Bachelor of Science in Space Studies
Program Description
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
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General Education Requirements
30
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Major Required
50
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Select one of the following concentrations:
15
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Final Program Requirement
3
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Elective Requirements
22
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Total Semester Hours
120
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Degree Program Requirements
General Education (30 semester hours)
| Arts & Humanities (6 semester hours) 1 |
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Philosophy of Science
3 |
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Thinking and Acting Ethically
3 |
| Civics, Political & Social Sciences (6 semester hours) 2 |
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Exploring Society and Cultures via Science Fiction
3 |
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Select 1 course from the following:
3 |
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Introduction to Anthropology
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World Archaeology
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Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
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Human Sexuality
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Planning Your Future with Purpose in STEM
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Social Media and Society
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Intercultural Communication
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Microeconomics
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Macroeconomics
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Humane Education: A Global Interdisciplinary Perspective
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Introduction to Geography
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Practical Food Safety and Awareness
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International Relations I
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Introduction to Political Science
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American Government I
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Introduction to Psychology
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Death and Dying
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Race & Religion
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Hope and Resilience
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Introduction to Sociology
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Social Problems
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American Popular Culture
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| Communication: Writing, Oral, and Multimedia (9 semester hours) |
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Information and Digital Literacy
3 |
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Making Writing Relevant
3 |
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Scientific Writing
3 |
| History (3 semester hours) |
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The History and Context of STEM
3 |
| Mathematics and Applied Reasoning (3 semester hours) |
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College Algebra
3 |
| Natural Sciences (3 semester hours) |
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Introduction to Chemistry
3 |
| Total Semester Hours 30 |
Major Required (50 semester hours)
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College Trigonometry
3 |
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Introduction to STEM Disciplines
3 |
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Introduction to Physics with Lab
4 |
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Introduction to Astronomy with Lab
4 |
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Introduction to Meteorology with Lab
4 |
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Introduction to Physical Geology with Lab
4 |
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Introduction to Space Studies
3 |
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Introduction to Space Flight
3 |
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History of Space Flight
3 |
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Planetary Science with Lab
4 |
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Coevolution of Society, Culture, and Technology
3 |
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Planetary and Space Exploration
3 |
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Space Weather
3 |
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Select 1 course from the following:
3 |
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Cybersecurity, Surveillance, Privacy and Ethics
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Analytics, Algorithms, AI, and Humanity
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Select 1 course from the following:
3 |
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Pre-Calculus
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Introduction to Statistics
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Calculus
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| Total Semester Hours 50 |
Students must choose a concentration for this degree program and may select from a Concentration in Aerospace Science, Concentration in Astronomy, Concentration in Earth Science, Concentration in Space Entrepreneurship, Concentration in Space Policy, or Concentration in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).
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)
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Introduction to Orbital Mechanics
3 |
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Rocket Propulsion
3 |
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Launch and Reentry Systems
3 |
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Satellite and Spacecraft Systems
3 |
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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)
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Tools of the Observatory
3 |
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Tools of the Planetarium
3 |
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Habitable Worlds
3 |
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Stars and Galaxies
3 |
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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)
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Earth System History
3 |
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Geomorphology
3 |
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Remote Sensing and GIS for Earth Sciences
3 |
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Natural Hazards and Society
3 |
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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)
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Idea Generation
3 |
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Space Policy
3 |
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Financing a New Venture
3 |
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Space Habitats
3 |
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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)
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National Space Organization
3 |
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Human Space Flight
3 |
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Space Policy
3 |
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Space Station Systems and Operations
3 |
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Space Wargaming
3 |
| Total Semester Hours 15 |
Concentration in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) (15 semester hours)
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) concentration within the Space Studies program prepares students with foundational knowledge of unmanned aircraft systems (drones). This concentration covers both the theoretical principles and practical commercial applications of UAS technology. Students will learn about the design, deployment, and management of unmanned aircraft systems and drone operations in a commercial setting.
Objectives
Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:
- Identify and explain the functions of different UAS hardware components
- Demonstrate the ability to design, build, and operate functional drones
- Evaluate and address challenges in various commercial drone applications while considering public health, safety, welfare, and broader global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
- Synthesize knowledge of FAA Part 107 UAS regulations, including safe operational requirements, in preparation for the Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
Concentration Requirements (15 semester hours)
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Introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)
3 |
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Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Components and Modeling
3 |
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Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Applications
3 |
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Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Payload and Sensor Technologies
3 |
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Remote Pilot Certification Preparation
3 |
| Total Semester Hours 15 |
Final Program Requirement (3 semester hours)
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Senior Seminar in Space Studies 3
3 |
| Total Semester Hours 3 |
Elective Requirements (22 semester hours)
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Select any courses that have not been used to fulfill 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 |
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All literature courses require successful completion of ENGL101-Proficiency in Writing or ENGL110-Making Writing Relevant.
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All literature courses require successful completion of ENGL101-Proficiency in Writing or ENGL110-Making Writing Relevant.
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Prerequisite: Senior Standing and completion of all major courses prior to enrollment. Must be taken as the last course before graduation.