Space Science, Minor

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Program Overview

Space Science, Minor

Are you curious about what lies beyond our atmosphere? The Space Science Minor is a hands-on journey designed to turn your curiosity into expertise. In this program, you won’t just look at the stars—you’ll learn the math, physics, and computer skills used by real space scientists to explore the cosmos.

Credits Required
At least 12 credits
GPA Required
2.0 or higher
Degree Designation
Minor

Minor

Description

Have you ever looked up at the night sky and wondered how it all works? The Space Science Minor is your chance to turn that wonder into a real-world skill set. This program is built for students who want to explore the “final frontier” by combining the magic of astronomy with the power of modern technology.

What You’ll Learn

In this program, you won’t just be reading out of a textbook. You will dive into three main areas that make modern space exploration possible:

  • The Big Picture: You’ll study Astrophysics, learning how stars are born, how gravity shapes our universe, and what happens inside a black hole.
  • Satellite Secrets: You’ll learn Remote Sensing, which is the science of using satellites to “see” things from hundreds of miles above the Earth. This helps us track climate change, map new lands, and explore other planets.
  • Space Coding: You’ll master Scientific Programming. Today’s space missions aren’t just about rockets; they are about data. You will learn how to write code that helps computers analyze the massive amounts of information we get back from space probes and telescopes.

Program and Major

Requirements

Students must complete the following four (4) courses or 12 credits.

Required Core Courses (12 Credits)

  • Complete at least one of the following courses:
    • AST 216 – Space Science II
    • AST 215 – Space Science I AND
  • Complete at least one of the following Courses:
    • CS 321 – Remote Sensing-Computer Methods for Satellite Data Analysis
    • CS 345 – Scientific Programming I – Data Analysis AND
  • Complete at least two of the following Courses:
    • CS 390 – Sci. Programing II
    • PHY 315 – Introduction to Astrophysics
    • PHY 351 – Electromagnetic Theory
    • PHY 355 – Gravitation and Cosmology