May 28, 2024

This HBCU Is Launching New Aerospace Engineering Master’s And PhD Programs Starting 2025

FAMU

Florida A&M University (FAMU) will expand its academic offerings with the addition of new graduate degrees in aerospace engineering beginning in fall 2025. 

This move, as reported by the Tallahassee Democrat, includes a master’s and a PhD program through the FAMU’s joint college with Florida State University (FSU).

The FAMU-FSU College of Engineering

The FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, situated in Innovation Park, is the only shared engineering school in the nation. 

Currently, it offers an Aerodynamics Certificate through an online graduate certificate program. 

The introduction of the aerospace engineering graduate programs will capitalize on the existing faculty and resources, aligning with the Florida Board of Governors’ objective to expand science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degree offerings.

“With these particular master’s and PhD programs, students are able to get their degree while being more qualified to get jobs in the aerospace engineering sector versus having a degree in mechanical engineering and only having done some aerospace work,” said Dean Suvranu De of the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering.

“This initiative recognizes students already engaged in aerospace engineering with our faculty and Innovation Park.”

Strategic Growth and Support for STEM Education

The creation of these new degree programs follows a recent request by FAMU and FSU for a $13 million operating budget increase to propel the joint engineering school into the top 50 engineering colleges in the nation within five years. 

Although the request was declined, the 2024 legislative budget included $21.2 million for the engineering school, underscoring the state’s commitment to STEM education.

The curricula for the aerospace engineering programs will cover essential topics such as fluid dynamics, gas dynamics, fluid-structure interactions, and flow control. 

The master’s program, comprising 30 credits, will emphasize experiential learning and industry collaboration.

In contrast, the doctoral program, requiring 48 to 60 credits depending on prior qualifications, will focus on research excellence within the aerospace discipline.

The programs are expected to commence with an initial enrollment of 25 students and aim to grow to 75 students by their fifth year. 

Sara Keenan

A multi-hyphenate journalist and podcaster based in London. Previously, a tech reporter at POCIT.