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What Is Space Studies?
Space studies, often referred to as space science or space sciences, is a field of study designed to protect, support, and invest in our nation’s interests in space and the universe, spanning the military, government, and commercial sectors.
Students interested in a space career can gain in-depth knowledge of space studies by taking courses that cover topics like space law, space operations, space engineering, and astronomy.
At AMU, students who pursue a master of space studies can explore areas that includes the solar system, planetary sciences, orbital mechanics, astronomy, and the space industry.
Why Pursue a Master’s Degree About the Space Industry at AMU?
Students who wish to learn about space policy, earth and planetary sciences, astronomy, remote sensing satellites, and other space-related fields will feel at home at AMU.
Those serving in roles with the U.S. Space Command of the Army, Air Force, Marines, or Navy or serving in the U.S. Space Force, as well as others seeking deeper knowledge of the discipline, will find our online courses are tailored to address the needs of military and civilian interests. This includes government agencies, space agencies, or even the private sector such as Blue Origin or SpaceX. The program is designed to provide in-depth preparation for various space career paths.
AMU is a pioneer in space education, ranging from the study of orbital mechanics and rocket propulsion to space weather and space law.
With a master’s in space studies from AMU, students will have the opportunity to explore unique space courses and various topics such as:
- Current and Emerging Space Powers
- Space Cooperation and Diplomacy
- Chronology of Space
- Aircraft Propulsion Systems
- Space Operations Structure and Design
- Small Bodies of the Solar System
- Planetary Mapping
- The Psychology and Physiology of Space
Space Studies Program Research & Scholarly Work
While AMU space courses are entirely online, our students can still access research and technology tools. Similarly, students have opportunities to demonstrate scholarship in the field through involvement in University-sponsored programs and publications.
Every year, researchers, practitioners, and industry authorities come together for the Space Education and Strategic Applications (SESA) conference, a virtual event that offers complimentary admission to AMU students. The conference features a student poster session. The posters are available for viewing throughout the conference. During a poster panel session, students can give short presentations on the research in their posters.
Additionally, under the direction of a faculty mentor, students may submit manuscripts to be considered for publication in the SESA Journal, a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published by the Policy Studies Organization and American Public University System. AMU is part of the University System. Every issue of the journal features a faculty-nominated example of demonstrated excellence in student writing.
As an AMU student, you can also remotely analyze and explore images captured by our University Observatory in Charles Town, West Virginia, which holds a 650-pound Planewave CDK24 Cassegrain telescope with a 24-inch mirror.
You’ll have the opportunity to apply to participate in AMU's Exoplanet Research Program, which incorporates telescopic images from the University Observatory and other exoplanet databases to examine exoplanets and their properties. Additionally, there are labs and courses utilizing the NASA Exoplanet Database, a public record of planets located beyond our solar system.
You may wish to participate in other research projects like Supernova Search Research and Variable Star Research.
Additionally, APUS Analog Research Group members can perform research in analog astronaut missions at nationally recognized habitats featuring facilities that replicate conditions found when living in space. Participating in this group equips students and graduates with the knowledge and skills they need to perform in the professional space industry.
How Our Space Studies Program Relates to Current and Future U.S. Military Interests
Whether you are a current or former military servicemember or a professional looking to make a career change, AMU has your mission covered. As a leading online university at the forefront of space technology and space operations, we understand the evolving threats in space and help prepare students and future graduates to defend our country and freedom.
Space is crowded and competitive with outside influences continuing to threaten. Our graduates are prepared for an evolving field through a wide range of courses and concentrations. Study may cover areas such as planetary mapping, current and emerging space powers, space operations, space law, space weather, and space cooperation and diplomacy.
Additionally, AMU’s program facilitates courses and discussions focusing on current space industry trends, like human factors in space. This examines the physiological and psychological challenges associated with the impact of space on the human body.
Explore Space Science Clubs and Organizations
In addition to space studies research work, go beyond AMU’s online courses and virtual classrooms to join your peers through one of our notable organizations and clubs, including:
Students for the Exploration and Development of Space: Drive space advocacy, exploration, operations and developments in space and space sciences through engineering and educational programs and interact and network with industry leaders.
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics student chapter: As the world’s largest aerospace technical and professional society, AIAA is dedicated to shaping the future of aerospace.
APUS Analog Research Group: Provides space studies students with hands-on exploration opportunities, where they can plan for and participate in analog missions at various analog habitats.
Women in STEM: Supports female participation and skill development in STEM by providing networking opportunities, professional guidance, and resources to help women maximize their capabilities.
Association for Women in Science: As a leading advocate for women in STEM across all disciplines and employment sectors, AWIS empowers women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to help them reach their goals.
Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science: An inclusive group supporting underrepresented populations in STEM seek advanced education and leadership.
AMU space studies academics are led by our highly accomplished researchers, leading practitioners, and esteemed master’s-level and doctoral-level faculty who deliver guidance, knowledge, and practical experience in each course. Our original curriculum was created by a former NASA astronaut who brought real-world experience in space systems, space operations, and space engineering to the virtual classroom and our respected degree program.
Boasting a diverse background in space sciences and a shared passion for the space industry, our distinguished faculty members will help you with the development of skills and knowledge required to successfully complete a master of space studies education.
Our faculty includes a department chair who's a certified commercial helicopter pilot, an educator who serves as the co-editor-in-chief of the SESA Journal, and an assistant professor who specializes in open cluster studies, giving our students direct access to some of the most accomplished educators in the space sciences.
Advantages for Servicemembers and Military Families
Since 1991, when a retired U.S. Marine founded AMU as a distance-learning university for servicemembers, our academic programs have been recognized for their innovation and leadership in online higher education, attracting veterans, military families, and everyday citizens.
While we specialize in online academics, we still offer many of the same experiences as a traditional campus-based program. You can work one-on-one with an academic advisor who will guide you through your space studies graduate study, help you map out a degree plan, understand program objectives, and access resources to manage coursework.
Plus, with military education senior managers located at bases across the country, we help support active-duty military and military family members throughout their education journey.
Through partnerships with Uwill and TalkCampus, we can offer students around-the-clock mental health support in over two dozen languages. We also have a university chaplain who has helped servicemembers experiencing PTSD.
Additionally, AMU is committed to providing career services and educational support to the U.S. Military through the Department of Defense’s Military Spouse Employment Partnership.
We are also a top choice for veterans looking to use their GI Bill® benefits, and we’re honored to help veterans and their families further their education and explore learning opportunities.
High 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 pioneer in online education, our University and its space studies faculty have brought together thought leaders, innovators, and practitioners for its annual Space Education and Strategic Applications conference.
Affordable
On-campus university life can be costly, but because AMU is entirely online, students can save on costs often associated with traditional studies, such as room and board and commuting.
Plus, AMU offers a Preferred Military Rate to servicemembers and their families. We constantly strive to minimize debt typically associated with higher education by offering:
- No-cost admission applications for undergraduate and master’s programs
- No-cost ebooks for undergraduate programs
- No-cost transfer credit evaluation
- No entrance exams
Other ways for students to save money on an online space studies master’s or bachelor's degree include:
A Veteran Tuition Grant for veterans and their extended families and the Everyday Heroes Grant for public safety professionals and their family members.
Scholarships, which may be offered to eligible students via external organizations based on pre-determined criteria, including academic achievement, unique talents, or other associations with the sponsor. If money is a concern, our financial aid team can help guide you toward ways to reduce costs.
Efficiency
Save time and money toward earning a degree with possible transfer credits for previous academic, military, professional, or other learned experiences. The University accepts up to 15 credits toward a master’s degree. Please contact an Admissions Counselor at 877-755-2787 for complete information.
Flexible
Whether studying for a bachelor's degree or a master program, at AMU, online classes are flexible and convenient. Courses start monthly, run for 8 weeks, and students can complete assignments for classes virtually anywhere, anytime. As a student in the program, you will remotely participate in discussion threads, access coursework, network with classmates, join research projects, and complete assignments and courses to meet weekly deadlines.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Master’s in Space Studies can help equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary for responsibilities in the public and private sector, academia, consulting, non-profits, and the space industry. This graduate study degree program introduces students to a wide range of areas and roles including space policy, space law, space operations, astronomy, orbital analysts, planetary science, and space exploration.
You should consider your personal and professional goals to determine if a degree in space studies or a space-related focus will satisfy your needs. Other routes to explore include astronomy, aerospace engineering, mathematics, astrophysics, and planetary science. The degree you choose should largely depend on your specific interests in the field, your career goals, and your desire to engage in research projects. Those seeking advanced knowledge may find a master of science in space studies helps achieve their learning goals.