Florida Tech’s Patuxent Site Launches M.S. in Flight Test Engineering Program

Graduates Will Be in Demand
in Evolving Aerospace Industry 

MELBOURNE, FLA. — Florida Institute of Technology’s location in Patuxent, Maryland, now offers a master’s degree in flight test engineering.

Originally developed for the Navy by faculty at Patuxent, the Master of Science in Flight Test Engineering seeks to expand students’ knowledge, skills, ability and competency in the field of aircraft flight testing. Ensuring safety and performance in aircraft systems is the domain of the flight test engineer.

The program is also offered at Florida Tech’s main campus.

Flight test engineering is a discipline focused on performance evaluation of both new aviation platforms and design and capability modifications of existing aircraft. This is the heart of the Naval Air Warfare Center’s RDT&E (Research, Development, Test & Evaluation) mission. Courses provide advanced graduate instruction in fundamental disciplines pertinent to the flight test engineer, such as structural dynamics, propulsion, aerodynamics, stability and control, signal processing, radar, communications and engineering project management.

Additionally, the program teaches students how to test and evaluate an aircraft’s various mechanical and electrical subsystems including propulsion, structure and avionics.

“As the Navy, other Services, and their industry partners continue to assist the aerospace industry push new boundaries in flight and technology, flight test engineers are in increasing demand,” said Patuxent Site Director Bob Schaller. “Our graduates will find themselves working alongside other critical engineering specialists to help lead this industry successfully into the future, especially as unmanned and autonomous systems are increasingly employed.”

Graduates with a master’s degree in flight test engineering can choose career opportunities in several industries, including the military, defense agencies, other government agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration and NASA, and private-sector aviation manufacturers.

Flight test engineering is a 30 credit-hour program with thesis and non-thesis options. The cost is $600 per credit hour, and Patuxent offers Wisdom Warrior rates for active military. Veterans’ benefits are also accepted.

Additional information is available by clicking here.

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