D candidate is expected to be both knowledgeable of problems at the frontiers of astrophysical research and able to carry out independent forefront research in a specialized area. Candidates are required to gain experience as teaching assistants, and are encouraged to work with a variety of faculty and research staff members during the first two years of study. Ph.D. Minor Graduate students from other departments who wish to minor in astronomy should ask the department to assign them a minor professor. The minimum requirement for a minor is 10 credits from courses at or above the 500 level offered by the Department of Astronomy, to include both Astronomy 500 and Astronomy 700. To enter as a graduate student, an applicant must have undergraduate preparation that includes at least three years of college physics and mathematics through differential equations.
Admission is competitive and is for the fall only.
Financial support is provided through university fellowships or departmental assistantships.