Program Overview

Overview

The Satellite System Design Graduate Certificate is a specialized program that blends courses from the Smead Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering, and Engineering Management Departments. This certificate recognizes student accomplishments at the graduate level in successfully completing a program of study in Satellite System Design (SSD) and allows students to develop interdisciplinary skills in the area of satellite design.

Requirements

Admissions Requirements

• Completed undergraduate degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or its equivalent.
• Undergraduate courses in calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations; two semesters of undergraduate calculus-based physics; and at least two semesters of upper-division undergraduate courses in engineering or physics.
• Ability to program at a level that will enable successful completion of graduate course assignments.

Certificate Requirements

• Four courses are required, totaling at least 12 credit hours.
• Grades of B or higher are required for fulfillment of requirements and certificate award.
• Students also pursuing other graduate certificates may use the same courses to count for both certificates.

Program Tracks

The certificate in satellite system design (SSD) offers two track options:

Track 1: Hands-on (recommended for on-campus students)

• Course List Code | Title | Credit Hours
  • ASEN 5018 | Graduate Projects I (Project must have a satellite or rocket focus) | 3
  • ASEN 5148 | Spacecraft Design | 3
  • ASEN 6028 | Graduate Projects II (Project must have a satellite or rocket focus) | 3
  • One course from the Elective list below | 3

Track 2: Distance Compatible

• Course List Code | Title | Credit Hours
  • ASEN 5148 | Spacecraft Design | 3
  • EMEN 5405 | Fundamentals of Systems Engineering | 3
  • Two elective courses from list below (no more than one EMEN course) | 6

Elective List

Students are required to meet course prerequisites. Questions should be directed to the course instructor.

• To develop cross-disciplinary breadth, students are strongly encouraged, but not required, to choose elective courses outside of their major.
• Course List Code | Title | Credit Hours
  • Electives
    • ASEN 5010 | Spacecraft Attitude Dynamics and Control 1 | 3
    • ASEN 5050 | Space Flight Dynamics 1 | 3
    • or ASEN 5052 | Analytical Astrodynamics
    • ASEN 5067 | Microavionics: Introduction to PIC Microcontrollers for Aerospace Systems 2 | 3
    • ASEN 5090 | Introduction to Global Navigation Satellite Systems 1 | 3
    • ASEN 5335 | Aerospace Environment | 3
    • ECEN 5134 | Electromagnetic Radiation and Antennas | 3
    • ECEN 5264 | Electromagnetic Absorption, Scattering, and Propagation | 3
    • ECEN 5517 | Power Electronics and Photovoltaic Power Systems Laboratory | 3
    • ECEN 5613 | Embedded System Design | 3
    • ECEN 5623 | Real-Time Embedded Systems | 3
    • ECEN 5634 | Microwave and RF Laboratory | 3
    • ECEN 5692 | Principles of Digital Communication | 3
    • ECEN 5797 | Introduction to Power Electronics | 3
    • ECEN 5813 | Principles of Embedded Software | 3
    • EMEN 5030 | Fundamentals of Project Management | 3
    • EMEN 5033 | Aerospace Program Management | 3
    • EMEN 5405 | Fundamentals of Systems Engineering | 3
    • EMEN 5415 | Introduction to Requirements, Verification and Validation | 3

Distance Education Option

Students can take individual courses toward a master's degree or graduate certificate through distance education (online). For more information, connect with the individual graduate program directly.