10 Best PhD Programs in Aviation and Aeronautics 2026

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees are terminal degrees, meaning they're the highest level of degree you can get in a field. A PhD in aviation or aeronautics provides an in-depth education in these fields.

These degree options aren't particularly common, but can lead to advanced roles in leadership, academia, or research. Keep reading to discover aeronautics and aviation PhD programs.

Why Pursue a PhD in Aviation or Aeronautics

PhDs are research degrees � they're designed for those who want to pursue careers in research or academia. An aeronautics or aviation PhD paves the way for you to enter or further your career in these types of career fields and further the bounds of these industries.

Research Areas in Aviation PhD Programs

There are several different research areas you can pursue with a PhD in aeronautics or aviation. These include:

• aviation safety systems
• human factors and ergonomics
• aeronautical engineering innovation
• air traffic management and policy

10 Best PhD Programs in Aviation and Aeronautics

Several colleges and universities across the U.S. offer aeronautics and aviation PhD programs. We've highlighted some of the top options below.

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a private, nonprofit research institution in Cambridge, MA. It offers a PhD in aeronautics and astronautics through its School of Engineering.

Students can choose from 13 different focuses, including aerospace computational engineering, aerospace, energy, and the environment, air transportation systems, and aircraft systems engineering. The program requires 117 credits plus a graduate thesis.

• Estimated tuition cost: $64,310 per year
• Delivery format: On campus
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

2. California Institute of Technology

At the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), students can earn a PhD in aeronautics or space engineering. Three tracks are available: fluid mechanics, solid/structural mechanics, and autonomy and control.

This nonprofit, private research university is located in Pasadena, CA. The program requires 135 credits, including a thesis project.

• Estimated tuition cost: $65,622 per year
• Delivery format: On campus
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

3. Stanford University

Stanford University offers a PhD in aeronautics and astronautics that requires 135 credits. Stanford is a private, nonprofit research university in Stanford, CA.

Students in the PhD program take aeronautics and astronautics courses, then focus their research in a specific area of these fields. They can transfer in up to 45 credits from a Master of Science (MS) degree.

• Estimated tuition cost: $14,660 per quarter
• Delivery format: On campus
• Accreditation: WSCUC

4. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

The PhD in aviation at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) offers specializations in aviation safety, aviation human factors, aviation operations, as well as an interdisciplinary concentration. It requires 60 credits, with online courses and three, five-day annual residencies.

ERAU, based in Daytona Beach, FL, is a private, nonprofit university focused on aerospace and related fields. It also offers a PhD in aerospace engineering and a Doctor of Aviation Business Administration.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,493 per credit
• Delivery format: Hybrid
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

5. Capitol Technology University

Capitol Technology University is a nonprofit, private university in Laurel, MD. It offers online PhDs in aeronautical science and astronautical engineering.

Both PhDs require a minimum of 60 credit hours and include a doctoral dissertation. Capitol Tech also offers related PhDs in space cybersecurity and space operations online.

• Estimated tuition cost: $975 per credit
• Delivery format: Online
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

6. Liberty University

Students at Liberty University can earn a PhD in aviation online. It covers topics like aviation policy, global aviation law, and aviation automation.

This private conservative Christian school is headquartered in Lynchburg, VA. The PhD here is 60 credits, and courses run on eight-week schedules.

• Estimated tuition cost: $610 per credit
• Delivery format: Online
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. Saint Louis University

Saint Louis University (SLU) offers a PhD in aviation both on campus and online. SLU is a private Catholic research university in St. Louis.

Students work with an advisor to create their curriculum, which can include courses on topics like aviation accident analysis, aviation safety, aviation organization theory and management, and aviation security. The program requires 63 credits, and students can transfer in up to 27 from a master's program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,400 per credit
• Delivery format: Online and on campus
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

8. University of Washington

The PhD in aeronautics and astronautics at the University of Washington (UW) is an advanced engineering degree that prepares students for leadership roles in academia, industry, and research institutions specializing in aeronautics and astronautics. Concentrations are available in:

• controls
• fluids
• plasmas
• structures

UW, located in Seattle, is a public research university. The program is geared toward post-doctoral students, but offers a pathway for post-master's students as well.

• Estimated tuition cost: $22,497 per year (in-state); $39,204 per year (out-of-state)
• Delivery format: On campus
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

9. Florida Institute of Technology

The Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech) is a private, nonprofit research university in Melbourne, FL. It offers a PhD in aviation sciences with numerous concentrations, including:

• airport development and management
• aviation human factors
• aviation safety
• green airport design

The program requires a minimum of 72 semester credit hours after the bachelor's degree or 42 semester credit hours after the master's degree. Students have access to experienced faculty and cutting-edge research programs and facilities.

• Estimated tuition cost: $24,300 per year
• Delivery format: Online
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. Mississippi State University

Through Mississippi State University (MSU), students can earn an online PhD in aerospace engineering. The program covers both aeronautic and astronautic design, development, and testing.

MSU, a public research university, is located in Starkville, MS. The program of study requires 50 credit hours and is determined in consultation with the student's major professor and committee.

• Estimated tuition cost: $581 per credit
• Delivery format: Online
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

To choose the aviation and aeronautics PhDs listed above, we focused on:

• Accreditation: All schools listed are regionally accredited.
• Program reputation: All institutions are known for offering high-quality degree programs.
• Affordability: The programs above offer either affordable tuition or comprehensive funding options.

Careers With a PhD in Aviation or Aeronautics

Those with PhDs often go on to work in research or academia. Some job opportunities may include:

• director of aeronautical facilities
• aviation or aeronautics researcher
• astronautical engineer
• aeronautical developer
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) safety inspector
• aircraft or airline safety program manager

The type of jobs you can pursue will depend partially on your specific field of study. For example, a PhD in aviation management will lead to different roles than a PhD in aerospace engineering.

FAQs About PhD Programs in Aviation and Aeronautics

Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about aviation and aeronautics PhDs.

How Long Does a PhD in Aviation Take?

The length of time your PhD takes depends on a few factors, including the specific program, how many credits you need, and how long your dissertation or thesis takes.

Typically, students spend two to three years on coursework, and another one to three years on their dissertation.

What Are the Admissions Requirements for an Aviation PhD Program?

Admission requirements for a PhD in aviation or aeronautics can vary. You'll need at least a bachelor's degree, but some programs require a master's in a related field as well. You may also need:

• minimum GPA
• GRE scores
• letters of recommendation
• personal essays
• related work experience
• admissions interview

You can usually find the full requirements on the program website.

Are Aviation PhDs Fully Funded?

Some aviation PhDs are fully funded, and others are not. Funding usually requires students to complete assistantships or fellowships, and therefore may not be available to online students. You can usually find out about funding options on the program website or by speaking to someone at your school's financial aid office.

Explore Aviation Degrees

Start your journey toward a high-level aviation or aeronautics career by exploring the PhDs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to specific schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.