Space operations careers become more accessible with new online degree programs

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Screen, weather data and people for broadcast discussion with news, research and reporter. Presenter, ecology and professionals with forecast on media report for meteorology update for climate change — Columbia Southern University launched two space operations programs in December 2025. (CSU)

Long a catalyst in the nation’s expanding space economy, Huntsville’s selection as U.S. Space Command underlined its position at the convergence of defense and research missions, booming commercial development and population growth.

The city is transforming rapidly, and so too are the career opportunities—and on a broader scale than you may think.

Alabama-based Columbia Southern University is here for the moment, launching new space operations programs to prepare people for roles that extend far beyond engineering.

To explore how these online programs align directly with the Rocket City’s evolving talent needs, we recently spoke with the founding dean of CSU’s College of Space, Intelligence, and Military Operations, U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. (Ret.) Mike Perry.

Read on to see how CSU’s new space operations programs support Huntsville’s workforce now and into the next decade.

Attuned to defense, space + workforce evolution

Founding Dean of the College of Space, Intelligence, & Military Operations of Columbia Southern University Chief Master Sgt. (Ret.) Mike Perry — CSU’s College of Space, Intelligence, and Military Operations Founding Dean, U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. (Ret.) Mike Perry (CSU)

According to Perry, CSU built its programs to support both defense and commercial missions as the space industry approaches an estimated $2 trillion mark over the next decade. Most agree that Huntsville offers a prime proving ground for applied space education.

Bringing more than 30 years of Air Force leadership to CSU, including significant experience in shaping readiness, culture and mission execution at the highest levels, Perry asserts that space is no longer theoretical for most careers.

It’s a shift that many in Huntsville already see on the ground: Beyond engineers designing systems, spacecraft and payloads, the industry needs trained operators who can coordinate and manage those systems and data. And those roles are evolving quickly.

“As I researched developing a program, I found zero that were specific to space operations. There are many great programs with a strong engineering focus at very good schools, but nothing that really focuses on the things that I know, that there are other folks who actually handle the equipment and make it happen. There is nothing out there to train them.”
_{CSU College of Space, Intelligence, and Military Operations, U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. (Ret.) Mike Perry}

To address the gap, CSU began rolling out dedicated Space Operations programs, first in July 2025, with concentrations within its Bachelor of Science in Strategic Leadership and Bachelor of Science in Military Studies programs. Then, in December of last year, the university introduced its Bachelor of Science in Space Operations and Space Operations Certificate programs.

Emerging space operations jobs

Founding Dean of the College of Space, Intelligence, & Military Operations of Columbia Southern University Chief Master Sgt. (Ret.) Mike Perry addresses people about Alabama's space industry advantages — Perry shares space operations program goals at a recent speaking engagement at CSU. (CSU)

“Every industry is a space-adjacent industry at this point. So now is the time for industries and companies to start thinking about how what they do here looks in that domain.”
_{CSU College of Space, Intelligence, and Military Operations, U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. (Ret.) Mike Perry}

For Huntsville’s mix of defense contractors, startups and government agencies, the programs aim to create a talent pool of people who are ready to contribute.

CSU’s space operations programs include:

Introduction to space operations, from exploration to the space industrial complex
Astronautics, astrophysics + space systems
Top-level engineering concepts
Space mission operations + planning from the ground

Multiple options to launch

A person views the Columbia Southern University student portal on a laptop — Columbia Southern University degree programs are fully online. (CSU)

In conversations with professionals within the U.S. Space Force, Perry learned that beyond the industry needing professionals who can translate existing skills into space-focused careers, it also needed credentialing to help codify that process.

At the same time, Huntsville and state leaders reinforced the need for flexible entry points into the space industry.

Perry’s top takeaways? Not every candidate seeks a four-year degree first, and employers need skills now. As such, future offerings from CSU may include micro-credentialing and workshops to address those considerations beyond the certificate program.

“Huntsville is so well placed with a concentration of space resources and professionals . . . what better place to start building that space workforce of the future?”
_{CSU College of Space, Intelligence, and Military Operations, U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. (Ret.) Mike Perry}

Interested in supporting Alabama’s most future-facing industry? Here’s where you can learn more and register for CSU’s space operations programs.

_{Multiple factors, including prior experience, geography and degree field, affect career outcomes. CSU does not guarantee a job, promotion, salary increase, eligibility for a position or other career growth. Testimonials may not reflect the experience of all CSU students. Any reference to United States Department of Defense (DoD) personnel, products or services does not constitute or imply endorsement by the DoD. Paid ad. No federal endorsement of advertiser(s) intended.}

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