M.S. in Space Systems

astronaut in front of gradient background

The Master of Science in Space Systems addresses workforce demand in the expanding space industry, including areas such as commercial launch services, space operations and human spaceflight. The program prepares students to support the development and management of space missions and systems. The curriculum includes multidisciplinary coursework in engineering, program management, technical decision-making, systems thinking and leadership, with application to the technical, organizational and operational aspects of the space sector.

At the Worldwide & Online Campus, the Master of Science in Space Systems is housed in the College of Aviation. The program includes coursework related to space systems engineering, program management, technology, automation and structural materials. The online format allows students to complete coursework remotely while applying concepts in professional settings.

Program-Level Student Learning Outcomes

Students will:

  • Analyze the technical characteristics and performance parameters of current and future systems and components in the context of a space system.
  • Design a range of space systems using systems engineering principles.
  • Create strategies for developing space systems which optimally achieve mission, financial and organizational goals.
  • Synthesize strategic critical thinking skills to effectively determine tradeoffs based on sound technical and business judgement.

Worldwide Program Requirements

Core Requirements30
Total Credits30

Program Details

The Master of Science in Space Systems requires successful completion of a minimum of 30 credit hours. Students enrolled in the Worldwide Graduate Online program may complete the degree in six terms, or approximately two years, assuming full-time enrollment and continuous progress. Students pursuing this graduate degree must earn a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.00 for all work completed at the University. The courses required to earn this degree are listed below.

Students should be aware that many courses have prerequisites and/or corequisites. Students are responsible for ensuring that all prerequisite and degree requirements are satisfied prior to enrollment in advanced coursework. The suggested plan of study is provided as a guide. A student's actual plan of study may vary based on term of admission, course availability, transfer credit, and other academic considerations. Students should consult with their academic advisor to develop an individualized plan of study.

Core Requirements

SPAC 500Overview of the Space Ecosystem3
SPAC 515Cybersecurity Applications in Space3
SPAC 520Principles of Space Systems3
SPAC 525Space Law and Policy3
SPAC 530Earth Observation Systems3
SPAC 540Human Spaceflight Systems3
SPAC 550Space Transportation Systems3
SPAC 560SATCOM Systems3
SPAC 570Space Science Systems3
SYSE 500Fundamentals of Systems Engineering3
Total Credits30

Suggested Plans of Study

Two Year Plan

Year One

Term 1
RequirementsCredits
SPAC 500 - Overview of the Space Ecosystem3
Semester Hours3
Term 2
RequirementsCredits
SPAC 515 - Cybersecurity Applications in Space3
Semester Hours3
Term 3
RequirementsCredits
SPAC 520 - Principles of Space Systems3
Semester Hours3
Term 4
RequirementsCredits
SPAC 525 - Space Law and Policy3
Semester Hours3
Term 5
RequirementsCredits
SPAC 530 - Earth Observation Systems3
Semester Hours3

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 15

Year Two

Term 1
RequirementsCredits
SPAC 540 - Human Spaceflight Systems3
Semester Hours3
Term 2
RequirementsCredits
SYSE 500 - Fundamentals of Systems Engineering3
Semester Hours3
Term 3
RequirementsCredits
SPAC 550 - Space Transportation Systems3
Semester Hours3
Term 4
RequirementsCredits
SPAC 560 - SATCOM Systems3
Semester Hours3
Term 5
RequirementsCredits
SPAC 570 - Space Science Systems3
Semester Hours3

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 15

One Year Plan

Year One

Term 1
RequirementsCredits
SPAC 500 - Overview of the Space Ecosystem3
SPAC 515 - Cybersecurity Applications in Space3
Semester Hours6
Term 2
RequirementsCredits
SPAC 520 - Principles of Space Systems3
SPAC 525 - Space Law and Policy3
Semester Hours6
Term 3
RequirementsCredits
SPAC 530 - Earth Observation Systems3
SPAC 540 - Human Spaceflight Systems3
Semester Hours6
Term 4
RequirementsCredits
SYSE 500 - Fundamentals of Systems Engineering3
SPAC 550 - Space Transportation Systems3
Semester Hours6
Term 5
RequirementsCredits
SPAC 560 - SATCOM Systems3
SPAC 570 - Space Science Systems3
Semester Hours6

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 30

Estimated Cost of Attendance

Estimated Cost of Attendance: California Student Information