Online Aerodynamics Certificate

Analyze Airflow Across Modern Engineering Systems.

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 relevant to aviation, aerospace, transportation, and other fluid-flow applications.

Prepare for the exciting and fast-growing careers. Or use this certificate as a solid foundation to continue your education in a graduate program.

Who is This Certificate For?

This certificate is designed for engineers and technically prepared learners who want to strengthen their understanding of airflow and fluid dynamics. It is particularly relevant to professionals interested in aerospace, automotive, transportation, or other applications that require aerodynamic analysis using theoretical and computational methods.

What You'll Study

When you attend MTU’s online certificate in aerodynamics program, you’ll take interactive courses carefully designed by industry professionals. Learn from faculty mentors who specialize in a diverse range of fields — including space engineering, plasma physics, and fuel cell technologym, such as professors Dr. Jeffery Allen and Dr. Chunpei Cai.

In this certificate, you'll 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. Then, choose two other classes below to create the course of study that aligns with your interests and career goals.

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

Required Courses

ME 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)

ME 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

ME 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

ME 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

ME 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 ME 4901(C) or ENT 4950(C) or Graduate Status >= 1

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

Where You'll Apply Your Skills

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.

A warehouse/factory containing several rocket thrusters that are lying on their side.

Popular Careers

Aerospace engineer
Aerodynamics engineer
Aeronautical engineer
Research engineer
Missile flight analysis engineer
Blast and debris analysts
Turbine aerodynamics engineer
Turbomachinery engineer

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.