Washington state’s aerospace industry remains one of the largest in the country. A state-commissioned study estimated that in 2015 the industry’s total economic impact reached about 253,000 jobs and $94.7 billion in business revenue. More recent figures from a 2024 industry report put direct aerospace employment at about 77,400 workers, with roughly 194,000 total jobs supported and more than $71 billion in business revenue.
The University of Washington’s William E. Boeing Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics offers a Master of Aerospace Engineering, a professional degree designed for working engineers. The program requires 45 credits and is structured for part-time study, with evening classes once a week and the option to attend online. Most students finish in about three years.
Students choose a concentration in controls, fluids, structures, or composites. The program is coursework-only and does not lead to a Ph.D. Students interested in research should consider UW’s Master of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics instead. The graduate school requires a minimum 3.0 GPA for admission, and GRE scores are no longer considered.
The degree is fee-based, so costs should be confirmed on UW’s official tuition pages. Prospective students can also compare options such as the aerospace engineering master’s in Wichita, and use career coaching and internship resources when planning a move into the industry.

