Aerospace Certification

Designed specifically for those working or desiring to work in aerospace manufacturing and/or maintenance in the areas of product certification, airworthiness and continued airworthiness. Certification is the singular key to a safe national airspace system and understanding that process is critical to continued system safety. The National Airspace System (NAS) is highly regulated, and the FAA certifies nearly every aspect of the industry from personnel to materials, to processes prior to granting access to the NAS. There is a large and emerging talent need in this area as new technologies are developed; before they can be fielded, they must pass through a rigorous certification process. Recent examples include electrically powered aircraft, urban air mobility technology, and advanced materials; all of which require airworthiness certification prior to being allowed to fly.

For students with an undergraduate engineering degree, the Master of Science in Aeronautics program qualifies for one year of experience towards the FAA’s requirements of Designated Engineering Representative (DER) designation. Individuals interested in this path, must elect the Aerospace Certification Option within the Master of Science in Aeronautics.

• A DER is an individual who holds an engineering degree or equivalent, possesses technical knowledge and experience, and meets the qualification requirements of the FAA. Engineering and Flight Test designees are responsible for finding that engineering data complies with the appropriate airworthiness standards.

Leadership and Policy

This option is specifically designed for emerging aviation/aerospace industry leaders who plan to work in the areas of business management or policymaking in all sectors of aviation operations from air carriers to airports, legislative bodies, large corporations, as well as many other public and private functions. Graduates will be equipped to think critically about the current and future state of the industry and will be among the solution providers and innovators as we look to the future in an era of unique constraints and complex problems, but limitless opportunities for solutions.