Bachelor of Science (BS) in Astronautical and Space Engineering

Earn a Bachelor of Science in astronautical and space engineering, advance the frontier of space exploration

Our astronautical and space engineering program prepares you for work with aircraft operating outside the earth’s atmosphere. You will learn the fundamentals of space operations and technology, flight dynamics, spacecraft design and earth science. Potential employers include NASA, GE, KBR, SSAI, KBR, Lockheed Martin, Intel, Texas Instruments, Boeing, and many others.

We realize that not all learning needs to take place in a classroom. We believe student-created, student-led projects are a powerful way to learn. That’s why we provide ample chances to explore your interests with clubs such as robotics and model rocketry, give you the opportunity to make the impossible, possible. Our ALPHA Observatory and Space Flight Operations Center allow students to participate in important research that contributes to new celestial findings and NASA research.

The program provides the essential knowledge to enter into the astronautical and space industry with careers, such as:

Operations Engineer – average base pay, $74,156₂
Testing Engineer – average base pay, $71,478₂
Integration Engineer – average base pay, $85,174₂
Astronautical Engineer – national average base pay $72,320, D.C. area average base pay $79,421₂
Applications Engineer – average base pay, $70,163, ranked 18^th best job in the nation_{1, 2}
Aerospace Engineer – average salary $83,334₃

Capitol Technology University has assembled a network of our nation’s top experts to educate you—the new generation of aviation and unmanned systems planners, architects, designers, engineers, and operators. This network includes the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS), a British organization dedicated to the global aerospace community and the professional development of its members. As a corporate partner of RAeS, the university is able to provide the opportunity for international networking, debate, resources, and professional development.

^{1 Data based upon Glassdoor’s 2020 50 Best Jobs in America}
^{2 Salary based upon 2020 Glassdoor salary data}
^{3 Salary based upon 2020 PayScale salary data}

Why Capitol?

Our focus on CubeSat means you graduate with current skills

Knowing that NASA launched its first CubeSat 2006, our program provides students hands-on experience with CubeSat design, development, building and launching.

Our Space Flight Operations Training Center gives graduates the edge

You’ll use actual spacecraft software to control virtual satellites, replicating real-life scenarios and learning the engineering behind spacecraft development, operations, commanding and data analysis.

Our location puts you in the heart of the action

The Baltimore, Maryland/Washington D.C. area has one of the largest concentrations of high-tech companies, defense contractors, and government agencies in the United States. In addition, our campus is near the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.

Support for you

Whatever type of resource you need –a way to improve your math skills, a place to exercise, help with a job search or a disability – we have facilities and personnel ready to help.

Capitol Tech Opportunities

student in fusion lab working with 3D printer

High-Altitude Balloon Launch

Collaborate with fellow students to develop and test high-altitude sensors and instruments, design structures to house these instruments, and analyze the data collected from the high-altitude balloon launch. All majors are welcome!

Sub-Orbital Flights

Opportunity to work on payloads that will be launched on orbital or sub-orbital flights.

Fusion Lab

Collaborate with other students and work on student-created, student-led projects in our Fusion Lab. Here, multiple 3-D printers, a 1.4-watt laser and computers pre-loaded with modeling software are at your disposal to work on picosatellite shell development and creation, high altitude balloon payload projects and other activities.

Key Faculty

Marcel Mabson

Adjunct Professor

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Dr. Charles Conner

Chair

Engineering Read Bio

Jeff Volosin

Adjunct Professor

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Top Employers of Capitol Technology University's Graduates

Career Opportunities

The Capitol Commitment

We’ve created a game plan to make sure you find a job upon graduation. Learn more.

Low Earth Orbital (LEO) Satellite Mission Control

Capitol Tech students working in our Space Flight Operations Training Center learn how to fly low Earth orbital satellites.

Degree Details

The BSASE degree is a total of 120 credits, which covers engineering, computer science, technical courses, mathematics and sciences, English and social science course.

Curriculum

Engineering - 51 Credits
AE-100 Introduction to Astronomy	3
AE-150 Introduction to Space	3
AE-250 Ground Systems Engineering	3
AE-311 Spacecraft Systems	3
AE-350 Autonomous Ground Systems	3
AE-351 Orbital Mechanics	3
AE-361 Remote Sensing	3
AE-411 Space Systems Engineering	3
AE-451 Propulsion	3
AE-454 Spacecraft Attitude and Control	3
AE-455 Satellite Communications	3
AE-457 Senior Design Project I	3
AE-458 Senior Design Project II	3
MEC-215 Intro to Engineering Design CAD	3
EE-453 Control I	3
Astronautical and Space Engineering Electives (2)**	6
Computer Science - 3 Credits
CT-206 Introduction to Scripting Languages C	3
Technical Courses - 15 Credits
EL-100 Intro to DC/AC Circuits	3
EL-150 DC/AC Circuits and Analysis	3
EL-200 Electronic Devices and Circuits	3
EL-204 Digital Electronics	3
EL-250 Advanced Analog Circuits	3
Mathematics and Sciences - 30 Credits
MA-261 Calculus I	4
MA-262 Calculus II	4
MA-263 Calculus III	4
MA-330 Linear Algebra	3
MA-340 Ordinary Differential Equations	3
PH-261 Engineering Physics I	4
PH-262 Engineering Physics II	4
PH-263 Engineering Physics III	4
English Communications - 6 Credits
EN-101 English Communications I	3
EN-102 English Communications II	3
Humanities/Social Sciences - 15 Credits
HU-331 Arts and Ideas	3
SS-351 Ethics	3
Humanities Electives**	3
Social Sciences Electives (2)**	6

* ASE majors are encouraged to take AE-100, but may substitute CH-120 Chemistry for the science requirement.

**See appropriate department for approved list.

*** Students may substitute CT-152 or CT-206.

Please check with an Academic Advisor to confirm degree requirements and program electives.

Program Educational Objectives

The Program Educational Objectives are broad statements that describe what graduates are expected to accomplish within three to five years of graduation. They are consistent with the mission of Capitol Technology University.

The Program Educational Objectives of each of our program were developed in consultation with the program constituencies: students, alumni, employers, faculty and program’s Advisory Board.
1. Within three to five years of graduation, ASE graduates will be engineers who solve critical technical problems related to astronautical engineering, and who devise innovative ways to develop and apply new technologies.
2. Within three to five years of graduation, ASE graduates will engage lifetime learning and use this knowledge to become leaders in astronautical engineering related careers.
3. Within three to five years of graduation, ASE graduates will contribute knowledge to and participate in the identification and solution of problems facing astronautical engineering professional.
Student Outcomes

Upon graduation, graduates will have:
1. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex astronautical and space engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
2. an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
3. an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
4. an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
5. an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
6. an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions as related to astronautical and space engineering
7. an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Enrollment and Graduation Data for Selected Undergraduate Degree Programs: Click Here

Tuition & Fees

Tuition rates are subject to change.

The following rates are in effect for the 2023-2024 academic year, beginning in Fall 2023 and continuing through Summer 2024:

Full-time tuition is $13,044 per semester, plus fees
The active duty military tuition rate is $250 per credit, plus fees (additional discounts and scholarships do not apply)
The retired military tuition rate is $746 per credit, plus fees (additional discounts and scholarships do not apply)
All full-time students who keep their student account current are promised their tuition will not increase more than 1% per year for four years
For the cost of living in Capitol Technology University's modern residential facility.
Academic Fee for UAS-120 $500

Find additional information for 2023-2024 undergraduate tuition and fees.

Related Information

The B.S. degree in Astronautical and Space Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria. Visit the ABET website for more information.

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