Aerospace medicine has been shaping the future of flight and space exploration for over 50 years—and the journey is just getting started. As aviation continues to grow, commercial spaceflight takes off, and humanity sets its sights on the Moon, Mars, and beyond, the demand for qualified experts has never been higher.
12 Months Full-time, intensive | 34 Credit Hours Total program credits | In-Person Galveston, TX On-campus instruction | 30+ Years of Training Aerospace medicine physicians |
MS IN AEROSPACE MEDICINE Now Accepting Applications from Interdisciplinary Professionals |
This exciting field thrives on collaboration. Physicians, engineers, nurses, researchers, dentists, audiologists, physiologists, and other specialists all play a critical role in protecting and advancing human health in the skies and in space.
To meet this growing demand, the University of Texas Medical Branch is expanding its accredited (CEPH) Master of Science in Aerospace Medicine program to welcome professionals from a wide range of disciplines. Join a dynamic community working at the intersection of medicine, technology, and exploration—and help shape the future of human flight.
Launch your next mission with UTMB. Come learn with us!
Apply via SOPHAS
Eligibility
The Aerospace Medicine MS is an intensive, 12-month, 34 credit, in-person degree. Applicants must be willing to relocate to the Galveston/Houston area for the duration of the training. The MS in Aerospace Medicine is now accepting applications from the following interdisciplinary specialties:
| Advanced Practice Nurses (MSN, DNP) | | Audiologists (AuD) | | Dentists (DDS, DMD) | | Doctoral-level professionals (PhD, PsyD, and related fields) | | Flight Nurses (CFRN) | | Optometrists (OD) |
| | Paramedics (NRP, EMT-P) | | Pharmacists (PharmD) | | Physical Therapists (DPT) | | Physician Assistants (MPAS) | | Physicians (MD, DO) | | U.S. Military members with documented clinical and/or research need for the MS in Aerospace Medicine |
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International equivalents to the above degrees (e.g., MBBS) will be considered on a case-by-case basis with appropriate documentation.
International applicants attending on an F-1 visa should review UTMB's visa requirements, estimated costs, and I-20 request process before applying. F-1 Visa Information for SPPH Students
Academic Study and Degree Requirements
The Master of Science in Aerospace Medicine meets the credit hour requirements set forth by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) and the American Board of Preventive Medicine (ABPM). The curriculum is built around three foundational pillars.
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1
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Aerospace specialty courses |
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2
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Courses in core public health knowledge areas — Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Health Policy, Environmental Health, and Social/Behavioral Sciences |
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3
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Completion of a mentored capstone thesis and presentation |
Curriculum
The 12-month, 34 credit curriculum consists of the following courses.
Fall Semester
15 credits
01 Introduction to Epidemiology | 02 Biostatistics and Data Management | 03 Biostatistics Lab |
04 Aerospace Medicine I | 05 US Healthcare Systems Option to substitute for Approaches to Academic and Professional Writing | 06 Mentored Capstone Thesis |
Spring Semester
10 credits
01 Preventive Medicine and Behavioral Health | 02 Environmental Medicine | 03 Global Health Policy, Practice & Delivery |
04 Mentored Capstone Thesis | 05 Elective | |
Summer Semester
9 credits
01 Principles of Aviation and Space Medicine (PASM) | 02 Introduction to Occupational Injury | 03 Mentored Capstone Thesis |
MS in Aerospace Medicine graduates with Program Director Dr. Amy Kreykes at 2025 commencement
Aerospace Medicine Specialty Content
These courses cover the full breadth of physiologic, environmental, operational, and engineering challenges facing physicians and specialists who work in aviation and space medicine. Topics include:
Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) Competencies
The MS in Aerospace Medicine is designed to prepare graduates to:
- Discuss the principles of aviation and space medicine to enhance health, promote safety, and improve performance of persons who work or travel in the aviation and spaceflight environment.
- Identify the factors that influence the health of persons who work or travel in the aviation and spaceflight environment.
- Identify adverse health outcomes and treatment options following exposure to occupational hazards.
- Apply primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention approaches to disease and injury prevention for persons who work or travel in the aviation and spaceflight environment.
- Evaluate environmental hazards and recommend methods to reduce exposure and mitigate risk.