Master of Science in Astronomy (Thesis Track)

The purpose of the Astronomy M.S. and Ph.D. degrees are 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. At the M.S. level we have two options. A coursework M.S., wherein students take classes at the graduate level in Astronomy and pass an exam. We also offer a thesis option where students will learn to formulate, conduct and report on research. In the case of the Ph.D. the research must be original research conducted independently by the student.

Learning Outcomes
Understand astrophysics at the graduate level.
Understand either classical mechanics or quantum theory or electromagnetic theory at the graduate level.
Understand mathematical physics at the graduate level.
Understand observational astronomy techniques.
Understand astrophysics of gaseous nebulae and active galactic nuclei, and high energy astrophysics.
Understand cosmology at the graduate level.

Applicants must have a regionally accredited or equivalent undergraduate degree in Physics, Astronomy or other related area.

Applicants must have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 for all undergraduate work or a minimum 3.00 GPA for the last two years of undergraduate work.

English Proficiency:

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): (Paper-based) Minimum score - 74; (Computer-based) Minimum score - 213; (Internet-based) Minimum score - 80

International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Minimum score: 6.5

Duolingo English Test (DET): Minimum score: 105

Michigan Test of English Language Placement (MTELP): Minimum score: 85

Pearson Test of English (PTE): Minimum score: 65