the unsure grad

From what I and many other undergrads have seen is that the Aerospace side of the dept is not as well developed as it should be. This is due to several reasons, one of which is the ongoing UC budget issue. A MS may be different, but more and more of the research done here has less to do with aerospace, and more to do with alternative energy and biomechanics. Hope this helps

Hi All, I just joined the site and sure glad I found it. Im a MAE undergrad at UC Davis and im stuck between UCLA and Purdue, both unfunded MS (financial aid is covering expenses and tuition) with possibility of continuing as a PHD. The way I see it, Purdue is much more aligned with my aerospace interests, but tuition is higher since im out-of-state and its a longer move from CA to IN. UCLA on the other hand is much closer to home @ 30mi, a easier move, and closer to aerospace companies, but im not sure if the aerospace program there is as robust as Purdue's. I have a small opportunity for funding as a PHD @ Purdue in a year or so, if that changes anything. If anyone has info on any of these schools, please feel free to chime in. staying unsure...

Im a MAE undergrad at Davis and I have to say that there are trade offs with a ME PHD here. The Mech. program here is strong and we have at least two big names in faculty and many student run ME programs. However, you should also consider that the whole UC system is having issues and MAE @ Davis is no exception. The final thing you should know is that the ME PHD program at Davis, from what I am told, does not include a PHD defense, but a PHD presentation.