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Aerospace Programs at UHCL

For over 50 years, the University of Houston-Clear Lake has been launching futures while supporting NASA's mission of discovery and innovation.

Just minutes from NASA's Johnson Space Center, UHCL connects you to a legacy of space exploration and the next frontier: the commercialization of space.

Through groundbreaking partnerships with industry leaders like Boeing, KBR, and the Houston Spaceport, UHCL provides students with unmatched opportunities for hands-on learning, cutting-edge research, and real-world experience.

Did You Know?

  • UHCL is one of only five universities in Texas to offer a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering—and it's the only program within 100 miles of NASA's Johnson Space Center, the Houston Spaceport, and numerous leading aerospace companies.

  • The Texas Workforce Commission projects an 18.5% increase in aerospace engineering jobs in Texas by 2030, exceeding national projections.

Explore two of our newest programs—built to prepare you for careers that shape the future of space:

Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering

Design. Develop. Lead the Future of Space Exploration.

UHCL's Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering prepares you to excel in aircraft and spacecraft design, aerodynamics, propulsion, and more. With access to state-of-the-art STEM facilities and partnerships with leading aerospace organizations like Boeing and KBR, you'll gain real-world experience that bridges academics and industry.

Graduates are ready to meet the demand for aerospace engineers—whether here in Texas or across the globe.

Learn more about the Aerospace Engineering B.S.

MBA with a Concentration in Commercialization of Space

Lead the Business Ventures of the New Space Economy.

The space industry is evolving fast—and UHCL's MBA with a Concentration in Commercialization of Space prepares you to lead the way. This program combines traditional business principles with specialized courses in space commercialization, entrepreneurship, and market analysis.

With a curriculum developed alongside industry leaders, you'll graduate with the tools to drive innovation, create new markets, and lead organizations shaping the future of space.

Learn more about the MBA Concentration in Commercialization of Space

Spaceflight Human Optimization & Performance Summit

High Performance Training - To the Moon and Beyond
April 30 - May 2, 2025

Join us in Houston for SHOP-25, featuring dynamic lectures and discussions led by world-renowned speakers.

Learn More About SHOP-25

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UHCL Partnership News

Photo of UHCL Intern Arceila Rodriguez

UHCL celebrates National Intern Day

July 25, 2024
July 25 marks National Intern Day, a celebration acknowledging the significant contributions of interns across various industries. Internships serve as pivotal stepping stones for students and young professionals, offering invaluable learning experiences and opportunities for skill development. University of Houston- Clear Lake (UHCL) student, Arcelia Rodriguez, is a driven scholar currently interning in the Astronaut Appearances Office (AAO) at NASA through KBR.

 

Photo of Sascha Henderson

Two UHCL profs collaborate to provide 'opportunities of a lifetime'

November 1, 2023
Since opening in 2017, University of Houston Clear- Lake’s Human Health and Performance Institute has used science and engineering to guide research, testing, nutrition and exercise, to overcome barriers that limit human performance and become champions on the field of their health. Not only has the HHPI been successful in its numbers, but also by building relationships in the community, and preparing students for their future careers. Its ongoing partnership with KBR demonstrates its efforts to collaborate and help others define best science practices worldwide, while also providing opportunities for students.

 

Photo of KBR Vice President of Human Exploration Laurie Labra and UHCL President Richard Walker

UHCL and KBR sign internship partnership agreement

September 29, 2023
University of Houston-Clear Lake and KBR have signed a partnership agreement creating internship opportunities for students from across multiple academic disciplines to gain valuable professional experience in the aerospace industry. UH-Clear Lake President Richard Walker and KBR Vice President of Human Exploration Laurie Labra signed the agreement Wednesday, Sept. 27.

 

Photo of Judith Hayes, NASA at SHOP23

Hayes among leading scientists, astronauts to present at UHCL summit to discuss extended duration spaceflight

May 2, 2023
NASA's Chief Science Officer in the Human Health and Performance Directorate Judith Hayes was among 20 practitioners and nationally known experts to present at the Spaceflight Human Optimization and Performance Summit 2023 at University of Houston-Clear Lake last week.

 

Photo of U.S. Navy SEAL and NASA astronaut Capt. Chris Cassidy, keynote speaker of the SHOP-23 event.

UHCL to host summit with world renowned scientists to discuss preparing astronauts for extended-duration spaceflight

March 30, 2023
The Spaceflight Human Optimization and Performance Summit-2023, to be held at University of Houston-Clear Lake April 27-29, will connect thought leaders in strength and conditioning, sport science, psychology, nutrition and other related disciplines in a forum to address the physical readiness of astronauts for extended-duration spaceflight.

 

Photo of UHCL Student Jose Ramirez

UHCL-Boeing partnership gives student intern reason to be 'excited to go to work every day'

February 7, 2023
When a professor, advisor or other mentor helps a student navigate college, that student’s chances for success increase greatly. For University of Houston-Clear Lake junior Jose Ramirez, who is in the midst of an internship with Boeing at NASA Johnson Space Center, the guidance he’s received from his professors and others at UH-Clear Lake have shown him that it’s true—the sky truly is the limit.

 

Photo of UHCL Student Eric Washington

Pathways to STEM Careers, Strategic Partnerships help student land Boeing internship

January 26, 2023
Eric Washington said that if he could go back and tell his high school self what he's doing now, he'd never have believed it. "Before coming to University of Houston-Clear Lake, I had no idea I could ever work at NASA with astronauts. I would never have imagined I’d be doing this," he said.

 

 Photo of Dr. Walker, UHCL President, and John Mulholland, vice president and program manager, International Space Station, Boeing Defense, Space and Security

UHCL-Boeing partnership offers engineering students opportunities seldom seen in academia

September 15, 2022
University of Houston-Clear Lake and Boeing have signed a contract enabling Boeing to offer engineering students entry level employment experience and internships that support multiple projects.