SPACE STUDIESPROGRAMS

Florida program rankings

Best Space Studies Programs in Florida

Compare the best space studies programs in Florida across 15 degree records and 6 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

15program records
6institutions
1,039awards recorded
5cities

State program ranking

Best Space Studies Programs in Florida, 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 92.4

University of Florida

Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering

space studies programs in Florida · Gainesville · Public · Engineering · CIP 14.0201

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Program summary

Florida’s aerospace bachelor’s combines an ABET-accredited curriculum with critical-tracking standards, advanced aeronautics and astronautics, and a major design assessment.

The curriculum requires a 2.8 GPA across 8 critical-tracking courses, includes 2 aerospace electives, and culminates in a faculty or industry assessment of major design work.

Before the aerospace sequence, the plan builds through calculus, physics, programming, computer-aided design, statics, thermodynamics, materials, and numerical methods. Later work turns that foundation toward compressible flow, astrodynamics, structures, propulsion, laboratory work, and senior design, with electives extending into space-vehicle control and space systems design.

Florida’s federal bachelor’s aerospace row carries 143 awards and a 92.4 score, with national placement of 2 across 73 peers.

Published program details
  • ABET-accredited aerospace curriculum
  • 2.8 critical-tracking GPA
  • 2 required aerospace electives
  • Major design assessment
Institution context
Tuition
$4,477 in-state / $25,694 out-of-state
Graduation rate
91%
Admission rate
24%
Enrollment
56,311

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

Rank #2 Score 90.5

University of Florida

Master’s in Aerospace Engineering

Gainesville · Public · Engineering · CIP 14.0201

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Program summary

Florida’s Aerospace Engineering graduate catalog lists MS and ME routes with thesis pathways and graduate study in fluid mechanics.

The department offers Master of Science and Master of Engineering credentials in aerospace engineering, and its published course list includes fluid mechanics and computational fluid dynamics.

Both master’s credentials can be completed with thesis or non-thesis study, but the thesis route adds a supervisory committee and approved research plan. Graduate coursework must keep a substantial share inside aerospace, while approved technical work from other fields can support the remaining part of the program.

The associated federal aerospace master’s row reports 52 awards and a 90.5 score, with position 5 across 69 national peers.

Published program details
  • Master of Science route
  • Master of Engineering route
  • Thesis pathway
  • Fluid mechanics coursework
Institution context
Tuition
$4,477 in-state / $25,694 out-of-state
Graduation rate
91%
Admission rate
24%
Enrollment
56,311

Official program source reviewed August 29, 2026: gradcatalog.ufl.edu.

Rank #3 Score 82.7

University of Central Florida

Aerospace Engineering (BSAE) Degree

Orlando · Public · Engineering · CIP 14.0201

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Program summary

UCF’s Aerospace Engineering BSAE covers aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, flight mechanics, controls, avionics, materials, and computational fluid dynamics.

The ABET-accredited curriculum includes research opportunities, laboratory measurement work, experimental rocketry, and an accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s route alongside aeronautical and astronautical study.

Required technical work reaches aerospace materials, where students examine bonding, crystal structures, phase changes, heat treatment, and mechanical behavior, as well as aerodynamics involving viscous flow, finite wings, and computational fluid methods. Faculty research laboratories give undergraduates another practical route into engineering projects beyond the scheduled course sequence.

Its federal aerospace bachelor’s record contains 226 awards and an 82.7 score, corresponding to position 23 across 73 national peers.

Published program details
  • ABET-accredited curriculum
  • Accelerated BS-to-MS route
  • Computational fluid dynamics
  • Aerospace measurement laboratories
  • Experimental rocketry
Institution context
Tuition
$4,478 in-state / $19,810 out-of-state
Graduation rate
78%
Admission rate
40%
Enrollment
69,713

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

Rank #4 Score 81.9

University of Central Florida

Aerospace Engineering (MSAE)

space studies programs in Florida · Orlando · Public · Engineering · CIP 14.0201

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Program summary

UCF's online MSAE pairs a thesis pathway with guidance, control, computational fluid dynamics, and rocket systems, supported by 60 federal awards.

Aerospace Engineering (MSAE) is offered online and covers aerodynamics, propulsion, flight dynamics, guidance and control, thermodynamics, structures, computational fluid dynamics, and rocket systems.

The Space Systems Design and Engineering option frames the MSAE as preparation for aerospace engineering careers, with a format available through UCF Online. Newly admitted students who complete the program exclusively through online classes may receive reduced campus-based fees, making delivery format part of the program’s practical structure.

The official source identifies a thesis pathway. Federal data records 60 awards and an 81.9 score, placing the entry 21 of 69, while $4,478 in-state tuition is below the $11,835 peer median.

Published program details
  • Online study
  • Thesis pathway
  • Guidance and control
  • Computational fluid dynamics
  • 60 master's awards
Institution context
Tuition
$4,478 in-state / $19,810 out-of-state
Graduation rate
78%
Admission rate
40%
Enrollment
69,713

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

Rank #5 Score 79.8

University of Miami

B.S. in Aerospace Engineering

Coral Gables · Private nonprofit · Engineering · CIP 14.0201

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Program summary

Miami's B.S. builds through flight dynamics, structures, thermodynamics, and capstone design, while an above-median 79.8 score accompanies 11 awards.

The B.S. in Aerospace Engineering covers aerodynamics, propulsion, flight dynamics, aerospace structures, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics, with capstone or senior design as its culminating work.

Beyond the engineering core, students complete multiple cognates, each made up of a coordinated group of courses, plus upper-level mechanical and aerospace engineering technical electives. This structure reserves part of the degree for connected study outside the fixed aerospace sequence while retaining advanced work inside the department.

Federal data places the entry 30 of 73 with a 79.8 score, above the 75.5 peer median. Its 11 awards sit below the median of 70, while institution tuition is $60,720.

Published program details
  • Flight dynamics
  • Aerospace structures
  • Capstone or senior design
  • 79.8 federal score
Institution context
Tuition
$60,720
Graduation rate
84%
Admission rate
19%
Enrollment
19,852

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

Rank #6 Score 79.0

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach

Master of Science in Space Operations

Daytona Beach · Private nonprofit · Space operations · CIP 29.0305

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Program summary

Embry-Riddle's Space Operations master's combines spacecraft design, remote sensing, communications, and thesis work, then ranks 1 of 4 at 79.

The Master of Science in Space Operations covers spacecraft design, remote sensing, mission operations, and space communications, with a thesis identified by the official source.

The program serves current space professionals, people moving into the sector, and undergraduates continuing to graduate study. Its published outcomes include mission operations, spacecraft systems, human spaceflight, safety, human factors, statistical analysis, research methods, program management, and clear communication about technical space topics.

A 79 federal score places the entry 1 of 4 and exceeds the 71.1 peer median. The record contains 1 award against a peer median of 26, while tuition equals the $42,408 median.

Published program details
  • Spacecraft design
  • Mission operations
  • Space communications
  • Thesis pathway
  • Rank 1 of 4
Institution context
Tuition
$42,408
Graduation rate
67%
Admission rate
65%
Enrollment
11,426

Official program source reviewed August 29, 2026: erau.edu.

Rank #7 Score 77.0

University of Central Florida

Aerospace Engineering (PhD) Post-Master's Track Degree

space studies programs in Florida · Orlando · Public · Engineering · CIP 14.0201

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Program summary

UCF’s post-master’s Aerospace Engineering PhD combines advanced coursework, independent research, technical communication, qualifying examinations, and dissertation study.

The 42-credit track requires at least 15 formal coursework credits and 15 dissertation research credits, with qualifying examinations expected during the first year.

This post-master’s route accepts students whose prior graduate training is in aerospace engineering or a related technical field and moves them into higher-level doctoral research preparation. UCF frames the doctorate for research and development careers in private industry, academia, government laboratories, and public research agencies. The track is specifically structured for post-master's study.

The federal aerospace research-doctorate row reports 5 awards and a 77 score, corresponding to position 22 among 46 national peers.

Published program details
  • 42-credit post-master’s track
  • 15 formal coursework credits
  • 15 dissertation research credits
  • First-year qualifying examinations
  • Independent aerospace research
Institution context
Tuition
$4,478 in-state / $19,810 out-of-state
Graduation rate
78%
Admission rate
40%
Enrollment
69,713

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

Rank #8 Score 74.1

Florida Institute of Technology

Space Systems Management, M.S.

Melbourne · Private nonprofit · Space operations · CIP 29.0305

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Program summary

Florida Tech's Space Systems Management M.S. centers propulsion, systems engineering, and ground systems, while 31 awards and a 74.1 score exceed peer medians.

Space Systems Management, M.S. links propulsion with systems engineering and ground systems in Florida Institute of Technology's official program description.

A research-centered capstone develops study design, evaluation, and professional written and oral presentation. Students arrive from varied backgrounds and collaborate on projects, while assistantships with NASA, SpaceX, and other commercial space companies can connect the curriculum to space-system design, operations, and management work.

Federal data ranks the entry 2 of 4 with a 74.1 score, above the 71.1 peer median. Its 31 awards also exceed the median of 26, while institution tuition is $44,620.

Published program details
  • Systems engineering
  • Ground systems
  • 31 space operations awards
  • Rank 2 of 4
Institution context
Tuition
$44,620
Graduation rate
64%
Admission rate
58%
Enrollment
8,992

Official program source reviewed August 29, 2026: fit.edu.

Rank #9 Score 68.0

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide

Master of Space Operations

Daytona Beach · Private nonprofit · Space operations · CIP 29.0305

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Program summary

Embry-Riddle Worldwide's Master of Space Operations centers spaceflight operations and reports 40 awards, a 68 score, and rank 3 of 4.

The Master of Space Operations source identifies spaceflight operations as the academic focus for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide's master's record in the official degree description.

The online curriculum integrates space-domain awareness, space research, and operational practice. Students learn to apply technical principles to conduct operations, plan space capabilities, and execute missions, with the program aimed at engineers, computing and physical-science graduates, working professionals, and people moving into commercial, civil, or defense leadership.

Federal data reports 40 awards, above the peer median of 26, and a 68 score that places the entry 3 of 4. Institution tuition of $12,072 is below $42,408.

Published program details
  • Spaceflight operations
  • 40 space operations awards
  • Rank 3 of 4
  • $12,072 institution tuition
Institution context
Tuition
$12,072
Graduation rate
21%
Admission rate
58%
Enrollment
12,770

Official program source reviewed August 29, 2026: erau.edu.

Rank #10 Score 67.6

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach

Bachelor’s in Aerospace Engineering

Program field from IPEDS

space studies programs in Florida · Daytona Beach · Private nonprofit · Engineering · CIP 14.0201

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Program summary

Embry-Riddle's bachelor's aerospace record joins autonomous systems and rocket systems with capstone work, internships, and 327 federal awards.

The Daytona Beach aerospace source covers aerodynamics, propulsion, aerospace and materials structures, rocket systems, systems engineering, and autonomous systems, then identifies capstone or senior design and internships.

Laboratory work and a yearlong capstone move students from analysis into designing, building, and testing aerospace systems. Additional study in control systems, sensor integration, and mission reliability supports projects involving aircraft performance and space exploration, while faculty-led research offers another route into flight and space technology.

Its 327 awards exceed the peer median of 70, while the 67.6 score sits below the 75.5 median and ranks 50 of 73. Institution tuition is $42,408.

Published program details
  • Autonomous systems
  • Rocket systems
  • Capstone or senior design
  • Published internships
  • 327 aerospace awards
Institution context
Tuition
$42,408
Graduation rate
67%
Admission rate
65%
Enrollment
11,426

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

Rank #11 Score 67.6

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach

Master’s in Aerospace Engineering

Program field from IPEDS

Daytona Beach · Private nonprofit · Engineering · CIP 14.0201

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Program summary

Embry-Riddle's master's aerospace entry combines autonomous systems, propulsion, and structures with 76 awards, while its 67.6 score trails the peer median.

Embry-Riddle's official aerospace source links aerodynamics and propulsion with aerospace structures, materials and structures, rocket systems, systems engineering, and autonomous systems.

Graduate research areas include aeroacoustics, astrodynamics, planetary robotics, dynamics and control, structures and materials, and broader space systems. Faculty mentorship and interdisciplinary projects connect those specialties with industry partnerships, giving the master’s setting both applied engineering problems and a route into continued aerospace research.

The federal record contains 76 awards, more than the peer median of 25, and ranks 48 of 69 with a 67.6 score. The corresponding peer score median is 74.4.

Published program details
  • Autonomous systems
  • Systems engineering
  • Materials and structures
  • 76 master's awards
Institution context
Tuition
$42,408
Graduation rate
67%
Admission rate
65%
Enrollment
11,426

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

Rank #12 Score 66.0

Florida Institute of Technology

Astronomy and Astrophysics, B.S.

Melbourne · Private nonprofit · Space science · CIP 40.0299

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Program summary

Florida Tech's Astronomy and Astrophysics B.S. offers broad observational subjects and field experience, while 26 awards contrast with a 66 federal score.

The degree brings orbital mechanics and planetary science together with cosmology, stellar physics, galaxies, exoplanets, black holes, and observational astronomy.

Undergraduate research has included monitoring the Deep Impact mission at Kitt Peak, work connected to the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider, and development and testing of night-vision optics. Students can also use telescope observations or data from space-based observatories as the basis for faculty-guided projects.

Florida Tech also identifies internships, observatory work, and telescope-based work. Federal data reports 26 awards and ranks the entry 7 of 8 at 66, with $44,620 tuition below the $45,595 peer median.

Published program details
  • Orbital mechanics and cosmology
  • Exoplanets and black holes
  • Published internships
  • Observatory and telescope work
  • 26 federal awards
Institution context
Tuition
$44,620
Graduation rate
64%
Admission rate
58%
Enrollment
8,992

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

Rank #13 Score 65.3

Florida Institute of Technology

Online Masters in Space Systems Degree

space studies programs in Florida · Melbourne · Private nonprofit · Engineering · CIP 14.0201

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Program summary

Florida Tech's online Space Systems master's spans guidance, telemetry, remote sensing, and mission operations, with a thesis and 30 aerospace-coded awards.

The Online Masters in Space Systems Degree covers propulsion, guidance and control, materials and structures, rocket systems, astronomy, remote sensing, mission operations, communications, and telemetry.

The multidisciplinary plan adds space power, the spacecraft environment, dynamics and control, astrodynamics, and space data to the systems core. Students also select a block of career-focused electives, allowing an engineering background to develop toward planning, building, and managing spacecraft systems and subsystems.

The source also identifies a thesis. Federal data records 30 awards and a 65.3 score, placing the aerospace-coded entry 53 of 69, with awards above the 25 peer median.

Published program details
  • Online space systems study
  • Guidance and control
  • Mission operations and telemetry
  • Thesis pathway
  • 30 federal awards
Institution context
Tuition
$44,620
Graduation rate
64%
Admission rate
58%
Enrollment
8,992

Official program source reviewed August 29, 2026: online.fit.edu.

Rank #14 Score 64.0

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach

Doctorate in Aerospace Engineering

Program field from IPEDS

Daytona Beach · Private nonprofit · Engineering · CIP 14.0201

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Program summary

Embry-Riddle's aerospace doctorate spans rocket systems, autonomous systems, propulsion, and structures, with award volume above its peer median but a lower score.

The official aerospace engineering source names aerodynamics, propulsion, aerospace structures, materials and structures, rocket systems, systems engineering, and autonomous systems at Embry-Riddle's Daytona Beach campus.

Doctoral research can extend into aeroacoustics, dynamics and control, astrodynamics, planetary robotics, and space systems. The college emphasizes faculty-mentored work, interdisciplinary collaboration, and industry partnerships, giving graduate researchers a setting that joins fundamental investigation with applied and translational aerospace projects.

Federal data reports 10 awards, above the peer median of 6, and a 64 score, below the 76.2 median. The record ranks 35 of 46, while institution tuition is $42,408.

Published program details
  • Rocket systems
  • Autonomous systems
  • Aerospace structures
  • 10 doctoral awards
Institution context
Tuition
$42,408
Graduation rate
67%
Admission rate
65%
Enrollment
11,426

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

Rank #15 Score 57.8

Florida Institute of Technology

Astronomy and Astrophysics, B.S.

Melbourne · Private nonprofit · Space science · CIP 40.0203

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Program summary

Florida Tech's astronomy degree connects planetary science and orbital mechanics to internships and observatory work, but the associated record ranks 5 of 5.

Astronomy and Astrophysics, B.S. spans orbital mechanics, cosmology, planetary science, stellar physics, galaxies, exoplanets, black holes, and observational astronomy within the official undergraduate program.

Florida Tech’s membership in the Southeastern Association for Research in Astronomy gives students access to automated telescopes in Arizona, Chile, and the Canary Islands. Faculty also encourage undergraduate projects using campus telescopes or data from space observatories, including the Hubble and James Webb space telescopes.

The source adds internships, observatory work, and telescope-based work. Federal planetary science data reports 1 award and a 57.8 score, placing the entry 5 of 5 against a 73.1 peer median.

Published program details
  • Orbital mechanics
  • Planetary science
  • Exoplanets and black holes
  • Observatory and telescope work
  • Rank 5 of 5
Institution context
Tuition
$44,620
Graduation rate
64%
Admission rate
58%
Enrollment
8,992

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

Continue beyond the state list

Compare Florida programs with national rankings

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

What the federal records show

FL · Daytona Beach contributes 4 records

This state view contains 15 program records from 6 institutions in 5 cities. Together, those records report 1039 recent awards in this ranking of the best space studies programs in Florida.

Where the records are

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach contributes 4 records, Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne contributes 4 records, and University of Central Florida in Orlando contributes 3 records. The other 3 institutions account for 4 records.

Daytona Beach contributes 5 records, Melbourne contributes 4 records, Orlando contributes 3 records, and Gainesville contributes 2 records. Another 1 city contributes 1 record.

Fields and degree levels

Engineering accounts for 10 records and 940 awards. Space operations accounts for 3 records and 72 awards. Space science accounts for 2 records and 27 awards.

At the master’s level, 7 records account for 290 awards. At the bachelor’s level, 6 records account for 734 awards. At the research doctorate level, 2 records account for 15 awards.

Institution and career context

Public institutions contribute 5 records across 2 schools. Private nonprofit institutions contribute 10 records across 4 schools. Tuition, admission, graduation, and enrollment figures on each card describe the whole institution.

For aerospace engineers, the statewide median wage is $129,280 across 3,250 jobs. BLS places the 10th-to-90th-percentile range between $84,210 and $177,070.

For aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians, the statewide median wage is $78,560 across 770 jobs. BLS places the 10th-to-90th-percentile range between $57,200 and $122,870.

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

Read before comparing

How to read Florida’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.

OK Oklahoma 1 record SC South Carolina 1 record MT Montana 1 record NH New Hampshire 1 record

Questions students ask

Questions about the best space studies programs in Florida

How many space studies programs in Florida are ranked here?
This directory lists 15 records. Those records come from 6 institutions. Each field-and-level combination counts separately.
Which fields count as space studies in Florida?
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 Florida?
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 Florida 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 Florida