PhD, Astronomy

• Demonstrate graduate-level knowledge of astronomy and physics, including the following topics: fundamental physics and astrophysics; gravitation, electromagnetism, and quantum mechanics appropriate to astronomy; and the dynamical behavior of space and astrophysical plasmas.
• Demonstrate graduate-level knowledge of observational techniques used to study astronomical and space phenomena.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the forefront of the field through PhD-level research.
• Ability to communicate astronomical information orally (or signed) to a graduate- and faculty-level audience.
• Ability to communicate astronomical information in written form.
• Demonstrate critical thinking about astronomical topics as well as other technical and general scientific topics.
• Perform original scientific research at a high level.
• Publish original research in a dissertation and (typically peer-reviewed) journals.
• Appropriately use and acknowledge work of others.
• Disseminate and handle data and other research products in an appropriate manner.

The Graduate School of Arts & Sciences Bulletin outlines the requirements for the PhD in Astronomy, including:

• 64 units of Coursework (including directed and independent research credits) at the 700-level or above
• Seminar series participation
• Qualifying Examination
• Dissertation and Final Oral Examination
• Satisfactory Academic Progress for PhD degree

Academic Progress Timeline

YEAR 1 —

By End of First Year

• • Completion of AS 701, AS 703, and AS 720
  • Completion of up to 2 of the additional courses numbered AS 704-749 offered that year

YEAR 2 —

No Later than End of Second Year

• • Completion of the remaining 2 courses numbered AS 705-749

YEAR 3 —

No Later than End of Third Year

• • Completion of 8 credits for the astronomy seminar courses: AS 850, 851, 865, or 866

YEAR 4 —

No Later than End of First Semester of the Fourth Year

• • Passing grade on the Oral Qualifying Examination

No Later than End of Fourth Year

• • Selection of the members of the student’s PhD Dissertation Steering Committee, including the First and Second Readers of the dissertation
  • Student submits completed Astronomy Dissertation Steering Committee Membership Form to identify committee members
  • Begins meeting with PhD Dissertation Steering Committee at least twice per calendar year to monitor progress toward developing the Prospectus

YEAR 5 —

No Later than End of Fifth Year

• • Continues meeting with PhD Dissertation Steering Committee at least twice per calendar year to monitor progress toward developing the Prospectus

YEAR 6 —

No Later than the End of Sixth Year

• • Continues meeting with PhD Dissertation Steering Committee at least twice per calendar year to monitor progress toward developing the Prospectus and completion of dissertation.
  • Dissertation Prospectus submitted to the DGS and GRS no later than 6 months before the Final Oral Exam. Review the Graduate School’s PhD Graduation Checklists for year-specific deadlines.

YEAR 7 —

No Later than the End of Seventh Year

Satisfactory Academic Progress

The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GRS) and the Astronomy Department guarantee five full years (12 months each) of financial support for students who maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress. This support will be in the form of Teaching Fellowships, Research Fellowships, or Graduate Fellowships. Funding beyond five years is generally provided (but not guaranteed) to students who are working productively toward the PhD degree. The time limit for completion of the PhD is seven years (exceptions require a petition to GRS). A Leave of Absence of up to two semesters is permitted for appropriate cause; the period of authorized leave of absence is not counted as a part of the time allowed for completion of PhD degree requirements. All classes must be completed with a grade of B- or better to maintain satisfactory academic progress, with an overall GPA no lower than 3.0 (on a 4-point scale).

The Graduate School of Arts & Sciences requires graduate students to maintain Good Academic Standing in order to remain enrolled in their graduate program and/or to retain GRS scholarship and/or fellowship support. The GRS criteria for Good Academic Standing are as follows:

• • Have no more than two failing or W grades.
  • Meet all milestones of the degree, such as comprehensive exams, qualifying exams, and dissertation prospectus, on the schedule specified by the program.
  • Meet all milestones of the degree with sufficient quality of work as specified by the program.
  • Satisfactorily fulfill all service fellowship obligations, as specified by the program.

The Graduate School of Arts & Science guarantees five years of full funding for PhD students who maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress. Graduate students are supported through University Fellowships, Teaching Fellowships, and/or Research Fellowships. The normal pathway is for students to receive Teaching or University Fellowships during their first year or two and to be supported with Research Fellowships after that, while working closely with individual faculty members on research.

Funding beyond five years is generally provided (but not guaranteed) to students who are working productively toward the PhD degree. Visit GRS Financial Aid – Aid for PhD Students for more information.

A profile of the BU Astronomy PhD program is available, as coordinated through Boston University’s Office of Graduate Affairs.

This program handbook addresses aspects of academic requirements as requested by the Provost’s Office and the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (GRS) in Fall 2024, and is accurate as of April 2025.