Careers in Space: Degrees That Make it Happen

The next era of space exploration isn’t on the horizon — it’s happening now. As commercial spaceflight expands and private companies race to innovate, career opportunities in the space industry and the future of space are accelerating.

The global space economy more than doubled between 2007 and 2022 and is projected to reach nearly $800 billion by 2027, according to a Wall Street Journal article sponsored by Deloitte.

From satellite systems and mission planning to robotics, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, opportunities across the space industry are growing faster than ever. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University students are preparing to lead the way with specialized, space-focused degrees.

Why Embry-Riddle is Your Gateway to Space

With decades of aviation and aerospace expertise, Embry-Riddle offers a unique, comprehensive suite of space-focused programs designed to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving industry.

Graduates from the university’s space-related programs develop broad knowledge across space operations, engineering, physics, safety, policy and emerging technologies.

Embry-Riddle graduates are known for being career-ready from day one. You don’t just study space — you train to work in it.

Degrees That Ignite Space Careers

Bachelor’s programs include:

• Aeronautics
• Aerospace Engineering
• Astronomy
• Astronomy and Astrophysics
• Aviation and Aerospace Safety
• Engineering Physics
• Space Operations
• Space Physics
• Uncrewed & Autonomous Systems

Master’s programs include:

• Aeronautics
• Aerospace Engineering
• Aviation 
• Engineering Physics 
• Space Operations 
• Space Systems
• Uncrewed Systems Engineering

Doctoral programs include:

• Aerospace Engineering 
• Engineering Physics

Across these disciplines, students work directly with innovative technology, participate in industry-funded research and gain experience through internships with organizations such as The Boeing Company, Honeywell Aerospace, NASA, United Launch Alliance and Virgin Galactic.

Space Careers: A Universe of Pathways

A career in space goes beyond an astronaut or rocket engineer. New practices on domestic and international space law are emerging at law firms, while new roles in marketing and business development are being developed to support the growing commercial space industry, according to the October 2025 Space Report.

• Aerospace Engineer: Design, test and improve aircraft, spacecraft, satellites and propulsion systems. Median annual wage: $134,800 (May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
• Astronaut: Operate spacecraft, conduct research in microgravity and support mission activities. Average annual wage: $155,250 (NASA, 2018)
• Astronomer or Physicist: Investigate celestial bodies and cosmic phenomena using advanced instrumentation. Median annual wage: $166,200 (May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
• Atmospheric or Space Scientist: Develop and test mission-critical technologies and ensure spacecraft reliability and safety. Average annual wage: $96,387 (Payscale 2025)

Emerging and In-Demand Space Roles: 

Industry reports from Space Foundation and New Space Economy highlight rapid growth in roles such as:

• Space operations specialist – support launch and mission control operations
• Satellite data analyst – interpret Earth-observation and mission data
• Space cybersecurity analyst – protect spacecraft and ground systems
• Orbital debris analyst – monitor orbital traffic and collision risk
• Commercial spaceport operations manager – oversee launch-site logistics and customer operations
• Space policy and regulatory specialist – advise on licensing, treaty compliance and safety standards
• Bioastronautics researcher – study human health and life-support systems for long-duration missions

World-Class Research and Facilities

At the Daytona Beach Campus, students are just 50 miles north of Kennedy Space Center — placing them at the heart of Florida’s Space Coast. Research facilities include the Space Physics Research Lab and the Laboratory for Exosphere and Near-Space Environment Studies (LENSES), where students contribute to externally funded research projects.

The Prescott Campus in Arizona offers prime conditions for astronomical observation at its Observatory Complex, home to a 16-inch telescope and advanced CCD imaging systems. Prescott also participates in the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) consortium, in collaboration with Caltech and MIT, to detect gravitational waves of cosmic origin.

The new SPACE Laboratory (Space Physiology Antibody and Cellular Engineering) advances research on human health in space, a critical frontier for long-term human missions.

Students can also join high-energy groups such as the Mars Society, the Society of Physics Students and the American Astronomical Society.

Your Future in Space Starts Here

From engineers and data scientists to mission planners and space policy experts, Embry-Riddle graduates are fueling innovation across the global space economy. If you’re ready to launch your dreams beyond Earth, Embry-Riddle is your launchpad. Begin your future in space and join the explorers shaping what comes next.