Is Space Studies a Hard Major? What Students Should Know in 2026

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Space studies is often seen as a challenging major due to its interdisciplinary nature, combining science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. However, this reputation overlooks the varied skill sets and interests that students bring to the field. In the U.S., enrollment in space studies programs has grown by 12% over five years, reflecting increasing opportunities and interest.

This article will explore course rigor, workload expectations, essential skills like problem-solving and critical thinking, and how these factors shape a student's experience. Understanding these aspects can help prospective majors gauge whether space studies aligns with their academic strengths and career goals.

Key Benefits of Space Studies as a Major

Space studies develops critical thinking and technical skills, benefiting career changers seeking a science-based transition.
It offers flexible learning options, aiding full-time workers returning to school to balance responsibilities effectively.
Traditional undergraduates gain specialized expertise and confidence managing rigorous coursework, enhancing academic and professional growth prospects.

Where Does Space Studies Rank Among the Hardest College Majors?

Space studies is not usually ranked among the very hardest college majors in national listings, which often highlight disciplines like chemical engineering, physics, and aerospace engineering due to their demanding workloads and complex lab requirements.

However, as an interdisciplinary field that blends science, engineering, policy, and management, space studies can be quite challenging, especially at institutions with strong technical or research components.

For example, programs at schools such as Embry-Riddle and Caltech include rigorous practicum and research-based coursework, sometimes requiring students to dedicate 18 to 20 hours weekly to classes and lab work, particularly when focused on engineering aspects.

Difficulty in space studies varies significantly depending on the institution and the student's academic background. Those with solid preparation in math and science tend to find space studies more manageable compared to peers from less technical fields.

While space studies generally demands more effort than majors like history or communications, it is often viewed as less intense than pure physics or chemical engineering unless the program leans heavily toward technical content.

Ultimately, the challenge posed by space studies depends largely on an individual's strengths, interests, and career objectives, making its difficulty a subjective measure rather than an absolute ranking.

What Factors Make Space Studies a Hard Major?

The challenges in pursuing a space studies major arise from both the academic demands and the specialized skills students must develop. Successfully navigating the major requires managing a complex workload and mastering diverse scientific and technical subjects.

Academic rigor of Space Studies courses: This major demands a strong foundation in mathematics and physical sciences, including college trigonometry, physics with laboratory components, astronomy, meteorology, and geology. The substantial math intensity and analytical requirements often represent a significant hurdle for many students.
Workload demands for Space Studies majors: Students typically undertake around 50 semester hours dedicated to core and concentration courses, in addition to general education credits. The extensive course load, combined with capstone projects or research requirements, necessitates effective time management and sustained effort.
Technical and analytical complexity: Space studies integrate multiple disciplines, such as engineering, astrophysics, earth science, and sometimes policy or entrepreneurship. Mastery involves analyzing complex data sets, understanding advanced scientific principles, and learning specialized software or laboratory techniques, requiring adaptability to evolving technologies.
Field-specific challenges: Many programs emphasize hands-on work and research projects that involve collaboration and problem-solving in dynamic environments. This experiential learning adds another layer of intensity beyond classroom study.

For students considering this major, exploring options like an accelerated bachelor degree online may provide alternative pathways while still confronting these inherent challenges.

Who Is a Good Fit for a Space Studies Major?

Identifying the right skills needed for space studies majors is essential to help students navigate the program's interdisciplinary nature. Understanding which types of students who succeed in space studies can maximize their potential and excel in both theoretical and practical challenges.

Analytical Thinkers: These students excel at interpreting complex scientific and engineering data, allowing them to make informed decisions. Their ability to analyze detailed information helps them manage the program's challenging coursework with confidence.
Problem Solvers: Space studies requires tackling unexpected issues during research and projects. Students with strong problem-solving abilities adapt quickly and develop innovative solutions, an advantage in hands-on and academic environments.
Collaborative Communicators: Since space missions are highly collaborative, effective teamwork and communication skills are crucial. Students who thrive here easily share insights and coordinate with peers, enhancing project outcomes.
Diligent and Adaptable Learners: The workload can be demanding, with a mix of research, group work, and practical tasks. Those who are disciplined and flexible can better manage academic pressures and evolving project needs.
STEM Enthusiasts: Students with strong backgrounds in science, technology, engineering, and math tend to grasp interdisciplinary concepts faster. Their foundational knowledge aligns well with the rigorous space studies curriculum, giving them a distinct edge.

For those exploring related fields, the easiest associate degree to get can offer an alternative pathway while building relevant skills. This connection highlights how different educational routes can cater to various learner profiles in space science studies.

How Can You Make a Space Studies Major Easier?

Space studies can be demanding due to its mix of science, engineering, and policy coursework, often requiring solid analytical and organizational abilities. However, with the right approaches, students can better manage the workload and challenges this major presents. The approaches include:

Build strong math and science foundations: Having a robust understanding of math and physics prepares students for technically intensive subjects like orbital mechanics and propulsion systems.
Implement disciplined time management: Organizing study schedules with tools like digital planners and time-blocking helps handle complex projects and interdisciplinary tasks effectively.
Engage in active learning: Tackling problems, simulations, and group activities deepens comprehension far more than passive reading alone.
Leverage academic support services: Utilizing faculty office hours, tutoring, and student groups focused on aerospace enhances access to guidance and peer collaboration.
Choose electives wisely: Picking courses that either bolster strengths or improve weaker areas aids in balancing workloads and broadening interdisciplinary insight.

When asked about making space studies more manageable, a recent graduate reflected, "At first, the volume and variety of material felt overwhelming, especially shifting between technical engineering concepts and policy discussions." She found that early on, prioritizing foundational science review and leaning heavily on study groups made a tangible difference.

"It wasn't just about more hours, but smarter hours," she noted, emphasizing focused time management techniques that prevented burnout. Connecting with supportive peers and attending workshops helped her stay motivated and clarified difficult topics.

Looking back, she said, "Recognizing when to seek help and intentionally selecting electives that complemented my skills was key to turning challenges into opportunities for growth." This balanced approach transformed her experience and sustained her through the program's intensity.

Are Admissions to Space Studies Programs Competitive?

Admissions to space studies programs are indeed highly competitive due to the large number of applicants and limited spots available. Rigorous prerequisites and demand for strong academic backgrounds contribute to selective acceptance rates-some programs admit as few as 4% of applicants.

Even schools with higher rates, around 25%, still only admit a fraction of hopeful candidates, reflecting intense competition.

Factors affecting selectivity include a high GPA requirement, often between 4.5 and 4.8 in top programs, along with completion of advanced math and physics courses. Admissions committees also value research experience and involvement in STEM extracurriculars.

Growing interest in space-related careers continues to push application numbers upward, making top programs more selective over time.

When I asked a professional who majored in space studies about his admissions experience, he shared that "the process felt overwhelming at times, especially juggling challenging coursework with extracurricular projects." He recalled spending months preparing for standardized tests and gathering recommendation letters, stressing that "every detail mattered."

He described the wait for decisions as nerve-wracking but ultimately rewarding, emphasizing that persistence and thorough preparation were key to navigating such a competitive field.

Is an Online Space Studies Major Harder Than an On-Campus Program?

An online space studies degree is neither inherently harder nor easier than an on-campus program, though the experience involves different demands. Factors like pacing, interaction, and learning environment influence how students perceive difficulty.

To understand the challenges of online space studies programs compared to on-campus, consider the following aspects:

Academic expectations: Both formats require strong discipline, critical thinking, and solid science knowledge, but online students often exhibit higher scientific sophistication and engagement.
Workload and pacing: Online programs offer flexible pacing, enabling students to work at their own speed, while on-campus programs follow a structured schedule with consistent deadlines.
Interaction and support: On-campus students have more direct access to faculty and peer collaboration, whereas online learners must proactively seek support through digital platforms.
Learning environment: Physical labs in-campus provide hands-on experience, but research shows virtual labs with realistic simulations can be equally effective for learning outcomes.
Challenges unique to each format: Online learners face limited spontaneous interaction and rely heavily on self-motivation and time management compared to the more socially immersive on-campus setting.

Choosing between an online space studies degree vs. an on-campus one depends on individual learning styles and priorities. For those curious about how these programs fit within broader career prospects, examining the best bachelor degrees to make money can provide useful context.

Are Accelerated Space Studies Programs Harder Than Traditional Formats?

Accelerated space studies programs are generally harder than traditional formats due to their condensed timelines, faster pacing, and increased workload intensity, which demand rapid comprehension and frequent assessments. These factors combine to create a more challenging experience for students.

To better understand the differences, consider the following key points comparing accelerated and traditional programs:

Course Pacing and Content Density: Accelerated programs cover the same material in significantly less time, often completing a 15-week course in 6-8 weeks, requiring faster assimilation of complex topics like orbital mechanics and spacecraft systems.
Workload Management: Traditional formats allow more time to absorb information and balance other responsibilities, while accelerated programs demand stronger time management and the ability to handle heavier weekly assignments.
Academic Expectations and Skill Demands: Both formats maintain high academic standards, but accelerated programs require swift mastery of material, increasing the cognitive load and skill requirements.
Learning Retention and Stress Levels: Accelerated students may face more challenges retaining difficult technical content and typically experience higher stress due to continuous deadlines and exams.
Flexibility and Scheduling: Traditional programs offer more flexible daily schedules, whereas accelerated formats have less flexibility, requiring disciplined planning to meet frequent demands.

Students considering an accelerated space studies program should weigh these factors carefully to determine their readiness for the intensified pace and rigor. For those seeking cost-efficient options, exploring the cheapest online college per credit hour might prove beneficial in managing educational expenses.

Can You Manage a Part-Time Job While Majoring in Space Studies?

Balancing a part-time job while majoring in space studies is feasible but depends on several key factors.

The intensity of coursework, including lab hours and project deadlines, affects how much time students can allocate to work. A manageable credit load and flexible job schedules play crucial roles in enabling students to maintain both commitments. Additionally, effective personal study habits and time management are essential to handle the demands of this technical field.

Students often navigate part-time work alongside space studies by carefully pacing their course load and opting for jobs with adaptable hours, such as remote or on-campus roles. The demanding nature of space studies, which covers complex subjects like physics and engineering, requires focused study outside of class, making heavy workloads particularly challenging for working students.

Programs that offer asynchronous learning or virtual labs provide extra flexibility, which helps students maintain progress while employed. However, during semesters with intensive lab cycles or major projects, students might need to reduce work hours to meet academic expectations.

Ultimately, balancing both depends on aligning work flexibility with the rigorous and time-sensitive aspects of space studies coursework.

What Jobs Do Space Studies Majors Get, and Are They as Hard as the Degree Itself?

Career paths for space studies graduates vary widely in terms of responsibility, skill requirements, and difficulty. While some roles demand the same high level of rigor as the degree program, others focus more on communication or organizational skills and may feel less technically challenging.

The employment opportunities graduates have include the following positions:

Aerospace Engineer: Designs, builds, and tests spacecraft, satellites, and related systems. This role requires deep technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and precision, closely mirroring the challenges faced during the degree. Aerospace engineering jobs are typically as demanding, if not more so, due to the complexity and high stakes of the projects involved.
Astronomer: Conducts research on celestial phenomena, analyzes data from observatories and satellites, and publishes scientific findings. This position carries intellectual demands and pressures to secure funding that reflect or exceed the rigor of the academic program.
Technical Writer: Develops manuals, reports, and educational materials tailored to space agencies or museums. Although this job benefits from specialized knowledge, it is generally less technically challenging, placing greater emphasis on communication skills.
Planetarium Operator/Educator: Creates and presents educational programs, manages exhibits, and engages with the public. This work is less technically demanding than the degree but requires strong organizational and presentation skills, focusing on outreach rather than research.
Space Policy Analyst: Analyzes and interprets policies related to space exploration and regulation, advising government bodies or industry. The role is demanding differently, emphasizing analytical, legal, and communication expertise instead of scientific or technical proficiency.

Exploring careers with a space studies degree reveals a broad spectrum of opportunities that vary in complexity and skill set. For those interested in various related fields, you may find useful insights on the offerings of trade schools careers.

Do Space Studies Graduates Earn Higher Salaries Because the Major Is Harder?

There is no clear evidence that space studies graduates earn higher salaries simply because their major is more difficult. Although space studies involves challenging coursework across physics, engineering, and planetary science, salary differences are more closely linked to the specialized skills and technical knowledge these graduates possess.

Employers value analytical abilities and practical expertise needed for aerospace and research roles, rather than the academic difficulty alone. Market demand for these skills plays a crucial role in determining compensation levels.

Salaries for space studies graduates vary significantly depending on job type, industry needs, location, and experience. For example, aerospace engineers, a common profession among these graduates, earned a median wage of $130,720 in 2023, with top pay reaching over $188,000 in states like California and Washington.

Other roles, such as space and atmospheric scientists, averaged around $89,737, while astronauts earned above $105,000. Entry-level and academic positions often offer lower starting salaries, typically between $30,000 and $40,000.

Ultimately, salary outcomes reflect job-specific requirements and regional demand more than the general difficulty of the major.

What Graduates Say About Space Studies as Their Major

Dexter: "Pursuing space studies was definitely challenging, with complex subjects and demanding coursework, but the learning experience was incredibly rewarding. Despite the average cost of attendance being high, I found that the knowledge and skills I gained opened doors to exciting careers in aerospace engineering. The investment felt worth it, and I'm enthusiastic about recommending this major to others passionate about space exploration. "

Connor: "Space studies required a deep commitment to understanding interdisciplinary sciences, which made it a tough major to navigate at times. Reflecting on the long hours and significant tuition costs, I still value how it shaped my analytical thinking and prepared me for a research career in planetary science. It wasn't easy, but the personal growth made it worthwhile. "

Eve: "From a professional standpoint, space studies demands rigorous study and a keen interest in both theory and practical applications, making it a challenging field. The financial burden, including tuition and materials, is considerable, yet the career opportunities in space policy and technology development justified the cost for me. Overall, it was a calculated and beneficial decision. "

Other Things You Should Know About Space Studies Degrees

Is space studies more science or engineering focused?

Space studies typically combines elements of both science and engineering, but the emphasis depends on the program. Many curricula focus on the scientific aspects of space environments, astrophysics, and planetary science, while others incorporate engineering principles related to spacecraft design and satellite technology. Students should review individual programs to understand the balance of science versus engineering content.

Do space studies programs require prior knowledge in physics or math?

Most space studies programs expect students to have a solid foundation in physics and math before enrolling. Courses often build on these subjects to explore complex space phenomena, orbital mechanics, and data analysis. Prospective students without this background may need to complete preparatory coursework.

How important are internships or hands-on experiences in space studies?

Internships and practical experiences are highly valuable in space studies programs. They provide real-world exposure to research, aerospace companies, or space missions, which enhances learning and employability. Many programs encourage or require internship components to connect theoretical knowledge with professional practice.

Are research opportunities more common in graduate or undergraduate space studies programs?

Research opportunities can be available at both undergraduate and graduate levels, but they are generally more extensive and specialized in graduate programs. Graduate students often participate in cutting-edge projects, collaborate on faculty research, and contribute to published work. Undergraduates may assist in research labs or work on smaller projects as well.