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Degrees for a Career in Space: Space Studies and Space Operations

Degrees for a Career in Space: Space Studies and Space Operations

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University describes its Space Studies program as an opportunity "to solve challenges such as launch licensing, mission operations, training and certification requirements."

Space studies and space operations may be advertised as "non-engineering" degrees the way some are offered at Embry-Riddle. Depending on the school, your course of study may include:
  • Space history
  • Planetary science
  • Space engineering
  • Life support systems
  • Space policy and law
  • Space-related business
  • Space-related management
Many aspects of daily life are affected by space-based research and capabilities. From telecommunications, navigation satellites, and earth observation satellites to space-based components providing solar weather, scientific investigations, and hazard detection, it is clear that a degree in Space is an excellent educational and career choice.

A Degree in Space Operations or Space Studies will provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed as a space professional. Students earning either of these degrees will have opportunities in both the public and private sectors.

A Degree in Space Operations covers a variety of space program-specific topics:
  • Space systems
  • Operations
  • Applications
  • Manned missions
  • Unmanned endeavors
Space Studies is a multi-disciplinary field that covers a wide variety of topics such as the fundamentals of space ventures (historical, political, scientific) as well as technical aspects, including:
  • Satellite remote sensing of Earth
  • Satellite remote sensing of other planetary bodies
  • Satellite communications
  • Global navigation satellite systems
A degree in Space Operations or Space Studies may be offered as a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral program.

Certificate in Space Operations

A Certificate in Space Operations can be a great introduction to this field of study. Students will begin to immerse themselves the different aspects of the global space industry including:
  • Applications in Space (Commerce, Defense, Exploration)
  • Space Mission and Launch Operations
  • Space Habitation and Life Support Systems
  • Remote Sensing and Satellite Operations.
Certificates in Space Operations are likely to be found as a graduate certificate. The certificate may be offered as a standalone program and/or in conjunction with a related degree such as Aeronautics, Aviation, Aeronautics, and Unmanned Systems.

A Certificate in Space Studies examines the fundamental aspects of space ventures, including:
  • Political
  • Legal
  • Ethical
  • Historical
  • Scientific
  • Technological
Astronomy and astrophysics degrees will likely find related courses and topics with this certificate. Additionally, a Certificate in Space Studies will complement an education for those pursuing degrees in scientific fields as well as those in nontechnical fields (such as the humanities, business, and social sciences).

Jobs with a Certificate in Space Operations or Space Studies

Jobs with a Certificate in Space Operations or Space Studies.

Public Relations Specialist - Create and maintain a favorable public image for the organization they represent.  Median Annual Salary: $63,000.

GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon Schools with a Certificate in Space Operations or Space Studies

Ready to start your Certificate in Space Operations or Space Studies? Check out these great programs available at our partner schools.

Take a look at these degree programs for military veterans and active military.  The following schools have GI Bill-approved programs and participate in the Yellow Ribbon program where indicated.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide

Offers a graduate Certificate in Space Operations. Embry-Riddle participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.



University of North Georgia

Offers an undergraduate Certificate in Space Studies. The University of North Georgia participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program.



Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Space Operations with the GI Bill

A comprehensive Bachelor’s Degree in Space Operations will explore key areas such as:An undergraduate degree in Space Studies will further explore the technical aspects such as satellite remote sensing of planetary bodies and the capabilities of satellite systems. Students will also keep up-to-date with the latest developments in the space industry including:Upon graduation, students can choose to enter the workforce, or they may pursue further education by earning a graduate degree.

Jobs with a Bachelor’s Degree in Space Operations or Space Studies

Jobs with a Bachelor’s Degree in Space Operations or Space Studies:

Schools with a Bachelor’s Degree in Space Operations or Space Studies

Ready to start your Bachelor’s Degree in Space Operations or Space Studies? Check out these great programs available at our partner schools:

The following schools have GI Bill approved programs and participate in the Yellow Ribbon program where indicated.

University of North Georgia

Offers Space Studies as a minor for its Bachelor degrees. The University of North Georgia participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program.



Master’s Degree in Space Operations or Space Studies

A Master’s Degree in Space Operations is a popular choice for those in engineering, computer science, math, physics, and related fields. With a graduate degree in Space Operations, students will build their analytical and critical thinking skills while fine tuning their abilities to succeed in the complex environments of today’s space ventures.

A Master’s Degree in Space Studies will help students further develop their research, communication, and writing skills. This is an excellent degree choice for those seeking to become an expert in this multi-disciplinary field including those choosing to focus on research or teaching.

Jobs with a Master’s Degree in Space Operations or Space Studies

Jobs with a Master’s Degree in Space Operations or Space Studies:

Yellow Ribbon Schools with an Online Master’s Degree in Space Operations or Space Studies

Ready to start your Master’s Degree in Space Operations or Space Studies? Check out these great programs available at our partner schools:

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide

Offers a Master’s in Space Operations. This is a 100% online degree. Embry-Riddle participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.

*All statistics and calculations from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. For more information, click here.

In conclusion, it’s clear that space studies and space operations have become a popular choice for those who have served in the military. Of the schools listed above, several offer a military-friendly environment and a top-ranked online degree for military veterans. Whether you want to further your knowledge of space or put your military skills to work, this is a great field to consider.