Master of Science Degree Programs (Resident)

Space Systems Operations (Master of Science) (International) - Curriculum 364

The Space Systems Operations (International) curriculum is designed to provide international officers with knowledge of military opportunities and applications in space. It is also available to US citizens who may not have a security clearance. Students are provided instruction about the operation, tasking, and employment of space surveillance, communications, navigation, and atmospheric/oceanographic/environmental sensing systems as well as payload design and integration — specifically for the exploitation of Space and Information products. For a complete description, see the Space Systems Operations (366) section of the catalog.

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Space Systems Operations (Master of Science) - Curriculum 366

The Space Systems Operations students are awarded the degree Master of Science in Space Systems Operations. A minimum of 32 quarter-hours of graduate level work of which at least 15 hours must be at the 4000 level. Graduate courses in at least four different academic disciplines must be included and in two disciplines, a course at the 4000 level must be included. There is also a requirement of three courses constituting advanced study in an area of specialization and an experience tour. Each student is required to write a thesis that is space oriented. The Chairman of the Space Systems Academic Group must approve all study programs.

The Space Systems Operations curriculum is designed to provide officers with knowledge of military opportunities and applications in space. Students are provided instruction about the operation, tasking and employment of space surveillance, communications, navigation and atmospheric/oceanographic/environmental sensing systems as well as payload design and integration -- specifically for the exploitation of Space and Information products.

Space Systems Operations curriculum is one of the Information Superiority (IS) curricula, which encompasses several degree tracks: Computer Sciences, Joint C4I Systems, Information Systems and Technology, Information Warfare, Intelligence Information Management, Modeling, Virtual Environments and Simulation, and Space Systems Operations. The Professional Practice Core of the Information Superiority (IS) curricula consists of material in Information Sciences and Technology, Command and Control, C4ISR Systems, Acquisition, C4ISR System Evaluation, Information Operations\Warfare, and Enterprise Policy, Strategy and Change. This specialization satisfies the Information Superiority education skill requirements as established by CNO-N6.

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Space Systems Engineering (Master of Science) - Curriculum 591

The Space Systems Engineering students earn a Master's degree in one of the following academic areas: Astronautical Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Physics. Refer to the degree requirements in the associated departments.

The Space Systems Engineering program provides officers, through graduate education, with a comprehensive scientific and technical knowledge of military and Navy space systems. This curriculum is designed to equip officers with the theoretical and practical skills required to design and integrate military space payloads with other spacecraft subsystems. Graduates will be prepared by their education to design, develop and manage the acquisition of space communications, navigation, surveillance, electronic warfare and environmental sensing systems.

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Space Systems Engineering PhD - Curriculum 597

Ph.D. degrees in Astronautical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Physics are available.

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Academic Certificate Programs (Resident)

Space Control, Tactics, & Operations Certificate (SCTO) - Curriculum 266

The Space Control, Tactics, & Operations (SCTO) Certificate is a four-course sequence that focuses on space control, specifically rendezvous and proximity operations.  It is designed to serve the DoD Space community and increases the ability to meet DoD Space mission objectives. It provides a technical basis in orbital mechanics and space systems modeling and simulation, as well as the implications of operating space systems in a contested environment.

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738: Master of Science in Nuclear Operations

The Nuclear Operations curriculum is designed to be completed via distance learning and is designed to provide students with knowledge of nuclear operations such as nuclear deterrence and assurance, nuclear weapons effects, nuclear command, control and communications (NC3), space-based systems used for early warning and communications, nuclear platforms, nuclear command and control (NC2), nuclear policy and nuclear non-proliferation. There are many tracks available in this curriculum, so students will complete 24 credit hours from the Naval Postgraduate School as well as one 12-credit (3 or 4 course) pre-approved nuclear operations-related certificate from either The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Harvard University Extension School, or equivalent courses from the Naval Postgraduate School.

298: Space Nuclear Command, Control & Communications Certificate

The Space Nuclear Command, Control & Communications (NC3) Certificate is comprised of four courses. Upon successful completion of the course work, students will be awarded a certificate of completion in keeping with standard practices of the Naval Postgraduate School. The Space NC3 Certificate supports objectives corresponding to required space, ground and classified elements of USAF Global Strike Command’s strategic Nuclear education components. This certificate is a distance learning, asynchronous education program that covers satellite technology and communication fundamentals relevant to U.S. strategic nuclear operations, deterrence and assurance.

The Space Nuclear Command, Control & Communications Certificate is a 12-month, part-time program, with one course offered per quarter for four consecutive quarters, delivered asynchronously using web-based instruction with classified content instruction using SIPRNet. The web-based courses are paced week-to-week by the instructors, but students have great flexibility to do coursework at times of their choosing during each week.

The US NC3 system is extraordinarily complex and wholly unique. The Space Nuclear Command, Control & Communications (NC3) Certificate is designed to give students a basic foundation to understand Space capabilities and their integration into the U.S. NC3 architecture involving networks, sensors and communication fundamentals relevant to U.S. strategic nuclear operations, deterrence and assurance. The students will understand various nuclear systems and communication nodes to the technical level. Upon completion students will understand the NC3 system basic modes of operation in various scenarios (such as peace time vs conflict). Students will be equipped to make informed recommendations regarding future NC3 system updates based on accepted design principles, past lessons learned, evolving deterrence needs, and new technology.

The Space NC3 Certificate program can be delivered virtually anywhere to any qualified applicant who has access to both Internet and SIPRNet systems.

273: Space Systems Fundamentals Certificate

The Space Systems Certificate program is comprised of four courses. Upon successful completion of the course work, students will be awarded a certificate of completion in keeping with standard practices of the Naval Postgraduate School as well as the 6206L subspecialty code. The Space Systems Certificate program supports Navy and DoD space educational needs and complements existing resident training by providing cross-disciplinary science and technical education. The Space Systems Certificate program is targeted primarily at enhancing the education and preparation for USN Space Cadre personnel. The Navy's Space Cadre represents a distinct body of expertise horizontally integrated within the Navy active duty, reserves, both officer and enlisted, and civilian employee communities organized to operationalize space.

Entry to the Space Cadre is met, in part, by completion of a Space PQS. The courses included in the certificate are designed to give a prospective Space Cadre member the knowledge required to meet the requirements of many portions of the PQS.

Completion of the Certificate will count toward satisfaction of the Information Professional Advanced Qualification Certification matrix (COMNAVCYBERFORINST 1520.1).

The original course and academic content for the SSC was vetted and approved by USN space and space training leaders.