MA, Astronomy

Please Note

The Astronomy Department does not accept students to, or offer, a terminal master’s program. Students admitted to the PhD program may opt for a master’s degree en route to the PhD if they satisfy the appropriate requirements. Students may not initially apply for a master’s degree alone.

Degree Learning Outcomes

Degree Requirements

Coursework & Program Overview

Graduate Coursework

Students complete a total of 32 units (credits) of coursework in astronomy with a grade of B– or higher. At least 20 units of these must be from astronomy courses numbered 700–799.

Language Requirement

There is no foreign language requirement for this degree.

Thesis / Comprehensive Examination

The candidate must pass an Oral Examination by one of three means:

writing a master’s thesis with an oral thesis defense
a “masters pass” or “PhD Pass” on the PhD Oral Qualifying Examination
a Masters Oral Comprehensive Examination

1) For a student who writes a master’s thesis, describing a research project carried out by the student and directed by a faculty member, the oral exam takes place as part of the thesis defense. A master’s thesis must give evidence of the candidate’s ability to understand, critically evaluate, and competently carry forward a scientific investigation. This is achieved by advancing an experimental technique, by extending the application of a physical theory, or by collecting new scientifically relevant data or analyzing previously existing data. The thesis must demonstrate the candidate’s ability to present the results of their work in a logical and coherent manner. The thesis is judged in an oral examination administered by a committee of three faculty members, including the student’s advisor.

The committee must approve a prospectus of the thesis at least three months before the oral examination.

2) For students taking the PhD Oral Qualifying Examination, achieving either a “masters pass” or a “PhD pass” will meet the master’s comprehensive examination requirement.

3) Alternatively, a student wishing to leave with an MA may have a Masters Oral Comprehensive Examination committee, consisting of three Astronomy faculty members, to query the student regarding their understanding of graduate-level physics, astrophysics, and space physics to ascertain mastery of these topics.