NORMAN, OKLA. — With rapid advancement and growing opportunities in the commercial space sector, the University of Oklahoma Price College of Business is rolling out a first-of-its-kind graduate certificate program in Commercial Space Applications beginning in spring 2024.
Ideal for business, aerospace, defense and engineering professionals interested in commercial aspects of space, this 12-hour hybrid program is offered primarily online, culminating with an in-person, weeklong international experience in Politecnico di Milano in Milan, Italy, where students will visit companies in the space, aerospace and defense sectors.
Students also receive the opportunity to build personal and professional relationships with a network of faculty members in Price College’s Executive MBA in Aerospace and Defense program, including former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine.
“Activities in space continue to improve life on Earth, defend nations and make new discoveries,” said Bridenstine. “Commercial markets are responding quickly and leaders in government and industry are attempting to keep pace.”
In his former role at NASA, Bridenstine managed the administration’s 70,000-person workforce and a $23 billion annual budget as he advanced the United States’ aeronautics, science and space exploration objectives. He brings unmatched experience to the virtual classroom in his course, Future of Space, which explores insights on innovations, projects and partnerships in the commercial space arena.
“The Price College of Business at OU is helping make sense of the rapidly changing environment by offering the graduate certificate in commercial space applications,” said Bridenstine. “I’m proud to be a part of it.”
Additional program curriculum focuses on private space and equity, management principles and the legal facets of space business.
“Whether students want to start or expand their own business or learn how to partner with government agencies or private investors, this certificate program equips graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the commercial space sector,” said Shad Satterthwaite, director of Executive Business Programs in Aerospace & Defense at Price College.
Commercial Space Applications is the latest certificate offered by the OU Executive MBA in Aerospace and Defense degree program within Price College, which also offers a certificate in aerospace and defense.
“The new Commercial Space Applications certificate is one more way that Price College is meeting the needs of employers looking for talent in a new facet of the aerospace and defense industry and answers the call of the University of Oklahoma's strategic plan to focus on this key industry vertical," said Corey Phelps, dean of Price College. "This certificate, alone or combined with our EMBA in Aerospace and Defense, sets our graduates apart in an increasingly competitive job market."
Enrollment for the Commercial Space Applications Graduate Certificate is open and classes begin in January 2024. To learn more about the program, visit go.pricemba.ou.edu/emba. Interested applicants should apply by Nov. 15.
The University of Oklahoma Michael F. Price College of Business has experienced significant growth over the past five years, becoming OU’s second-largest college with over 5,800 students. The college offers highly ranked undergraduate, master’s, executive and doctoral programs across six academic divisions. More information is available at price.ou.edu
