Undergraduate Certificate in Space Studies

 

DEGREE AT A GLANCE:

    • Number of Credits
    • 19
    • Cost Per Credit
    • $ 250
    • Total Tuition*
    • $ 4,750
  • *(Before Transfer Credit)
 

Program Description

The certificate in Space Studies provides a firm foundation in knowledge areas essential to the study of space: astronomy, space flight/exploration (past, current and future), primary industry and government participants, and basic orbital mechanics.

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Program Objectives

  • Discuss, describe, and distinguish between the characteristics of each planet in our solar system.
  • Describe rocket fundamentals including propellants, combustion principles, and general components.
  • Analyze the principles of manned and unmanned flight, both within and outside of Earth’s atmosphere.
  • Recall the history and roles of both past and current key space organizations.
  • Compare and contrast the origins and types of comets, asteroids and meteorites.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the basic laws of planetary motion and gravitation.
  • Solve fundamental two-body orbital mechanics problems.

Admission Requirements

American Public University is part of American Public University System, a regionally accredited university offering more than 100 degree and certificate programs at the associate, bachelor's, and master's levels. All courses are online, so students have the flexibility of taking classes any time or any place that fits their schedule. Our degree programs are designed to be challenging and relevant to working adults in both the public and private sectors and can help enhance their current career or prepare them for a career change.

Students come to our university from across the globe with varying educational backgrounds and diverse educational and career goals. Choose the category below that best describes you:

Our 5-step admissions process will allow you to apply for admission, complete your new student orientation, request a transfer credit evaluation, apply for Federal Student Aid, and register for classes. Get started today!

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Certificate Requirements
19 Hours
NAME
DESCRIPTION
CREDITS
SCIN134
Introduction to Astronomy with Lab
4 hours
· Check Course Availability

This course will introduce students to the wonders of the universe. Topics will include deciphering the motions of objects in the sky, learning how astronomers decode the light coming to us from distant objects, exploring the Earth and other bodies in our solar system, and investigating the properties and structure of stars, galaxies, and the universe itself. Students will be encouraged to develop conceptual understanding of these topics beyond memorization of facts. In the laboratory component, students will engage in astronomical inquiry using online tools to learn how astronomers work: by asking research questions, collecting data, and defending evidence-based conclusions. While the course is conceptual in nature, students should expect to use some mathematics. Completion of at least college algebra prior to taking this course is highly recommended.

SPST301
Introduction to Space Flight
3 hours
· Check Course Availability

Students in this course assess the major aspects of space flight. The course covers space flight from early rocketry through the development of satellite navigation, meteorology, and telecommunications, up to human space flight. Course topics also include: rocket propulsion, basic orbital mechanics, the space environment, living and working in space, and an overview of non-U.S. space programs. (Prerequisite: IR477).

Pre Reqs: Introduction to Space Studies(SPST300)

SPST302
Comets, Asteroids, and Meteorites
3 hours
· Check Course Availability

Asteroids, meteorites and comets, the leftover material from the formation of our solar system, are all key to understanding its origin. The composition, history and interrelationships of these objects will be covered, as well as their influence on the Earth and other bodies, and what they tell us about the early solar system. (Prerequisite: IR477).

Pre Reqs: Introduction to Space Studies(SPST300)

SPST303
History of Space
3 hours
· Check Course Availability

This course is a history of human activity in space and includes rocketry, space associations, voluntary organizations, human flight, unmanned flight, satellites, science-fiction, and ballistic missiles. (Prerequisite: IR477).

Pre Reqs: Introduction to Space Studies(SPST300)

SPST304
National Space Organization
3 hours
· Check Course Availability

This course addresses the United States organization for space operations, to include exploration, satellite operations, military purposes, and research and development. Included in the organization will be the linkages between governmental and non-governmental enterprises in or dealing with space. The course will also briefly address comparative organizations for space as witnessed in other industrialized nations. (Prerequisite: IR477).

Pre Reqs: Introduction to Space Studies(SPST300)

SPST305
Introduction to Orbital Mechanics
3 hours
· Check Course Availability

Students taking this course compute and calculate satellite orbits, planetary orbits, solar system orbits, and other essential space orbits. Designed for the non-scientist student, this course provides a fundamental understanding of how orbital mechanics works in space. (Prerequisites: MATH111 and SPST300).

Pre Reqs: Introduction to Space Studies(SPST300),College Trigonometry(MATH111)
Program Completion Rates, Median Debt and More

The following program details are intended to help you make an informed decision about the university that's right for you.

2011-2012 Program Completion Rate
Normal time to completion for full-time student1 year
Graduates who completed in this time1Not available
Tuition & Fees as of January 1, 2013 Median Loan Debt of 2011-2012 Graduates
Tuition
(before any awarded transfer credit)		$4,750 Federal loans5$0
Technology fee2$50Private educational loans$0
Transfer Credit Evaluation fee3
(if applicable)		$50 Institution financing plan$0
Graduation fee$25 
Books and supplies4$0 
On-campus room and boardNot applicable 

1 Data may be “not available” if the program has no graduates during reporting period or if it has not been in existence the normal time for completion. If 0%, then graduates in the reporting period took longer than the average time, usually because they were part-time students. 91% of our students are working adults and do not take a full-time course load.

2 A $50 Technology Fee will be charged for all future undergraduate and graduate level course registrations, including audited courses. The fee is not applicable for Comprehensive Exam courses. An APUS grant will cover the fee for Active Duty Military, Reservists, National Guard, Vocational Rehabilitation (VOCA), VA and VA Chapter 33 students, and anyone using military tuition assistance (TA).

3 Transfer Credit Evaluation Fee waived for all United States Active Duty Military, Guard, and Reserve personnel.

4 The undergraduate book grant provides textbooks, e-books, and other course materials at no cost to students for courses being taken for academic credit. Students must obtain their own software when required for a course or program.

5 This figure does not include PLUS loans or TEACH grants converted to Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loans.

For more information on jobs related to this program, please click on the below links to the O*NET website sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.

American Public University System (APUS) makes no representation or guarantee that successful completion of an APUS program or coursework will result in employment within a particular field. Many employers take into account various criteria, in addition to education, when determining eligibility for employment. To assist our students in their career search, the APUS Office of Career Services provides students and alumni a variety of tools, resources, information, and guidance to assist them as they pursue their life goals.

 

American Public University System, American Public University, and American Military University are not affiliated with American University.

American Public University System (APUS) is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and a member of the North Central Association.

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