Graduate Programs

The Space Resources graduate program is geared toward supporting professionals interested in expanding their knowledge and skills into the exploration and utilization of resources in space.  The program focuses on learning the core knowledge in this field and developing design practices in the identification, extraction, processing, and responsible use of available resources in the Solar System.

Apply Now

Applications for Spring 2024 for fully online Post-baccalaureate Certificate and Master of Science (non-thesis) degree programs, as well as on-campus and online Ph.D. degree programs are now closed.  Applications are welcomed for Fall 2024 and future semesters. Apply now!

Degrees and Certificates Offered

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate – online

Complete a total of 12 credit hours with 3 credit hours from Space Resources Fundamentals (3 ch) and 9 credit hours from any of the technical elective courses.  Alternatively, the 9 credit hours can come from taking all the other core courses (with no technical electives): Space Systems Engineering (3 ch), Space Resources Seminar (1 ch), Space Resources Project I (2 ch), and Space Resources Project II (3 ch).

Master of Science Degree (M.S. Non-Thesis) – online

Complete a total of 30 credit hours with all 12 credit hours of Space Resources core courses (Space Resources Fundamentals, Space Systems Engineering, Space Resources Seminar, and Space Resources Project I and II) and 18 additional credit hours from any of the technical elective courses.

Doctorate (Ph.D.) – on-campus or online

Students interested on pursuing research in space resources through a Ph.D. program are encouraged to apply.  The degree requires 36 credit hours of coursework, 36 credit hours of research, and a doctoral dissertation.  All Space Resources core courses and technical electives count toward the degree. Credit hours from relevant graduate courses taken from other universities are allowed to be transferred if approved. A limited number of Research Assistantships may be available to qualified on-campus Ph.D. candidates. The online Ph.D. degree program is also available for special cases approved by the Space Resources Graduate Admissions Committee (please contact the Program Director to ask for eligibility).

Admission Requirements

The minimum requirements for admission to the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate program in Space Resources are:

  • Baccalaureate degree in engineering, computer science, physical sciences, mathematics, or economics/business with a minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale
  • Resume or CV
  • Personal statement that explains reasons for pursuing a Space Resources certificate
  • Transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions
  • For applicants whose native language is not English, language proficiency must be proven by successfully meeting one of several test options including, TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, Pearson, or by meeting other criteria as explained in detail in the English Proficiency section of the Graduate Admissions requirements page.  A final decision for admission may require an interview with a program representative.

The minimum requirements for admission to the Master of Science (non-thesis) program in Space Resources are:

  • Baccalaureate degree in engineering, computer science, physical sciences, mathematics, or economics/business with a minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale
  • Resume or CV
  • Personal statement that explains reasons for pursuing a Space Resources degree
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions
  • For applicants whose native language is not English, language proficiency must be proven by successfully meeting one of several test options including, TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, Pearson, or by meeting other criteria as explained in detail in the English Proficiency section of the Graduate Admissions requirements page.  A final decision for admission may require an interview with a program representative.

The minimum requirements for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program in Space Resources are:

  • Baccalaureate degree in engineering, computer science, physical sciences, mathematics, or economics/business with a minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale
  • Resume or CV
  • Personal statement that explains reasons for pursuing a Space Resources degree
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions
  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) with Quantitative Reasoning section score of 160 or higher. For students coming from a business or economics background, a GMAT score of 650 or higher is acceptable.  Applicants from an engineering program at Mines are not required to submit GRE scores.
  • For applicants whose native language is not English, language proficiency must be proven by successfully meeting one of several test options including, TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, Pearson, or by meeting other criteria as explained in detail in the English Proficiency section of the Graduate Admissions requirements page.  A final decision for admission may require an interview with a program representative.

The Space Resources Graduate Admissions Committee may consider exceptional candidates who do not meet all the above requirements.

Apply Now

* The Spring 2024 application process is now closed.  Apply for Fall 2024 and future semesters!

  • Applications for the online Post-baccalaureate Certificate and online Master of Science (non-thesis) degree programs are now open for the Fall 2024 term and future semesters.  Applications will begin to be reviewed in February 1 (for Fall).  While admission decisions will follow soon after these dates, applications will continue to be accepted and evaluated until the maximum number of positions are reached.
  • Applications for the on-campus Ph.D. degree program are welcomed for Fall 2024 and future semesters. The online Ph.D. degree is also available for special cases approved by the Space Resources Graduate Admissions Committee (please contact the Program Director to ask for eligibility).  There is a strict deadline of March 1 (for Fall) for both Ph.D. degree programs.  No applications will be reviewed after these dates.

* First, please complete our Space Resources Program Interest Form to let us know that you are interested on applying.

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Then, learn about the application process, and, finally, complete an online application. When filling out the application, make sure to select the following options under the “Academic Pursuit” section:

  • Entry Term: Select “Fall 2024” or future semesters
  • Are you applying to an online program?:  Select “Yes”, except if you are interested in the on-campus PhD program
  • Major: Select “Space Resources”
  • Degree: Certificate, Master of Science (Non-Thesis), or Doctor of Philosophy

Costs & Payment Plans

* For information on tuition rates, fees, and financial aid visit the Costs and Financial Aid site or contact us with your questions (see contact information below).

  • For online Certificate, Master of Science (Non-Thesis), and Doctor of Philosophy degree programs, all students, regardless of their Colorado residency status (out-of-state or international students included) are charged the same tuition rate of $1,113 per credit hour for all online courses with an additional student fee of $94 per semester.
  • For on-campus Ph.D. students, please consult the Cost of Attendance site for detailed information for Colorado residents and out-of-state students
  • Payment for the courses will be due until Census Day (one week after start of classes) and payment plans are also available.

Contact Us

* For program questions, contact Program Director, Angel Abbud-Madrid at aabbudma@mines.edu or (303) 384-2300.