AA-PHD - Aeronautics and Astronautics (PhD)

All students must satisfy the University’s basic requirements for the Ph.D. degree which are outlined in the "Graduate Degrees" section of this bulletin.

An M.S. degree is no longer required to apply to the Ph.D. program in Aeronautics and Astronautics. Students with a bachelor’s degree who ultimately intend to complete a Ph.D. degree are strongly encouraged to apply directly to the Ph.D. program, rather than the M.S. program.

Students admitted to our Ph.D. program who do not already have an M.S. in a related discipline conferred when they begin the Ph.D. program must complete the Aeronautics and Astronautics M.S. degree requirements prior to receiving the Ph.D.

Department requirements are stated below for students admitted for Autumn 2021-22 and beyond. Students admitted prior to Autumn 2021-22 should refer to the Aero/Astro Guide to Graduate Studies.  Students admitted to the M.S. program may apply to add the Ph.D. degree in Autumn Quarter of their second year. Applications require a reference letter and official commitment of one faculty member to advise and fund them. Admit decisions are relayed by the end of the application quarter. Students must also be eligible to take the qualifying examination in Spring Quarter of their second year.

The number of transfer credits allowed for each degree is delineated in the "Graduate Degrees" section of this bulletin. Transfer credit is allowed only for courses taken as a graduate student, after receiving a bachelor’s degree, in which equivalence to Stanford courses is established and for which a grade of ‘B’ or better has been awarded. Transfer credits, if approved, reduce the total number of Stanford units required for a degree.

Faculty research advisors guide students in key areas such as selecting courses; designing and conducting research; developing of teaching pedagogy; navigating policies and degree requirements; and exploring academic opportunities and professional pathways. The primary responsibilities for monitoring the research progress of a Ph.D. student lies with the Ph.D. research advisor. An acceptable research dissertation must be presented for the Ph.D. degree. Because development of a dissertation is usually an intense and personal process involving you and your research advisor, it is not possible to abstractly define an acceptable dissertation. You should be very careful to reach a clear understanding of your advisor’s expectations and standards before embarking too far into the research project. Switching your research topic without the consent of the research advisor will affect the status of good standing.

The Ph.D. is conferred upon candidates who have demonstrated substantial scholarship and the ability to conduct independent research. Through course work and guided research, the program prepares students to make original contributions in Aeronautics and Astronautics and related fields.