At which campus can I study this program?
Requirements for an undergraduate certificate may be completed at any campus location offering the specified courses for the certificate.
Program Description
This certificate program is designed to prepare students for careers in the space industry and for work on space systems. To achieve this, a minimum program of three space systems engineering related courses, a space systems engineering seminar, and project work is to be completed.
You Might Like This Program If...
You would like to explore a how to approach the engineering of complex systems; you have an interest in space, aerospace engineering, or satellites, or have an interest in working within the defense and/or aerospace industry.
Admission Requirements
For entrance into the certificate program, students must be at least 5th semester standing. The cumulative GPA considered for admission will be consistent with, or equivalent to, the GPA minimum of 2.00 for maintaining good academic standing.
Program Requirements
To earn an undergraduate certificate in Space Systems Engineering, a minimum of 12 credits is required.
Students must earn a C grade or better in each of the courses to continue with the certificate.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| EE 474 | Satellite Communications Systems | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 2-9 | |
| Spacecraft Design--Preliminary | ||
| Spacecraft Design--Detailed | ||
| Space Propulsion and Power Systems | ||
| Orbit and Attitude Control of Spacecraft | ||
| Space Astronomy and Introduction to Space Science | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Astrodynamics | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Space Astronomy and Introduction to Space Science | ||
| Satellite Communications Systems | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3-9 | |
Space Science and Technology  | ||
| Astronautics | ||
| Theory of Plasma Waves | ||
| Special Topics | ||
EE 439 | ||
| Introduction to Plasmas | ||
| Fundamentals of Remote Sensing Systems | ||
| Conformal Antennas | ||
| Manufacturing Methods in Microelectronics | ||
| Inversion Techniques in Remote Sensing | ||
| Microwave Radar Remote Sensing | ||
| Linear Control Systems | ||
| Optimal Control | ||
| Earth and Life: Origin and Evolution | ||
| Astrobiology | ||
| Fundamentals of Remote Sensing Systems | ||
| Introduction to Plasmas | ||
| Theory of Plasma Waves | ||
| Space Science and Technology | ||
Students must complete an application. A project report must be submitted adhering to SPSYS Certificate formatting and systems content guidelines.
Prerequisites Required.
Certificate Learning Objectives
Students who complete the space systems engineering certificate will be able to:
- complete a hands-on project experience representing the application of principles learned
- demonstrate a basic understanding of the following:
- systems approach to engineering;
- several technical subjects related to space systems;
- processes and procedures for development of space hardware;
- work effectively in multifunctional teams.
Academic Advising
The objectives of the university’s academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.
Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee’s unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.
READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY
University Park
Sven Bilén
Professor of Engineering Design, Electrical Engineering, and Aerospace Engineering
213B Hammond Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-1526
sgb100@psu.edu
Career Paths
Students will learn more about how to plan, design, build, integrate, test launch, operate, and manage various forms of space systems, subsystems, launch vehicles, spacecraft, payload or ground systems in order to work as space system architects, launch system experts, propulsion technicians and much more.
Contact
University Park
SCHOOL OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING AND COMPUTER SCIENCE
Electrical Engineering East
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-1526
sgb100@psu.edu
https://www.eecs.psu.edu/students/undergraduate/Majors-Minors-Certificates.aspx