SPACE STUDIESPROGRAMS

Arkansas program rankings

Best Space Studies Programs in Arkansas

Compare the best space studies programs in Arkansas across 2 degree records and 1 institution. 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

2program records
1institution
2awards recorded
1city

State program ranking

Best Space Studies Programs in Arkansas, 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 66.0

University of Arkansas

Doctorate in Planetary Science

Program field from IPEDS

space studies programs in Arkansas · Fayetteville · Public · Space science · CIP 40.0203

Open the official program page

Program summary

Arkansas’s Space and Planetary Sciences PhD spans astronomical processes, planetary surfaces and atmospheres, astrobiology, mission instrumentation, and applications to multiple worlds.

The graduate program combines advanced coursework and research on Mars, Venus, Pluto, ice worlds, geological processes, spacecraft design, and planetary atmospheres.

The program crosses traditional department lines, linking planetary atmospheres and geology with astrobiology, astronautics, thermodynamics, and mission instrumentation. Doctoral students use that mix to study several worlds and then focus it through dissertation research, which is useful if the question depends on both physical science and spacecraft engineering methods.

One research doctorate, a score of 66, and 6-of-7 peer position fit candidates seeking cross-disciplinary planetary investigation and dissertation work.

Published program details
  • Planetary atmospheres
  • Mission instrumentation
  • Astrobiology coursework
  • Multiple-world applications
  • Doctoral dissertation
Institution context
Tuition
$7,896 in-state / $27,758 out-of-state
Graduation rate
71%
Admission rate
74%
Enrollment
33,610

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

Rank #2 Score 66.0

University of Arkansas

Master’s in Planetary Science

Program field from IPEDS

Fayetteville · Public · Space science · CIP 40.0203

Open the official program page

Program summary

Arkansas’s Space and Planetary Sciences MS offers thesis and non-thesis 30-credit routes grounded in astrophysics, planetary atmospheres, geology, astrobiology, and astronautics.

The thesis track pairs 24 coursework hours with six thesis hours. The non-thesis route also totals 30 credits and uses additional electives.

Master’s students share an interdisciplinary base in planetary geology, atmospheres, astrobiology, astronautics, and mission instrumentation. The thesis option develops that breadth through supervised research. The non-thesis route adds electives, giving you a direct choice between a focused investigation and broader technical coverage.

A 66 score, one recorded master’s award, and 6-of-7 peer position suit students comparing research and coursework pathways in planetary science.

Published program details
  • 30-credit master’s routes
  • Thesis and non-thesis options
  • Planetary geology
  • Astrobiology core choice
  • Astronautics coursework
Institution context
Tuition
$7,896 in-state / $27,758 out-of-state
Graduation rate
71%
Admission rate
74%
Enrollment
33,610

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

Continue beyond the state list

Compare Arkansas programs with national rankings

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

What the federal records show

AR · planetary astronomy and science appears in the Arkansas directory

This state view contains 2 program records from 1 institution in 1 city. Together, those records report 2 recent awards in this ranking of the best space studies programs in Arkansas.

Where the records are

University of Arkansas in Fayetteville supplies all 2 records in this state directory.

Fields and degree levels

Space science accounts for 2 records and 2 awards.

At the master’s level, 1 record accounts for 1 award. At the research doctorate level, 1 record accounts for 1 award.

Institution and career context

One public institution contributes 2 records. Tuition, admission, graduation, and enrollment figures on each card describe the whole institution.

For aerospace engineers, the statewide median wage is $102,040 across 180 jobs. BLS places the 10th-to-90th-percentile range between $72,590 and $155,680.

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

Read before comparing

How to read Arkansas’ 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.

KY Kentucky 2 records MD Maryland 5 records WI Wisconsin 1 record WY Wyoming 1 record

Questions students ask

Questions about the best space studies programs in Arkansas

How many space studies programs in Arkansas are ranked here?
This directory lists 2 records. Those records come from 1 institution. Each field-and-level combination counts separately.
Which fields count as space studies in Arkansas?
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 Arkansas?
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 Arkansas 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

Primary sources for Arkansas’ degree directory