Master’s Program

Our Master of Science program is based on the completion of lecture courses focused on a theme within the discipline of Aeronautics and Astronautics engineering. No thesis is required. No research is required.

The Master’s (M.S.) degree program requires 45 units of course work, all of which must be completed at Stanford.  The course work is divided into 4 categories: A/A Core Breadth courses, Advanced A/A Core Breadth Courses, Mathematics Courses, Technical Electives, and Other Electives.

A/A Core Breadth Courses

M.S. candidates must select five courses as follows:

Five courses in the basic areas of Aeronautics and Astronautics (one from each area)

Advanced A/A Core Breadth Courses 

Three courses of A/A 200+ with 3 or more units each (excluding AA 290)

See the list of Advanced A/A courses below for suggestions, including all 200+ level courses for 3 or more units in A/A. These units may not be the same units counted for Core Breadth Courses.

Students who believe they have satisfied Basic Course requirements previously may request a waiver of one or more courses.

Mathematics Courses

M.S. candidates are expected to exhibit competence in applied mathematics. Students meet this requirement by taking two courses – a minimum of six units – of either advanced mathematics offered by the mathematics department or technical electives which strongly emphasize methods of applied mathematics. Approved mathematics courses offered by the Aero/Astro department include:

• AA 201A - Fundamentals of Acoustics
• AA 203 - Optimal and Learning-Based Control
• AA 212 - Advanced Feedback Control Design
• AA 214 - Numerical Methods for Compressible Flows
• AA 216 - Model Reduction
• AA 222 - Engineering Design Optimization
• AA 228/CS 238 - Decision Making under Uncertainty
• AA 242B - Mechanical Vibrations
• AA 273 - State Estimation and Filtering for Robotic Perception
• AA 276 - Principles of Safety-Critical Autonomy
• AA 277 - Multi-Robot Control and Distributed Optimization

The list of mathematics courses in the department's handbook (PDF) has additional pre-approved mathematics courses. Additionally, 200+ level or higher lecture courses in MATH taken for 3 or more units will fulfill this requirement. In order to use applied mathematics courses not on the list to fulfill this requirement, prior approval should be obtained from the student's advisor and the Director of Graduate Studies. (Note: Calculus, ordinary differential equations, and vector analysis are fundamental math prerequisites and will not satisfy the mathematics requirement; they may be counted only as a free elective.)

A maximum of six AA 290 units (or research/independent study in another department) may count toward the M.S. program. A maximum of twelve AA 290 units may be counted for the AA-MS DiR. These units may be used to satisfy the technical elective, free elective, and the experimentation/design requirements. If used to satisfy the experimentation/design requirement, an instructor’s signature certifying the experimentation/design content is required.

Technical Electives

Students, in consultation with their advisor, select at least four courses (totaling at least 12 units) from among the graduate-level courses offered by departments of the School of Engineering and related science departments. This requirement increases by one course [3 units] for each basic course requirement that is waived. Up to three seminar units may count towards a technical elective requirement (3 seminar units are equivalent to one technical elective course). With advisor approval, one 100-level course may be included. All courses should be taken for a letter grade. 

Other Electives

Choose any course at the 100 level or above to fulfill 3 units. It is recommended that all candidates enroll in a humanities or social sciences course to meet the total 45-unit requirement. Please note that practicing courses in fields such as art, music, and physical education do not qualify. With advisor approval, language courses will qualify. Courses fulfilling this requirement may be taken as credit/no credit. 

Waivers and Transfers of Credit

Waivers are applicable only to core courses, which include: AA 210A, AA 200, AA 256, AA 240, Engr 205, AA 203, AA 242A, AA 279A, AA 204, AA 283. Students who believe that they have had a substantially equivalent graduate-level course at another institution should consult with the course instructor to determine if they are eligible for a waiver, and with their advisor to judge the effect on their overall program plans. To request a waiver, students will complete a google form to submit their requests, which will be due by the end of the first week of classes (Autumn Quarter year 1). Examination rooms will be reserved for the second week of the Autumn Quarter. One additional technical elective must be added for each basic course that is waived. The advisor must sign the front of the program proposal acknowledging the waiver and approving the additional technical elective.

Students must take the final exam* for the course and achieve a grade of A- or higher. Instructors will forward their waiver approvals to the Student Services Office. One additional technical elective must be added for each MS course that is waived. The advisor must sign the front of the program proposal acknowledging the waiver and approving the additional technical elective. *Midterm exam may be a substitute if there is no final exam.

Note: This process is distinct from the petition process. Students can still submit petitions for substitutions on the AA-MS program sheet, which will be reviewed by the academic advisor and DGS.

Students taking Aero/Astro qualifying exams are strongly encouraged to take specific classes, and there is a separate waiver process for Qualifying Examination core courses (described in “Ph.D. Qualifying Procedures in Aero/Astro”). Students should consult with their advisor before waiving courses. 

Program Proposal for Master’s Degree

All M.S. students are required to submit a Master’s Program Proposal by the last day of classes in their first quarter of study. This proposal must be signed by your advisor before it is submitted to the Aero/Astro Student Services Office for the Director of Graduate Studies’ approval signature. The initial submission serves as a planning document to ensure that the student has identified at least one plan of study that meets all department and University requirements while also aligning with the student’s abilities and interests. Examples of a completed Program Sheet can be found in the appendix of the AA Graduate Handbook. 

Recommended timing: Discuss multiple versions of your overall plan with your advisor while selecting classes for your first quarter. Following this, schedule an appointment shortly after midterms to develop a detailed course plan for future quarters and to file an official Program Proposal for department review and approval. 

Any changes to your program of study should be made in consultation with your advisor. These modifications can be made multiple times; however, the final program proposal must be filed early in the quarter in which you intend to confer your degree. The revised program of study should be clearly summarized on a Program Proposal labeled "Revised," signed by your advisor, and submitted to the Aero/Astro Student Services Office for the Director of Graduate Studies’ approval signature. Please note that the M.S. degree cannot be conferred unless all courses listed on the most recent fully approved Program Proposal have been successfully completed. 

International students should consult with the Bechtel International Center, but typically must be enrolled in at least 8 units per quarter to maintain legal status.

Research Opportunities

No thesis is required, but there is an opportunity for students to become involved in research projects during their master’s year(s). Students interested in this opportunity should make arrangements with a faculty member to supervise their research and enroll in AA 290 to receive academic credit. Students can count up to 6 units of research towards their M.S. degree.

Master’s Degree with Distinction in Research (AA-MS DiR)

A student who wishes to pursue the M.S. in Aeronautics and Astronautics with distinction in research (AA-MS DiR) must first identify a faculty member who agrees to serve as the advisor, supervise the research work, and read the research report. The research advisor must be a member of the Academic Council, supervision by faculty outside of Aero/Astro is permitted. When the research advisor is from outside the Aero/Astro Department, the student must also identify a faculty co-advisor from within the department to provide guidance on departmental requirements and opportunities. The co-advisor must also approve the research report. The faculty commitment may be submitted after the completion of at least one quarter of AA 290 (3 units) and must be submitted prior to the quarter in which the student graduates. In addition, the student must complete the following requirements: 

Research Experience: The program should include significant research designated by at least 9 units, and up to 12 units, of independent study (AA 290) over the course of at least 3 academic quarters. A maximum of 12 units may be counted toward the 45 units required for the AA-MS degree. These units may be used to satisfy the technical elective, free elective and/or the experimentation/design requirements of the AA-MS program. All AA 290 units must be completed for letter grades, with a minimum grade of B+ required in each AA 290 course to continue in the program.

Research Report: Students must complete a significant research report detailing their work and its conclusions. The research report represents work that could be publishable in a journal or at a high- quality conference with peer-reviewed proceedings. The student should engage in a discussion with the advisor(s) early in this AA-MS DiR program about the level of contribution and time commitment required to produce the research report. A copy of the research report, with a cover page signed by the advisor (and co-advisor if required) to confirm approval, must be submitted to the AA Student Services Office no later than three weeks before the last day of classes of the quarter in which the student graduates before the distinction-in-research designation can be conferred.

Certificate of Completion: Students who successfully complete the AA-MS DiR program will receive a department certificate of completion and will be listed in the Commencement Program. Please be aware that this will not be reflected on your official transcript or diploma.

Coterminal Master's Program

This program allows Stanford undergraduates an opportunity to work simultaneously toward a B.S. degree and an M.S. in Aeronautics and Astronautics. Stanford undergraduates who wish to continue their studies for the master of science degree in the coterminal program must have earned a minimum of 120 units towards graduation. This includes allowable Advanced Placement (AP) and transfer credit.

Application information for the Aero/Astro coterminal program, including details and deadlines, as well as the application itself, can be found on the Coterminal Admissions page. A completed application (including letters of recommendation and transcripts) must be received no later than the quarter prior to the expected completion of the undergraduate degree. Admission is granted or denied through the departmental faculty admissions committee. Stanford undergraduates interested in learning more about receiving an Aero/Astro master's degree as a coterm student should review the information on the University Registrar's website and are encouraged to visit the Aero/Astro Student Services Office.

University Coterminal Requirements

Coterminal master’s degree candidates are expected to complete all master’s degree requirements as described in this bulletin. University requirements for the coterminal master’s degree are described in the "Coterminal Master's Degrees" section. University requirements for the master’s degree are described in the "Graduate Degrees" section of this bulletin.

After accepting admission to this coterminal master’s degree program, students may request transfer of courses from the undergraduate to the graduate career to satisfy requirements for the master’s degree. Transfer of courses to the graduate career requires review and approval of both the undergraduate and graduate programs on a case-by-case basis.

In this master’s program, courses taken during or after the first quarter of the sophomore year are eligible for consideration for transfer to the graduate career; the timing of the first graduate quarter is not a factor. No courses taken prior to the first quarter of the sophomore year may be used to meet master’s degree requirements.

Course transfers are not possible after the bachelor’s degree has been conferred.

The University requires that the graduate advisor be assigned in the student’s first graduate quarter even though the undergraduate career may still be open. The University also requires that the Master’s Degree Program Proposal be completed by the student and approved by the department by the end of the student’s first graduate quarter.

Part-Time Master’s Degree Program

The Center for Global & Online Education (CGOE) Part-Time Program allows academically qualified engineers and scientists to pursue a part-time master’s degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics while continuing with nearly full-time professional employment. This program is especially suitable for students who are employed locally, as some on-campus coursework may be required. Only applicants for the part-time master’s degree program for working professionals (CGOE) are considered quarterly.

Prospective CGOE part-time students follow the same admissions process and must meet the same admissions requirements as full-time graduate students. For more information regarding the part-time program, see the Stanford Engineering Center for Global & Online Education website.

Degree Completion

Every student should be familiar with the University’s requirements for minimal progress as outlined in the Graduate Academic Policies and Procedures GAP. A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 is required to fulfill the department's M.S. degree requirements. Students must also meet the University’s quarterly academic requirements for graduate students, as described in the Bulletin. All units must be in courses at or above the 100 level, and all courses used to satisfy the degree requirements must be taken for a letter grade (excluding seminars and the free elective).

Students are expected to complete the M.S. program within four to five quarters. For international students, the certificate of eligibility (I-20 or DS-2019) is issued for a timeframe of two years. The date of degree conferral occurs early in the quarter following your final quarter of study. Students who have no outstanding financial or academic obligations to Stanford may obtain an official "certificate of completion" from the Graduate Degree Progress Office after their degree has been conferred. Diplomas are mailed after degree conferral.

The University has set the following time limits for the M.S. degree:

• Part-Time Master's Degree Students (CGOE): Five years from the first quarter of enrollment in the M.S. program.
• Co-terminal students: Three years after the quarter in which 180 units are completed or the first graduate course is taken.
• All other students: Three years from the first quarter of enrollment in the M.S. program, or 60 units completed.

Please note that this time frame is not extended by Leaves of Absence. Extensions of time limits are subject to the approval of the Department and the School of Engineering. Students having difficulty meeting the above time limits should consult their advisor and/or the Director of Student and Academic Services.

Study after the Master’s Degree

Students wishing to continue at Stanford after receiving the M.S. degree must be approved for further study during their final master's quarter. (This includes approval for the Engineer's degree or Ph.D. in Aero/Astro, or for a degree in another department.) In order to stay here, a graduate program authorization form should be fully approved and filed at the Registrar’s Office before the M.S. is conferred.

Students who are not citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. will need to verify their funding for the new degree and update their visa documentation as part of the Graduate Program Authorization procedure. Appropriate forms are available from the Bechtel International Center. Support from research assistantships can be verified by the professor providing support, and the Student Services Office can verify course assistantships. For personal funding or other support, inquire at the Bechtel International Center about the proper source for verification.

Students (admitted for Autumn 2025-26) wishing to continue to the Ph.D. program

The M.S. program is designed for students who intend to proceed directly to a professional career in aeronautics and astronautics. However, in rare cases, an M.S. student may be able to transition into the Ph.D. program. To do so, the student must have commitment from a professor willing to fund and advise the student throughout their Ph.D. Such students may submit an application for the Ph.D. program in the Autumn Quarter (mid-October deadline) of their second year in the M.S. program.

Required Application Materials:

• Statement of purpose describing the area of study and topic for thesis research
• 2 Letters of Recommendation
  • One letter of recommendation from your proposed Ph.D. advisor
    • If the proposed Ph.D. advisor is not in the Aero/Astro Department, consult with the Aero/Astro Student Services Office in advance to ensure eligibility.
  • A second letter of recommendation that documents the applicant’s excellence in research, and comments on any ways in which the applicant has shown potential to make important contributions to knowledge in his/her discipline
  • Confirmation of funding form signed by Ph.D. Advisor

Note: Students must be in good standing, and eligible to take the departmental qualifying examination (quals) in Spring Quarter of year two (see Ph.D. Qualifying Procedures in Aero/Astro, below).

The Admissions Committee will review the required application material, including previous application and current Stanford transcript, and make admission decisions by the end of the Autumn Quarter. If a student is approved for the Ph.D. program, a Graduate Program Authorization petition ($125 fee) must be submitted online through AXESS and fully approved before the M.S. is conferred (see Changes of Degree, above). Enrollment as a Ph.D. student, including funding, will begin in the Winter Quarter of year two.

Students who are not citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. will need to verify their funding for the new degree, and update their visa documentation, as part of the Graduate Program Authorization procedure. These forms are available from the Bechtel International Center. Support from research assistantships can be verified by the professor providing support and the Aero/Astro Student Services Office.

If you leave Stanford for employment or study at another institution and later wish to return for further degree work, you will need to submit a standard admission application to the department. Check with the Aero/Astro Student Services Office to verify deadlines and required credentials. International students will be subject to visa requirements when they are considered for admission.