Space Resources
Online at Colorado School of Mines

Program Overview

Want to learn how to identify, extract, and utilize resources beyond our planet? Mines has a degree for that. With the world’s first Space Resources graduate program, Mines prepares scientists, engineers, economists, entrepreneurs and policymakers to set the stage for a new era in space exploration and economic development.

Graduates in this program take advantage of Mines’ world-renowned expertise in terrestrial resources and energy systems and learn how this knowledge can be applied outside Earth. With guidance from a multidisciplinary group of experts in academia, space agencies and private companies, students will become leaders in this emerging and exciting field.

Saturn

First space resources
grad program
in the world

computer monitor

Online degrees with
students from
all continents

research

Research projects in all
space resources disciplines

Requirements and Costs

Graduate Certificate

Baccalaureate degree in engineering, computer science, physical sciences, mathematics or economics 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
TOEFL score of 79 or higher or (550 or higher paper-based or 213 computer-based) for applicants whose native language is not English

Masters Non-Thesis and PhD

Baccalaureate degree in engineering, computer science, physical sciences, mathematics or economics with a minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale
Resume or CV
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
Two letters of recommendation
Transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions
Personal statement that explains reasons for pursuing a Space Resources degree
TOEFL score of 79 or higher or (550 or higher paper-based or 213 computer-based) for applicants whose native language is not English

The Space Resources graduate admissions committee may consider exceptional candidates who do not meet all the above requirements.

Additional Application Information

Please visit the Space Resources Graduate Programs page for additional details on application requirements.

Doctorate

72 credit hours (coursework and research)
Complete Qualifying Exam and Thesis Proposal
Write and defend doctoral dissertation

Master’s Non-Thesis

30 credit hours of coursework

Graduate Certificate

12 credit hours of coursework

View the Catalog »

CREDIT HOURS	TOTAL ONLINE TUITION & FEES 2021-22
1.0	$1,114
2.0	$2,141
3.0	$3,168
4.0	$4,195
5.0	$5,222
6.0	$6,249
7.0	$7,276
8.0	$8,303
9.0	$9,330
10.0	$10,357
11.0	$11,384
12.0	$12,411
13.0	$13,438
14.0	$14,465
15.0	$15,492

Employer contributions are routinely applied to cover a portion of this cost.
Serious about a Mines program? Let Financial Aid help you consider payment options, identify employer contributions and more. We’re here to help.

FEES

Fees for students enrolled in Mines Online programs or courses are included in the cost of tuition.

More information about tuition and fees »

Career Outcomes

A degree in Space Resources prepares students to work for government agencies, the private sector, the military, public policy think tanks and to start their own companies on the following areas:

Design and building of instruments for space resource identification
Design and building of equipment for drilling, excavation, extraction and processing of resources on the Moon, asteroids and planetary bodies
Design of space architectures and infrastructure incorporating the use of space resources
Participate on space missions to remotely explore for resources and operate equipment to extract them
Develop economic feasibility models for space resource utilization
Formulate and advance policies for the fair, responsible and sustainable use of resources in space

Mines Career Services