Program Overview
The Astronomy M.S. and Ph.D. programs prepare students for careers in astronomy or astrophysics research or university-level education. Students customize their programs with their advisors, focusing on coursework, theory, astronomy, seminars, and electives. The program emphasizes original research and provides access to research facilities like the Mount Wilson Observatory. Graduates pursue careers as research scientists, university professors, and other astronomy-related roles.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The purpose of the Astronomy M.S. and Ph.D. degrees is to prepare students for a career in Astronomy or Astrophysics Research or in education at the university level. The program achieves this with a custom program for each student set up by their advisor and their advising committee. In the case of the Ph.D. the research must be original research conducted independently by the student.
Outline:
The program is divided into the following subplans:
- Post-Bachelor's Track: This track is designed for students who have completed a bachelor's degree in Physics, Astronomy, or a related field. Students in this track must complete a minimum of 60 credits, including:
- Required Courses: 9 credits
- Theory Course: 3 credits
- Astronomy Courses: 9 credits
- Seminar Course: 6 credits
- Elective Courses: 15 credits
- Dissertation: 18 credits
- Post-Master's Track: This track is designed for students who have completed a master's degree in Physics, Astronomy, or a related field. Students in this track must complete a minimum of 30 credits, including:
- Required Courses: 0-9 credits
- Theory Course: 0-3 credits
- Astronomy Courses: 0-9 credits
- Seminar Course: 0-6 credits
- Dissertation: 18 credits
Assessment:
Students are assessed on their coursework, research, and dissertation. The coursework assessment includes regular exams, quizzes, and assignments. The research assessment includes the student's progress on their dissertation research. The dissertation assessment includes a final oral defense of the dissertation.
Teaching:
The program is taught by a faculty of experienced astronomers and astrophysicists. The faculty use a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, and hands-on research. The program also provides students with access to a variety of research facilities, including the Mount Wilson Observatory and the Kitt Peak National Observatory.
Careers:
Graduates of the program have a variety of career opportunities, including:
- Research Scientists
- University Professors
- Astrophysicists
- Astronomers
- Science Writers
- Museum Educators
- Planetarium Directors
