About this Program
Advanced composite materials such as carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) are being increasingly used on many aircraft structures globally, including on Boeing airplanes, to improve performance and save weight. Unlike metals, composite materials which are also known as engineered materials, are extremely process sensitive.
As such, even the best design will be of no use if the designed product cannot be manufactured. In this certificate program comprising of specifically tailored courses for aircraft applications, you will acquire an in-depth knowledge of constituent materials (fibers and matrices), state-of-the-art composite manufacturing processes including design for manufacturing, and key elements of quality control, specific tooling requirements, and many faceted repair and maintenance approaches for composite structures.
You will enhance your core competencies through this program which deals with the vital theoretical and practical approaches of materials and process engineering of composite technology to aide in producing reliable, producible, and cost effective aircraft structural hardware.
Designed For
This program is for Boeing employees only. It is designed to meet the needs of a variety of engineering, manufacturing and quality assurance personnel involved with the design and fabrication of aircraft hardware. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in engineering with a background in engineering, physics or chemistry, mechanics of materials, algebra and some calculus.
See Requirements
Admission Requirements
To apply, you must:
- Have a B.S. in engineering with a background in mechanics of materials and elements of materials science and engineering
- Be proficient in linear algebra and familiar with the basics of trigonometry and calculus
- Be a Boeing employee
- Be a U.S. or Canadian citizen or have U.S. Person Status
Time Commitment
Including time in class, you should expect to spend about 9 to 11 hours each week on coursework.
English Proficiency
If English is not your native language, you should have at least intermediate English skills to enroll. To learn more, see either the noncredit programs or credit programs section of English Language Proficiency Requirements, depending on the option you’re enrolling in.
International Students
Because this offering is 100% online, no visa is required and international students are welcome to apply. For more information, see Admission Requirements for International Students.
Technology Requirements
- Access to a computer with a recent operating system and web browser
- High-speed internet connection
- Headset and webcam (recommended)
Earning the Certificate
You earn the certificate by adhering to the program's attendance policy and successfully completing all required courses. For more information, see Earning the Certificate.
Boeing Reimbursement
To be reimbursed by Boeing for course costs, you must successfully complete the course.
what you'll learn
- Differences between composite and metallic materials and the mechanical and physical properties of constituents (fibers and matrices)
- Material selection approaches, toughening of polymers, resin cure kinetics
- Micro-mechanics of composite materials and load transfer analysis
- Manufacturing fundamentals, design for manufacturing, closed and open mold composite manufacturing processes, and quality control
- Mold and fabrication and assembly tooling, repair, environmental effects
Get Hands-On Experience
- Participate in and complete composites lab work at the UW
- Take a field trip to a Boeing composites manufacturing facility (optional)
- Participate in and complete repair lab exercise at Boeing DC facility
OUR ENROLLMENT COACHES ARE HERE TO HELP
Connect with an enrollment coach to learn more about this offering. Or if you need help finding the right certificate, specialization or course for you, reach out to explore your options.