PhD Program
Our PhD program is generally 5 to 6 years. The first two years include research and classes. The remainder is devoted to thesis research.
Requirements include:
- Seven (7) core courses in astronomy (21 credits) plus two approved cognate courses from other natural science departments (6 credits) - Years 1 and 2
- Precandidate research projects - Years 1 and 2
- Doctoral preliminary oral examination - End of Year 1
- Dissertation and oral defense - Years 3-5/6
Core Courses
Astronomy 501: Modern Astronomical Techniques
Astronomy 530: Stellar Astrophysics I
Astronomy 531: Stellar Astrophysics II
Astronomy 532: The High Energy Universe
Astronomy 533: The Structure and Content of Galaxies
Astronomy 534: The Extragalactic Universe
Astronomy 535: Astrophysics of the Interstella Medium
Students must also take two additional cognate courses. These courses must be approved by the Astronomy Graduate Chair.
All students must complete the RCRS requirement (Responsible Conduct of Research and Scholarship training) by taking the one credit UC 415 course prior to advancing to candidacy
Advancing to Candidacy
The advancement to candidacy exam is given after the end of the Winter semester, Year 2. This exam is composed of a written research requirement and an oral preliminary exam. Students who have completed the course work (core+cognate classes) and are in good academic standing are eligible for a master's degree.
