Astrophysics and Astronomy, MS
Hardware, Instrumentation, NASA, Planets, Software, Space, approved for STEM-OPT extension, astronomy, cosmology, stars, universe
Prepare yourself to discover new planets, explore cosmology, and build spaceflight hardware and instruments for telescopes and satellites. You'll work with world-class faculty on NASA- and National Science Foundation-funded space missions, and seek answers to questions about how our universe began and how it continues to evolve.
The Master of Science program in astrophysics and astronomy provides fundamental graduate training in both astrophysics and astronomy.
Students take courses that cover stars and interstellar media, galaxies and cosmology, and they acquire quantitative skills through analysis and modeling. They may have observation opportunities through regional and international telescope observatories.
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.
The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
30 credit hours and a thesis, or
30 credit hours including the required capstone courses (SES 510 and SES 511)
Required Core (1 credit hour)
SES 502 Exploring SESE Research (1)
Electives or Research (5 credit hours)
Other Requirements: Astrophysics Sequence (9 credit hours)
AST 521 Stars and Interstellar Medium I (3)
AST 522 Stars and Interstellar Medium II (3)
AST 591 Seminar: Astrophysics (2)
SES 501 SESE Colloquium (1)
Other Requirements: Galaxies and Cosmology Sequence (3 credit hours)
AST 531 Galaxies and Cosmology I (3)
AST 532 Galaxies and Cosmology II (3)
AST 533 Galaxies and Cosmology III (3)
Other Requirements: Exoplanets and Planetary Science Sequence (3 credit hours)
AST 598 Topic: Origins of Solar Systems (3)
AST 598 Topic: Exploring Exoplanets (3)
SES 598 Topic: Water in the Solar System (3)
Other Requirements: Instrumentation and Techniques Sequence (3 credit hours)
AST 552 Astronomical Instrumentation and Data Analysis (3)
SES 598 Topic: An Introduction to Astro-statistics (3)
SES 598 Topic: Introductory Radio Astronomy (3)
SES 598 Topic: Spectroscopy for Astrophysics (3)
Culminating Experience (6 credit hours)
SES 510 Graduate Exploration Project I (3) and SES 511 Graduate Exploration Project II (3) or
SES 599 Thesis (6)
Additional Curriculum Information
Students select one course from each Other Requirements category. Substitutions may be made per department approval.
For their culminating experience, students in an accelerated program complete capstone courses SES 510 and 511. All other students complete SES 599.
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- statement of purpose
- three letters of recommendation
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 12/01 | Priority |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 10/01 | Priority |
Professionals with expertise in astrophysics and astronomy are in high demand across all sectors and industries, including remote sensing, data science, instrument building and scientific research. Coding and numerical modeling skills translate across many domains, including those beyond astrophysics. Skills in the measurement and analysis of data related to the physics, chemistry and structure of the universe and exoplanetary systems are valuable to businesses and institutions that rely on data-driven strategies to explore beyond the Earth and the solar system.
This degree program prepares candidates for further graduate study or for careers in related fields. Opportunities include scientific staff positions at government laboratories, teaching positions at the community college level, and technical positions in industry. Career examples include:
- data scientist
- research astronomer
- telescope operator
School of Earth and Space Exploration
|
ISTB4 795
sese-prospectivegrads@asu.edu
480-965-5081
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
