SPACE STUDIESPROGRAMS

Alabama program rankings

Best Space Studies Programs in Alabama

Compare the best space studies programs in Alabama across 10 degree records and 4 institutions. Each program is scored within its own field and degree-level peer group, then reviewed through either matched school material or its federal record.

Data reviewed August 29, 2026 · Edited by Taylor Rupe

10program records
4institutions
432awards recorded
4cities

State program ranking

Best Space Studies Programs in Alabama, Ranked

The rank follows each program’s national peer score. Program cards lead with record-specific editorial. School-page claims link to the matching official source, while federal field, award, cost, and outcome records stay clearly labeled. The full scoring boundary is in the methodology.

Rank #1 Score 79.4

Auburn University

Bachelor’s in Aerospace Engineering (AERO)

space studies programs in Alabama · Auburn · Public · Engineering · CIP 14.0201

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Program summary

Auburn’s aerospace bachelor’s curriculum moves from mechanics and thermodynamics into aerodynamics, orbital mechanics, propulsion, controls, and vehicle design.

The 125-hour sequence includes aerodynamics laboratory work, flight dynamics, aerospace structures, propulsion, and paired design courses for aircraft, spacecraft, or launch vehicles.

Laboratory work is not separated from the design sequence. Aerodynamics testing, orbital mechanics, structures, and propulsion provide inputs for the aircraft, spacecraft, or launch-vehicle projects, so students can apply the same engineering base to atmospheric flight and space missions before choosing a narrower professional direction at Auburn.

Its 79.4 score and 94 recorded awards fit undergraduates seeking both atmospheric-flight and space-system design choices in one curriculum at Auburn.

Published program details
  • 125 total hours
  • Aerodynamics laboratory
  • Orbital mechanics coursework
  • Aircraft and spacecraft design
Institution context
Tuition
$11,016 in-state / $33,048 out-of-state
Graduation rate
82%
Admission rate
46%
Enrollment
34,145

Official program source reviewed August 28, 2026: bulletin.auburn.edu.

Rank #2 Score 78.2

Auburn University

Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering

Auburn · Public · Engineering · CIP 14.0201

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Program summary

Auburn’s 30-credit Aerospace Engineering MS provides thesis and non-thesis routes, with the latter available online or on campus.

Both routes require at least 21 aerospace credits; the thesis path adds six research credits, a faculty committee, and an oral defense.

The non-thesis route is available online, while the thesis route requires supervised research, a faculty committee, a written document, and an oral defense. Both retain a substantial aerospace course core, so delivery mode and culminating work change without turning the degree into a general engineering program.

A 78.2 score with 28 master’s awards suits engineers choosing between supervised research and a location-flexible coursework plan at the master’s level.

Published program details
  • 30 graduate credits
  • At least 21 aerospace credits
  • Six thesis research credits
  • Online non-thesis option
Institution context
Tuition
$11,016 in-state / $33,048 out-of-state
Graduation rate
82%
Admission rate
46%
Enrollment
34,145

Official program source reviewed August 28, 2026: bulletin.auburn.edu.

Rank #3 Score 75.1

Auburn University

Doctor of Philosophy in Aerospace Engineering

Auburn · Public · Engineering · CIP 14.0201

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Program summary

Auburn’s Aerospace Engineering PhD divides 60 hours among graded graduate coursework, research and dissertation credits, and committee-approved study.

Auburn's bulletin divides the 60-hour doctorate into three stated credit categories. Students complete 10 research and dissertation hours, 30 committee-approved graded credits, and 20 additional graduate-course or dissertation credits within the degree plan.

AERO 8990 supplies the 10 research and dissertation hours. Committee-approved graded graduate courses numbered 6000 through 8999 supply 30 credits, and the final 20 may come from approved graduate courses or dissertation hours in that same course-number range.

With six research doctorates and a 75.1 score, the record fits candidates who prefer a clearly apportioned, committee-directed doctoral plan.

Published program details
  • 60-hour doctoral plan
  • 10 dissertation research hours
  • 30 graded graduate credits
  • Committee-approved study
Institution context
Tuition
$11,016 in-state / $33,048 out-of-state
Graduation rate
82%
Admission rate
46%
Enrollment
34,145

Official program source reviewed August 28, 2026: bulletin.auburn.edu.

Rank #4 Score 71.2

The University of Alabama

Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics, MS

space studies programs in Alabama · Tuscaloosa · Public · Engineering · CIP 14.0201

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Program summary

Alabama’s Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics MS offers on-campus and distance study through either a 30-hour coursework plan or a thesis route.

The thesis option includes 24 coursework hours, six research hours, and an oral defense; the non-thesis option consists of 30 coursework hours.

Distance students can follow the same aerospace and mechanics degree structure without choosing the thesis route. On campus, the research option adds committee supervision, a written thesis, and an oral defense. The shared fluid-mechanics core keeps both paths anchored in the department’s technical field despite the different endpoints for graduate study.

The federal record pairs 43 master’s awards with a 71.2 score, fitting students who need a selectable research or coursework endpoint.

Published program details
  • On-campus and distance delivery
  • 30-hour degree plan
  • Thesis or non-thesis route
  • Fluid mechanics core
Institution context
Tuition
$11,380 in-state / $33,372 out-of-state
Graduation rate
73%
Admission rate
77%
Enrollment
40,846

Official program source reviewed August 28, 2026: catalog.ua.edu.

Rank #5 Score 70.2

The University of Alabama

Aerospace Engineering, BS

Tuscaloosa · Public · Engineering · CIP 14.0201

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Program summary

Alabama’s Aerospace Engineering BS builds 126 credits around mathematics, physics, programming, aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, flight mechanics, and integrated design.

The required sequence includes fluid mechanics, aerodynamics, aerospace structures, propulsion systems, flight dynamics and control, plus two integrated design courses.

The sequence is intentionally integrated: aerodynamics and structures feed into flight dynamics, control, and propulsion before students tackle the paired design courses. Those culminating projects require technical decisions across a complete vehicle and carry the prescribed curriculum from engineering fundamentals into aerospace system design and evaluation.

A 70.2 score accompanies 92 bachelor’s awards, supporting students who want a prescribed technical progression ending in aerospace design work.

Published program details
  • 126-credit curriculum
  • Two integrated design courses
  • Flight dynamics and control
  • Propulsion systems coursework
Institution context
Tuition
$11,380 in-state / $33,372 out-of-state
Graduation rate
73%
Admission rate
77%
Enrollment
40,846

Official program source reviewed August 28, 2026: catalog.ua.edu.

Rank #6 Score 68.5

University of Alabama in Huntsville

Bachelor’s in Aerospace Engineering

Huntsville · Public · Engineering · CIP 14.0201

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Program summary

UAH’s Aerospace Engineering Program connects design and experimentation with professional judgment, teamwork, and communication, and its federal record reports 116 bachelor’s awards.

The published student outcomes make real-world constraints part of engineering design, including public safety, environmental, economic, cultural, and social factors. Graduates are also expected to solve complex problems using engineering, science, and mathematics.

Another published outcome covers experimentation: graduates should be able to develop and conduct tests, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to reach conclusions. The outcomes also cover communication, team leadership, ethical responsibility, and continued learning. The program’s early-career objectives add innovative problem-solving, collaborative work, professional development, and advanced study.

A 68.5 score and 45-of-73 peer position supply direct award and ranking evidence for students reviewing bachelor’s programs nationally in this field.

Published program details
  • Design within real-world constraints
  • Experimentation and data analysis
  • Team leadership and communication
  • Ethical engineering judgment
  • 116 bachelor’s awards
Institution context
Tuition
$10,374 in-state / $24,650 out-of-state
Graduation rate
64%
Admission rate
69%
Enrollment
8,564

Official program source reviewed August 28, 2026: uah.edu.

Rank #7 Score 67.8

University of Alabama in Huntsville

Master of Science in Aerospace Systems Engineering

space studies programs in Alabama · Huntsville · Public · Engineering · CIP 14.0201

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Program summary

UAH’s Aerospace Systems Engineering MS offers 30-credit thesis and coursework-only routes, with formal mathematics and engineering analysis built into its goals.

The thesis route combines 24 coursework hours with six thesis hours, a written thesis, and an oral defense. The non-thesis route consists of 30 coursework hours.

Both routes share the program’s expectation that graduates use formal mathematics to clarify engineering analysis. Thesis students work with a committee and defend their written work. Coursework-only students complete the full credit requirement through classes, making the choice a concrete difference in how the degree concludes.

Its 67.8 score and 35 recorded master’s awards fit engineers who want systems-focused study with a choice of culminating format.

Published program details
  • 30-credit master’s plan
  • Thesis and coursework routes
  • Formal mathematics emphasis
  • Oral thesis defense
Institution context
Tuition
$10,374 in-state / $24,650 out-of-state
Graduation rate
64%
Admission rate
69%
Enrollment
8,564

Official program source reviewed August 28, 2026: uah.edu.

Rank #8 Score 67.7

The University of Alabama

Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics, Ph.D.

Tuscaloosa · Public · Engineering · CIP 14.0201

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Program summary

Alabama’s Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics PhD combines fluid mechanics, advanced mathematics, research coursework, and a defended dissertation.

The doctoral plan assigns 42 hours to coursework and 18 to dissertation research, with mechanics and mathematics represented in the core.

Doctoral students build an approved plan with their committee, then propose, complete, and defend a dissertation that contributes to aerospace engineering or engineering mechanics. The mechanics core and mathematics work keep the project tied to analytical foundations, while the oral defense connects the completed investigation back to that broader preparation.

Eight federally recorded doctorates and a 67.7 score make this a fit for researchers prepared to integrate mechanics coursework with dissertation work.

Published program details
  • 42 coursework hours
  • 18 dissertation research hours
  • Mechanics and mathematics core
  • Oral dissertation defense
Institution context
Tuition
$11,380 in-state / $33,372 out-of-state
Graduation rate
73%
Admission rate
77%
Enrollment
40,846

Official program source reviewed August 28, 2026: catalog.ua.edu.

Rank #9 Score 63.9

Tuskegee University

Bachelor’s in Aerospace Science Engineering

Tuskegee · Private nonprofit · Engineering · CIP 14.0201

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Program summary

Tuskegee’s ABET-accredited Aerospace Science Engineering BS spans aerodynamics, propulsion, orbital mechanics, structures, uncrewed aircraft, and space communications.

The department pairs computational fluid dynamics and aerospace systems coursework with undergraduate research, wind-tunnel work, and preparation for practice or advanced study.

Undergraduate research can move into wind-tunnel testing, uncrewed aircraft, or space communications, adding project work to the accredited classroom sequence. That is a distinctive combination for students who want computational fluid dynamics and orbital mechanics to connect with hardware, experiments, and communication systems before graduation at Tuskegee.

The program’s 63.9 score and eight federal awards fit students seeking an accredited aerospace curriculum with research participation at the bachelor’s level.

Published program details
  • ABET-accredited BS
  • Undergraduate research
  • Wind-tunnel work
  • Uncrewed aircraft systems
  • Space communications
Institution context
Tuition
$21,064
Graduation rate
55%
Admission rate
49%
Enrollment
3,121

Official program source reviewed August 28, 2026: tuskegee.edu.

Rank #10 Score 63.2

University of Alabama in Huntsville

Doctor of Philosophy in Aerospace Systems Engineering

space studies programs in Alabama · Huntsville · Public · Engineering · CIP 14.0201

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Program summary

UAH’s Aerospace Systems Engineering PhD requires independent research, a dissertation, and written and oral stages in its qualifying examination.

The doctoral plan includes at least 66 course and research semester hours beyond the bachelor’s degree, including 18 hours beyond the department’s MS.

The qualifying process starts with a written preliminary examination and continues with an oral examination that includes the dissertation proposal. Admission also requires a UAH faculty member to commit to advising you during the first academic year. After the research and dissertation work, the final comprehensive examination is the dissertation defense.

Federal data record two research doctorates and a 63.2 score, fitting candidates prepared for systems engineering study and a multistage defense process.

Published program details
  • 66 post-bachelor’s semester hours
  • Two-part qualifying exam
  • Independent dissertation research
  • Systems engineering focus
Institution context
Tuition
$10,374 in-state / $24,650 out-of-state
Graduation rate
64%
Admission rate
69%
Enrollment
8,564

Official program source reviewed August 28, 2026: uah.edu.

Continue beyond the state list

Compare Alabama programs with national rankings

Use this list of the best space studies programs in Alabama as your starting point, then move into the same subject, degree level, or career route without restarting your search.

What the federal records show

AL · University of Alabama in Huntsville is one of Alabama’s largest program clusters

This state view contains 10 program records from 4 institutions in 4 cities. Together, those records report 432 recent awards in this ranking of the best space studies programs in Alabama.

Where the records are

University of Alabama in Huntsville contributes 3 records, The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa contributes 3 records, and Auburn University contributes 3 records. Tuskegee University contributes 1 record.

Fields and degree levels

Engineering accounts for 10 records and 432 awards.

At the bachelor’s level, 4 records account for 310 awards. At the master’s level, 3 records account for 106 awards. At the research doctorate level, 3 records account for 16 awards.

Institution and career context

Public institutions contribute 9 records across 3 schools. One private nonprofit institution contributes 1 record. Tuition, admission, graduation, and enrollment figures on each card describe the whole institution.

For aerospace engineers, the statewide median wage is $127,540 across 5,820 jobs. BLS places the 10th-to-90th-percentile range between $78,660 and $195,190.

For aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians, the statewide median wage is $62,130 across 140 jobs. BLS places the 10th-to-90th-percentile range between $43,390 and $110,250.

These wage figures describe statewide occupations, not earnings for graduates of a particular program.

Read before comparing

How to read Alabama’s program records

01

Program facts

CIP field, degree level, and awards belong to the individual program record.

02

School facts

Tuition, admission rate, graduation rate, and enrollment describe the institution, not one department.

03

Current requirements

Confirm delivery mode, laboratories, admissions, and residency rules on the school’s current program page.

Continue comparing

Compare more best space studies programs by state

These nearby or similarly sized directories use the same CIP boundary, so their record counts are comparable.

AR Arkansas 2 records FL Florida 15 records IL Illinois 12 records MI Michigan 7 records

Questions students ask

Questions about the best space studies programs in Alabama

How many space studies programs in Alabama are ranked here?
This directory lists 10 records. Those records come from 4 institutions. Each field-and-level combination counts separately.
Which fields count as space studies in Alabama?
The published scope includes aerospace and astronautical engineering, astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, and space systems operations. Broad pilot training and aviation management sit outside this degree-field boundary.
What degree levels are listed for Alabama?
Degree levels are counted separately in the summary above. A bachelor’s and a master’s at the same university appear as two records because they are different credentials.
How are the best space studies programs in Alabama ranked?
Each program receives a national peer score inside its own field and degree level. The state rank orders those scores, so an astrophysics doctorate is not scored directly against an aerospace engineering bachelor’s degree.
What do the tuition and outcome figures describe?
Tuition, admission rate, graduation rate, and enrollment describe the institution. CIP code, field, degree level, and awards belong to the individual program record. Confirm current costs and program requirements with the school before enrolling.

Primary sources

Sources for space studies programs in Alabama