For those students not enrolled in the Astronautical Engineering (GA) or Space Systems (GSS) Master of Science (MS) degree programs, AFIT now offers a Graduate Space Vehicle Design Certificate. This program consists of four courses that cover the areas of space systems requirements analysis, space system design and test, and forensic space system analysis.
Degree Required: Bachelor's degree in any discipline that includes: calculus-based general physics, statics and dynamics, differential and integral calculus, differential equations and computer programming. (Typically engineering, physics, or mathematics majors, but other degrees may also meet criteria).*
Mathematics Required: Calculus I, II, III
Test Required: None
GPA Required: Overall - 3.0; Mathematics - 3.0; Major - 3.0
*Waivers to the above criteria are sometimes granted, and are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Individuals whose academic credentials fall below any of the above criteria but feel they should be given additional consideration due to other potential qualifying factors are encouraged to apply. Please contact the Center at 937-656-6106 for additional information.
Military personnel, international officers, and civilians who apply to AFIT for full-time graduate study under the sponsorship (full pay and allowances) of a military service or Government organization, but fail to meet the criteria above may be admitted by the faculty in the appropriate department. Please refer to AFIT’s Master’s Degree Eligibility for additional information.
**Note: All students must be U.S. citizens with a TS//SCI security clearance.**
Program Educational Objectives
The Graduate Space Vehicle Design Certificate program is designed for students with traditional engineering backgrounds (aerospace, mechanical, electrical, etc.), and produces graduates who can effectively approach and analyze complex space vehicle design problems, formulate feasible solutions to design requirements, and evaluate the design and functionality of existing space vehicle subsystems and components. Specific objectives are as follows:
a. Graduates will be able to make direct contributions as a practicing engineer in the area of space vehicle design.
b. Graduates will be able to effectively communicate, evaluate, and monitor space vehicle design programs.
c. Graduates will be able to work through technological challenges to meet the needs of the Air Force, the Space Force, and other DoD organizations.
Please refer to the Department Blue Book for additional information.
Lt Col Robert A. Bettinger
Degree Type: Certificate
Delivery Method: In-Residence
Degree Requirements
The courses required to earn the Graduate Certificate are:
1. ASYS 531: Space Mission Analysis & Systems Design
2. ASYS 631: Spacecraft Systems Engineering
3. ASYS 632: Satellite Design & Test
4. ASYS 629A: Spacecraft Systems Analysis & Design
These courses provide the building blocks to meet the challenges of tomorrow by developing technical space cadre through world-class research and immersive, hands-on graduate education.
Graduate School Catalog