Welcome to Space Minor

Over the past 25 years, innovations in space applications and technologies have transformed the ways we communicate, get our news, find our way, and engage in commerce; enabling us to study, understand, and address many issues critical to our future – from global warming to safe and sufficient water.

The space industry is rapidly growing
Anyone can be a part of the global space economy
Skilled professionals are needed to take a leading role
Start-up companies and expanding industry require an educated workforce in all areas, not just science and engineering
The global space economy grew by 8% in 2022, reaching a total of $546 billion worldwide (The Space Report 2023)

Campus Space News

The majestic Flatirons above Boulder framed in fall colors.

CU Boulder logs another record-breaking year in research funding

CU Boulder researchers attracted a record $684.2 million in fiscal year 2022–23 for studies that, among other things, elevate quantum science in Colorado, solve mysteries about the sun and provide even better data on sea ice, ice sheets, glaciers and more. Read more

Bradley Cheetham with a model of the successful CAPSTONE satellite.

CU Boulder grads launch startups to change future of aerospace

CU Boulder aerospace graduates are building the economy and future of the industry with aviation and space startup businesses. Read more

7 reasons to get excited about CU Boulder in space

From rockets that reach the edge of Earth’s atmosphere to a historic journey to the moon’s South Pole, a landmark year for space exploration is coming for CU Boulder. Read more

What Students Say about the Space Minor

"I feel so lucky to have been able to participate in this program. I've always had a high degree of interest in space, but was scared to major in astronomy because of how hard some of the coursework can be. While I still took some tough classes for this minor, they were always overwhelmingly awesome and cool, which took the stress of the class away almost completely. As advertised by those who have organized it, the space minor is THE BEST minor at CU Boulder without question."

-Ecology & Evolutionary Biology Major

"Not only was the Space Minor educational, but it was enjoyable as well. There's a genuine sense of community within the program and plenty of support, vastly different from my experience with (other) minors."

-Geography Major

"Thank you so much for this experience. Enrolling in the Space Minor program was one of the best decisions I made in college."

-International Affairs Major

"This was one of the best parts about my experience at CU! Thank you for adding something special to my four years here!"

-Applied Mathematics and Engineering Physics Major

"LOVED IT!!!! SOOO happy to have gone to a school that sees the value in exploring the Universe that I do. Made me feel as though I really belonged here at CU."

-Geography Major

"I really appreciated all the outside activities; the dances, movies, study sessions. Very inclusive group with lots of like-minds and always someone to say hello if you're feeling nervous. Improved my college experience tenfold, easily."

-Astronomy Major

"The space minor had me take some of the most fun and interesting classes that I have ever taken. I recommend it to everyone. Thank you so much for Pathway to Space which provided a very entertaining and educational time during the middle of otherwise stressful engineering courses."

-Aerospace Engineering Major

"It was the best minor I could have asked for!"

-Ecology & Evolutionary Biology Major

"I loved every minute if this minor, and have recommended it to almost all my friends. I already knew quite a bit about space-related topics in a variety of fields so I wasn't expecting to learn much, but I feel as though I've come away with a plethora of new information. I'm excited to watch the growth of this program over the years to come!"

-Chemical and Biological Engineering Major