Online Aerodynamics Certificate

Graduate Certificate | 9 credits | 2 Semesters to Complete

Earn Your Online Certificate in Aerodynamics From One of the Top Engineering Colleges in the Nation.

Aerodynamics, to put it simply, is the analysis of the forces and resulting motion of objects in the air. It concerns the four forces of flight (lift, weight, thrust, and drag), fluid dynamics, gas dynamics, compressible flow dynamics, and heat transfer. In short, aerodynamics focuses on all objects moving through the air, whether they are rockets, planes, cars, trains, birds, or even, yes, humble golf balls.

Earning an online certificate in aerodynamics from Michigan Tech, then, is relevant to several engineering fields. At MTU, you’ll gain an advanced understanding of the fundamental fluid dynamics of gases, from low- to high-speed flows. You'll apply theoretical, experimental, and computational methods. You'll investigate complex data to help designers and engineers design the best planes, trains, cars, spaceships, and rockets possible.

Prepare for the exciting and fast-growing worlds of aerodynamics and aerospace engineering with an online certificate in aerodynamics from Michigan Tech. Alternatively, use this certificate as a solid foundation to continue your education in a graduate program.

What Courses Will You Take in Your Online Aerodynamics Certificate?

When you attend MTU’s online certificate in aerodynamics program, you’ll take interactive courses carefully designed by industry professionals.

Students begin by building a fundamental understanding of aerodynamics in Advanced Fluid Mechanics, which provides a broad introduction to problems involving rockets, pumps, sprinklers, and other physical phenomena. Each student will then choose two other classes below to create the course of study that aligns with their interests and career goals.

When planning your program, make sure you check the course registration page for the availability of classes.

Required Courses

MEEM 5210 - Advanced Fluid Mechanics

Develops control volume forms of balance laws governing fluid motion and applies to problems involving rockets, pumps, sprinklers, etc. Derives and studies differential forms of governing equations for incompressible viscous flows. Some analytical solutions are obtained and students are exposed to rationale behind computational solution in conjunction with CFD software demonstration. Also covers qualitative aspects of lift and drag, loss of stability of laminar flows, turbulence, and vortex shedding.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate; Must be enrolled in one of the following College(s): College of Engineering

Other Courses (Choose Two)

MEEM 4230 - Compressible Flow/Gas Dynamics

Fundamentals of one-dimensional gas dynamics, including flow in nozzles and diffusers, normal shocks, frictional flows, and flows with heat transfer or energy release; introduction to oblique shocks.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 3201

MEEM 5215 - Computational Fluids Engineering

This course introduces students into the theoretical and practical aspects of computational methods in fluid mechanics and thermal transport problems. Computer based tools are used to reinforce principles on advanced topics in thermo-fluids science.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate; Must be enrolled in one of the following College(s): College of Engineering

MEEM 5230 - Advanced Heat Transfer

Advanced topics on conduction, convection, radiation, and heat exchangers are covered. Emphasis is on problem formulation, exact solutions, empirical correlations/results, and on computational techniques.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate; Must be enrolled in one of the following College(s): College of Engineering

MEEM 5240 - Comp Fluid Dynamics for Engg

Introduces finite-difference and finite-volume methods used in solving fluid dynamics and heat transfer problems. Covers numerical grid generation, turbulence modeling, and application to some selected problems.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring, in odd years
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate; Must be enrolled in one of the following College(s): College of Engineering

MEEM 5265 - Physical Gasdynamics

Equilibrium gaskinetic theory, chemical thermodynamics, introduction to quantum and statistical mechanics, flow with finite rate (e.g. vibrational energy relaxations, and chemical reactions), nonequilibrium kinetic theory, selected gaskinetic related computational methods.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following College(s): College of Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 4901(C) or ENT 4950(C) or Graduate Status >= 1

This program is also available as an on-campus option.

Why Earn Your Online Certificate in Aerodynamics?

At MTU, we help aspiring aerospace engineers and scientists develop into professionals who stand out in their industries and lead the world of innovation. We make sure that students have all the resources and tools needed to excel both academically and professionally. Employers and schools around the nation will recognize your online certificate in aerodynamics from MTU for both its excellence and rigorous curriculum.

There are a lot of reasons why MTU’s Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering is ranked 63rd among the top 180 graduate programs in the nation by US News and World Report. When you earn your online certificate in aerodynamics here, you’ll gain these benefits:

Experienced Faculty

Thanks to MTU’s small class sizes, you’ll get plenty of chances to work closely with faculty mentors who specialize in a diverse range of fields — including space engineering, plasma physics, and fuel cell technology. Faculty members such as Dr. Jeffery Allen and Dr. Chunpei Cai bring their years of experience into the classroom to prepare you for the daily challenges and rewards of aerodynamics and aerospace engineering.
Flexibility and Accessibility

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a working professional or a recent graduate looking to enter the world of aerodynamics. Our online certificate in aerodynamics is designed to fit around your work and personal schedule, with synchronous and asynchronous courses you can take when it’s convenient for you.
Professional Preparation

With high-quality training and opportunities for hands-on experience, our online certificate in aerodynamics will provide you with the knowledge and skills to stand out among other job and graduate school candidates.

What Can You Do With an Online Certificate in Aerodynamics from MTU?

Aerodynamics professionals work in the aerospace, aviation, and automotive industries. They also directly impact everything from shipping and transportation to government and space programs. Thanks to the rigorous training and guidance from industry experts you’ll find at Michigan Tech, you’ll be more than prepared to excel in a diverse range of careers.

Close up of a plane propellor and the wings of a plane.

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Get Started on Your Online Aerodynamics Certificate.

Take the next step and earn a top-ranked online certificate in aerodynamics. We are here to answer your questions and to help you on your online educational journey.