Space Science Programs at Embry-Riddle

For the past 17 years, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL Campus, has been offering a BS in Engineering Physics that directly addresses student interest in space science and in space systems engineering. This ABET accredited engineering program is a blending of physics and basic engineering that uses a yearlong, capstone, senior design course to focus on realistic space missions and student-build sounding rocket projects. Over the past decade, the total numbers of students enrolled has averaged 160-180. Moreover, since the first class there have been 30 to 40 percent women in attendance; that is quite unusual. Two years ago, our Prescott, AZ Campus began offering the BS in Space Physics. This is a solid applied physics curriculum with upper level courses in astrophysics and space physics. It has also achieved about 1/3-woman student enrollments. In the coming fall term, we will offer this Space Physics program at Daytona Beach as well. We will highlight these two successful BS degree programs and where our alumni have gone.