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No GRE/GMAT Required
About This Program
Deeply explore the challenges associated with humankind’s exploration and use of space with the online master’s degree in space studies from American Public University (APU).
Space exploration will face political, economic, legal, commercial, scientific, and technical hurdles. This program takes an informed approach, drawing from faculty who are experienced astronomy and aerospace leaders.
Using an advanced interdisciplinary curriculum designed by a former NASA astronaut, this master’s in space studies provides multiple perspectives on the history of space exploration and involves in-depth research projects. You have the opportunity to use APU’s state-of-the-art, remote-controlled observatory, with a fully online 24-inch aperture telescope.
What You Will Do
- Understand the foundations and importance of space studies in relation to human space exploration/understanding of the cosmos
- Grow your familiarity with quantitative and qualitative research and statistical data related supporting aerospace science, astronomy, or space policy concepts
- Learn the history, chronology, and concepts for placing manned and unmanned vehicles in space
- Comprehend the importance of remote sensing satellites used to observe Earth and other celestial bodies in the solar system
- Study the psychological and physiological elements for supporting human life in a space environment, including spacesuit design/development
Degree at a Glance
Program Requirements Printable Catalog Version
Students must choose a concentration for this degree program:
Provides an in-depth study in the discipline, with emphasis in both aircraft and spacecraft design/operations. Students take courses with comprehensive overviews of such topics as aircraft propulsion, aerodynamics and, aircraft design in addition to learning about orbital mechanics, rocket propulsion, and spacecraft design.
Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:
- Categorize the laws of orbital mechanics -- calculate and illustrate the effects that gravity has on two-body mechanics including spacecraft maneuvers such as transfer orbits and rendezvous.
- Apply scientific principles and calculate problems related to aircraft propulsion systems.
- Examine liquid and solid rocket propulsion fundamentals including propellants, combustion principles, components, and general turbo-pump, and motor design.
- Assess the development, technology, and importance of satellite communications in our modern technological society.
- Synthesize the fundamentals of aerodynamics and aircraft/spacecraft design, building upon past and current technology to shape innovations for the future.
Must take all courses for this section.
Course ID: 3712
Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
---|---|---|---|
12/28/21 - 06/03/22 | 06/06/22 - 07/31/22 | Spring 2022 Session D | 8 Week session |
01/25/22 - 07/01/22 | 07/04/22 - 08/28/22 | Summer 2022 Session B | 8 Week session |
02/22/22 - 07/29/22 | 08/01/22 - 09/25/22 | Summer 2022 Session I | 8 Week session |
03/29/22 - 09/02/22 | 09/05/22 - 10/30/22 | Summer 2022 Session D | 8 Week session |
04/26/22 - 09/30/22 | 10/03/22 - 11/27/22 | Fall 2022 Session B | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 4034
Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
---|---|---|---|
02/22/22 - 07/29/22 | 08/01/22 - 09/25/22 | Summer 2022 Session I | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 3716
Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
---|---|---|---|
03/29/22 - 09/02/22 | 09/05/22 - 10/30/22 | Summer 2022 Session D | 8 Week session |
04/26/22 - 09/30/22 | 10/03/22 - 11/27/22 | Fall 2022 Session B | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 3718
Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
---|---|---|---|
04/26/22 - 09/30/22 | 10/03/22 - 11/27/22 | Fall 2022 Session B | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 4032
Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
---|---|---|---|
02/22/22 - 07/29/22 | 08/01/22 - 09/25/22 | Summer 2022 Session I | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 4033
Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
---|---|---|---|
12/28/21 - 06/03/22 | 06/06/22 - 07/31/22 | Spring 2022 Session D | 8 Week session |
Prepares you for employment in the observatory, planetarium, or college classroom. A diverse range of courses provide an inclusive synopsis of astronomy – from the Solar System to stars and galaxies. You will learn about astronomical instrumentation, with the opportunity to access the university’s observatory and the PlaneWave CDK24 robotic telescope.
Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of Solar System -- including planets, comets, asteroids, and meteorites.
- Analyze the celestial objects found beyond our Solar System: stars, exoplanets, galaxies, and possible extraterrestrial life.
- Evaluate the geology of the Moon and Mars as related to their significance for near future human exploration of the Solar System.
- Critique the various configurations of telescopes and their use in the exploration of all types of electromagnetic radiation – from radio waves to gamma rays.
- Synthesize the history of astronomy, from ancient Greece to our modern cosmological model of the universe.
Must take all courses for this section.
Course ID: 3931
Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
---|---|---|---|
01/25/22 - 07/01/22 | 07/04/22 - 10/23/22 | Summer 2022 Session A | 16 Week session |
Course ID: 3932
Course ID: 3933
Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
---|---|---|---|
02/22/22 - 07/29/22 | 08/01/22 - 09/25/22 | Summer 2022 Session I | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 3934
Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
---|---|---|---|
03/29/22 - 09/02/22 | 09/05/22 - 10/30/22 | Summer 2022 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 4942
Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
---|---|---|---|
04/26/22 - 09/30/22 | 10/03/22 - 11/27/22 | Fall 2022 Session B | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 4943
Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
---|---|---|---|
12/28/21 - 06/03/22 | 06/06/22 - 07/31/22 | Spring 2022 Session D | 8 Week session |
01/25/22 - 07/01/22 | 07/04/22 - 08/28/22 | Summer 2022 Session B | 8 Week session |
Cultivates leaders in the space industry, not only in NASA, but in the commercial realm of space operations. This concentration is ideal if you already have an administrative or business background. Coursework includes space diplomacy and law, space operations and organizations, as well as the historical, political, economic, legal, commercial, scientific, and technical challenges comprising this complex and rapidly changing discipline.
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.
- Assess 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.
Must take all courses for this section.
Course ID: 3713
Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
---|---|---|---|
01/25/22 - 07/01/22 | 07/04/22 - 08/28/22 | Summer 2022 Session B | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 3720
Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
---|---|---|---|
02/22/22 - 07/29/22 | 08/01/22 - 09/25/22 | Summer 2022 Session I | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 3721
Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
---|---|---|---|
03/29/22 - 09/02/22 | 09/05/22 - 10/30/22 | Summer 2022 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 3722
Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
---|---|---|---|
04/26/22 - 09/30/22 | 10/03/22 - 11/27/22 | Fall 2022 Session B | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 4834
Course ID: 3964
Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
---|---|---|---|
01/25/22 - 07/01/22 | 07/04/22 - 08/28/22 | Summer 2022 Session B | 8 Week session |
04/26/22 - 09/30/22 | 10/03/22 - 11/27/22 | Fall 2022 Session B | 8 Week session |
MUST BE TAKEN AS THE SECOND COURSE IN THE SPACE STUDIES PROGRAM. This course is designed to build the student's ability to organize and conduct research in the space studies discipline, and to enable the student to present findings in a clear, concise, coherent manner. It is devoted to thinking about research logically, creatively, critically, structurally and scientifically. Course material covers qualitative research designs, theory building, role of argumentation in presenting a research report (thesis), as well as describing and analyzing quantitative variables. IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THAT YOU HAVE PREVIOUSLY COMPLETED COLLEGE ALGEBRA BEFORE TAKING THIS COURSE
Course ID: 3629
Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
---|---|---|---|
12/28/21 - 06/03/22 | 06/06/22 - 07/31/22 | Spring 2022 Session D | 8 Week session |
01/25/22 - 07/01/22 | 07/04/22 - 08/28/22 | Summer 2022 Session B | 8 Week session |
02/22/22 - 07/29/22 | 08/01/22 - 09/25/22 | Summer 2022 Session I | 8 Week session |
03/29/22 - 09/02/22 | 09/05/22 - 10/30/22 | Summer 2022 Session D | 8 Week session |
04/26/22 - 09/30/22 | 10/03/22 - 11/27/22 | Fall 2022 Session B | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 3711
Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
---|---|---|---|
12/28/21 - 06/03/22 | 06/06/22 - 07/31/22 | Spring 2022 Session D | 8 Week session |
01/25/22 - 07/01/22 | 07/04/22 - 08/28/22 | Summer 2022 Session B | 8 Week session |
02/22/22 - 07/29/22 | 08/01/22 - 09/25/22 | Summer 2022 Session I | 8 Week session |
03/29/22 - 09/02/22 | 09/05/22 - 10/30/22 | Summer 2022 Session D | 8 Week session |
04/26/22 - 09/30/22 | 10/03/22 - 11/27/22 | Fall 2022 Session B | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 3719
Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
---|---|---|---|
01/25/22 - 07/01/22 | 07/04/22 - 08/28/22 | Summer 2022 Session B | 8 Week session |
03/29/22 - 09/02/22 | 09/05/22 - 10/30/22 | Summer 2022 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 3717
Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
---|---|---|---|
01/25/22 - 07/01/22 | 07/04/22 - 08/28/22 | Summer 2022 Session B | 8 Week session |
04/26/22 - 09/30/22 | 10/03/22 - 11/27/22 | Fall 2022 Session B | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 3715
Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
---|---|---|---|
12/28/21 - 06/03/22 | 06/06/22 - 07/31/22 | Spring 2022 Session D | 8 Week session |
03/29/22 - 09/02/22 | 09/05/22 - 10/30/22 | Summer 2022 Session D | 8 Week session |
04/26/22 - 09/30/22 | 10/03/22 - 11/27/22 | Fall 2022 Session B | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 3723
The portfolio course is designed as an alternative to the SPST699 Capstone Thesis course. The proposed Capstone Portfolio course is an opportunity for students to demonstrate mastery of all the program learning objectives, including a platform to articulate other scholarly work. The course serves as a resource for any future career positions, with the professional digital portfolio being built using portfolium software. Students are expected to submit all required components of the portfolio, including keystone assignments from the program which demonstrate mastery of all program objectives. The proposal will also include a forty - fifty page document that is a reflection of the student's graduate experience, summarizing accomplishments, including past and future research efforts. The student will be expected to present the portfolio in an interview-style assessment to a committee of program faculty at the culmination of the course. NOTE: This course may not be taken until all other courses are COMPLETED and student has a 3.0 GPA. THIS COURSE IS 8 WEEKS.
Course ID: 4944
Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
---|---|---|---|
12/28/21 - 06/03/22 | 06/06/22 - 07/31/22 | Spring 2022 Session D | 8 Week session |
01/25/22 - 07/01/22 | 07/04/22 - 08/28/22 | Summer 2022 Session B | 8 Week session |
02/22/22 - 07/29/22 | 08/01/22 - 09/25/22 | Summer 2022 Session I | 8 Week session |
03/29/22 - 09/02/22 | 09/05/22 - 10/30/22 | Summer 2022 Session D | 8 Week session |
04/26/22 - 09/30/22 | 10/03/22 - 11/27/22 | Fall 2022 Session B | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 3965
Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
---|---|---|---|
12/28/21 - 06/03/22 | 06/06/22 - 09/25/22 | Spring 2022 Session C | 16 Week session |
01/25/22 - 07/01/22 | 07/04/22 - 10/23/22 | Summer 2022 Session A | 16 Week session |
02/22/22 - 07/29/22 | 08/01/22 - 11/20/22 | Summer 2022 Session K | 16 Week session |
03/29/22 - 09/02/22 | 09/05/22 - 12/25/22 | Summer 2022 Session C | 16 Week session |
Admission Requirements
- All APU master's degree/graduate certificate programs require a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an institution whose accreditation is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
- Please read all graduate admission requirements before applying to this program and be prepared to submit the required documentation.
- There is no fee to complete the APU admission application. View steps to apply.
Materials Cost
Technology fee: $65 per course | $0 for active-duty military, National Guard members, and Reservists.
Need Help?
Selecting the right program to meet your educational goals is a key step in ensuring a successful outcome. If you are unsure of which program to choose, or need more information, please contact an APU admissions representative at 877-755-2787 or info@apus.edu.
Consumer Information
Department of Education and State Disclosures
For information on costs, median debt, state licensure requirements and more, view the gainful employment disclosures and the program disclosures for Maryland residents.
*Cost Per Credit Hour
To minimize out-of-pocket costs, U.S. active-duty servicemembers, their spouse/dependents, National Guard members, and Reservists receive a tuition grant that caps undergraduate, master's degree, and graduate certificate tuition at $250/credit hour. In addition, a university book grant provides no-cost textbooks and ebooks for all undergraduates and military-tuition-grant-eligible master’s-level students.
See all military student benefits.