Best institutions to study Space Systems Operations
A program that focuses on the design, development, and operation of missiles, satellites and other space-based systems for military purposes.
6 U.S. institutions graduated 192 Space Systems Operations students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 29.0305, a specialization of Military Applied Sciences (CIP 29.03).
About Space Systems Operations programs
A program that focuses on the design, development, and operation of missiles, satellites and other space-based systems for military purposes. Includes instruction in the military applications of space, space technology, aerospace engineering, systems architecture, orbital mechanics, launch and retrieval systems, ground support systems, satellite communications, and space-based sensor systems.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Space Systems Operations program, part of the Military Applied Sciences field, is designed for individuals interested in the military applications of space technology. This program focuses on the design, development, and operation of missiles, satellites, and other space-based systems, preparing students for careers in this specialized area of military technology.
Students in this program will gain knowledge in various subjects, including aerospace engineering, systems architecture, orbital mechanics, and satellite communications. The curriculum emphasizes the technical aspects of space-based systems and their military applications.
Credentials awarded
What Space Systems Operations graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Master's degree152 graduates / yr · 4 institutions79%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate23 graduates / yr · 2 institutions12%
- Bachelor's degree17 graduates / yr · 1 institution8.9%
Graduates over time
Space Systems Operations completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 50 |
| 2019 | 37 |
| 2020 | 103 |
| 2021 | 124 |
| 2022 | 81 |
| 2023 | 86 |
| 2024 | 127 |
| 2025 | 192 |
Top 6 institutions for Space Systems Operations, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Embry - Riddle Aeronautical University - Worldwide Daytona Beach, FLPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 71 | 21% | $21,266 |
| 2 | Florida Institute of Technology Melbourne, FLPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 60 | 64% | $33,585 |
| 3 | Naval Postgraduate School Monterey, CAPublicPost-degree cert.Master's | 36 | — | — |
| 4 | United States Military Academy West Point, NYPublicBachelor's | 17 | 87% | — |
| 5 | Embry - Riddle Aeronautical University - Daytona Beach Daytona Beach, FLPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 6 | 67% | $38,899 |
| 6 | Kansas State University Manhattan, KSPublicPost-degree cert. | 2 | 71% | — |
Offered in 4 states
Where Space Systems Operations graduates come from. Each state links to all Military Applied Sciences programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | 3 | 137 | Embry - Riddle Aeronautical University - Worldwide71 / yr |
| California | 1 | 36 | Naval Postgraduate School36 / yr |
| New York | 1 | 17 | United States Military Academy17 / yr |
| Kansas | 1 | 2 | Kansas State University2 / yr |
Other Military Applied Sciences specializations
The 7 other 6-digit CIP codes under Military Applied Sciences (CIP 29.03).
- Military Applied SciencesCIP 29.0399partial data96 graduates / yr5 institutions
- Undersea WarfareCIP 29.0307limited data32 graduates / yr1 institutions
- Combat Systems EngineeringCIP 29.0301limited data19 graduates / yr1 institutions
- Engineering AcousticsCIP 29.0303limited data6 graduates / yr2 institutions
- Operational OceanographyCIP 29.0306limited data6 graduates / yr1 institutions
Show 2 more CIP codes with no U.S. programs reported+
- Directed Energy Systems29.0302
- Low-Observables and Stealth Technology29.0304
No institution reported completions for these codes in the latest IPEDS year, so they have no page.
Common questions
What degrees are offered in this program?+
The program offers a Master's degree, a Postbaccalaureate certificate, and a Bachelor's degree.
How many colleges offer this program?+
There are six colleges in the U.S. that offer the Space Systems Operations program.
What is the focus of the coursework?+
Coursework focuses on the design, development, and operation of military space systems, including missiles and satellites.
What is the typical graduate outcome?+
Approximately 192 students graduate each year from this program, preparing them for careers in military and aerospace fields.
What is the CIP code for Space Systems Operations?+
Space Systems Operations is CIP 29.0305 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Military Applied Sciences (CIP 29.03). NCES defines it as: A program that focuses on the design, development, and operation of missiles, satellites and other space-based systems for military purposes. Includes instruction in the military applications of space, space technology, aerospace engineering, systems architecture, orbital mechanics, launch and retrieval systems, ground support systems, satellite communications, and space-based sensor systems.
How many institutions offer Space Systems Operations programs?+
6 U.S. institutions reported Space Systems Operations graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 4 states, awarding 192 credentials in the year. That is 54.7% of all Military Applied Sciences graduates.
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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