OXFORD, MISS. (OCTOBER 7, 2025) — The University of Mississippi School of Law—a top-tier public law school ranked among the nation's Best Law Schools by U.S. News & World Report recognized by the American Bar Association as a leader in legal education innovation—today announced the launch of the nation’s first fully online Master of Science in Air and Space Law. Developed in collaboration with iDesign—the instructional design studio behind some of the most forward-thinking online programs in the country—this first-of-its-kind program will broaden access to specialized legal knowledge in aviation and space and help mid-career professionals chart pathways to careers in the world’s fast-growing aerospace industry.

“We’re creating a rigorous, accessible pathway for professionals seeking to lead in aerospace policy and regulation—whether or not they hold a JD,” said Michelle Hanlon, professor of practice and executive director of the Center for Air and Space Law at the University of Mississippi School of Law. “As the commercial space and aviation sectors rapidly evolve, so too must the legal and regulatory frameworks that support them. This program equips learners with the knowledge and perspective to help shape those frameworks from day one.”

The launch comes as demand for air and space law expertise continues to expand rapidly. The global commercial space economy is projected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035. In aviation, the FAA and NASA are investing billions in advanced air mobility (AAM), and the integration of drones and autonomous aircraft into U.S. airspace is expected to generate more than 100,000 jobs by 2030. Meanwhile, evolving issues like orbital debris (or “space junk”), cybersecurity, and AI regulation are accelerating demand for legal and compliance support.

Aimed at non-lawyers working in air and space-adjacent fields—from compliance officers and program managers to policy leaders and public sector innovators—the 30-credit asynchronous program lowers barriers to entry for aspiring aerospace legal experts. Students will learn the fundamentals of high-demand areas such as cybersecurity, drone policy, export controls and commercial space regulation. By offering the program in a flexible, online format, the University aims to expand access to legal education and extend its reach to learners in rural communities as well as non-traditional, working and military professionals.

With instructional design and course development led by iDesign, the program’s curriculum will feature immersive, high-engagement course content taught by University of Mississippi professors designed to help students confidently navigate the legal complexities of the highly-regulated, and rapidly evolving, aerospace industry. Key course topics will include:

●  Drone Law and Policy

●  Space Law & Cybersecurity

●  AI and Aerospace

●  International and U.S. Regulatory Frameworks

●  Aviation Finance and Leasing

●  Environmental and Remote Sensing Law

“Designing this program is about more than simply moving content online—it is about creating a rigorous, high-engagement learning experience that helps students not only acquire specialized legal knowledge, but also retain and apply it in real-world aerospace contexts,” said Whitney Kilgore, PhD, co-founder and Chief Academic Officer of iDesign. “Grounded in the science of how people learn, the curriculum leverages evidence-based instructional strategies to ensure learners can navigate the legal and policy challenges emerging at the frontiers of air and space law.”

The program builds on the University of Mississippi’s global reputation for air and space law leadership. As an affiliate of the FAA Drone Center of Excellence and the only law school offering a space law concentration with this level of depth, the new degree reflects a strategic trajectory: expanding the pipeline of talent trained to operate within the complex regulatory boundaries governing the aerospace industry. Pending approval from state higher education authorities, the University plans to open enrollment in late 2025 with first classes to commence in August 2026.

The University of Mississippi School of Law (Ole Miss Law) is the only public, ABA-accredited law school in the state of Mississippi, located in Oxford and founded in 1854. With a diverse range of academic paths including J.D., LL.M., joint degrees, and certificate programs, Ole Miss Law emphasizes experiential learning in its legal education model—offering clinics, externships, and institutes such as the Business Law Institute, Transactional Clinic, and the MacArthur Justice Clinic.

To learn more, visit law.olemiss.edu/space-law.