Program Overview

Advances in hypersonic technology are rapidly accelerating toward a speed where knowledge of the field becomes integral for success in the aerospace and defense industries, a key element of national security, and more.

Because of national security needs, there is a strong demand within industry and government agencies for engineers and managers to gain understanding of issues related to hypersonic flows and the methods used to analyze them. Development of systems operating at hypersonic speeds (greater than Mach 5) can be difficult due to the intense heat transfer rates generated. The design of efficient propulsion systems also presents its own challenges. The ability of engineers to accurately predict hypersonic flows and to choose appropriate materials is critical to the successful development of hypersonic flight vehicles.

Benefit from Purdue’s Expertise in Hypersonic Technology

Ranked #2 in online Master’s in Engineering programs (U.S. News & World Report, 2026), Purdue is a leader in graduate engineering programs and online education. Learners in the online Hypersonics Graduate Certificate from Purdue’s top-ranked College of Engineering and School of Aeronautics and Astronautics complete a four-course, 12-credit series designed to enhance their knowledge and careers by:

  • Upskilling with a selection of courses that support students’ areas of interest
  • Developing a strong foundation in the fundamentals of fluid dynamics
  • Expanding analysis capabilities for hypersonic propulsion systems and hypersonic external aerodynamics

Purdue Engineering is a trailblazer in the field of hypersonics with a large, interdisciplinary team of research experts. Purdue is also home to a new Hypersonics and Applied Research Facility, a cutting-edge lab featuring HYPULSE and Mach 8 wind tunnels.

Curriculum

Purdue’s online Hypersonics Graduate Certificate is built on courses related to hypersonic flows and includes foundational subjects needed for students to be successful in the more specialized courses. Required curriculum includes one foundational course, two hypersonics-relevant courses and one math course. Students may substitute the foundational and math course for additional hypersonics-relevent courses, depending on their educational background.

Certificate Requirements

The Graduate Certificate in Hypersonics requires 12 credit hours.

Admissions Requirements

Criteria for Admissions

Educational Background:

  • Minimum GPA of a 3.0
  • Preferred undergraduate degree in Engineering, Science, Mathematics or Technology
  • Academic background in Fluid Dynamics, Computational Aerodynamics, Hypersonic Propulsion, Aerospace Propulsion and Laminar/Turbulent Transition

Full admissions requirements can be found here.

Application Requirements

The following documents are required to complete an application:

  • Transcripts from all universities attended, including transfer credits
  • Academic Statement of Purpose
  • Personal History Statement
  • A professional resume

Application Deadlines

For Fall start:

  • July 1

For Spring Start:

  • November 1

Tuition

Resident of Indiana/VA Educational Benefit:

  • $1,139 per credit hour

Nonresident of Indiana:

  • $1,459 per credit hour

The cost of attending Purdue varies depending on where you choose to live, enrollment in a specific program or college, food and travel expenses, and other variables. The Office of the Bursar website shows estimated costs for the current aid year for students by semester and academic year. These amounts are used in determining a student’s estimated eligibility for financial aid. You can also use our tuition calculator to estimate tuition costs.

Eligible students may use VA education benefits toward tuition and fees. Coverage varies based on the student’s benefit type and eligibility, and additional provisions may apply to qualifying military-connected students. To ensure qualification for the VA Educational Benefit tuition rate, students should work closely with the Veteran and Military Student Success Center.