Membership Criteria

Only Ph.D.-granting universities shall be eligible for membership. Such an institution may be considered eligible for membership in USRA if it:

1. Has made a substantial commitment to a program of course studies and dissertation research leading to the doctorate in one or more of the space sciences or related fields. Space sciences and technology is taken to include the exploration of the solar system; the study of Earth from space; astrophysics and space physics; microgravity science and applications; space life science; aeronautical and space technology; and space-related research in communications, information systems, astrobiology, and computer science.
2. Has faculty members that have made significant contributions in the space sciences and related fields as evidenced by published scholarly works of significance.
3. Is committed to active participation in the activities of USRA, including governance.

Applicants for initial membership should review the Criteria carefully and submit documents as specified below in sufficient detail to be clearly responsive to the Criteria.

Any questions regarding USRA’s Membership Criteria or the required application materials may be directed to:

Dr. Hussein Jirdeh
Director of University Relations
Universities Space Research Association
10211 Wincopin Circle, Suite 500
Columbia, MD 21044-3432
Phone (410) 730-2656 × 314
Fax (410) 730-3496
Email hjirdeh@usra.edu

Membership Fees

All university members must pay a one-time assessment fee of $1,200. This is not an annual fee. No more assessments are anticipated, although USRA is authorized by the charter to assess member institutions up to a total limit of $5,000. USRA operating expenses are covered by a general and administrative charge against our contracts. The term of membership is not limited.

Submission of Materials for Application

Candidates for USRA membership should submit the following application materials with their membership fee:

1. A written agreement of the university President or other chief executive officer to join USRA and to conform to its structure as laid out in the Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation. In accordance with the criteria for membership, the letter should confirm the university’s commitment to a full, coherent, and integrated program of studies and dissertation research at the doctorate level, in one or more of the space sciences and related fields. In addition, a commitment to active participation in the activities of USRA and its programs and facilities should be evidenced.
2. Brief vitae of faculty and research staff who participate in the program, listing professional and academic credentials and including a list of up to ten relevant publications (maximum of two pages per individual).
3. Descriptions of the principal facilities at the university that are available to support the research and instructional programs in space-related sciences (maximum of two pages). Include brochures if available.
4. A list of graduate-level courses offered in the area of space research, including brochures for academic programs and facilities.
5. A list of the Ph.D. degrees awarded to students in their space-related research programs in the past 5 years, and a listing of current Ph.D. students and their research topics. These should include the titles of the theses and the names of the students’ advisors.
6. A brief description of any significant changes planned in the space science research programs for the next three to five years, including changes in curriculum, personnel, and facilities.

These materials should be mailed in a single application package to:

Dr. Hussein Jirdeh
Director of University Relations
Universities Space Research Association
10211 Wincopin Circle, Suite 500
Columbia, MD 21044-3432
Phone (410) 730-2656 × 314
Fax (410) 730-3496
Email hjirdeh@usra.edu