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Space Studies

Bachelor of Science

The Bachelor of Science in Space Studies is a unique blend of the study of space science, management, operations, economy, and national security. You will be given additional flexibility to focus with a choice of one of three concentrations: aerospace science, astronomy, or space policy.

This online bachelor’s degree also examines the significance of planetary and space explorations, space weapons, space weather, and astronomy. Very few space studies academic programs match the breadth and scope of this innovative online program, which prepares you for a wide variety careers in the space field -- including the aerospace industry, planetarium / science center, observatory telescope operator, science educator, space industry management, military space officer.

The curriculum for this online space studies program was originally designed by former NASA astronaut and Dean of Science and Technology Dr. James Reilly, veteran of three shuttle missions and five spacewalks. Many of our faculty are leaders in the field, including scientists and engineers currently working for NASA, the space industry, and national astronomical observatories. You’ll also have the opportunity to use the university’s recently commissioned state of the art remote controlled observatory, with a fully online 24-inch aperture telescope.

Program Courses

The curriculum for this program follows industry trends to help ensure relevancy to today's marketplace. View all courses.

Program Objectives

In addition to the institutional and general education level learning objectives, this degree also seeks the following specific learning outcomes of its graduates. Graduates in this degree program will be able to:

Demonstrate an understanding of basic mathematics (algebra / trigonometry) and fundamental classical physics.
Analyze the possibility of life in the universe while at the same time assessing astronomical objects – including planets, stars, and galaxies.
Critique the status of technology in modern aeronautics and unmanned / manned spaceflight.
Synthesize the history of space exploration, from early rocketry efforts to the International Space Station and beyond.

View learning outcomes assessment results.

Degree at a Glance

Number of Credits 120
Max Transfer Credits 90
Tuition Per Credit
$285 | $250 with military grant*
Program Length 4 years full time
Program Format Online | Monthly course starts
Program Director Ed Albin
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Gainful employment
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Concentrations

Concentrations are designed to help you group courses together so you can further specialize in your field and pursue a more focused path to degree completion. You will be asked to select a concentration when you enroll in this program.

Explore the concentrations available for this program.

Aerospace Science

Astronomy

Space Policy

Admission Requirements

All AMU undergraduate programs require a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent (i.e. GED).
Please read all undergraduate admission requirements before applying to this program and be prepared to submit the required documentation.
There is no fee to complete the AMU admission application. View steps to apply.

Need help?

Selecting the right program to meet your educational goals is a key step in ensuring a successful outcome. If you are unsure of which program to choose, or need more information, please contact an AMU admissions representative at 877-755-2787 or info@apus.edu.

Undergraduate Tuition Rates

Per credit hour:
$285 | $250 with military grant*

View Tuition and Fees Details

*To minimize out-of-pocket costs, active-duty servicemembers, their spouse/dependents, National Guard members, and Reservists receive a tuition grant that caps undergraduate, master's degree, and graduate certificate tuition at $250/credit hour. In addition, a master's-level book grant provides no-cost textbooks and ebooks for master's-level courses to active-duty servicemembers, their spouse/dependents, National Guard members, and Reservists.

Paying for School

Because our university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), (the same as the Ohio State University, Univ. of Chicago, and U.S. Air Force Academy, to name a few), we can accept the following forms of financial aid and payments:

Ways to Save

University Book Grant

Books are provided online at no cost if you are enrolled in undergraduate courses for credit. The university book grant is estimated to save full-time students $1,200 per year.*

Transfer Credits

Accelerate your degree completion by taking full advantage of our transfer credit options, including credit for your previous college courses, military service schools, American Council on Education (ACE) and College Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests, and prior learning experiences.

Employer Contributions

AMU has educational partnerships with many employers and associations. Be sure to accurately enter your employer information when you complete our admissions application. Your employer might also offer a tuition reimbursement plan as one of your benefits.

*According to College Board Trends in College Pricing.

If you're ready to move forward, we're ready to take you there.

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American Public University System, 111 W. Congress Street, Charles Town, WV 25414 | Toll Free: 877-755-2787

American Public University System (APUS) is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Public Education, Inc. (APEI). Pursuant to a contractual arrangement, APEI provides certain services for the benefit of APUS, subject to APUS oversight and ultimate authority. Pursuant to a license, APEI may use APUS’s trademarks and other intellectual property in its performance of those services. American Public University System, American Public University, and American Military University are not affiliated with American University or the U.S. Military.