Program 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).

Curriculum

This degree requires 30 credit hours total.

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.

Full Curriculum

Admissions Requirements

Criteria for Admissions

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.

Full admissions requirements can be found here.

Application Requirements

The following documents are required to complete an application:

Application Deadlines

For Spring start:

  • November 1

For Fall start:

  • July 1

Tuition

Resident of Indiana/VA Educational Benefit:

  • $1,139 per credit hour

Nonresident of Indiana:

  • $1,459 per credit hour

Domestic students and permanent residents may qualify for the following types of 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.

Eligible students may use VA education benefits toward tuition and fees. Coverage varies based on the student’s benefit type and eligibility, and additional provisions may apply to qualifying military-connected students. To ensure qualification for the VA Educational Benefit tuition rate, students should work closely with the Veteran and Military Student Success Center.

Ready to Become a Boilermaker?

You are not alone in taking your next giant leap. Connect with a Purdue University online enrollment counselor to get your questions answered, receive personalized application support and start planning your degree journey with confidence. Simply fill out this form to request more information and receive additional program materials. 

It’s your first step toward becoming a Purdue Boilermaker, joining a community of innovators, leaders and changemakers committed to making giant leaps that shape industries, advance ideas and move the world forward.