For those students not enrolled in the Space Systems (GSS), or Astronautical Engineering (GA) Master of Science (MS) degree programs, AFIT now offers a Graduate Space Systems Certificate Program. This program consists of four courses, three core and one elective. The core courses cover the areas of spacecraft dynamics, space environment, and spacecraft design. The elective course may be in the area of space communications or remote sensing fundamentals.
Degree Required: Any accredited B.S. degree, but courses are designed for students with a science or engineering undergraduate degree. A calculus-based physics course and a course in dynamical systems (circuits or engineering dynamics) is also required.
Mathematics Required: Ordinary Differential Equations
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/U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) employees.**
Program Educational Objectives
The Graduate Space Systems Certificate Program is designed for students with traditional engineering backgrounds (mechanical, electrical, aerospace, etc.) and produces graduates who can effectively approach and analyze complex space-related problems, design feasible solutions, and select an appropriate solution. Specific objectives are as follows:
a. Graduates will be able to make direct contributions as a practicing engineer in the area of space systems engineering.
b. Graduates will be able to effectively communicate, evaluate, and monitor the design and operation of space systems.
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.
Student Outcomes
[BA1]Christy: Please update website based on catalog content
Dr. Carl R. Hartsfield
Degree Type: Certificate
Delivery Method: In-Residence and Distance Learning
Degree Requirements
The courses required to earn the Graduate Certificate are:
MECH 532—Introductory Space Flight Dynamics
PHYS 519—The Space Environment
ASYS 631—Spacecraft Systems Engineering
An applications course [choose one of the following]:
These courses provide a common breadth of knowledge and the basic building blocks for all U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force and DoD Space Systems Engineers.
Graduate School Catalog