MS in Astronomy

This page describes the options available to students who enter with a Bachelors degree and wish to get just a Master's degree in astronomy (a "terminal" Master's). Students planning to continue toward a doctorate should see the page on the PhD in Astronomy.

As part of the MS degree, our program emphasizes:

Acquisition of a broad knowledge of astronomy and familiarity with both observational and theoretical techniques;
Exposure to a variety of advanced and specialized topics in modern astronomy;
Extensive "hands-on" research, including supervised research projects undertaken by all MS students;
Experience presenting talks reviewing the literature and describing new research.

How to apply

Our admissions process is open in the fall semester with a mid-December deadline for admission the following fall. We do not offer spring-semester admissions. The full process is described here.

Formal requirements for the MS degree

Our program offers both Plan A (thesis) and Plan B (non-thesis) MS degrees. Historically, students who entered the program with the goal of obtaining a terminal MS degree have generally preferred Plan A since it can be completed in four semesters.

Students must satisfy the formal requirements laid down by both the University and the Astronomy program. Most students have comfortably exceeded the minimum course requirements.

Formal requirements: Plan A

UNIVERSITY

A minimum of 30 credits, including:
- 18 or more of course work
- 12 or more of graduate courses
- 6 to 12 of thesis research
At least one graduate seminar
A Master's thesis
Registration in ASTR 700 the semester of graduation
Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
Official Plan A Master's requirements

ASTRONOMY PROGRAM

Take 30 credits of grad-level astronomy (or equivalent – see below), including:
- ASTR 633 (Astrophysical Techniques)
- At least 3 credits of ASTR 7XX
- No more than 12 credits of ASTR 699 or ASTR 700 counting toward this total

Formal requirements: Plan B

UNIVERSITY

A minimum of 30 credits, including:
- 18 or more of graduate courses
- At most 9 credits of ASTR 699
At least one graduate seminar
All of the 30 credits counted to the degree must be taken for a grade (except for ASTR 699 which may optionally be taken CR/NC)
Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
Offical Plan B Master's requirements

ASTRONOMY PROGRAM

Take 30 credits of grad-level astronomy (or equivalent – see below), including:
- ASTR 633 (Astrophysical Techniques)
- At least 3 credits of ASTR 7XX
- No more than 9 credits of ASTR 699 counting toward this total
Satisfactorily complete at least one directed research project
Pass Final Exam (grade "P") by end of 5th semester

Coursework

The core of the graduate astronomy curriculum is a series of "600-level" three-credit courses that provide a broad base to which specialized knowledge can later be added. PhD students entering with a Bachelor's degree typically take at least six of these courses, including ASTR 633 (Astrophysical Techniques). Most courses are taught on a two-year cycle, but ASTR 699DR (to become ASTR 601) and ASTR 635 are currently offered each Fall.

In addition, there are a number of "700-level" courses, most consisting of specialized seminars on topics closely related to ongoing research at the Institute. These may be given for 1-3 credits. Most courses change from year to year and some are taught by visiting scientists; seven 700-level seminars, ASTR 740, 750, 758, 760, 777, 790 and 701 are presently offered on a regular basis. Students need to take at least three credits of 700-level seminar courses.

Normally students take all their courses within the astronomy program. However, a student may ask the graduate chair for permission to substitute a course from another program, such as physics, mathematics, or planetary geosciences, so long as the substitution forms part of a coherent plan of study.

Directed reading and research

There's no substitute for real astronomical research experience early in one's graduate career. The IfA graduate program puts considerable emphasis on research, even during the first two years when students are also taking formal courses. This research is normally done in collaboration with a faculty advisor as Directed Research (ASTR 699).

During their first semester, students are required to take ASTR 699DR, a directed reading course surveying ongoing research at the IfA. During their second, third and fourth semesters students normally carry out two substantial pieces of research, usually with two different faculty advisors. An independent oversight committee (the GROG) assists in the selection of research topics, and offers advice and feedback throughout the pre-thesis research period. The GROG is also responsible for evaluating papers and presentations. The 699 research projects are subject to a code of conduct.