Academic Options
GRADUATE STUDIES PROGRAMS
MASTER OF SCIENCE PROGRAMS
Master of Science (M.S) Degrees
The Master of Science (M.S.) Degree is an interdisciplinary program providing opportunities for those interested in advancing the development of Human Space Exploration and Space Settlements. The M.S. Program features coursework, research training, and collaborations with faculty in a research-led culture emphasizing rigor, creativity, and innovation. Students will join industry leaders to help guide the sustainable development of Space, and with the support of commercial and international partners will conduct impactful research in space-related fields to enable human expansion from Earth to Space.
PROGRAM OPTIONS
MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE (M.S. COURSE-BASED)
Complete a total of 36 credit hours, with all 21 credit hours comprised of Core Courses, and 15 additional credit hours from the Technical Specialization Tracks. The program is designed for professionals who have been with government, industry, or private practice and who wish to return for upgrading and specialization.
MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE (M.S. PROJECT-BASED)
Complete a total of 36 credit hours, with all 21 credit hours comprised of Core Courses, and 15 additional credit hours from Technical Specialization Tracks, including the completion of a project under the supervision of a faculty member. Students will select a research topic, perform experiments, computation, or analysis relevant to the topic, and report their results. The project-based degree is designed to train academics in planning, conducting, evaluating and reporting leading original research with a high degree of competence and integrity.
MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE (M.S. THESIS-BASED)
Complete a total of 36 credit hours, with all 21 credit hours of comprised Core Courses and 15 additional credit hours from the Technical Specialization Tracks, including the completion of a thesis under the supervision of a faculty member. Students will select a research topic, perform experiments, computation, or analysis relevant to the topic, and report their results. The thesis-based degree is designed to train academics in planning, conducting, evaluating and reporting leading original research with a high degree of competence and integrity.
MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE (M.S. CO-OP BASED)
Complete a total of 36 credit hours, with all 21 credit hours of comprised Core Courses and 15 additional credit hours from the Technical Specialization Tracks, including the completion of a thesis under the supervision of a faculty member. Students will select a research topic, perform experiments, computation, or analysis relevant to the topic, and report their results. Up to three co-op placements may be considered, students may register through the Kepler Co-op Program, with up to 12 credit hours applicable to degree course requirements. The co-op program option is open to all graduate students, it offers students enriched educational experiences for academic and professional growth.
GRADUATE CERTIFICATES
Graduate Certificate
Our online programs encompass focused Interdisciplinary Space Studies, graduates will join industry leaders to help guide the sustainable development of Space, and with the support of commercial and international partners will create employment opportunities and enhance the expertise of global citizens to benefit society.
To be awarded a Graduate Certificate, students must take four courses. Three courses must be taken within the desired Graduate Certificate program. The fourth course may be taken as an elective from any of the Graduate Studies Programs.
PROGRAM OPTIONS
GRADUATE CERTIFICATE (COURSE-BASED)
Complete a total of 12 credit hours, with all 9 credit hours comprised of Core Courses, and 3 credit hours elective from any of the Graduate Studies Programs. The program is designed for professionals who have been with government, industry, or private practice and who wish to return for upgrading and specialization.
GRADUATE CERTIFICATE (CO-OP BASED)
Complete a total of 12 credit hours, with all 9 credit hours comprised of Graduate Certificate Courses, and 3 credit hours elective through the Co-op Program, which offers students enriched educational experiences for academic and professional growth. The program is designed for professionals who have been with government, industry, or private practice and who wish to return for upgrading and specialization.
Cooperative Education
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING – Explore Your Full Potential!
The Kepler Co-op Program is available to students in both the Graduate Certificate Program and the Master of Science Degree Programs and offers students enriched educational experiences for academic and professional growth. The program works with a diverse range of community partners and sectors to provide transformative workplace learning for co-op students. It gives real–world hands–on experiences in the space industry.
The co-op program allows students to alternate academic terms with paid, relevant work experience. It allows students to explore different career options, while gaining paid, professional work experience and building a network of contacts. Co-op students get in-depth exposure to relevant workplaces and to a range of tasks related to their field of study. Students complete three work terms of four months each, over the two to three years, after achieving candidacy.
Co-op Program requirements
- Co-op students are responsible for following the regulations and procedures of the Kepler Co-op Program.
- The co-operative placement must relate to the program of study.
- Students complete up to three work terms of 4 months each as part of the Master of Science Program/Complete 1 work term of 4 months as part of the Graduate Certificate Program.
- A co-op student must finish their program on an academic term.
- A co-op student must maintain full-time status until degree completion
- All co-op students are required to complete a co-op preparation course before they can have access to co-op job boards or be approved for a co-op job. These courses explain the co-op process and expectations, as well as provide advice and resources to help you succeed in your job search and your co-op positions. Once completed, you are eligible to search for and accept jobs during the co-op terms in your academic program plan. The course is offered completely online.
Minimum Co-op Application requirements
Applications must be submitted the December of your first term of graduate studies to your department, please contact the Office of Academic Affairs.
Students must have:
- Successfully completed at least one term as a student at Kepler Space Institute
- Students cannot have any outstanding English Language Proficiency requirements as part of their conditions of admission for their graduate studies program.
- The department may request an interview with students before they are recommended to the Co-op Program for approval.
Kepler Co-op PROGRAM COURSES
Application checklist:
- Graduate Co–op Application Form
- Change of Program/Plan
- Change of Enrolment Status
KCP 500: Program Preparation (no credit)
This non-credit course is mandatory for all students enrolled in the Graduate Co-op program. Orientation to Graduate Co-op program, self-assessment exercises, job and employer research, cover letter and resume writing, interviewing skills and work place professionalism. This course is offered in all three terms every year.
KCP 510: Four Month Co-op Experience I (3 credits)
Minimum of 15 weeks of full-time placement in a professional environment.
Prerequisite(s): KCP 500, Registration in a Graduate Studies Program; and permission of the Graduate Co-op Program and Department/Office of Academic Affairs.
KCP 520: Four Month Co-op Experience II (3 credits)
Minimum of 15 weeks of full-time placement in a professional environment.
Prerequisite(s): KCP 500, KCP 510; Registration in a Graduate Studies Program; and permission of the Graduate Co-op Program and Department/Office of Academic Affairs.
KCP 530: Four Month Co-op Experience III (3 credits)
Minimum of 15 weeks of full-time placement in a professional environment.
Prerequisite(s): KCP 500, KCP 510, KCP 520; Registration in a Graduate Studies Program; and permission of the Graduate Co-op Program and Department/Office of Academic Affairs.
Current Academic Catalog
Catalog 2023-2024
Kepler Space Institute offers more than 70 graduate program pathways, focused on human space exploration, allowing prospective students and current students the ability to pursue a broad range of degrees and credentials. The university catalog serves as a gateway to the exciting possibilities that await you here at Kepler. Throughout the Catalog, and in every class offered at Kepler, you will see a consistent focus on quality and an ongoing commitment to incorporating current subject matter into our curricula. Our goal is to ensure that the education you receive at Kepler is among the most relevant and rewarding in higher learning. Start your journey of space exploration & discovery!
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Graduate Studies
Admissions
Entry Requirements:
An applicant must have the following:
- A Bachelor’s Degree from a college or university accredited by the appropriate regional association with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent work experience in professional academic and/or government or private industry positions and achievements. Each applicant’s specific experience will be evaluated by the KSU Admissions Committee.
- A Graduate Record Examination (GRE) revised General Test score or a Miller’s Analogy Test(MAT) score at or above the 50th percentile. The GRE or MAT requirement will be waived if an applicant has completed a Master’s degree or twelve or more credits of post- baccalaureate upper division or graduate coursework with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Completion of application
- Application fee
- Official transcripts from all previous universities or colleges attended or proof of work equivalent
- Three completed recommendation letters
- Additionally, all international applicants whose native language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and submit a combined score of 550 or better (new scoring of 213 or better) or the Internet based test scoring of 80 or better. International transcripts are required to be translated if the grading and evaluation system used differs from those used by the United States education system. Official translation and a course- by-course evaluation from all prior institutions and grade-point average computation must be provided to the Office of Admissions. Please use one of the following services for evaluation.
World Educational Services 22 Prince St.
PMB 101
New York, NY 10012
Josef Silny & Associates
7101 SW 102 Ave.
Miami, FL 33173
KSU reserves the right to deny admissions to any prospective student for any reason/cause as determined by KSU. In the event of a denial of a request for admission a student may appeal to the admissions committee.
Information Applicable to Graduate Studies Programs
Program Completion
To be awarded a certificate, students must successfully complete four courses for a total of twelve hours of course credit. To be awarded a master’s degree, students must successfully complete twelve courses for a total of thirty-six hours of course credit.
Program completion dates are determined by the student’s course enrolment schedule and pace.
Class schedules, times, and dates are included in the course registration materials found at www.KeplerU.space. Specific information about course registration dates can be found in the Academic Calendar.
Academic Calendar
Summer Semester 2024
Dec 11 2023 | Mon | Applications accepted |
Apr 01 2024 | Mon | Course registration begins |
May 01 2024 | Wed | Application for admissions deadline |
May 06 2024 | Mon | Course registration deadline/online orientation available |
May 06 2024 | Mon | All tuition and fees due |
May 06 2024 | Mon | First day of class |
May 15 2024 | Wed | Last day of Add/Drop |
May 16 2024 | Thu | Application for Co-op Program Deadline |
June 12 2024 | Wed | First day of mid-term exams |
June 28 2024 | Fri | Last day to withdraw with a W on the transcript |
June 28 2024 | Fri | Last day to withdraw with no refund |
Aug 23 2024 | Fri | Last day of regular classes |
Aug 26 2024 | Mon | First day of final exams |
Aug 30 2024 | Fri | Last day of semester |
Sep 04 2024 | Wed | Grades posted |
Fall Semester 2024
Jan 15 2024 | Mon | Applications accepted |
Aug 01 2024 | Thu | Course registration begins |
Aug 30 2024 | Fri | Application for admissions deadline |
Sep 03 2024 | Tue | Course registration deadline/online orientation available |
Sep 03 2024 | Tue | All tuition and fees due |
Sep 03 2024 | Tue | First day of class |
Sep 09 2024 | Mon | Last day of Add/Drop |
Sep 10 2024 | Tue | Application for Co-op Program Deadline |
Oct 07 2024 | Mon | First day of mid-term exams |
Oct 31 2024 | Thu | Last day to withdraw with a W on the transcript |
Oct 31 2024 | Thu | Last day to withdraw with no refund |
Dec 13 2024 | Fri | Last day of regular classes |
Dec 16 2024 | Mon | First day of final exams |
Dec 20 2024 | Fri | Last day of semester |
Dec 31 2024 | Tue | Grades posted |
Spring Semester 2025
May 02 2024 | Thu | Applications accepted |
Dec 02 2024 | Mon | Course registration begins |
Jan 03 2025 | Fri | Application for admissions deadline |
Jan 06 2025 | Mon | Course registration deadline/online orientation available |
Jan 06 2025 | Mon | All tuition and fees due |
Jan 06 2025 | Mon | First day of class |
Jan 13 2025 | Mon | Last day of Add/Drop |
Jan 14 2025 | Tue | Application for Co-op Program Deadline |
Feb 10 2025 | Mon | First day of mid-term exams |
Feb 28 2025 | Fri | Last day to withdraw with a W on the transcript |
Feb 28 2025 | Fri | Last day to withdraw with no refund |
Apr 18 2025 | Fri | Last day of regular classes |
Apr 21 2025 | Mon | First day of final exams |
Apr 25 2025 | Fri | Last day of semester |
Apr 30 2025 | Wed | Grades posted |
Financial Obligation
Application Fee (one -time, nonrefundable): $150 Subscription to The Space Library (required each semester): $150 All Certificate Programs (four courses at $2,000 per course): $8,000 Graduation Fee Digital Graduate Certificate (one-time, non-refundable): $100 or Graduation Fee Digital and Hardbound Graduate Certificate (one-time, non-refundable): $250.
Total cost for Graduate Certificate Program is $8,150, $150 per semester for library fees, and graduation fee.
Total cost for Master of Science Degree Program is $24,150 plus $150 per semester for library fees and graduation fee.
All books and resources are covered under subscription to The Space Library. The Institute accepts only secure online payments via credit or debit cards or PayPal. Financial arrangements for the satisfaction of student account balances must be completed prior to the first day of classes.
All financial obligations must be satisfied.
Refund Obligations
Students officially withdrawing from a course or courses on or before the withdrawal deadline for the corresponding semester will receive a prorated tuition credit as described below. Refer to the appropriate term in the current academic calendar for exact dates.
- On or before the add/drop deadline (7 calendar days after first day of class) – 100% credit
- On or before ten calendar days after the end of the add/drop period – 75% credit
- After the deadline of the 75% credit until the withdrawal deadline – 50% credit
- After the withdrawal deadline – no credit
- Students withdrawing after deadline due to emergency, death in family, Illness, etc. please contact the office of the Provost for review to obtain tuition refund
Any amount credited under this section will be applied first to any unpaid charges on the student’s account. Any remaining tuition will be refunded and made to students within 30 days of withdrawal date or last attendants.
No adjustments are made for any fees. Any appeal regarding withdrawals or drop refunds should be directed to the Vice President for Finances.
Dates and Deadlines
Start dates for classes each semester are listed in the academic calendar which can be found in the Kepler Space University catalog and online at www.KeplerU.space.
Withdrawals
If an enrolled student wishes to withdraw from the Institute, dropping all courses, he or she must comply with the withdrawal process described below. Withdrawal covers all course enrollments for a given registration period regardless of their meeting schedule. The policy for dropping an individual course is described in the Student Withdrawal and Dropped Courses section on page 41 of the catalog. Students who leave the Institute without proper permission automatically suspend themselves and can be re-admitted only by special approval of the dean of the appropriate department. A grade of F is recorded for all courses when a student leaves without prior approved withdrawal.
Medical Withdrawal
Students seeking a medical withdrawal should contact the office of the Provost and Vice President for Student Affairs, which serves as administrator of medical withdrawals for all students. Students who are granted medical withdrawal will receive a grade of “W” assigned for each course. No credit is earned, and the grade point average is not affected. Medical withdrawals have no effect on the student account balance other than the normal withdrawal policies stated under the Student Withdrawal and Dropped Courses section on page 41 of the catalog. The medical withdrawal form is available on www.KeplerSpaceInstitute.com.
Official Student Withdrawal Procedures
- The student must complete the withdrawal process at least two weeks prior to the last day of classes in a semester. Students may not withdraw during the last two weeks of a semester.
- The withdrawal process is initiated with and must be approved by the dean of the program in which the student is enrolled. The withdrawal form can be found on www.KeplerSpaceInstitute.com.
- To complete the withdrawal process, the withdrawal form must be submitted to the dean of the program in which the student is enrolled. Once initiated, the withdrawal process must be completed within seven calendar days. No withdrawal forms will be accepted after 4:30 p.m. on the last day to officially withdraw during that semester.
- When a student completes the withdrawal process, it will be recorded on the permanent academic record as follows.
- If completed before the mid-term withdrawal date (see the Academic Calendar for specific date), a grade of W will be assigned for each course. No credit is earned, and the grade point average is not affected.
- If completed after the mid-term withdrawal date, a grade of WP or WF will be assigned for each course according to the instructor’s evaluation of the student’s performance to that point. WF’s are treated as credits attempted, and the grade point average is affected. WP’s do not affect the grade point average and no credit is earned.
- Students who stop attending class/completing assignments and do not use the official withdrawal process will have their refund held and will be placed on administrative probation until such time as their circumstances are reviewed by the provost or provost designee.
- In the event that there is no resolution of the refund, contact the organization listed below.
The Commission of Independent Education
Florida Department of Education
325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414 Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400
Phone: 888-224-6688
Termination of Admission Agreement
This contract is terminated if and when officially or unofficially withdrawals from all programs. Once terminated student must reapply to the Institute for re-admission.