Paper Session III-C - Development of a Limited Undergraduate and Graduate Space Studies Curricula

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) began developing a non-technical space studies curricula by introducing an undergraduate minor in 1990. Careful planning of the curriculum and favorable student interest in the space subjects assisted in the success of the nine-course program. The success of the minor has allowed the University to study the creation of broader undergraduate and graduate degree programs in space studies subjects. Developing a graduate program is more difficult than undergraduate programs because of the necessary ties to a strong undergraduate curriculum and because of the need for supporting courses and experienced faculty members. The structure and delivery of the graduate space studies curriculum at ERAU was developed within an already-existing program, the Masters of Aeronautical Science. Details of the needs study and both graduate and undergraduate curriculum are presented as examples of a limited and successful space curriculum development