MELBOURNE, FLA. — Florida Tech will offer four powerful master’s degree programs to military and civilian personnel at Patrick Space Force Base starting in the fall as part of a new strategic partnership, leaders of both organizations announced at a news conference today.
A significant milestone in supporting Space Force personnel working at the forefront of space operations, the opening of the off-campus instructional site at Patrick Space Force Base (PSFB) will allow Guardians and civilians both to develop management and leadership skills while being exposed to cutting-edge knowledge.
The request to establish an instructional site at PSFB is currently under review by Florida Tech’s institutional accreditor, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, with approval anticipated later this summer.
“This is a great day for community partnership. Florida Tech is pleased to bring these educational offerings to Patrick Space Force Base,” said Florida Tech President John Nicklow (pictured above right). “Helping those who serve our nation to realize their educational dreams is indeed a privilege. We look forward to many years of meaningful collaboration.”
“We are committed to investing in our people, and these graduate programs offered by Florida Tech are a leap in that direction,” said Air Force Col. Christopher Bulson, Deputy Commander of Space Launch Delta 45 (pictured above center). “By providing our Guardians and civilians with access to cutting-edge education, we are empowering them to lead and innovate, ultimately strengthening the Space Force’s ability to execute its critical mission.”
Kirsten Dreggors (pictured above left), chair of the Florida Tech Board of Trustees, told the group, “We are pleased that Florida Tech’s mission can help enable you to serve your mission. I am honored to be here today to celebrate with you.”
The programs to be offered are Master of Science in Acquisition and Contract Management, Master of Science in Space Systems, Master of Science in Space Systems Management, and Master of Business Administration. Each was selected in response to express demand to ensure they match the needs of PSFB personnel looking to lead in sectors vital to aerospace advancement, homeland security and economic innovation.
Donald Platt, Ph.D., associate professor of space systems and director of the university’s Spaceport Education Center in Titusville, was named director of the PSFB facility, where he will oversee operations and serve as the liaison from Florida Tech.
Courses required for these four programs will be offered as 8-week, hybrid (in-person and online) classes taught on the base by Florida Tech faculty members and instructors.
“We at Florida Tech are very proud to partner with our friends and colleagues at the U.S. Space Force, and we look forward to providing the guardians and civilian personnel the high-quality education that our university is known for,” said John Z. Kiss, provost and senior VP for academic affairs.
Munevver Subasi, associate provost of academic affairs, added, “This initiative demonstrates the passion and commitment both organizations have to training the next generation of space workforce and leaders, creating a unified educational ecosystem that enhances collaboration and knowledge sharing and ensures America’s space professionals have the advanced management and technical expertise needed to excel in an increasingly complex and competitive domain.”
