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Online Graduate Certificate Composite Materials and Structures Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

About the Certificate

The Graduate Certificate in Composite Materials and Structures is designed for engineers and technical professionals involved in the design, manufacturing, analysis, and development of advanced composite material systems and structures. As composite materials continue to play an increasingly important role in industries such as aerospace, automotive, defense, energy, and manufacturing, professionals must stay current with emerging technologies, materials, and engineering practices.

This certificate program provides working professionals with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the fundamental principles and advanced applications of composite materials and structures. Through specialized coursework, students gain knowledge of material behavior, structural performance, manufacturing processes, design methodologies, and analytical techniques used in the development of high-performance composite systems. The program is structured to help participants enhance their technical expertise, strengthen their problem-solving skills, and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving engineering environment.

In addition to expanding professional knowledge and skills, the graduate certificate offers students an opportunity to strengthen their academic credentials and prepare for advanced study. Credits earned through the program may be applied toward a master's degree in mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering at Missouri S&T, providing a flexible pathway for continued graduate education and career advancement.

This graduate certificate program is open to all individuals holding a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate engineering discipline with a GPA ≥ 2.75, and who have a minimum of two years of professional experience, or are currently accepted into a graduate degree program in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.

The certificate program consists of four courses. In order to receive a graduate certificate, you must earn a cumulative GPA ≥ 3.0 in the four certificate courses taken. 

Students admitted to the certificate program will have non-degree graduate status, but will earn graduate credit for the courses they complete.

Once admitted to the certificate program, you will have three years to complete the certificate, as long as you maintain a B average in the courses taken.

For online students applying to a graduate certificate program. (No GRE/GMAT required.)

Certificate Applicant 

The following are the courses offered in the program. Courses are 3 credit hours each, unless stated otherwise. The University reserves the right to change or cancel courses as needed. 

Total Courses: 4 (12 credit hours)

Required courses:  
Fracture Mechanics  
Introduction to Composite Materials & Structures  
Analysis of Laminated Composite Structures  
Choose one from the following:  
Introduction to Finite Element Analysis  
Theory of Elasticity  
Theory and Design of Plate and Shell Structures  

Course availability may vary by semester (see course listings). Students should consult their academic advisor for appropriate alternatives or substitutions if needed.

Please refer to the Mechanical Engineering section of the graduate catalog for more information.

This program is 100% online: no campus visits required.

Courses are semester-based. Students typically take one or two classes per semester and finish the program in one year.

  • Delivery: 100% online
  • Calendar system: Semester-based 
  • Typical program length: 1-2 years
  • Typical course load: 1-2 courses a semester (fall and spring)

Courses are offered asynchronously, meaning they do not have regular meetings. They may consist of various media and content — such as online discussions, videos, quizzes and recordings — that students review and complete at the time of their choice.

Learn more about our graduate programs at Missouri S&T by attending one of our virtual information sessions.

Attend Info Session

Pathway to a Master's Degree

Are you a working professional who wants to earn your master's degree, but you don’t have time to take the GRE/GMAT? Then start in a graduate certificate program. Graduate certificates were designed as a pathway to a master's degree.* The admission requirements are more relaxed and credit earned will count toward your degree. Once you successfully earn your graduate certificate, you can continue with the corresponding master's degree without having to take the GRE/GMAT.


Related Degrees

This graduate certificate may act as a pathway to the following master’s programs:

*Completion of a graduate certificate program does not automatically guarantee admission into a corresponding graduate degree program. To continue in a master’s degree program, you must apply.

Questions?

Missouri S&T Online Education

We are here to answer any of your questions about Missouri S&T’s online education programs.

Email Us  Request Info

Sylvia Skouby
Associate Director for Online Admissions

573-341-6903  |  stgrad@mst.edu

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Xiaodong Yang, PhD
Professor, Associate Chair of Graduate Affairs, and Director of Nanoscale Optics Laboratory

573-341-6273  |  yangxia@mst.edu
Department Website: mae.mst.edu

Karen Walberg
Administrative Assistant and Online Graduate Programs Support

573-341-4602  |   walbergk@mst.edu