Online Master of Research (MRes) in Astronautical Engineering
Earn an online Master of Research in Astronautical Engineering to future-proof your skills and knowledge for the decades to come.
Space exploration is advancing into new areas, from space tourism to increasingly sophisticated telescopes and satellites. As we rely more heavily on space-based technologies, the expertise of astronautical engineers becomes even more vital – GPS systems, weather forecasting, telecommunications, and even national security depend on our ability to design, launch, and maintain satellites and other space vehicles.
The MRes in Astronautical Engineering is a research-intensive program designed for experienced professionals in the Astronautical Engineering field to deepen their expertise. As an MRes student, you’ll conduct original research in an area of interest under the guidance of a dedicated thesis chair and graduate with published work contributing to the field of astronautical engineering.
What you’ll gain with an MRes in Astronautical Engineering:
- Practical experience applying theoretical knowledge to real-world astronautical engineering challenges
- Exposure to the academic publishing process and practical research experience
- In-depth knowledge that enables you to serve as a top leader in your field
- Insight into ethical considerations and complex societal issues
- Technical skills to create and implement innovative designs
- In-demand job skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and project management
- Enhanced employability and career progression
- A mindset for continuous learning in a dynamic, high-demand field
- The opportunity to contribute original knowledge to an evolving field
The online Master of Research (MRes) in Astronautical Engineering enables you to build upon topics you may bring from your current work experience, from spacecraft design to orbital mechanics, propulsion systems, and beyond. You’ll gain critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovative design skills – abilities that are highly sought after in the space industry and many other sectors.
An MRes in Astronautical Engineering prepares you to lead in these roles:
- Aircraft/Spacecraft Maintenance Engineer
- Astronautical/Aviation Regulation Specialist
- Director of Astronautical Facilities
- Earth Observation Satelite Operations Engineer
- Flight Data Record Inspector
- Launch Specialist
- Research Scientist
- Astronautical Technical Consultant
Astronautical Engineering is not only about spacecraft design and launch. It's a multidisciplinary field that opens doors to a variety of career paths. Graduates might find themselves working in project management, systems engineering, mission planning, or even policy-making roles. Whether in private companies, government agencies, research institutions, or academia, the demand for this expertise is both broad and growing. Our graduates also expand upon their research in PhD programs, with several tracks in Aviation and Astronautical Sciences offered at Capitol Tech, as well as competitive programs at other top institutions.
Characteristics of an MRes
The MRes is a research-intensive degree designed for professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in a specific field with practical research experience to gain an edge in the job market, or before starting a PhD program.
Students pursue an MRes degree to:
- Gain practical research experience
- Enhance their expertise in a specific area
- Advance their careers by learning in-demand skills
- Contribute original research to evolving fields of knowledge
- Prepare for doctorate programs
The Master of Research in Astronautical Engineering program is an opportunity to build upon an area of astronautical engineering that you may currently be working on to deepen your expertise. The program’s flexibility allows you to balance your studies and your career and structure your research around your specific interests and needs. By the program’s end, you will have produced, presented, and defended your master's dissertation, with the opportunity to contribute original knowledge to the field.
Why Capitol?
Expert guidance in master’s research
Capitol Tech faculty are experts in aerospace who provide advanced expertise in interdisciplinary methodology and the latest technology to guide you through your master's research. Four faculty are Fellows of the Royal Aeronautical Society and many faculty/adjuncts are members.
Our location is a tech magnet
The Washington D.C./Baltimore, Maryland region is home to one of the largest concentrations of high-tech companies, from government agencies to defense contractors and other commercial enterprises.
Collaborate with our industry-leading partners
Our unique partnerships give you the opportunity to use top companies and government agencies as resources, and even work on collaborative research with NASA, WIFA, and other aviation and space organizations.
Program is 100% online
Our MRes in Astronautical Engineering is offered 100% online, with no on-campus classes or residencies required, allowing you the flexibility needed to balance your studies and career.
Career Opportunities
Market Demand for Astronautical Engineering Expertise
As we venture further into the third decade of the new millennium, the space industry has never been more promising. Driven by advances in technology and a surge of private sector interest, it's an industry that has truly taken off. Companies such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, Maxar Technologies, and many others are not only redefining what's possible in space travel but also creating a wealth of new opportunities for professionals with the right skills. The demand for qualified astronautical engineers is soaring, and an MRes in Astronautical Engineering is the ideal qualification to get your foot in the door and prepare you with the skills to take us into the future.
Degree Details
Generally, to apply to a graduate degree program, you should have completed a bachelor's degree or be completing a bachelor's degree prior to enrollment and should have a 3.0 cumulative grade point average or higher.
Some master of science programs have additional technical competency requirements.
Tuition & Fees
Tuition rates are subject to change.
The following rates are in effect for the 2024-2025 academic year, beginning in Fall 2024 and continuing through Summer 2025:
- The per credit charge for all other masters courses is $630 per credit hour.
- The active duty military tuition rate is $350 per credit.
- The retired military tuition rate is $530 per credit.
- The information technology fee is $40 per credit hour.
- High School and Community College full-time faculty and full-time staff receive a 20% discount on tuition for master programs.
Find additional information for 2024-2025 masters tuition and fees.