Master of Engineering- Space Systems Engineering

Program Overview

The M.Eng. in Space Systems Engineering is a 30-credit degree program, typically completed within 1.5 to 2 years for full-time students. The curriculum is structured around six required core courses that provide a foundational understanding of space systems and systems engineering principles. Additionally, students complete three elective courses and a project or thesis (3-6 credits), allowing for specialization and practical application of learned concepts. This program is available both on-campus and fully online through StevensOnline, offering significant flexibility for working professionals and a diverse student body. Stevens boasts exceptional career outcomes for its Space Systems Engineering graduates, with a reported 100% employment within six months of graduation for the Class of 2023, and a strong mean compensation of $89,300, reflecting the high demand for their specialized skills.

STEM-designated: Yes, the Stevens Institute of Technology M.Eng. in Space Systems Engineering program is unequivocally STEM-designated. This is a significant advantage, particularly for international students. The STEM designation makes them eligible for a 24-month extension of their Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the United States, allowing for a total of up to three years of valuable post-graduation work experience. This designation clearly reflects the program's rigorous quantitative, scientific, and technological focus, which is highly valued by employers in the rapidly expanding aerospace, defense, and commercial space industries.

Curriculum: The 30-credit curriculum of the M.Eng. in Space Systems Engineering is comprehensive and hands-on, covering the entire lifecycle of space missions. Core required courses typically include: Fundamentals of Systems Engineering, Cost-Effective Space Mission Operations, Designing Space Missions and Systems, Human Spaceflight (optional alternative), Mission and System Design Verification and Validation (optional alternative for Systems Integration), and Space Mission Operations. Elective courses allow students to delve deeper into specific areas of interest within space systems or broader systems engineering. The curriculum emphasizes interactive discussions, real-life case studies, and team-based design projects, providing practical experience in areas such as requirements definition, operations concept development, architecture tradeoffs, payload design, and system manufacturing.

Research Focus: The M.Eng. in Space Systems Engineering program at Stevens has a strong applied research focus, often aligning with the broader research initiatives within the School of Systems and Enterprises. Research within the department aims to find bold solutions to major global problems, including those in aerospace and defense. Specific areas of research relevant to space systems engineering at Stevens include space logistics, space resource utilization, in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM), space commercialization, and space debris remediation and active removal. There is also research being conducted on quantum computing for engineering design and optimization, as well as human factors and behavioral performance in space, including deep space habitats and spacesuit systems, aimed at making space missions more affordable and comfortable. Students may have opportunities to engage in projects that contribute to these research areas, particularly through elective research credits or thesis work.

Industry Engagement: Stevens Institute of Technology places a very high priority on industry engagement for its Space Systems Engineering program. Its strategic location near major aerospace and defense contractors, as well as emerging commercial space companies in the Northeastern U.S., provides unparalleled access to networking and professional opportunities. The program is taught by primary authors in the field of space systems, many of whom are experienced professionals from government and industry, bringing real-world insights and connections into the classroom. Stevens has a recognized partnership in providing space systems engineering education to NASA employees and space industry professionals. The university's strong alumni network and robust Career Center facilitate extensive networking opportunities, internships, and co-op experiences, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for roles in the highly competitive space sector.

Global Perspective: Stevens Institute of Technology fosters a global perspective within its M.Eng. in Space Systems Engineering program through its diverse international student body and the inherently global nature of space exploration and satellite applications. The university attracts students from around the world, enriching classroom discussions with varied insights into international space policies, collaborative missions, and global trends in space technology. The challenges and opportunities in space—from global communication infrastructure and Earth observation to lunar and Martian exploration—are inherently international. This global outlook, combined with Stevens' rigorous technical education and emphasis on systems thinking, prepares graduates to contribute to international space endeavors and collaborate on multidisciplinary projects that transcend national borders, ensuring they are well-equipped for careers in a globally interconnected professional landscape.