Admissions Requirements and Process

GPA Requirements

The Department of Aerospace Engineering requires a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (A=4) for the last two years of undergraduate work and any graduate work completed. However, having a GPA higher than the minimum is no guarantee of admission. Also applicants having an MS degree generally must meet a higher standard.

GRE

The GRE requirement is waived for applicants seeking admission for Spring 2024 or Fall 2024 semesters. However, GRE scores will be accepted and, if provided, evaluated as part of your application. Strong GRE scores can enhance your application. 

Education Background Requirements

Applicants must have a B.S. degree in aerospace engineering or a closely related field such as mechanical or civil engineering from an accredited college in the United States or an approved institution of higher learning abroad in order to be eligible to apply.

 Students whose backgrounds are not in aerospace engineering should make sure they have the necessary background for the graduate program.

English Proficiency Requirement

The minimum Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score for admission is 103. Students who wish to be considered for teaching assistantships should have a score of at least 24 on the Speak section of the TOEFL exam.

We will also accept IELTS scores. For more information, please check English proficiency requirements.

Application Procedures

Please use the University's online graduate application. Please read the application instructions. A checklist is provided to help you assemble the information and support material you will need when completing the application. A nonrefundable application processing fee is required with the submission of your application. This fee cannot be waived. The application fee for domestic applicants is $70; for international applicants, the fee is $90.

The Department of Aerospace Engineering requires the following application materials:

  • Online application including resume and statement of purpose. (PLEASE NOTE - Students who do not have a MS degree should apply to the MS program regardless of whether or not they intend to continue for a doctoral degree in the future.)
  • In the Educational History section of the application, you will be asked to upload scanned versions of your transcripts and certificates of degree or diplomas. Please view your transcripts after the upload to be sure they are legible. Your transcript must show the name of the university and your name. Please do NOT mail a copy of the credentials which you have uploaded to your online application.
  • In the Statements section of the application, please upload your resume and statement of purpose. The statement of purpose should be approximately 1-2 pages, single spaced, 12 pt. font.
  • Three letters of reference (References must be submitted online.)
  • Official GRE scores for general test from ETS.  (The GRE is optional.)
  • An Official TOEFL score, for those from countries in which English is not the first language. (Please note: The Department of Aerospace Engineering requires all students who are from countries in which English is not the first language to take the TOEFL test.)  Please review English Proficiency requirements as outlined by the Graduate College.
  • The Certification of Declaration of Finances form and funding documents (Documents must be submitted online). These documents are only required for international applicants and are only needed if no department funding is offered. AE does not require evidence of financial resources at the time you submit your application. If you are approved for admission, but a funding offer is not made to you, you will be asked to upload evidence of financial resources.

Additional information:

  • No program specific questions are required for the Aerospace Engineering Department.
  • All applicants are automatically considered for financial support in the form of fellowships, research assistantships, and teaching assistantships. There is no separate application to be considered for financial support.
  • Please do not send additional materials (e.g. publications, photographs, videos, CDs, or portfolios). These items are not reviewed during the admission process and they will be discarded.
  • Please do NOT mail or fax a copy of credentials which you have uploaded to your online application. This saves you the time, effort, and the expense of mailing transcripts to us during the initial processing and review of your application.
  • Students in the MS Non-thesis program are not provided funding by the Department of Aerospace Engineering.

Graduate Program

Tuition and Fees

Graduate College Website

Graduate Contacts

Ioannis Chasiotis   
Director of Graduate Studies
chasioti@illinois.edu

Jenna Russell

Jenna Russell
Graduate Programs Coordinator
jennar@illinois.edu

Dung Quach Wisdom

Dung Quach Wisdom
Graduate Programs Advisor
pdq@illinois.edu

Elevate Your Career Completely Online

Explore the opportunity to elevate your career with an Online Master of Science degree that is a non-thesis, non-research program.

Explore Your Options