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Online Graduate Certificate Control Systems Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

About the Certificate

The Control Systems Graduate Certificate Program is designed for working engineers and technical professionals seeking to expand their expertise and stay current with advancements in control systems technology. The program provides a strong foundation in the analysis, design, and implementation of modern control systems used in mechanical and aerospace engineering applications. Through advanced coursework, students develop the knowledge and skills necessary to address complex engineering challenges involving dynamic systems, automation, and system performance optimization.

Course offerings cover a broad range of topics, including mechanical and aerospace control systems, analysis and synthesis of mechanical and aerospace systems, flight dynamics, stability and control, digital control, linear control systems, and optimal control and estimation. These subjects provide students with both theoretical understanding and practical tools for modeling, analyzing, and controlling complex engineering systems across a variety of industries.

Earning a graduate certificate in control systems allows professionals to strengthen their academic background, enhance their technical capabilities, and increase their competitiveness in the workforce. The program is particularly valuable for engineers involved in the design, operation, and improvement of advanced mechanical and aerospace systems. In addition, the graduate certificate serves as an excellent pathway for continued graduate education, with coursework that may be applied toward a master's degree in aerospace engineering or mechanical engineering at Missouri S&T.

This  graduate certificate program is open to all individuals holding a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate engineering discipline with 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)

GROUP I  
Choose two from the following:  
Flight Dynamics-Stability And Control  
Mechanical And Aerospace Control Systems  
Special Topics  
Analysis And Synthesis Of Mechanical And Aerospace Systems  
GROUP II  
Choose two from the following:  
Flight Dynamics-Stability And Control  
Digital Control  
Linear Control Systems  
Optimal Control And Estimation  

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