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Certificate in Astronautical Engineering

The Certificate in Astronautical Engineering is designed for practicing engineers and scientists who enter space-related fields and/or want to obtain training in specific space-related areas. Students enroll at USC as limited-status students; they must apply and be admitted to the Certificate program after completion of no more than 9 units of required course work. The required course work consists of 12 units; students will choose four 3-unit courses from the following list:
REQUIRED COURSES (CHOOSE FOUR)

UNITS

ASTE 501ab

Physical Gas Dynamics

3-3

ASTE 520

Spacecraft System Design

3

ASTE 523

Design of Low Cost Space Missions

3

ASTE 527

Space Studio Architecting

3

ASTE 535

Spacecraft Environments and Spacecraft Interactions

3

ASTE 552

Spacecraft Thermal Control

3

ASTE 553

Systems for Remote Sensing from Space

3

ASTE 554

Spacecraft Sensors

3

ASTE 556

Spacecraft Structural Dynamics

3

ASTE 557

Spacecraft Structural Strength and Materials

3

ASTE 572

Advanced Spacecraft Propulsion

3

ASTE 580

Orbital Mechanics I

3

ASTE 581

Orbital Mechanics II

3

ASTE 583

Space Navigation: Principles and Practice

3

ASTE 584

Spacecraft Power Systems

3

ASTE 585

Spacecraft Attitude Control

3

ASTE 586

Spacecraft Attitude Dynamics

3

ASTE 599

Special Topics

3

Most classes are available through the USC Distance Education Network (DEN).

Credit for classes may be applied toward the M.S. or Ph.D. in Astronautical Engineering should the student decide later to pursue an advanced degree. In order to be admitted to the M.S. program, the student should maintain a B average or higher in courses for the Certificate and must satisfy all normal admission requirements. All courses for the Certificate must be taken at USC.

Other classes on emerging space technologies may be added from time to time. Please check this website for updates.