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Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a Concentration in Commercialization of Space

Are you a professional with a technical education, seeking to advance to middle or upper management in the space industry? Or perhaps you’re looking to transition into this dynamic sector from a business or technology role? Our MBA with a Concentration in Commercialization of Space is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge in both for-profit and non-profit organizations, as well as government organizations active in the space industry.

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University of Houston-Clear Lake's MBA with a Concentration in Commercialization of Space, available to all students admitted to either the traditional or online MBA program. Unlike most aerospace-related degrees, which are primarily engineering-focused, this concentration emphasizes the business aspects of the rapidly growing for-profit commercial aerospace industry.

Upon completion of this degree program, you'll be equipped for employment in a range of careers, including business development, strategic planning, and managerial positions for organizations active in space or space-adjacent commerce.

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Why Choose the MBA with a Concentration in Commercialization of Space at UHCL?

The Commercialization of Space concentration/course, co-developed with professionals from NASA and Johnson Space Center (JSC), offers unparalleled insights into the space industry. Engage with guest speakers from the NASA/JSC ecosystem, explore real-world case studies, and participate in the NASA Minority University Research and Education (MUREP) Innovation and Tech Transfer Idea Competition (MITTIC).

In addition, the concentration offers a robust experience in the space and technology arena, focusing on future developments in commercial space travel, commerce, and exploration. As a student in the program, you'll gain real-world experience under the guidance of distinguished faculty members with a wealth of aerospace knowledge.

What You'll Learn

The differences between traditional business, Earth's orbital environment including terrestrial space commerce (satellite and telecom), in-space experimentation and development, and "non-automated and beyond" business sectors
How to recognize the national and international government, NGO, and business stakeholders active in commercial space and accurately describe and detail the issues facing these stakeholders and each stakeholder’s interest in those issues
The differences between NASA and commercial enterprise ways of doing business, including revenue and funding sources as well as other business model concerns
How to develop advocacy plans to advance business relationships with government entities and industry contractors
The history, achievements, and future directions in space development, such as space flight, extravehicular activity, lunar exploration, space stations, and future space habitats
Financial considerations of operating in space
Emerging commercial space opportunities and risks

Accreditations and Distinctions

The College of Business at the University of Houston-Clear Lake holds both business and separate accounting accreditation with The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International. Recognition by AACSB symbolizes the commitment to continuous improvement of educational quality, regional engagement with business partners, and the effectiveness of our societal impact. AACSB holds its member institutions to standards of excellence as interpreted by peer review teams, accreditation committees, and Board of Directors. Fewer than 1 percent of the business schools in the world, and only one other public university in the Houston region, have earned both business and separate accounting accreditation.

satellites in space

The UHCL MBA program is ranked among the best MBA programs in Texas 2020 by College Consensus.

Application Deadlines

For graduate student admissions information, please visit How to Apply as a Graduate Student.

Fall

New Students - August 1
Returning Students - August 15
International - May 1

Spring

New Students - January 5
Returning Students - January 15
International - October 1

Summer

New Students - May 1
Returning Students - May 25
International - April 1

International Students

For information regarding international student admissions, please visit International Admissions & Student Services.

Admissions Requirements

Business Administration MBA
Admission Deadline

Standard Graduate Admission Deadline
Application

Apply online through the UHCL Graduate Application Portal.
Requirements
Applicants to the MBA program may qualify with a standardized test waiver if any of the following conditions are met:
- earned a bachelor’s degree from a qualified institution with a 3.000 or greater cumulative GPA (on a 4.0 scale) from the degree granting institution, or
- earned an advanced degree from a qualified institution, or
- completes the MBA certificate start with a 3.000 or greater GPA in the certificate.
MBA Certificate Start

Domestic applicants who have completed a bachelor's, degree from a qualified institution with less than a 3.0 GPA, may choose admission to the MBA program with a standardized test waiver through the MBA certificate start. Applicants to the MBA certificate start must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.500 (on a 4.0 system).  Qualified applicants who are admitted to MBA certificate start program must complete their graduate certificate with a 3.000 or greater GPA in the certificate to be granted acceptance into the MBA core program.
Admission Review Process

All other applicants will be reviewed for admissions by program faculty.  This evaluation will consider all academic coursework and standardized test performance.

Applying After the Priority Deadline

New, non-degree seeking, and returning UHCL students applying after the deadlines above may be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the appropriate graduate enrollment counselor for more information. A $50.00 Late Registration Fee or $50.00 Late Payment may apply.

Review the UHCL Academic Calendar for registration and payment dates and deadlines.