Online Education for Working Professionals
Refresh your fluid mechanics background and move into advanced concepts and applications.
Develop best-practice skills in aerodynamics analysis.
Aerodynamics, or the fluid dynamics of gases, deals with the flows observed in a wide range of transportation systems, such as airplanes, cars and trains. This certificate develops a foundation of fundamental fluid dynamics of gases from low to high speed flows. Students will learn how to interpret the experimental and computational data while developing theoretical understanding. Gain the skills to become an aerodynamics engineer.
3 courses in 3 semesters.
| Department | Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering |
|---|---|
| Admissions requirement | Acceptance to the Graduate School. |
| Contact | Wayne Weaver |
| Length | 3 courses in 2-3 semesters |
|---|---|
| Effort | 3 hours per credit per week |
| Each course | 3 credits |
| Total credits | 9 |
| Course type | Online or on-campus |
| Modality | Watch class recordings on demand |
| Cost | Based on credits and course type |
| Already enrolled? | Speak with your advisor |
Curriculum
Progress quickly with a compact curriculum. Work with the program advisor to select courses that fit your interests and pre-requisite skills.
Prerequisites
Check your preparation. Here are some of the pre-requisite courses for this certificate.
Required Courses
Take a 3-credit required course.
Electives
Take 6 credits of elective courses. Select two courses, but only one at the 4000 level.
Typical Schedule
The minimum completion time is one semester. Two or three semesters are recommended. Here are typical schedules.
Sample Plan 1
| Fall | |
|---|---|
| MEEM 5210 MEEM 5230 MEEM 5215 |
Sample Plan 2
| Fall | Spring |
|---|---|
| MEEM 5210 MEEM 5230 |
MEEM 5240 |
Sample Plan 3
| Fall | Spring |
|---|---|
| MEEM 5210 | MEEM 5240 |
| Fall | |
| MEEM 5230 |
Application Process and Admissions Requirements
Applications are reviewed on an individual basis using a holistic approach. Fill out our free graduate application online to apply to any of our programs. Official transcripts and scores are not required for the initial application, although you will need to upload them later.
Interested in taking a single, online course? Enroll as a non-degree seeking student.
Upon completion of the Certificate the student should be able to:
- Solve the fundamental problems in aerodynamics given a physical description of a
system, following the standard process of
- define a suitable control surface or volume
- list the appropriate set of governing equations
- apply the necessary simplifications and approximations
- solve the governing equations analytically or numerically
- Apply the standard solution procedure to specific aerodynamics problems,
- Communicate the analysis process in aerodynamics, through written project reports, including: statement of assumptions, derivation of governing equations, solution processes, and validation of the solutions.
Michigan Tech was founded in 1885.
The University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and widely respected by fast-paced industries, including automotive development, infrastructure, manufacturing, and aerospace. Michigan Tech graduates deliver on rapid innovation and front-line research, leaning into any challenge with confidence.
The College of Engineering fosters excellence in education and research.
We set out as the Michigan Mining School in 1885 to train mining engineers to better operate copper mines. Today, more than 60 percent of Michigan Tech students are enrolled in our 17 undergraduate and 29 graduate engineering programs across nine departments. Our students and curriculum embrace the spirit of hard work and fortitude our founders once had. Our online graduate courses are the same, robust classes taken by our doctorate and masters candidates, taught directly by highly regarded faculty, with outstanding support from staff. We invite working professionals to join these courses, bring their own experience and challenges as part of the discussion. Leverage the national reputation of Michigan Tech to advance your career in tech leadership.
Online Certified Instructors
Meet the online certified instructors. Students have the flexibility to review class recordings later.
Jeffrey Allen
John F. and Joan M. Calder Endowed Professor in Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics
Teaching Statement
Dr. Allen teaches in such topics as fluid mechanics, principles of energy conversion, and microfluidics.
Teaching Statement
Dr. Cai is interested in fluid dynamics, aerospace and space engineering, gas dynamics, and electric propulsion.
L. King
Richard and Elizabeth Henes Endowed Professor (Space Systems), Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Teaching Statement
Dr. King's areas of expertise include space propulsion, plasma physics, and optical fluid diagnostics.
Teaching Statement
Dr. Lee is interested in turbulent and spray combustion, including high-pressure diesel and gasoline spray and fundamental turbulent flames.
Teaching Statement
Dr. Narain has expertise in fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and system design.
Fernando Ponta
Richard and Elizabeth Henes Professor (Wind Energy), Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Teaching Statement
Dr. Ponta's area of expertise is in theoretical and computational continuum mechanics, vortex dynamics, and advanced numerical methods for fluid-structure interaction analysis.
Teaching Statement
Dr. Tajiri lectures on applied thermodynamics, fuel cell technology, and other topics related to propulsion and energy conversion.
Teaching Statement
Dr. Yang is interested in computational fluid dynamics, heat transfer, engine flow simulation, and aerodynamics.