The PhD program in Astronomy prepares students to engage in research at the forefront of their field and to begin a position in academia or research. The program mainly consists of courses in astronomy and original research conducted under the guidance of a faculty advisor.
Students normally enter this program with an undergraduate degree in astronomy, physics, or another physical science. During the first academic year, students generally concentrate on coursework; a research area is usually chosen during the first or second year. Research, the most important part of the graduate program, occupies much of the student’s time after the first year. Students must pass a qualifying examination by the end of their third academic year. The purpose of this examination, based mostly on a directed research project, is to ensure that the student has the preparation and the ability to conduct the original research required for the PhD dissertation. Students submit a dissertation prospectus under the guidance of a faculty advisory committee and continue performing original research. Once they have written their dissertation, students undergo a dissertation defense.
Degree Learning Outcomes
- 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.
Coursework & Program Overview
Graduate Coursework
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Students must accumulate 64 units (credits) with a grade of B− or higher from graduate-level classes. Of these:
- 24 units must be for 4-unit astronomy (AS) courses numbered CAS AS 701–749
- 2 units must be from CAS AS 720 Graduate Research and Scholarship
- 8 units must be from advanced AS courses numbered CAS AS 750–799,
– or, with the permission of the Director of Graduate Studies, relevant graduate-level courses offered within Boston University such as physics or engineering courses. (Advanced courses outside of Boston University require petition to the Astronomy faculty.)
- 8 units must be from completing all of the four 2-unit AS seminar courses (which may be repeated for additional credit):
- CAS AS 850/851 – Graduate Literature Seminar I and II
- CAS AS 865/866 – Graduate Research Seminar I and II
- The remaining up-to-22 units are normally expected to come from research courses numbered CAS AS 900–919
In addition to the requirements listed above, all students are expected to participate in a student-centered seminar series (CAS AS 850/851 and/or CAS AS 865/866) and a professional-centered scientific colloquium series, each semester that they are in residence. |
Language Requirement
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There is no foreign language requirement for this degree. |
Transfer Credit
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Please note: Transfer of credit is at the discretion of the department.
Students with prior graduate work may be able to transfer course credits. Review the Graduate School’s Transfer of Credits Policy for more details. |
PhD Candidacy
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Formal admission to PhD candidacy is based on satisfactory performance in coursework and passing a qualifying examination, which is administered to ensure that students have mastered intermediate physics and astronomy. |
PhD Qualifying Examination
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Students must pass an Oral Qualifying Examination by the end of their third academic year. Prior to the end of the third year, the student must undertake a directed research project with a member of the faculty, ideally leading to a potential dissertation topic. The purpose of this directed research is to ensure that the student has the preparation and the ability to conduct the original research required for the PhD thesis. It is expected that the directed research will lead to publishable results, but publication prior to the Oral Qualifying Examination is not required. In the Oral Qualifying Examination, the student presents the results of the research in a formal seminar and is examined afterward by a panel consisting of the student’s research advisor and at least two other members of the Department of Astronomy faculty. The panel questions the student about their research and also about the student’s knowledge of related areas of physics and astronomy. |
Astronomy Qualifying Examination Guide
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Dissertation
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Candidates must demonstrate their abilities for independent study in a Dissertation representing original research. The PhD dissertation can be on any topic in astronomy, astrophysics, or space physics but must represent original scientific research that contributes substantially to the advancement of the field. After successfully completing the PhD Qualifying Examination, a student selects their dissertation steering committee. As research progresses, the student expands the outline for the dissertation into their PhD Prospectus, to help guide their research and writing. Lastly, Candidates must undergo a Final Oral Examination in which they defend their dissertation as a valuable contribution to knowledge in astronomy, astrophysics, or space physics. The defense consists of a public presentation of the dissertation research and an oral examination of the candidate by the PhD Examining Committee. |
Astronomy Dissertation Guide
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Academic Standing for the PhD Degree
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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 scholarships, fellowship support, and federal loans. The GRS criteria for Good Academic Standing are as follows:
- Have no more than two grades lower than B– and/or 2 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.
- Minimum Completion Rate: A student must complete at least 75% of all cumulative attempted unit hours. The cumulative attempted unit hours include all transfer units accepted by the University and noted on the academic transcript.
Courses outside the degree requirements (i.e., PDP and undergraduate) will still count toward a student’s overall GPA and academic standing, even though they do not fulfill specific degree requirements.
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Time Limit & Leaves
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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. |
Graduate Advising & Registration
Advising
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An Astronomy graduate student traditionally has two faculty advisors: the Director of Graduate Studies and a research advisor. The department’s Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) serves as the academic advisor for all students in the program; a student’s research supervisor serves as their advisor for research activities and dissertation work. Students meet with the DGS at least once a semester for academic advising. |
Registration
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Students are expected to register for a minimum of one course (at least 2 units) or Continuing Student Status each fall and spring term until all degree requirements have been completed. Students must be registered for every term or summer term during which a degree requirement is completed or University facilities are used unless on an official leave of absence.
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Academic Progress Timeline
Astronomy PhD Program Timeline
YEAR 1
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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
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Graduate Courses
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YEAR 2
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No Later than End of Second Year
- Completion of the remaining 2 courses numbered AS 705-749
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Graduate Courses
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YEAR 3
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No Later than End of Third Year
- Completion of 8 credits for the astronomy seminar courses: AS 850, AS 851, AS 865, or AS 866
- Passing grade on the PhD Oral Qualifying Examination
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YEAR 4
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No Later than End of First Semester of the Fourth Year
- [If not completed by deadline of end of Third 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
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YEAR 5
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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
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YEAR 6
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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
- Student submits Dissertation Prospectus and GRS Prospectus Form to the Director of Graduate Studies and the Graduate School (GRS) no later than 6 months before the Final Oral Exam
- Students should review the Graduate School’s PhD Graduation Checklists for year-specific deadlines
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YEAR 7
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No Later than the End of Seventh Year
- COURSEWORK: All required coursework completed
- INTENT TO GRADUATE FORM: Student submits the GRS Intent to Graduate-PhD Form by the required deadline
- REGISTRATION: Student must be registered in the preceding semester and in the semester during which the degree requirements are completed
Final Examination Overview
- A presentation of PhD research to the student’s PhD Examination Committee and an audience of departmental students and faculty.
- Examination of the candidate’s dissertation as a valuable contribution to knowledge in astronomy, astrophysics, or space physics. Also must demonstrate mastery of their field of specialization.
- At least four members of the PhD examining committee must vote to pass the candidate.
Dissertation Overview
- The final version of the dissertation and abstract, as revised following comments and suggestions by the PhD Examination Committee and the Department of Astronomy faculty, must be approved by the Readers, as well as by the Chair and Director of Graduate Studies of the Department of Astronomy.
- The candidate should consult the Graduate School’s PhD Graduation Guide for the precise format and submission requirements for the dissertation.
Dissertation Exam and Draft Deadlines Schedule
- DISSERTATION ABSTRACT: due at least five weeks prior to exam must be approved by Readers, DGS, and Chair
- PROPERLY FORMATTED* DRAFT OF THESIS: due at least three weeks prior to exam, to GRS (*refer to Mugar guide in GRS PhD Graduation Guide)
- GRS SPECIAL SERVICE APPOINTMENT FORMS: due at least three weeks prior to exam, to GRS, as applicable (refer to guide)
- EXAM ANNOUNCEMENT INFO: due at least three weeks prior to exam, to Department Administrator
- DEFENSE DRAFT OF DISSERTATION: at least two weeks prior to exam must be approved by Readers and distributed to Committee
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PhD Profile
A profile of the BU Astronomy PhD program is available, as coordinated through Boston University’s Office of Graduate Affairs.
PhD Program Academic Handbook
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.
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