Embry-Riddle To Offer Degree In Space Operations 79
Hugh Pickens writes writes "Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has announced plans to launch the nation's first ever bachelor's degree in Commercial Space Operations to supply the commercial spaceflight industry with skilled graduates in the areas of space policy, operations, regulation and certification, as well as space flight safety, and space program training, management and planning. The rapid expansion of commercial spaceflight operations is fostered by NASA's commercial cargo and crew development programs and by entrepreneurs developing capabilities for suborbital spaceflight, orbital space habitats, space resource prospecting and other commercial ventures. 'Embry-Riddle's new Commercial Space Operations degree is one of the most innovative non-engineering degrees in the aerospace industry,' says program coordinator Lance Erickson, a professor of applied aviation sciences at Embry-Riddle. 'When we were planning this degree, our advisers from the commercial space industry said they couldn't wait to hire our graduates.'"
Supply and Demand (Score:4, Interesting)
I'll bet there will be a lot more students interested in this degree than companies hiring.
Pick a major that's going to pay the bills, kids.
Did the barnstomers have a degrees? (Score:4, Interesting)
Commercial spaceflight is still in its infancy. I mean, sure we've put a few people in space and a handful on the moon, but in terms of an actual field, it's as if it's just a few years after the Wright brothers (regulation didn't start 'till 1926). Certainly no where near the level aviation was after the same number of years after its inception.
I hope space school has the same validity as engineering school though. But as long as it's just one school, I have my doubts.