The Aerospace Physiology Education Program at Case Western Reserve University prepares students to understand how the human body responds and adapts to the extreme environments encountered in aviation and spaceflight. Building upon a strong foundation in human physiology, our program introduces students to the effects of altitude, acceleration, hypoxia, microgravity, and other aerospace stressors on human performance, safety, and operational readiness.
Through interdisciplinary coursework and collaboration with experts in aviation and extreme physiology, our program equips graduates with the knowledge and skills needed for careers in aerospace medicine, research, human performance, and related industries.
The aerospace and spaceflight industry is rapidly expanding, from commercial space tourism to long‑term missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Government agencies (NASA, FAA, ESA), private companies (Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin, SpaceX), and U.S. military branches are all advancing aerospace operations at an unprecedented pace.
Despite this growth, there is a critical shortage of professionals trained to understand and address how the human body responds to extreme flight and space environments, including altered gravity, high acceleration, and other physiological stressors. The Aerospace Physiology Education Program at Case Western Reserve University is designed to meet this need by preparing graduates with specialized, applied expertise to support the future of aerospace and space exploration.
The Aerospace Physiology Education Program prepares graduates for careers across civilian, military, government, and commercial aerospace sectors. It also strengthens the credentials of professionals already working in aerospace or healthcare fields.
Career pathways include:
- Aerospace and aviation medicine
- Military and civilian healthcare roles in aerospace environments
- Research physiology with NASA, the U.S. Air Force, or Navy
- FAA medical examination and aerospace or environmental physiology
- Research and medical operations roles with commercial spaceflight companies such as Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin, and SpaceX
Graduates gain the physiological expertise needed to contribute to the safe and effective advancement of aerospace and spaceflight missions.
Admission Requirements
- Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in physical/biological sciences
- OR degree in health professions (medicine, nursing, respiratory therapy, nutrition, etc.)
Application Requirements
- Personal statement
- Resume/CV
- Prior academic transcripts
- Two letters of recommendations