OpenFieldPh.D. in Aerospace Engineering Sciences (Smead Aerospace)
World-leading aerospace doctoral program with NASA, LASP, and industry partnerships focusing on astrodynamics, autonomous space systems, satellite remote sensing, and hypersonics.
Application checklist & requirements
These requirements reflect published university guidelines available at the last review. Review official department guidelines before submission.
- Academic degree / Prerequisites
- Bachelor's or Master's in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or Physics with 3.3+ GPA
- English language proficiency
- TOEFL 90+ or IELTS 7.0
- Standardized testing (GRE/GMAT)
- Not required
- Thesis / Research statement
- Compelling research statement identifying Smead Aerospace faculty alignment
- Recommendation letters
- Three letters of recommendation from engineering/physics faculty
How much will it cost? How much funding is available?
- Financial support / stipend
- Fully funded: $39,500 annual stipend + full tuition coverage for 5 years
- Application fee
- $80 application fee
- Tuition / joining costs
- Full tuition covered through GRA/GPTI appointment
Dates and verification
- Application deadline
- December 1, 2026
- Last source review
- 2026-10-15
Important verification note
Facts reflect official University of Colorado Boulder documentation reviewed 2026-10-15. Admissions, funding allocations, and eligibility thresholds are evaluated by the university.
Reviewed 2026-10-15 · Editorial standards · Report an issue