MS Space Studies at University of North Dakota

Programme overview

Prepare for a career in space with a broad-based approach that links engineering, science and policy. UND has the first space studies program of its kind in the world! Our master's in Space Studies is designed for those seeking to enter the space field or are an aerospace professional who wishes to expand their knowledge.

Department: Department of Space Studies | Duration: 2-4 years (33 credit hours) | Study mode: full-time; online | Intake: Fall (Mar. 1), Spring (Oct. 31), Summer (Feb. 28) | Location: Grand Forks, ND, United States

What you will study

All students are required to complete a minimum of 33 credits. The following plan should be used: Note: Stages 1 and 2 are completed at the conclusion of SPST 501 and SPST 502, respectively. The comprehensive exam process should demonstrate the student's core knowledge and integrative skills.

Career pathways

The space industry is progressing toward a combination of government and privately funded space exploration and research efforts. This is resulting in the need for professionals with a broad background in space sciences and related fields. UND's space studies program offers diverse learning experiences so you can advance in space careers such as: Aerospace Business Creator, Aerospace and Systems Engineer, Aerospace Program Manager, Mission Controller, Space Scientists, Space Systems Operator, STEM Educator, Space Law and Policy.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

The applicant must meet the School of Graduate Studies’ current minimum general admission requirements as published in the graduate catalog. The deadlines for applying for admission for each semester are as follows: March 1 for the Fall semester; October 31 for the Spring semester; and February 28 for the Summer semester. Students who apply after these dates for a given semester are encouraged to do so under non-degree status. The requirements for admission to the Space Studies degree program are as follows: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 or better. Three credits of coursework in statistics or algebra or calculus or computer science. Six credits of coursework in the physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering. Six credits of coursework in the social sciences, history, business, or law. Three credits of coursework in English composition or technical writing. Pre-requisite courses from 2 to 5 above must have been completed at the college level, preferably with a grade of B or higher.

Domestic applicants: USD 13,575 a year (2026-27). North Dakota resident rate. On-campus tuition for 2026/2027 as shown in the programme's tuition table (fall and spring semesters, rate band 'Aerospace'); excludes mandatory student fees, housing and books. The same table lists Minnesota residents $17,241. Source

International applicants: USD 27,151 a year (2026-27). International student rate. On-campus tuition for 2026/2027 as shown in the programme's tuition table (fall and spring semesters, rate band 'Aerospace'); excludes mandatory student fees, housing and books. Source

Terms run Fall (August-December), Spring (January-May) and Summer (May-August).

Graduate applications go through the UND admissions application with a $35 non-refundable fee (no waivers); each graduate program sets its own deadline, listed in the Program Finder. Three academic or professional references and a statement of goals are required.

International graduate applicants: Fall May 1, Spring Sept. 1, Summer Feb. 1, unless the program sets a specific deadline. Application fee $35.

Apply through the official page: https://und.edu/admissions/graduate/apply.html

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