduate pathways and research-focused S.M., Ph.D. and Sc.D. degrees. Students gain technical knowledge, laboratory experience and design skills across areas such as aerodynamics, propulsion, autonomy, aerospace systems and space technology. 

However, admission is highly competitive. Applicants should review the requirements, deadlines, fees and funding options for their chosen degree before applying. A strong academic record, relevant technical experience and clear research or career interests can help build a focused application. 

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