New Doctoral Programs In Aviation And Engineering Physics Planned

For the ninth year in a row, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has earned the top ranking in the annual "America's Best Colleges" guide published by US News & World Report magazine.

In the specialty category of "Best Aerospace/Aeronautical/Astronautical Engineering Programs at Schools Whose Highest Degree is a Bachelor's or Master's," Embry-Riddle's Daytona Beach campus has been number one every year since the category was introduced in 2001. Embry-Riddle's Prescott, AZ campus has been number three in that category since 2004.

The US Air Force Academy took second place this year, the US Naval Academy fourth, and Cal Poly - San Luis Obispo fifth.

"For the ninth straight year, US News has honored Embry-Riddle for outstanding achievement," said Dr. John P. Johnson, Embry-Riddle president. "This prestigious accomplishment was made possible by top-caliber faculty, staff, and students in our engineering departments and throughout the University."

Embry-Riddle's Daytona Beach campus is 12th in the overall category of "Best Universities - Master's (South)," up one spot from last year. This category lists 121 master's degree-granting institutions in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

In related news, Embry-Riddle also announced plans to offer two Ph.D. programs in 2009, pending accreditation by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

The University will offer the first Ph.D. in Aviation in the United States through the combined efforts of the Colleges of Aviation at Daytona Beach and Prescott and the Worldwide Campus beginning in May. The Ph.D. in Aviation is primarily an online program with one-week residencies each year.

An August debut is planned for a traditional Ph.D. program in Engineering Physics at the Daytona Beach campus, with special emphasis on space physics, upper atmospheric physics, remote sensing, spacecraft instrumentation, spacecraft systems engineering, and control of aerospace systems. Faculty research in these areas is one of the major strengths of the University.

Embry-Riddle is accepting applications for the first class of candidates for the Ph.D. in Aviation now through January 15, 2009.

FMI: http://aviationphd.erau.edu/, www.erau.edu/engineeringphd