While a few institutions , like the International Space University, focus on interdisciplinary education in space, there are opportunities for others to follow suit. (credit: ISU)

The value of space studies programs in higher education

by Nathan Tat and Vivian Tat
Monday, July 28, 2025

Countless individuals dream of majestic careers in space, striving for the stars and beyond. Humanity was awed when Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins made history with Apollo 11. Decades later, the space sector routinely propels rockets and their payloads past the Kármán line, launches astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS), and explores the universe beyond with spacecraft. In this era of rapid advances, students and professionals often voice interest in joining this industry and yearn to explore pathways into this realm.

Colleges routinely offer hundreds of majors, minors, and certificates across a diverse spectrum. However, relatively few academic institutions have incorporated an interdisciplinary Space Studies degree into their educational catalog, even as an increasing number of individuals aspire for space-related vocations. Schools can establish Space Studies degree programs to prepare students for fruitful careers in the space sector and beyond.

What does a Space Studies program entail?

A degree in Space Studies or related fields focuses on equipping its graduates with vital skills for careers in the space industry. The curriculum cultivates an interdisciplinary approach integrating science, engineering, management, and policy courses. Science and engineering classes strengthen technical acumen and expertise. For example, lessons could cover topics such as aerospace environments, systems engineering, and astronomy.

In addition, management and business classes are also vital. For example, students can take courses focused on strategic and financial management, entrepreneurship, and accounting. Through these courses, students can familiarize themselves with business and management principles to become acquainted with how a team or company operates.

Meanwhile, an overview of policy and economic concepts can help them gain macroscopic perspectives of the evolving space sector and how it interacts with the broader economy. This multidisciplinary approach promotes wider understanding and exposure to different concepts within space and beyond. Graduates can thus leverage this understanding as they ignite their professional journeys and advance in their careers.

Why students and universities should be interested in a Space Studies degree

Universities can differentiate themselves from other schools by offering a Space Studies curriculum. In this era, institutions increasingly strive to raise their profiles and distinguish themselves from fellow schools in a bid to attract students. Colleges regularly offer established engineering and science majors such as mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, or physics. These majors have been ongoing for many decades, and some of these programs are tailored for specific industries. For instance, environmental engineering degrees are designed for their students to obtain roles in related fields.

However, relatively few institutions have created a Space Studies or related degrees with an interdisciplinary approach. Rice University, The George Washington University, and Florida Tech are prominent schools with similar programs. They often leverage strengths and connections to space industry forces. As an example, Rice University is located in Houston, home of the NASA Johnson Space Center, the Houston Spaceport, and numerous aerospace companies. Thus, a Space Studies program can strengthen a region’s aerospace presence. In addition, colleges often seek to establish innovative programs, and Space Studies can offer a novel approach to encourage students to enter this industry. Developing a Space Studies program can thus help schools increase their appeal to both prospective and current students.

A Space Studies curriculum can benefit students and universities in fostering connections beyond the boundaries of a campus. Higher education is a prerequisite for numerous positions, and the Space Studies degree can allow candidates to distinguish themselves. Students can stand out in the space industry by completing the Space Studies major. By finishing this degree, students will become more familiar with the space industry.

The Space Studies programs can strengthen relationships between academia, industry, and government. Universities can cultivate their reputation within the industry by supporting graduates in securing well-paying and stable jobs, constructing a substantial alumni network, and connecting with employers. Government agencies, contractors, commercial companies, and other organizations could recruit from Space Studies cohorts. Thus, by constructing an invigorating pipeline of talent, universities can sharpen their brand within the space industry.

Furthermore, universities can draw upon the Space Studies degree program to expand their interdisciplinary offerings. Space Studies degrees are multidisciplinary to broaden students’ understanding. Graduates in pure STEM curriculum often lack substantial exposure to management or business aspects. To this end, interdisciplinary education can engage students in academic experiences across multiple fields. Students become more well-rounded and gain a better understanding of concepts beyond a single major. Thus, students can enhance their education with a range of classes.

What would be the outcomes of a Space Studies program?

Crucially, the Space Studies curriculum should equip its students with transferable skills. Most graduates will progress through various positions during their career journey. Even those who initially commence at an aerospace giant or startup may discover their paths shift away within or even out of the field of space. Consequently, training students to nurture technical and power, or soft, skills across different jobs are vital.

A Space Studies program should empower learners in building upon proficiencies such as presenting, leadership, teamwork, and critical thinking. Those competencies can be incorporated into the curriculum via classes, workshops, and extracurricular projects. For instance, proficiencies in oral and written communication, which can be honed through classroom and internship presentations, are applicable to essentially every role. Having project management or business acumen can be effective in understanding how organizations operate. Business and managerial skills are applicable to countless roles, and alumni can thrive in careers in other sectors using transferable skills gained throughout their education. Thus, a Space Studies education should emphasize the importance of cultivating skillsets applicable to roles both inside and outside of the space industry.

Similarly, the Space Studies degree should equip its students with the capability to succeed, not just at the entry level, but also at more advanced stages of their careers. Oftentimes, individuals entering the space realm find their interests and preferences shifting over time. For those interested in management and leadership positions, business skills are often a vital asset. Leaders should have an ability to manage projects and envision the broader impact of their work. Managers and executives routinely deal with budgets, schedules, contracts, and project management. Maintaining exposure to these principles through business and management courses can offer valuable insights during the Space Studies program and introduce students to these key principles early on. As alumni advance professionally, having this knowledge will benefit them while their responsibilities shift.

How could schools design their Space Studies programs?

Several considerations are key in designing a Space Studies curriculum. Foremost is giving students the opportunity to select a variety of elective courses in addition to their core curriculum. During their education, they can enroll in courses across science, engineering, policy, and management. Universities can combine coursework from different departments for the Space Studies curriculum. Whereas the students may be based in one department, students should be able to pick tracks and electives in which they are interested. For instance, George Washington University has their Space Policy program within the Elliot School of International Affairs. However, students have the option to take courses in other fields, such as mechanical engineering and statistics. Thus, students can broaden their horizons by enrolling in classes in multiple departments.

Space Studies curriculum could be offered at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Currently, many schools with a Space Studies degree offer them at the graduate level. These tend to attract students who have completed a bachelor’s degree and/or those with previous industry experience. However, an undergraduate program could benefit many people curious about joining the space sector. Bachelor’s programs typically entail more credit hours and years than graduate programs to fulfill university requirements. This allows students to gain skills in space-related programs at an earlier stage of their education.

Crucially, the Space Studies program should highlight robust support in connecting participants with industry internships and jobs. Students can target internships at aerospace corporations or organizations. Space Studies programs should be supportive of students and graduates, helping them navigate the internship and job market and providing recommendations for suitable positions. They can have career-advising sessions for resume and cover letter development as well.

Though space industry internships may be the focus of most students, students who discover other appealing, non-space internships can also gain valuable insights and work experiences. Internships can be further combined with experiences such as job shadowing, virtual recruiting sessions, or tours with aerospace firms and their employees. The school can provide funding or stipends to those students who are offered non-compensated internships. Though many aerospace companies offer paid internships, some institutions still have underpaid or unpaid internships. These openings may interest students, but students who take unpaid internships or volunteer can face significant monetary challenges. Schools offering the Space Studies program could provide financial support and scholarships for their students. This can enable the students to find secure lodging and compensation. All this support from universities can further enhance the reputation of the program amongst prospective students, alumni, and industry connections.

Conclusion

Space Studies degrees can be beneficial to incorporate into a university’s offerings. The Space Studies curriculum should provide gateways into entering the space industry, creating a community of students and alumni that will help bridge the workforce gaps in the space industry. With the ability to equip graduates for careers in the space industry, schools could offer these programs to their students. In the years ahead, excitement for space will continue to expand. The space industry is rapidly accelerating, and we must ensure that there are qualified and capable individuals ready to propel humanity to the stars.

Nathan Tat is a graduate of Rice University’s Master of Science in Space Studies program. He also completed his undergraduate degree in Economics and a Business minor from Rice. Currently, Nathan works with Amentum at Johnson Space Center and is interested in exploring space policy, innovation, and business. He also co-leads Taking Our Best Shot, an initiative focusing on STEM outreach and education. He has received several distinctions, including being named as a 20 Under 35 with Space and Satellite Professionals International (SSPI), 40 Under 40 with The Daily News, and The University of Texas Medical Branch Excellence in Interprofessional Education Award.

Vivian Tat earned her graduate degrees in Experimental Pathology and Epidemiology from UTMB. She is a postdoctoral fellow conducting biomedical and public health research at UTMB and co-leads Taking Our Best Shot.

Views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors alone.

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