Master of Science in Space Systems Engineering
The online Master's in Space Systems Engineering provides deep immersion and proficiency in modern multifaceted engineering space systems. Students will study under Purdue's renowned faculty and emerge as leaders in the modern aerospace engineering landscape.
Master of Science in Space Systems Engineering
The online Master’s in Space Systems Engineering provides deep immersion and proficiency in modern multifaceted engineering space systems. Students will study under Purdue’s renowned faculty and emerge as leaders in the modern aerospace engineering landscape.
Master of Science in Space Systems Engineering Overview
Purdue University’s online Master of Science in Space Systems Engineering is designed to produce students with firm grounding in space systems engineering and well prepared to lead and execute transdisciplinary processes that result in space systems that are responsive to stakeholder’s needs.
Specifically, the program will educate students to develop new products, services and organizations to address grand challenges facing society in space. Students in the program will learn from Purdue’s distinguished faculty. The curriculum provides students with the opportunity to study and gain skills in the tools, methods and processes of designing, analyzing, controlling and improving complex engineered space systems.
Graduates of this program will possess the skills needed to understand how complex space systems work together. Employers across the aerospace industry have expressed interest in having a clearly defined program for the design, analysis, improvement and control of the next generation of complex space systems to address the challenges facing organizations and society.
An Enduring Legacy in Space Exploration
Home to the Cradle of Astronauts because of its extraordinary influence on the U.S. space program – specifically the 27 Boilermakers who have been chosen to become astronauts. Today’s generation of Boilermakers extends that proud tradition by contributing to projects – from the James Webb Space Telescope to our return to the moon, to future missions to Mars and beyond – that will further expand humankind’s understanding of the cosmos.
Flexible Curriculum
This curriculum for the Major in Space Systems Engineering within the MSAAE program differs slightly from the other tracks. This major provides deeper immersion beyond the existing structure, aspiring to hone learner expertise and bolster transcripts and resumes with a more obvious acknowledgment of proficiency in multifaceted engineering space systems.
For many professionals, earning a master’s degree can provide a big return-on-investment. In addition to financial benefits like salary increases and promotions, master’s degrees also help professionals learn in-demand skills, which can improve their job prospects, help them pivot to a new industry, or help them stay competitive in a rapidly changing market.
Many employers value the advanced skills that master’s programs teach, and research shows that job candidates with master’s degrees have average salary increases from 25% to more than 75% in select fields. Ask your enrollment counselor for details on Purdue’s online master’s programs or learn more about the benefits of earning a master’s here.
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The cost of attending Purdue varies depending on where you choose to live, enrollment in a specific program or college, food and travel expenses, and other variables. The Office of the Bursar website shows estimated costs for the current aid year for students by semester and academic year. These amounts are used in determining a student’s estimated eligibility for financial aid. You can also use our tuition calculator to estimate tuition costs.
More information on courses and faculty can be found at the program website.
Building on Purdue’s rich legacy, the Space Systems Engineering Online Master’s Program will feature 10 courses totaling 30 credit hours covering major study areas such as orbital mechanics, advanced rocket propulsion, aerospace human factors, spaceflight operations and much more.
Degree Required Courses – 6 credits
- AAE 56000: System of Systems Modeling and Analysis (3 credits) AND
- AAE 59000: Systems Engineering for Space (3 credits)
Math Courses – 6 credits
Elective Courses – 12 credits
Undergraduate Background
We prefer the following engineering disciplines: Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical/Computer, Chemical, or Materials. Degrees in Math or Physics are also well suited.
No formal prerequisites, but a BS in engineering or science disciplines is typical.
Math Background
It is recommended that applicants have background in: Calculus 1, 2, and 3; Differential Equations; Linear Algebra; Partial Differential Equations; Statistics; and Physics 1 and 2.
Test Scores
Applicants should have a valid GRE score unless a waiver applies.
Source: LightcastTM (2025). Unique job postings for July 2024-25. Projected growth for years 2019-2029.
Top Job Titles
Space systems engineering prepares professionals for specialized technical roles focused on the design, development, and management of space technologies and vehicles. These include Aerospace Engineers, Aeronautical Engineers, and Aerospace Systems Engineers, each contributing expertise to ensure the performance, reliability, and safety of complex aerospace systems. Additionally, Propulsion Systems Engineers play a critical role in developing and optimizing propulsion technologies that power satellites, spacecraft, and launch vehicles.
Top Industries
Several major industries offer strong career opportunities for professionals in space systems engineering. These include Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing and the Federal Government (Civilian), both of which rely on space systems engineers to design, develop, and maintain advanced space technologies. Additionally, Architectural, Engineering and Related Services and Scientific Research and Development Services depend on these professionals to support innovation, system integration, and cutting-edge research in aerospace and related fields.
Space systems degrees program meets the challenge of modern engineering
Purdue University is standing at the forefront of expanding space exploration and a future economy with the creation of the first-ever Comprehensive Space Engineering Degrees Program in the country.
The program combines both a new online master’s degree in space systems engineering and a new space engineering undergraduate certificate to the established array of cutting-edge programs in the College of Engineering.
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