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What Is Space Studies?
Space studies is sometimes referred to as space science or space sciences.
The discipline features courses designed to help protect our interests while potentially shaping the future of space and our universe—from the military to the commercial space industry. Courses offer an introduction to the study of space, such as space exploration, celestial objects, and earth sciences.
Students interested in exploring a space degree at AMU have the opportunity to focus on space sciences, aerospace science, space entrepreneurship, physics, the solar system, and space policy. Coursework also covers satellite and spacecraft systems, space wargaming, spaceflight, space transportation systems, and space station systems.
How Space Studies Applies to Current and Future U.S. Military Interests
If your mission is to protect, defend, and preserve our nation’s space interests, you’ve come to the right place. AMU’s degree program helps those with a passion to work in the space industry with a government agency or serve our nation in the military through the U.S. Space Command, Space Force, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, or other military branch. Commercial enterprises also seek individuals knowledgeable in space science and the space industry.
At AMU, you can develop a deep understanding of space science, space operations, space security, space mobility, and logistics—the focus necessary to provide military space power to advance our national security and prosperity around the globe.
With a priority to redefine how the military uses space to overcome strategic challenges and meet future demands, the space industry needs to recruit and develop a core team of graduates who are expertly trained and educated in fields like chemistry, physics, mathematics, astronomy, and space science to be applied toward space defense.
Designed for individuals interested in the industry, our space program offers students the ability to gain skills, reasoning, and expertise relevant to the foundation and needs of our nation’s space mission.
Students in our degree program will have the opportunity to learn about space sciences, including the earth and the solar system; explore secrets of the universe; build analytical skills; and develop knowledge of the fundamentals of the space industry, including space policy, space systems, space physics, operations, regulations, science, and principles.
It’s important to note that AMU’s bachelor of science program goes beyond space to explore aeronautical systems, such as the emergence of unmanned aerial systems, commonly called drones.
The degree also enhances skills for those currently serving in the military and supports those contemplating transition from active duty to the space field. Adding knowledge of the space discipline with experience in logistics or transportation, for example, can help develop responsibilities related to space logistics or space transportation.
Space Studies Curriculum Highlights
AMU offers a space degree program tailored to meet space-related military job assignments and civilian roles, including government agencies and the private sector.
Students can explore space science, space-related principles, and fascinating topics not commonly taught at other schools that offer astronomy and space programs. From the study of space weather and how it can impact satellites, to communications, field operations, space entrepreneurship, or the exploration of unmanned aerial vehicles, AMU stays on the cutting edge of the space industry.
As a space studies student, you will launch into learning about space science, geared toward various space agencies, as well as aerospace and military operations such as space wargaming, space policy, aerospace science, orbital mechanics, and remote sensing satellites.
Additionally, students can participate in hands-on research experiences at nationally recognized analog missions as part of the APUS Analog Research Group (AARG).
Military Defense Meets Cutting-Edge Space Technology
As space becomes increasingly crowded, contested, and competitive, and threats multiply, there is an even greater need for professionals trained in space sciences to defend our country and our freedom.
With emerging threats such as cyber-attacks, electronic warfare, orbital attacks, and high-altitude nuclear detonations, AMU is preparing students and graduates to enter the world of space physics; space science; astrophysics; space weather; and the study of the earth, stars, galaxies, and the moon.
AMU is an online university on the cutting edge of space technology. Courses will include robust discussions about trending topics like the introduction of unmanned aerial systems and their use in scientific, military, and commercial applications. Another popular topic, human factors in space, takes a fascinating look at the physiological and psychological challenges associated with exploration, hazards, and the impact of space on the human body.
Space Study Distinctions & Research Opportunities
Just like a traditional campus or university, AMU offers access to scholarship and research to advance your learning.
The University hosts an annual virtual conference, Space Education and Strategic Applications (SESA), which brings together thought leaders, researchers, and innovators in the space industry. AMU students receive complimentary admission.
The SESA Journal, a peer-reviewed, multidisciplinary publication, considers manuscript submissions from students, providing an opportunity to contribute to scholarship in the field.
Through research opportunities involving Supernova Search Research, Variable Star Research, and Exoplanet Transit Photometry, students and graduates gain skills and knowledge to compete in the real world.
As part of the APUS Analog Research Group, you can also participate in analog astronaut missions at nationally recognized habitats, which are facilities that mimic the conditions of living in space.
Students can also remotely explore and analyze images gathered through our University Observatory in Charles Town, West Virginia. It houses a 650-pound Planewave CDK24 Cassegrain telescope with a two-foot-wide mirror.
Courses and labs utilize the NASA Exoplanet Database, a public record of all confirmed exoplanets, which are planets beyond our solar system. As a space studies/space science student, you can participate in APU's Exoplanet Research Program, which incorporates telescopic images from the University Observatory and other exoplanet databases to confirm exoplanet candidates and characterize their properties.
Discover Space Clubs and Organizations
Your space science introduction, education, and research at AMU can go beyond the computer, virtual classroom, and laboratory. Students seeking to foster a sense of belonging can join fellow classmates through one of our distinguished clubs and organizations, including:
Benefits for Servicemembers and Military Spouses Transitioning to University Life
Established by a retired U.S. Marine as a distance-learning university for servicemembers, AMU remains steadfast in its commitment to student success and advancement. While our origins lie in the military, we are an inclusive community open to all.
Even though we are an online university, AMU offers many of the same experiences as a campus-based program.
For example, our academic advisors guide students through their space studies educational journey, help map out a degree plan, manage coursework, provide resources to improve writing skills, and more.
Military education senior managers at bases across the country help active-duty military, veteran servicemembers, and military family members with their introduction to the University and its coursework, supporting them all the way to graduation preparation.
Thanks to our partnerships with TalkCampus and Uwill, we offer students 24/7 mental health support in 25 languages and a University chaplain with extensive experience working with servicemembers impacted by post-traumatic stress disorder.
Respected Provider
We are the #1 higher education provider to the U.S. military and a top choice for veterans using their GI Bill® benefit*. As further evidence of our commitment to the military community, AMU offers education and career support through the Department of Defense’s Military Spouse Employment Partnership.
Academic Quality
American Military University is part of American Public University System, which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
As a leader in the online education space, our University has been recognized for sustainability initiatives, academic quality, and operational best practices, and our leadership, faculty, staff, and students have also been recognized for their individual achievements.
Affordability
Our fully online degree features ways to save on costs and expenses typically associated with on-campus universities and locations, such as room and board or commuting. AMU also offers a Preferred Military Rate to servicemembers and their families.
Additionally, AMU minimizes debt often associated with higher education by featuring:
- No-cost admission applications for undergraduate and master’s programs
- No-cost ebooks for undergraduate programs
- No-cost transfer credit evaluation
- No entrance exams
Plus, there are even more ways for you to save money on your online space studies degree program at AMU, including:
- Veteran Tuition Grant for veterans and their extended families and our Everyday Heroes Grant for public safety professionals and their family members.
- Scholarships from external organizations may be awarded to students based on various criteria including academic achievement, special talents, or other affiliations with the scholarship sponsor. Our financial aid team can assist with guiding you to the many opportunities to finance your education.
- Possible transfer credits for previous academic, military, professional, or other learned experiences. Transfer credits enable you to save time and money toward earning your degree. The University accepts up to 90 credits toward a bachelor’s degree. Please contact an Admissions Counselor at 877-755-2787 for complete information.
Flexibility
AMU’s online degree is flexible and convenient. New classes start monthly and run for 8 weeks (about 2 months). Students can take classes virtually anywhere, anytime, and remotely participate in discussion threads, connect with students, and complete assignments and courses to meet weekly deadlines.
*Based on FY 2019 Department of Defense tuition assistance data, as reported by Military Times, 2020, and Veterans Administration student enrollment data of students using the GI Bill® as of March 23, 2023.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by the VA is available at the official website: http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
Learn From Our Exceptional Space Industry Faculty
Classes at AMU are taught by distinguished master's and doctoral-level faculty, who bring their breadth and depth of expertise to each course. A former NASA astronaut initially created the curriculum, laying the foundation for a respected degree program that has continually grown and evolved with the industry.
Our esteemed faculty and researchers come from diverse backgrounds and share a passion for the space industry. Learn from a department chair who's a certified commercial helicopter pilot, a professor who serves as co-editor-in-chief of the Space Education and Strategic Applications Journal, or an assistant professor whose research centers on studies of open clusters, Our faculty strive to help students develop the skills and knowledge needed to launch into the world of space, and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
A bachelor of space science is an academic degree for students passionate about the exploration of space. It covers various subjects like physics, aerospace engineering, planetary science, and astrophysics. This broad field delves into space policy, celestial objects like the moon, stars, planets, and other aspects of space. Students fine-tune their analytical skills, gain deep insights into the space industry, and acquire the computational, quantitative, and theoretical skills needed to make meaningful contributions to the field.
As reported by McKinsey, the space market is poised to grow to $1 trillion by 2030. The space industry is expanding quickly, with NASA aiming to send astronauts on deep space missions. Additionally, the Space Foundation reports the exponential growth of the commercial space sector has the attention of investors and business leaders.
The establishment of service branches such as Space Force and Space Command has sparked greater interest in space science and programs, emphasizing the importance of protecting American assets in space. Growth in human spaceflight, commercial infrastructure, and space products and services continue to generate excitement as well. These developments have led to a rapidly expanding field with many potential opportunities to explore space physics, space sciences, astrophysics, space engineering, and more.
Students interested in studying the origins and various aspects of space can enroll in many programs, including space studies, space science, astrophysics, earth science, space physics, aeronautics, aerospace engineering, astronomy, space systems, physics, space policy, and more. When choosing a degree, students should consider their academic strengths balanced against their personal and professional interests.
Space operations refer to activities related to outer space, such as controlling and launching spacecraft, conducting research, and managing satellites. They are critical to national security, exploration, telecommunications, and commerce and ensure adequate tracking, communications, and capabilities, including surveillance, space lift, and satellite command. Technology implementation also enhances operational effectiveness and drives advancements in space defense programs.