MSAAE Major in Space Systems Engineering

Overview

The Master of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics degree (MSAAE), with a major in Space Systems Engineering, 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. The program 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.

Employers across the aerospace industry (national security, commercial and civil) 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. Conversations among faculty, staff and representatives from various segments of the aerospace industry—ranging from government agencies, large scale integrators, small emerging space companies, private equity capital and aerospace consulting—underscore the pressing need for a workforce proficient in space systems engineering principles.

Program Highlights

  • Flexible Learning: The online Master of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics program offers flexibility for working professionals, allowing students to balance their studies with other commitments.
  • World-Class Faculty: Students learn from renowned faculty members who engage in cutting-edge research and are leaders in their technical disciplines.
  • Top-Ranked Engineering School: Purdue’s Aeronautics and Astronautics program is consistently ranked among the top aerospace engineering programs in the nation, ranked #2 (tie) Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering Graduate Program (U.S. News & World Report, 2025).

Suggested Prerequisites

Math Background:

  • We recommend a background in: Calculus 1, 2, and 3; Differential Equations; Linear Algebra; Partial Differential Equations; Statistics; and Physics 1 and 2.

    • Undergraduate Degree:

  • No formal prerequisites, but a BS in engineering or science disciplines is typical. We prefer the following engineering disciplines: Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical/Computer, Chemical, or Materials. Degrees in Math or Physics are also well suited.

    • Test Scores:

  • Valid GRE score unless a waiver applies.

    • Requirements

  • Transcripts from all universities attended
  • 3 letters of recommendation
  • An academic statement of purpose
  • A personal history statement
  • A professional resume
  • TOEFL or IELTS scores (international students only)
  • Full admissions requirements

    • Deadlines

    For Spring start:

  • November 1

    • For Fall start:

  • July 1

    • Tuition*

  • In-state: $1,139 per credit hour
  • Out of state & international: $1,459 per credit hour

    • Domestic students and permanent residents may qualify for the following types of financial aid:

  • US federal financial aid
  • US veterans financial aid

    • *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.

    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, aspiring to hone expertise and bolster transcripts and resumes with a more obvious acknowledgment of proficiency in multifaceted engineering space systems.

    Take 2 courses (6 credit hours) to meet the math requirement. The courses can be from the list below or any graduate-level course in Math or Statistics.

    You must complete both of the courses below to complete the core requirement.
     

     

    The remaining 2 courses (6 credit hours) defined by the student in collaboration with advisor. Courses must be from the Colleges of Engineering, Science, or the School of Business 

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