COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Science (MS) in Applied Space Weather is a 30-credit-hour graduate program designed to provide advanced knowledge and practical expertise in understanding and predicting space weather phenomena. The curriculum offers flexibility through both thesis and non-thesis options, allowing students to tailor their academic experience based on their career goals and interests.In the thesis option, students complete 18 credit hours of core space weather courses, selecting six courses from a list that includes ASWR 601, ASWR 602, ASWR 603, ASWR 604, ASWR 628, ASWR 562, PHYS 525, and PHYS 536. To reach 24 credit hours, students can take two additional courses from the same list or choose elective courses outside the ASWR program. The remaining 6 credit hours are dedicated to a master’s thesis research project, which is conducted under the guidance of a program advisor. This research often involves real-world applications and may be connected to collaborative work with NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, providing valuable hands-on experience.For students who prefer a coursework-focused path, the non-thesis option requires 24 credit hours of core ASWR courses from the same list. In addition, students must complete 6 extra graduate-level credit hours, which may include courses from other departments at the university, subject to approval from a program advisor or program director. Overall, the program ensures that students develop strong analytical, technical, and research skills, preparing them for careers in space science, technology, and related fields.