Astronomy PhD Program
Timeline for current graduate students in the Astronomy PhD program, for academic progress toward PhD program goals.
The same information can also be found on the PhD in Astronomy program page.
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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