Prepare for the political, economic, legal, commercial, scientific, and technical challenges associated with human exploration in space with the Bachelor of Science in Space Studies.
Very few space studies academic programs match the breadth and scope of this innovative online program and its concentration options, including space entrepreneurship. This space studies program uses a curriculum initially designed by a former NASA astronaut. Many faculty include scientists and engineers currently working for NASA, the space industry, and national astronomical observatories.
You’ll also have the opportunity to use the university’s state-of-the-art, remote-controlled observatory, with a fully online 24-inch aperture telescope.
Degree Program Objectives
In addition to the institutional and degree level learning objectives, graduates of this program are expected to achieve these learning outcomes:
- Apply knowledge of mathematics, earth science, and space science to identify and solve space/earth studies problems.
- Conduct experiments, analyze, and interpret data.
- Communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
- Assess ethical and professional responsibilities and the impact of technical and/or scientific solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
- Function on multidisciplinary teams.
Degree at a Glance
| Code | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Requirements | 30 | |
| Major Required | 50 | |
| Select one of the following concentrations: | 15 | |
| Final Program Requirements | 3 | |
| Elective Requirements | 22 | |
| Total Semester Hours | 120 | |
Degree Program Requirements
General Education Requirements (30 semester hours)
| Code | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Arts and Humanities (6 semester hours) | ||
| PHIL202 | Philosophy of Science | 3 |
| STEM270 | Thinking and Acting Ethically | 3 |
| Civics, Political and Social Sciences (6 semester hours) 1 | ||
| STEM280 | Exploring Society and Cultures via Science Fiction | 3 |
| Select 1 course from the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Anthropology | ||
| World Archaeology | ||
| Introduction to Cultural Anthropology | ||
| Human Sexuality | ||
| Planning Your Future with Purpose in STEM | ||
| Social Media and Society | ||
| Intercultural Communication | ||
| Microeconomics | ||
| Macroeconomics | ||
| Humane Education: A Global Interdisciplinary Perspective | ||
| Introduction to Geography | ||
| Practical Food Safety and Awareness | ||
| International Relations I | ||
| Forgotten America--Under Represented Cultures in American Literature | ||
| Introduction to Political Science | ||
| American Government I | ||
| Introduction to Psychology | ||
| Death and Dying | ||
| Race & Religion | ||
| Hope and Resilience | ||
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| Social Problems | ||
| American Popular Culture | ||
| Communication: Writing, Oral, and Multimedia (9 semester hours) | ||
| COMM120 | Information and Digital Literacy | 3 |
| ENGL110 | Making Writing Relevant | 3 |
| ENGL221 | Scientific Writing | 3 |
| History (3 semester hours) | ||
| STEM185 | The History and Context of STEM | 3 |
| Mathematics and Applied Reasoning (3 semester hours) | ||
| MATH110 | College Algebra | 3 |
| Natural Sciences (3 semester hours) | ||
| CHEM180 | Introduction to Chemistry | 3 |
| Total Semester Hours | 30 | |
| 1 | All literature courses require successful completion of ENGL101 - Proficiency in Writing or ENGL110 - Making Writing Relevant. |
Major Required (50 semester hours)
| Code | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MATH111 | College Trigonometry | 3 |
| Select 1 course from the following: | 3 | |
| Pre-Calculus | ||
| Introduction to Statistics | ||
| Calculus | ||
| STEM100 | Introduction to STEM Disciplines | 3 |
| SCIN133 | Introduction to Physics with Lab | 4 |
| SCIN134 | Introduction to Astronomy with Lab | 4 |
| SCIN137 | Introduction to Meteorology with Lab | 4 |
| SCIN138 | Introduction to Physical Geology with Lab | 4 |
| SPST200 | Introduction to Space Studies | 3 |
| SPST201 | Introduction to Space Flight | 3 |
| SPST203 | History of Space Flight | 3 |
| SPST361 | Planetary Science with Lab | 4 |
| STEM380 | Coevolution of Society, Culture, and Technology | 3 |
| SPST435 | Planetary and Space Exploration | 3 |
| SPST465 | Space Weather | 3 |
| Select 1 course from the following: | 3 | |
| Cybersecurity, Surveillance, Privacy and Ethics | ||
| Analytics, Algorithms, AI, and Humanity | ||
| Total Semester Hours | 50 | |
You must choose a concentration for this degree program and may select from the Concentration in Aerospace Science, Concentration in Astronomy, Concentration in Earth Science, Concentration in Space Entrepreneurship, or Concentration in Space Policy.
Concentration in Aerospace Science (15 semester hours)
The aerospace science concentration provides an in-depth study of space transportation systems. You take courses with comprehensive overviews of such topics as rocket propulsion, orbital mechanics, launch / reentry systems, and spacecraft design.
Objectives
Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:
-
Solve the laws of orbital mechanics, including spacecraft maneuvers such as transfer orbits and rendezvous.
-
Analyze liquid and solid rocket propulsion fundamentals including propellants, combustion principles, components, and general turbo-pump, and motor design.
-
Assess the technology related to various launch and reentry systems.
-
Synthesize the fundamentals of modern space transportation systems, from Apollo to NASA’s new Space Launch System.
Concentration Requirements (15 semester hours)
| Code | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SPST305 | Introduction to Orbital Mechanics | 3 |
| SPST310 | Rocket Propulsion | 3 |
| SPST330 | Launch and Reentry Systems | 3 |
| SPST425 | Satellite and Spacecraft Systems | 3 |
| SPST445 | Space Transportation Systems | 3 |
| Total Semester Hours | 15 | |
Concentration in Astronomy (15 semester hours)
The astronomy concentration is designed to prepare you for employment in the observatory, planetarium, or science center environment. A range of courses are offered that prepare you for graduate work in the space studies field. You’ll acquire experience with the university’s new 24-inch robotic telescope.
Objectives
Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:
-
Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of operation of the modern observatory and planetarium.
-
Analyze the celestial objects found within our Solar System and their study by space probe.
-
Evaluate the importance of space weather and its potential harmful effects on our technological society.
-
Synthesize celestial objects found beyond the Solar System, including stars, exoplanets, and galaxies.
Concentration Requirements (15 semester hours)
| Code | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SPST340 | Tools of the Observatory | 3 |
| SPST341 | Tools of the Planetarium | 3 |
| SPST342 | Habitable Worlds | 3 |
| SPST440 | Stars and Galaxies | 3 |
| SPST441 | Cosmology | 3 |
| Total Semester Hours | 15 | |
Concentration in Earth Science (15 semester hours)
In this concentration, you will study the relationship between the physical, chemical, and biological processes operating in and on the Earth. You will learn about the history of the Earth and the evolution of systems such as the oceans and atmosphere, as well as detailed information about soils, streams, weather, and climate. The relationship between humans and the Earth is examined from multiple perspectives.
Objectives
Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:
- Use the scientific method and scientific tools to solve programs related to the Earth.
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the interrelated physical, chemical, and biological processes operating in the Earth system.
- Identify the process and features associated with the Earth’s interior, landscapes, oceans, and atmosphere.
- Construct a history of the Earth, focusing on physical, chemical, and biological changes.
- Present earth science information clearly, in multiple formats (written, oral, graphically).
- Integrate knowledge of earth science into an understanding of societal issues and problems.
- Demonstrate good scientific ethics.
- Identify different earth materials, including those of economic value.
Concentration Requirements (15 semester hours)
| Code | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ERSC204 | Earth System History | 3 |
| ERSC302 | Geomorphology | 3 |
| ERSC304 | Remote Sensing and GIS for Earth Sciences | 3 |
| ERSC401 | Natural Hazards and Society | 3 |
| ERSC402 | Earth and Planetary Sustainability | 3 |
| Total Semester Hours | 15 | |
Concentration in Space Entrepreneurship (15 semester hours)
This concentration consists of five courses. The concentration provides the student with an array of study and course work in idea feasibility, the legal realm of entrepreneurship, funding the venture, marketing, prototyping, and technological innovation.
Objectives
Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:
- Determine feasibility of a business idea.
- Assess the legal requirements of being an entrepreneur.
- Analyze various methods necessary to grow an entrepreneurial business through funding options.
- Distinguish innovative technology from non-innovative technology for competitive advantage.
Concentration Requirements (15 semester hours)
| Code | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ENTR150 | Idea Generation | 3 |
| SPST307 | Space Policy | 3 |
| ENTR315 | Financing a New Venture | 3 |
| SPST426 | Space Habitats | 3 |
| SPST427 | Space Resources | 3 |
| Total Semester Hours | 15 | |
Concentration in Space Policy (15 semester hours)
Space policy is designed to cultivate leaders in the space industry – both in NASA as well as the commercial space operations industry. This concentration is ideal if you have an administrative / business interest. Coursework considers space diplomacy, with extensive emphasis on space operations and organizations.
Objectives
Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:
-
Examine the political and commercial significance of major national and international space missions, projects, and operations.
-
Evaluate organizations that are critical to the success of the technological advance of space infrastructure in the United States.
-
Synthesize the status of space cooperation and diplomacy between various space faring nations.
-
Synthesize space laws and how the governing institutions affect applications such as remote sensing, communications, navigation, launch services, satellite exports, and arms control.
Concentration Requirements (15 semester hours)
| Code | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SPST304 | National Space Organization | 3 |
| SPST306 | Human Space Flight | 3 |
| SPST307 | Space Policy | 3 |
| SPST415 | Space Station Systems and Operations | 3 |
| SPST485 | Space Wargaming | 3 |
| Total Semester Hours | 15 | |
Final Program Requirements (3 semester hours)
| Code | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SPST499 | Senior Seminar in Space Studies (to be taken as the last course before graduation) 1 | 3 |
| Total Semester Hours | 3 | |
| 1 | Prerequisite: Senior Standing and completion of major courses prior to enrollment. |
Elective Requirements (22 semester hours)
| Code | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Select any courses not already taken to fulfill the requirements listed above. Credits applied toward a minor or certificate in an unrelated field may be used to fulfill elective credit for the major. | 22 | |
| Total Semester Hours | 22 | |