UND Space Studies Student in Spacesuit

Master's in Space Studies

Master of Science (M.S.)

Prepare for a career in space with a broad-based approach that links engineering, science and policy.

UND has the first space studies program of its kind in the world! Our master's in Space Studies is designed for those seeking to enter the space field or are an aerospace professional who wishes to expand their knowledge.

Program type:
Master's Degree
Format:
On Campus or Online
Est. time to complete:
2-4 years
Credit hours:
33

Why earn a Space Studies degree?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Mar. 1
Spring:
Oct. 31
Summer:
Feb. 28

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

Completed applications and all required materials must be received by above application deadlines.

Space BROCHURE

In the M.S. in Space Studies at UND, you’ll gain a broad view of space with a program that includes disciplines such as:

  • Planetary science
  • Space engineering
  • Life support systems
  • Space policy and law
  • Space history
  • Space-related aspects of business and management

Space Studies Graduate Programs

Your specialized training can be achieved through thesis or non-thesis options with an opportunity to focus in an area of faculty research. Students have participated in vital NASA-funded research, such as design and construction of a Lunar/Mars habitat prototype and pressurized electric rovers. In fact, UND was the first university with a NASA-funded laboratory dedicated to designing and constructing space-exploration and planetary surface exploration suits. UND is also the first university with two fully operational spaceflight simulators and one of the few universities in the world to offer human spaceflight training.

We've spent the last 35 years nurturing our students to success. We received the JSC Certificate of Appreciation for 25 years of outstanding service in university education in space studies from the NASA Johnson Space Center. You'll have the opportunity to join students that produce publications in diverse fields of expertise and serve the space community and nation.

Space Studies Master's Programs Online

If you need the flexibility of schedule or location of study, we encourage you to look at our online program option. Whether you're a working professional or deployed for military duty, our faculty have 25+ years of experience supporting the needs of online learners. We understand the unique challenges you may face.

UND's Space Studies Degree

  • UND is strategically focusing research on unmanned autonomous systems, big data, and building on our expertise in space research.

  • Unlike similar programs, UND students gain a broad-based understanding of the links between engineering, space science and policy.

  • Gain access to advanced research. Get real-world learning experiences in the UND Human Spaceflight Laboratory, the Spacecraft Simulator facility and the Space Studies Observatory.

  • Our graduates perform payload integration for Falcon rockets and work on the development of the Space Launch System. They also work in Mission Control and are researchers at several NASA Centers.

  • UND is the first institution in the nation to become a part of U.S. Space Force’s University Partnership Program.

  • With close ties to U.S. Space Force, U.S. Space Command, and NASA you'll have opportunities to engage with the cutting edge of space industry.

Space Studies Degree Jobs

97k

Median annual salary for atmospheric scientists, 2024 

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

135k

Median annual salary for aerospace engineers, 2023

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

The space industry is progressing toward a combination of government and privately funded space exploration and research efforts. This is resulting in the need for professionals with a broad background in space sciences and related fields. UND's space studies program offers diverse learning experiences so you can advance in space careers such as:

  • Aerospace Business Creator
  • Aerospace and Systems Engineer
  • Aerospace Program Manager
  • Mission Controller
  • Space Scientists
  • Space Systems Operator
  • STEM Educator

A master's degree in Space Studies gives you the strategic skills you need, including:

  • Space Law and Policy
  • Orbital Mechanics
  • Project Management
  • Strategic Planning
  • Systems Engineering
  • Technical Writing
  • Astronomy
  • Spacecraft Systems
  • Propulsion Systems

Careers with a Space Studies Master's

As a graduate, you will be set up for professional success in the space industry. Our alumni have gone on to a variety of successful careers with:

  • NASA
  • Space Force
  • Space Command
  • USAF
  • Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX)
  • Paragon Space Development Corporation
  • Blue Origin
  • BoeingSpace
  • Lockheed Martin
  • Sierra Space
  • Science museums and planetariums
  • Federal agencies

Space Studies Degree Courses

SPST 500. Introduction to Orbital Mechanics. 3 Credits.

This course introduces students without much background in either mathematics or physics to the problems faced everyday by orbital analysts as they track the 7000 satellites which orbit the earth. The course gives the students an ability to converse, as managers and co-workers, with those individuals who are calculating these difficult orbits. This appreciation is important in both the civilian and military sides of the space program. On demand.

SPST 512. Human Performance in Extreme Environments. 3 Credits.

This course identifies the impact that the stressors of extreme environments have on human performance. The course objectives are to highlight the differences and similarities among extreme environments and to demonstrate that, despite the differences lessons learned from operations in a given extreme environment can be effectively applied to other environments. Although settings such as space, mountains, or deep sea exhibit unique characteristics, the human physiological and psychological reactions and adaptations to these extreme settings stay similar. On demand.

SPST 517. Human Spaceflight Systems. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to introduce students to human space systems. The course uses both an engineering and a historical approach to human spaceflight systems covering all manned spacecraft up to today, plus individual subsystems necessary for human occupation. By the end of the course, students will: 1. Understand the engineering and science concepts related to human spaceflight, 2. Understand the major technologies required for human spaceflight, 3. Apply the systems engineering process to a human spaceflight mission: a. Describe the interactions among the elements of a space mission, b. Describe the interactions among all spacecraft subsystems, c. Document design decisions and analysis in a clear and concise manner. F, even years.

SPST 527. Extraterrestrial Resources. 3 Credits.

This course focuses on the inventory, accessibility, acquisition, processing and utilization of extraterrestrial resources (space resources) from celestial bodies such as the Moon, Mars, asteroids and comets. Consideration will be given to extraterrestrial resources for in situ utilization (such as a Lunar or Martian base), for space operations (such as supporting large scale near-Earth activities or a human Mars mission), and for terrestrial markets. The course will focus on the interplay between the scientific, technical, and economic aspects of acquiring and utilizing such resources. The course will also explore some of the legal and political ramifications and limitations of claiming and recovering space resources. On demand.

SPST 565. Space Law. 3 Credits.

This course serves as a graduate-level introduction to the field of Law as applied to Space Law. The course examines the origins and evolution of the laws of outer space from the beginnings of the space age to the present. International laws governing access and use of space, and national laws regulating governmental and commercial activities in space are reviewed and analyzed. On demand.

SPST 520. Asteroids, Meteorites and Comets. 3 Credits.

The small bodies of the solar system provide clues to the origin and early history of the solar system. The planets and larger moons have all been chemically transformed erasing their records of their formation. By contrast, many asteroids, meteorites and comets are essentially unmodified from the time of their origin 4.5 billion years ago and thus preserve a record of the formation epoch. Each of these classes of objects is investigated separately, and relationships between them are examined. Implications for impact hazards and for extraterrestrial resources are also explored. The results of recent and current spacecraft missions to asteroids (e.g., Galileo, NEAR, DAWN, Hayabusa, Rosetta, OSIRIS-Rex, etc.) and to comets (e.g. Giotto, Vega 1, Stardust, Deep Impact, Rosetta, etc.) are reviewed. On demand.

space studies masters student in space suite

Top Space Studies Degree

UND Space Studies grad is now an experimental electronics engineer with NASA.

Read Stefan's Story

Best Online Master's Space Studies UND

Online Master's in Space Studies

+160

online graduate programs

#1

best online college in North Dakota

Forbes

UND is one of the most affordable online colleges in the nation for an online master's in Space Studies. For this program, we offer the same online tuition rates regardless of your legal residency. Compare and you’ll see UND is lower cost than similar four-year doctoral universities.

Flexible Online Space Studies Master's Courses

With asynchronous classes, you do not attend class at a set time. If you need to balance work, family and other commitments, this flexible format allows you to learn anywhere at any time.

Depending on your instructor, you’ll learn online through:

  • Lesson modules
  • Streaming video content
  • Virtual libraries
  • Posted lectures
  • Online simulations

There will be times when you interact with your instructor and classmates through online discussion boards, polls and chat rooms.

Your learning revolves around materials that can be accessed on your own time within a set time frame. However, this is not a self-paced course. You’ll have structure and deadlines.

Campus Visit

While the majority of your courses are offered online, you’ll come to campus to complete portions of the program. Here, you’ll extend and apply the knowledge you’ve learned online through hands-on activities. Our students find tremendous value in having the opportunity to personally interact with their instructors and fellow students.

Top-Tier Online Master's in Space Studies

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on-campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey, and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs.

No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

  • Same degree: All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
  • Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
  • Real interaction: You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
  • Your own academic advisor: As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
  • Free online tutoring: We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
  • Unlimited academic coaching: Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
  • Full online access: Dig into virtual research at UND's libraries. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
  • 24/7 technical support: UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
  • Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

  • Affordability
  • Student satisfaction (retention rate)
  • Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
  • Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)

Military Friendly® School

Top Military Friendly School Badge Gold

UND is a top college for military affiliates. In fact, 1 in 7 students are veterans, active duty, spouses, or military dependents. 

  • Dedicated Support Services: You’ll have access to the Veteran & Military Services office, where you can get personalized help with VA benefits, advising, scholarships, and counseling resources.
  • Military Affiliated Peer Support (MAPS): At UND, you’ll find peer student support staff ready to guide you, offer encouragement, and connect you with the resources you need to achieve your academic and personal goals.
  • ROTC Programs: If you’re looking to grow as a leader, UND’s Army and Air Force ROTC programs provide you with hands-on leadership training and the opportunity to build lasting camaraderie.
  • Priority Registration: Individuals using VA funding benefit from priority course registration, ensuring you can build a schedule that fits your other commitments.
  • Spouse Support: UND is ranked in the Top 10 Military Spouse Friendly Schools, reflecting our strong support for spouses through flexible degree programs, advising and a welcoming campus culture.

FAQs

For campus students, it normally takes between 2 and 2.5 years. For online students who are working full-time and attending class part-time, it takes longer (normally about 3 years).

Prior experience in the space industry is encouraged in prospective master's in Space Studies applicants, but it is not mandatory. Our master's in Space Studies program is designed for individuals at various career stages, including those entering the space field and aerospace professionals seeking to expand their expertise.

Graduates of UND's space studies program can pursue diverse careers in the space industry, including roles such as Aerospace Business Creator, Aerospace and Systems Engineer, Aerospace Program Manager, Mission Controller, Space Scientist, Space Systems Operator, and STEM Educator.

Yes, the majority of coursework for the master's in Space Studies program is available online, making it accessible for working professionals or individuals deployed for military duty. However, portions of the program may require on-campus attendance for hands-on activities.

Compare our online and on campus costs. Our online students pay the same affordable tuition rate regardless of their legal residency.

UND is committed to assisting students in funding their education, providing over $105 million in financial aid annually. A range of financial aid options offered by UND, including scholarships (merit-based), grants (need-based), and loans, help students alleviate college costs.

Space Habitat

UND graduate students gain hands-on experience inside an inflatable Lunar-Mars Habitat.

LUNAR-MARS NEWS

Explore More Options

Connect with the faculty you'll work with or discover additional programs at UND's world-renowned center for aerospace learning.

Department Contact
Pablo de Leon
Professor | Department Chair
P 701.777.2369

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