Aeronautics and Astronautics Stanford University

Overview

The Aeronautics and Astronautics programme at Stanford University provides a comprehensive graduate-level education centred on the technical and theoretical foundations of aerospace engineering. Students engage with a rigorous curriculum designed to prepare them for high-level professional careers in the global aviation and space sectors.

This Master of Science degree is structured around 45 units of coursework, all of which must be completed at the institution. The academic framework is divided into core breadth areas, advanced technical subjects, and applied mathematics to ensure a well-rounded expertise. While the programme is primarily course-based, students have the unique opportunity to participate in research projects for academic credit.

Why Aeronautics and Astronautics at Stanford University?

The department is renowned for its extensive network of specialised laboratories, including the Aerospace Design Laboratory and the Autonomous Systems Lab. Students benefit from a multidisciplinary environment that integrates computational aerosciences, multifunctional materials, and planetary exploration. The programme also offers an Honors Cooperative Program, allowing working professionals to maintain their employment while studying.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 22562 per semester
• National fee: USD 22562 per semester
• Local fee: USD 14100 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to provide depth across five primary areas of aerospace engineering. Students must select courses from fluids, structures, controls, dynamics, and propulsion to satisfy the core breadth requirements. Modules may include:

Core Breadth

• Applied Aerodynamics
• Compressible Flow
• Analysis of Structures
• Mechanics of Composites
• Optimal and Learning-Based Control
• Control Design Techniques
• Classical Dynamics
• Space Mechanics
• Spacecraft Electric Propulsion
• Aircraft and Rocket Propulsion

Advanced and Elective Subjects

• Acoustics
• Aeroacoustics
• Rarefied and Ionized Gases
• Advanced Feedback Control Design
• Numerical Methods for Compressible Flows
• Model Reduction
• Engineering Design Optimization
• Decision Making under Uncertainty
• Validation of Safety Critical Systems
• Sequential Decision Making
• Planetary Geophysics: Theory, Observational Techniques and Data Analysis
• Spacecraft Design
• Aircraft Design: Synthesis and Analysis
• Mechanical Vibrations
• Plasma Physics and Engineering
• Stability of Structures
• Space Environment
• Techniques of Failure Analysis
• Structural Health Monitoring
• Sustainable Aviation
• Building an Aerospace Startup from the Ground Up
• Global Positioning Systems
• State Estimation and Filtering for Robotic Perception
• Robot Autonomy
• Navigation for Autonomous Systems
• Safety-Critical Autonomy
• Multi-Robot Control and Distributed Optimization
• Spacecraft Attitude Determination and Control
• Control of Distributed Space Systems
• Smart Structures

Careers with Aeronautics and Astronautics

Graduates are equipped for professional roles within the aerospace industry, focusing on aircraft design, autonomous systems, and space exploration. The programme's emphasis on applied engineering and technical leadership prepares students for positions in major aerospace corporations and innovative startups. Many alumni pursue careers in systems engineering, propulsion research, and satellite mission operations.