Undergraduate Study / Programs / Certificates & MinorsSpace Engineering Certificate
Space is humanity's next frontier, presenting unprecedented engineering challenges and opportunities. The Space Engineering Certificate brings together coursework across engineering, science, and technology to prepare Northwestern undergraduates to address the challenges of getting to space, thriving in space, and benefiting from space.
The certificate is an interdisciplinary program designed to build on Northwestern's strengths in materials, mechanics, autonomous systems, communication systems, energy, and advanced manufacturing while providing students with a foundation for engineering in space and other remote and extreme environments.
Who Should Enroll?
The Space Engineering Certificate is open to all Northwestern undergraduate students. It is primarily intended for students in McCormick School of Engineering, as well as students in Physics and Astronomy in Weinberg who are interested in space engineering and related technologies. The certificate is particularly suited to students who want to complement their major with interdisciplinary coursework addressing the engineering challenges of space exploration, space systems, remote environments, and related applications.
Why Pursue a Space Engineering Certificate?
Space engineering requires expertise that crosses traditional disciplinary boundaries. The certificate gives students the opportunity to build that breadth through coursework and team-based projects, spanning engineering mechanics, propulsion, thermal systems, materials, autonomous systems, communications, sensing, artificial intelligence, robotics, energy, and space science. Students will explore three complementary dimensions of space engineering:
- Getting to Space: Engineering the systems and technologies required to reach and operate in space.
- Thriving in Space: Developing technologies and systems that enable humans and machines to operate in remote and extreme environments.
- Benefiting from Space: Applying space-based technologies, science, and capabilities to address challenges and create opportunities on Earth and beyond.
The program provides a cross-cutting approach to space engineering, while allowing students to select coursework aligned with their interests and existing academic background.
How to Apply
Admission to the Space Engineering Certificate is through a simple application process. Apply via the online application form.
- A current CV
- A transcript including GPA
- A 200-word essay outlining their interest in Space Engineering
Recommendation letters are not required. Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible and must apply no later than the Spring Quarter of their junior year. Applications will be evaluated by the faculty committee overseeing the certificate.
Certificate Requirements
The Space Engineering Certificate consists of five (5) courses:
- Introductory course (1 unit)
- Space-focused projects course (1 unit)
- Elective courses (3 units)
At least four (4) courses must be uniquely associated with the certificate; only one (1) unit may double-count towards their other degree(s). Students must earn a grade of C or better in each course submitted toward the certificate.
Required Introductory Course
Students complete one (1) unit of the following:
- GEN_ENG: Introduction to Space Engineering
- MECH_ENG 364: Introduction to Aerospace Engineering
Space Engineering Projects Course
Students complete one (1) unit of a 300-level or above projects course, such as a 399 or similar course, with a space-related theme. Projects must be approved by the faculty committee overseeing the certificate.
Elective Courses
Students complete three (3) units of 300-level or above elective courses selected from the Space Engineering elective modules below. Electives must come from at least two (2) of the three modules. If a course appears in more than one module, it may be used to satisfy only one (1) of the modules.
The course list may be updated by the faculty committee overseeing the certificate as new courses are developed and course availability changes. Students may also petition the faculty committee to consider other courses for inclusion in the elective modules.
The elective curriculum is organized around the three interconnected areas of space engineering. Courses are grouped by department within each module.
