Auburn University to offer space systems graduate certificate in fall 2025
Published: Jun 16, 2025 9:30 AM
By Dustin Duncan
Auburn University has established a new graduate certificate in space systems within the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, beginning fall 2025.
The new program, recently approved by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education, will launch in fall 2025.
Housed in the Department of Aerospace Engineering, the space systems graduate certificate will be a three-course program that introduces working professionals to the fundamentals of the space industry. Though the certificate program is within the aerospace engineering department, it's a partnership between the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering and the College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM), with a blend of faculty teaching the courses, including Craig Whittinghill, deputy director for applied research and services for Auburn's McCrary Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Security.
According to Brian Thurow, chair of aerospace engineering, this program will provide a foundational understanding of space missions, satellite design and the terminology associated with getting a satellite into orbit and its operation.
"There's been a lot of discussion about the space industry's growth, both in the United States and globally. Many people project that Huntsville, traditionally known as a propulsion hub, will transition into a broader space industry center as investment and government involvement increase," Thurow said. "Our goal is to fill that need by preparing a highly trained workforce for this transition into the expanding space sector."
The certificate consists of three 3-credit hour courses: SPCE 6000 – Introduction to Space Systems; SPCE 6100 – Space System Operations; and SPCE 6200 – Spacecraft and Satellite Architecture Design and Integration.
Thurow said what makes this program unique is its accessibility.
"While there are technical aspects, it is structured so that individuals from almost any background can enroll," he said. "You don't need an engineering degree — someone with a business background, for example, who works in the space sector can take this sequence to understand the field better. That's exactly what the certificate is designed for."
Edward Thomas, dean of COSAM, emphasized the importance of collaboration between disciplines in advancing space education.
"COSAM is very excited about partnering with the College of Engineering on this new graduate certificate," he said. "It will offer students in both colleges the opportunity to obtain a deeper understanding of the challenges of working in the space environment and contribute to developing new space technologies. These will be critical skills needed for the state's — and nation's — future space workforce."
Mario Eden, dean of engineering, said the new graduate certificate is potentially the start of more momentum for increasing Auburn's engagement with space-related activities.
"This new graduate certificate in space systems operations is another step toward solidifying Auburn University as a leader in training space industry professionals," Eden said. "We see this certificate as just the beginning, opening doors to new opportunities that will expand our role in space education, research and workforce development."
The new graduate certificate in space systems is just one part of the university's broader commitment to space research and innovation. Auburn has significantly expanded its presence in Huntsville's Cummings Research Park, with plans for a new Auburn University Research and Innovation Campus facility to foster partnerships between the Auburn University Applied Research Institute (AUARI) and the Department of Defense.
The university also secured an $11.4 million contract from the Missile Defense Agency to develop a radiation-hardening facility, ensuring military technology can withstand space's harsh radiation environment. Additionally, Auburn received a $1.5 million NASA award to establish the Auburn University Space Manufacturing Initiative, which focuses on a circular manufacturing ecosystem that repurposes local resources for on-demand production.
For more information about the certificate, visit
https://eng.auburn.edu/aero/academics/space-systems-graduate-certificate.html
Auburn University has established a new graduate certificate in space systems within the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, beginning fall 2025.
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