SPACE STUDIESPROGRAMS

Michigan program rankings

Best Space Studies Programs in Michigan

Compare the best space studies programs in Michigan across 7 degree records and 3 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

7program records
3institutions
312awards recorded
3cities

State program ranking

Best Space Studies Programs in Michigan, 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 92.1

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Bachelor’s in Aerospace Engineering

Program field from IPEDS

space studies programs in Michigan · Ann Arbor · Public · Engineering · CIP 14.0201

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Program summary

Michigan’s undergraduate aerospace requirements cover aerodynamics, aircraft and spacecraft structures, propulsion, dynamics, computing, controls, and aircraft or space-system design.

The aerospace science block carries 26 credits, while a separate 13-credit engineering block includes laboratory work and a choice between aircraft design and space-system design.

The science sequence connects aerodynamics and propulsion with gas dynamics, structures, dynamics and controls, and spacecraft mechanics. Laboratory courses sit beside design, and the final aircraft or space-system route turns the shared foundation into a vehicle-scale project instead of ending with disconnected technical electives.

Those school-published requirements fit a federal aerospace bachelor’s row with 128 awards, a 92.1 score, and position 3 among 73 national peers.

Published program details
  • 26-credit aerospace science block
  • Aircraft and spacecraft structures
  • Aircraft or space-system design
  • 13-credit aerospace engineering block
Institution context
Tuition
$18,516 in-state / $62,749 out-of-state
Graduation rate
93%
Admission rate
16%
Enrollment
52,855

Official program source reviewed August 28, 2026: aero.engin.umich.edu.

Rank #2 Score 90.3

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Master of Science in Engineering

Ann Arbor · Public · Engineering · CIP 14.0201

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Program summary

Michigan’s Master of Science in Engineering centers on 30 graded graduate credits, advanced aerospace coursework, graduate mathematics, and optional directed-study research.

Students typically finish in three academic terms after completing 5 AEROSP courses at the 500 level or higher and 2 approved mathematics courses.

Michigan describes the MSE as coursework-based, with original research available only through selected for-credit projects. You can use directed study and graduate seminars within stated limits, but neither replaces the advanced aerospace and mathematics core, keeping the flexible plan anchored in upper-level technical study across the degree.

Michigan’s federal aerospace master’s row reports 129 awards and a 90.3 score, which corresponds to position 7 across 69 national peers.

Published program details
  • 30 graded graduate credits
  • 5 advanced AEROSP courses
  • 2 approved mathematics courses
  • AEROSP 590 directed study
Institution context
Tuition
$18,516 in-state / $62,749 out-of-state
Graduation rate
93%
Admission rate
16%
Enrollment
52,855

Official program source reviewed August 28, 2026: aero.engin.umich.edu.

Rank #3 Score 89.6

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Doctor of Philosophy in Aerospace Engineering

Ann Arbor · Public · Engineering · CIP 14.0201

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Program summary

Michigan’s aerospace PhD typically spans five years, combining oral preliminary examinations, original faculty-guided research, a dissertation, and final defense.

Before candidacy, students complete at least 18 Michigan credit hours, a cognate requirement, responsible-conduct workshops, and oral coursework and research examinations.

The two preliminary examinations separate mastery of aerospace coursework from readiness to conduct original research. After candidacy, the dissertation and oral defense become the center of the plan. Departmental funding continues for students who make satisfactory progress through the published academic and research milestones.

The program’s 89.6 score and 25 reported doctorates fit researchers prepared for a structured path from examinations through publishable dissertation work.

Published program details
  • Typical five-year commitment
  • Two oral preliminary exams
  • At least 18 Michigan credits
  • Dissertation and oral defense
  • Funding with satisfactory progress
Institution context
Tuition
$18,516 in-state / $62,749 out-of-state
Graduation rate
93%
Admission rate
16%
Enrollment
52,855

Official program source reviewed August 28, 2026: aero.engin.umich.edu.

Rank #4 Score 87.8

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Bachelor’s in Astronomy

Program field from IPEDS

space studies programs in Michigan · Ann Arbor · Public · Space science · CIP 40.0201

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Program summary

Michigan's bachelor's astronomy source combines cosmology with undergraduate research, backed by 18 awards, an 87.8 score, and rank 7 of 57.

The official undergraduate source names astronomy, astrophysics, and cosmology at the University of Michigan, and it identifies undergraduate research within its official program page.

Students choose between a physics-intensive Astronomy and Astrophysics major and an Interdisciplinary Astronomy option designed as a second major. The former prepares for graduate research and technical industry, while the latter connects astronomy with another STEM field, teaching, science writing, policy, or outreach.

An 87.8 federal score places the entry 7 among 57 and above the 76.5 peer median. Its 18 awards exceed the median of 6, while $18,516 in-state tuition is below $19,472.

Published program details
  • Astronomy and astrophysics
  • Cosmology focus
  • Undergraduate research
  • 18 astronomy awards
  • Rank 7 of 57
Institution context
Tuition
$18,516 in-state / $62,749 out-of-state
Graduation rate
93%
Admission rate
16%
Enrollment
52,855

Official program source reviewed August 28, 2026: lsa.umich.edu.

Rank #5 Score 82.2

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Doctorate in Astronomy

Program field from IPEDS

Ann Arbor · Public · Space science · CIP 40.0201

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Program summary

Michigan's astronomy doctorate spans stellar physics, star formation, galaxies, and exoplanets, with 3 awards and an 82.2 federal score.

The University of Michigan's doctoral astronomy source connects astronomy and astrophysics with stellar physics, star formation, galaxies, and exoplanets in its official degree requirements.

The first two years combine core and cognate courses with precandidate research. Advancement requires a research adviser, responsible-conduct training, a written project generally completed through a first-authored paper, and an oral candidacy examination focused on both the student’s investigation and its larger astronomical ideas.

Federal data records 3 awards, matching the peer median, and an 82.2 score that places the entry 8 of 28. The score exceeds 75.3, while the institution's graduation rate is 93%.

Published program details
  • Stellar physics
  • Star formation and galaxies
  • Published exoplanets
  • 3 doctoral awards
  • 82.2 federal score
Institution context
Tuition
$18,516 in-state / $62,749 out-of-state
Graduation rate
93%
Admission rate
16%
Enrollment
52,855

Official program source reviewed August 28, 2026: lsa.umich.edu.

Rank #6 Score 61.5

Wayne State University

Bachelor of Science in Astronomy

Detroit · Public · Space science · CIP 40.0201

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Program summary

Wayne State's astronomy B.S. links astrophysics and dark matter with observatory work, while its $14,274 in-state tuition sits below the peer median.

The Bachelor of Science in Astronomy at Wayne State names astronomy, astrophysics, and dark matter, with observatory work included in the official program description.

A rigorous mathematics and physics foundation builds problem solving, data analysis, scientific communication, physical reasoning, and computational skill. Beyond the rooftop observatory, students can use Wayne State’s remote New Mexico observatory, and the accelerated graduate option permits qualified majors to begin master’s coursework during the bachelor’s degree.

Federal data records 3 awards and a 61.5 score, corresponding to rank 49 among 57. The score trails the 76.5 peer median, while $14,274 in-state tuition is below $19,472.

Published program details
  • Astrophysics focus
  • Dark matter
  • Observatory work
  • $14,274 in-state tuition
Institution context
Tuition
$14,274 in-state / $32,765 out-of-state
Graduation rate
58%
Admission rate
81%
Enrollment
23,803

Official program source reviewed August 28, 2026: clas.wayne.edu.

Rank #7 Score 58.9

Central Michigan University

Bachelor’s in Astronomy and Astrophysics

space studies programs in Michigan · Mount Pleasant · Public · Space science · CIP 40.0201

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Program summary

Central Michigan's astronomy major connects black holes and spectroscopy to observatory and telescope work, while 6 awards match the peer median.

The Astronomy and Astrophysics Major covers astronomy, astrophysics, black holes, observational astronomy, and spectroscopy, with observatory and telescope-based work also identified.

Each student completes a final project with a faculty adviser to demonstrate knowledge across the major. Central Michigan also reports undergraduate participation in research assistantships and presentations at national venues, adding a public research outcome to the program’s individualized advising and observational work.

Federal data records 6 awards, equal to the peer median, and a 58.9 score that places the entry 54 of 57. Its $15,030 in-state tuition is below the $19,472 peer median.

Published program details
  • Black holes
  • Observational astronomy
  • Spectroscopy focus
  • Observatory and telescope work
  • 6 astronomy awards
Institution context
Tuition
$15,030
Graduation rate
59%
Admission rate
90%
Enrollment
14,488

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

Continue beyond the state list

Compare Michigan programs with national rankings

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

What the federal records show

MI · 7 records connect 3 institutions across 3 cities

This state view contains 7 program records from 3 institutions in 3 cities. Together, those records report 312 recent awards in this ranking of the best space studies programs in Michigan.

Where the records are

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor contributes 5 records, Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant contributes 1 record, and Wayne State University in Detroit contributes 1 record.

Fields and degree levels

Space science accounts for 4 records and 30 awards. Engineering accounts for 3 records and 282 awards.

At the bachelor’s level, 4 records account for 155 awards. At the research doctorate level, 2 records account for 28 awards. At the master’s level, 1 record accounts for 129 awards.

Institution and career context

Public institutions contribute 7 records across 3 schools. Tuition, admission, graduation, and enrollment figures on each card describe the whole institution.

For aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians, the statewide median wage is $69,840 across 70 jobs. BLS places the 10th-to-90th-percentile range between $42,700 and $98,610.

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

Read before comparing

How to read Michigan’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.

IN Indiana 5 records IA Iowa 2 records NC North Carolina 1 record OK Oklahoma 1 record

Questions students ask

Questions about the best space studies programs in Michigan

How many space studies programs in Michigan are ranked here?
This directory lists 7 records. Those records come from 3 institutions. Each field-and-level combination counts separately.
Which fields count as space studies in Michigan?
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 Michigan?
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 Michigan 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 Michigan