Program Overview

Small Satellite Engineering Graduate Certificate

Overview

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, in conjunction with the Department of Systems Engineering and Operations Research, offers the certificate in small satellite engineering. This graduate certificate provides a broad understanding of small satellite mission and operations and of technologies for spacecraft design and engineering, satellite bus, hardware and software systems, and communications. A two-semester hands-on project course is included to exercise a transition of theory into engineering practice in satellite and ground station engineering. Coursework for the graduate certificate can be used for credit toward the MS in Electrical or Computer Engineering. However, the certificate's primary purpose is to provide a well-defined body of information for students who want to advance or update their knowledge in small satellite technologies, but who do not necessarily wish to complete requirements for the MS degree. The certificate may be pursued concurrently with any of the graduate degree programs in the College of Engineering and Computing.

Admissions

Students who hold Bachelor degrees in scientific and engineering disciplines from accredited universities may apply. Current graduate students in the College of Engineering and Computing may elect the Small Satellite Engineering Graduate Certificate as a Secondary program.

Policies

The certificate is awarded on completion of four required graduate courses (12 credits) in space systems. A cumulative GPA of 3.00 is required, and at most one course with a grade of C may be applied toward the certificate.

Certificate Requirements

Total credits: 12

This certificate may be pursued on a part-time basis only.

• Course List Code | Title | Credits
  • ECE 580 | Small Spacecraft Engineering | 3
  • ECE 639 | Satellite Communications | 3
  • ECE 660 | Space Systems Engineering | 3
  • ECE 691 | CubeSat Design | 1.5
  • ECE 692 | CubeSat Engineering | 1.5
  • Total Credits | 12