Why this certificate?

This program is pending ACHE approval.  The aerospace industry is anticipating rapid growth in the area of “space” over the next several years due to increasing government and industry investment in the development of large satellite constellations and other spaceborne systems. This trend is highlighted by the establishment of the U.S. Space Force and the potential move of U.S. Space Command to Huntsville, AL. Workforce development in the area of space is expected to be a critical need for the industry, with a significant portion of the workforce lacking this specific background. Additionally, there are a limited number of higher education space systems programs available to working professionals.

You are eligible to apply if...

The target audience for the Space Systems Graduate Certificate is working professionals in the space industry with both technical and non-technical backgrounds. The program will also be open to traditional graduate students.

Successful candidates should have a bachelor’s degree and some background in STEM (either through coursework or professional experience). A technical degree is preferred, but not required.

There is no GRE requirement.

To complete the program you must...

Comeplete the follwing three required courses:

• SPCE 6000 Introduction to Space Systems – 3 hours
• SPCE 6100 Space Systems Operations – 3 hours
• SPCE 6200 Spacecraft and Satellite Architecture Design and Integration – 3 hours

What can you expect?

• All courses will be offered in person (either at the Auburn main campus or the Applied Research Institute in Huntsville) or asynchronously online with built-in flexibility for students with scheduling challenges. Select courses will include hands-on learning opportunities using laboratory facilities available at ARI or Auburn. The inclusion of interactive laboratories, such as a simulated satellite operations center or radiation hardening laboratory, is expected to be a unique aspect of the program that will differentiate Auburn from other potential competitors.

• If you choose to pursue a master's degree, all academic credit earned from the certificate (with appropriate grades) may be applied toward a graduate degree.

Applying for the Space Systems Graduate Certificate

• Fill out the online graduate application at https://applygrad.auburn.edu/portal/apply (you will be required to create an account).

• Contact Brian Thurow, chair of the Department of Aerospace Engineering, at thurow@auburn.edu , or Krysta Weed (weedmkr@auburn.edu) if you have questions.