Online Commercial Space Applications Graduate Certificate
Master the Business of Space-Related Ventures
At a Glance
The online Commercial Space Applications graduate certificate prepares professionals in business, aerospace, and defense to understand the business landscape, funding models, and strategic challenges of space-related ventures.
Offered through the AACSB-accredited OU Price College of Business, the Commercial Space Applications certificate is built for ambitious professionals who are ready to lead, innovate, and accelerate their careers.
To learn more about this certificate, connect with Michelle Brown, Associate Director, Executive Program in Aerospace & Defense at https://calendly.com/michelleoumba.
Hybrid Program
Time to Complete:
6 Months
Credit Hours:
12
Time Commitment:
10 to 20 Hours Weekly
start dates
Fall, Spring
cost
The online Commercial Space Applications graduate certificate offers a high return on investment. You’ll gain knowledge and skills that prepare you to innovate and lead strategically in the commercial space business, as well as the potential for increased pay in the field.
Tuition and fees for the program are $26,580 ($2,215 per credit hour). Books and materials are included. There is no application fee or deposit for this certificate.
About the Certificate
The commercial space industry is growing rapidly, transforming what was once the exclusive domain of governments into a dynamic, innovation-driven market. As private companies accelerate investment and development, there is a rising need for professionals who understand the business landscape, funding models, and strategic challenges of the business of space.
The University of Oklahoma’s online Commercial Space Applications Graduate Certificate is a 12-credit-hour program designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills to lead space-related ventures in the aerospace and defense industry. Delivered through OU’s AACSB-accredited Price College of Business, the curriculum consists of six business courses specific to the aerospace and defense industry that empower students to synthesize complex concepts and apply integrative thinking across aerospace, defense, and business functions.
Students explore topics such as business opportunities in space, aerospace and defense strategy, and innovation and investment in space, gaining practical tools to strategically lead and innovate in commercial space businesses. Whether you work in business, aerospace, or defense, this flexible, 100% online certificate prepares you to lead, innovate, and accelerate your career.
In addition, the 12 credit hours you earn through the Commercial Space Applications certificate are fully transferable to OU’s EMBA in Aerospace & Defense degree program, allowing you to build momentum now and potentially shorten the time required to complete your master’s degree if you choose to continue.
To learn more about this certificate, connect with Michelle Brown, Associate Director, Executive Programs in Aerospace & Defense at https://calendly.com/michelleoumba
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Course Details
The Commercial Space Applications Certificate features a focused curriculum that explores a wide range of topics including innovation, investment strategies, legal frameworks, and global market dynamics. Whether you're launching new ventures or guiding established organizations, this curriculum provides the strategic insight and practical tools needed to navigate and lead in the evolving commercial space sector.
Core Courses
- The Future of Space (2 credit hours)
- Space and Small Business: Business Opportunities in the Space Economy (2)
- Private Equity and Investment in Space (2)
- Legal Environment for Aerospace and Defense (2)
- Global Aerospace and Defense Strategy (2)
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Aerospace & Defense (2)
Expand each course below to view more about the topics covered and how they prepare you for leadership in the commercial space industry.
Course Structure
You’ll earn 12 credit hours across six courses. Four courses are taught 100% online and last for 8 weeks, while the remaining two courses are taught in person as part of a week-long residency in Milan, Italy. You can expect a time commitment of 10-20 hours on average per week for two courses.
The four online courses are synchronous and require live attendance. Live sessions are taught on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. CT and may include guest speakers. The class gathers online at the same time to hold discussions. Sessions prepare participants to communicate with each other and faculty between classes regarding assignments. These sessions are recorded, so participants may watch the lectures and discussions at their convenience and as often as needed to master the content.
The Future of Space
Credit Hours: 2
This course focuses on the future of a commercial space application, the history of manned and unmanned space flight, and recent commercial ventures in space along with new innovations in the realm of possibility as space travel and launches are becoming more accessible. The course will also look at political developments and the current business climate for space.
Private Equity and Investment in Space
Credit Hours: 2
With the declining cost of sending payload into lower orbit, many new startups are forming around the concept of commercializing space. This course reviews the basics of setting up term sheets for new ventures and presents real opportunities to pitch their new venture to tap into this new market.
Global Aerospace and Defense Strategy
Credit Hours: 2
This course develops an innovative mindset to deal with global complexity, barriers to international trade, and human resource challenges. Students are provided with the evidence, concepts, and models for understanding company performance in a global world and the issues facing executives in the early 21st century.
Space and Small Business: Business Opportunities in the Space Economy
Credit Hours: 2
This course examines the current status and evolving nature of business opportunities in the expanding commercial space sector. Once the domain of governments and large aerospace and communications corporations, the space economy is now ripe with opportunities for new entrants. The course will survey the large-scale trends and dynamics driving this renaissance.
Legal Environment for Aerospace and Defense
Credit Hours: 2
This course examines the A&D industry contract vehicles, contract performance management, and regulation management and federal statutory law. Students will learn the legal and ethical environment of A&D business. The course provides necessary background on traditional A&D business law topics, including A&D contracting. This course includes an in-person class at the Gene Rainbolt Graduate School of Business in Oklahoma City.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Aerospace & Defense
Credit Hours: 2
This course introduces skills and techniques that enable the development of innovative and entrepreneurial strategies in aerospace and defense. We also evaluate approaches to developing an innovative, entrepreneurial culture in environments where science and technology-related activities are critical for effective operations. The course will analyze the challenges posed by complex organizations and highlight methods to deal with them.
Why Choose OU Online for Commercial Space Applications
OU Online delivers high-quality, affordable undergraduate and graduate programs designed for working professionals. With flexible, fully online formats and instruction from a top-tier public university, students gain the skills and credentials to advance their careers without putting them on hold.
Explore what it takes to succeed in the fast-paced world of aerospace and defense, where financial management, critical thinking, and strategy development are vital.
Faculty Expertise
Learn from Price College faculty and seasoned practitioners who combine academic rigor with real-world experience and cutting-edge insight into the commercial space industry.
Robust Student Support
OU Online offers robust student support services, including academic support, online tutoring, mental health counseling, and an online career development center. The program accommodates the needs of working professionals, allowing you to expand your skills while maintaining full-time employment.
Global Alumni Network
With more than 250,000 alumni across the world, becoming a Sooner means you’ll have access to a strong network of aerospace and defense professionals to accelerate your career. As a Sooner, you’ll be part of a powerful network of leaders working in organizations across the world, helping you expand your career in the aerospace and defense industry.
Flexible Format
The online Commercial Space Applications graduate certificate offers a flexible format built for working professionals across the globe. Earn your certificate in as few as six months while maintaining full-time employment and managing personal commitments. Study from anywhere and gain specialized expertise in the commercial space business that sets you apart in a competitive industry. Classes are taught synchronously on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. CT, allowing students to engage in real-time learning while balancing their professional and personal responsibilities.
Tailored Experience
Move through the program with a small, focused cohort of professionals who share your passion for aerospace and defense. Engage in dynamic online discussions with faculty and peers while building a powerful network within the industry. Learn to lead, collaborate, and thrive in one of the world’s most complex and fast-evolving sectors.
Cost and Financial Aid
Earning your Commercial Space Applications graduate certificate is an investment in your future—and OU Online is committed to making that investment as accessible and transparent as possible.
Tuition and fees for the program are $26,580 ($2,215 per credit hour). Books and materials are included. There is no application fee for this degree.
Financial aid and employer tuition assistance may be available to help offset the cost. Our dedicated financial services team is here to guide you through every step of the funding process—so you can focus on your education and career growth.
If you have questions regarding financial aid for your online program, please contact the Online Aid office by emailing onlineaid@ou.edu or calling 405-325-2929.
*Please be aware that tuition and fees may change, as determined by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.
