Astronomy M.S.

Completion of the M.S. in astronomy requires 30 credits of graduate work beyond the bachelor’s degree, including a minimum of 21 credits in course work. At least 15 credits must be at the 6000 level or above. The cumulative GPA for all courses applied towards a master’s degree must be 3.0 or higher

Core Requirements

Course work should meet the needs of the individual student, but must include:

Take one course from the following:

PHYS 6410 - Electrodynamics Credit Hours: 4
PHYS 6510 - Quantum Mechanics I Credit Hours: 4
PHYS 6520 - Quantum Mechanics II Credit Hours: 4
PHYS 6590 - Statistical Mechanics Credit Hours: 4

Eight credits from the following:

ASTR 4510 - Origin of Life: A Cosmic Perspective Credit Hours: 3
ASTR 6940 - Readings in Astronomy and Astrophysics Credit Hours: 3
ASTR 6960 - Special Topics in Astronomy and Astrophysics Credit Hours: 3
ASTR 4120 - Observational Astronomy Credit Hours: 4
ASTR 4220 - Astrophysics Credit Hours: 4
ASTR 4240 - Gravitation and Cosmology Credit Hours: 4

A 6 to 9 credit Thesis or Multiple-Semester Project:

Thesis or Multiple-Semester Project in Astronomy or Astrophysics

ASTR 6970 - Professional Project Credit Hours:

Outcomes of the Graduate Curriculum

Students who successfully complete this program will be able to:

demonstrate mastery of graduate-level courses covering a relevant selection of core fields of Physics, including Quantum Mechanics, Electrodynamics, or Statistical Physics.
demonstrate mastery of modern topics in astronomy or astrophysics through coursework.
demonstrate knowledge and research skills in astronomy or astrophysics through completion of a project or thesis.
clearly communicate their ideas and results to general and specialized audiences, both orally and in writing.

SCHOOLS & PROGRAMS