The following faculty members served on the Graduate Studies Committee in the spring semester 1998-1999. The Physics Test must be taken in addition to the General Test of the Graduate Record Examinations, which is required for admission to the Graduate School. An applicant who does not present a satisfactory score on the Physics Test may, on recommendation of the Graduate Studies Committee, be granted a conditional admission to the program requiring removal of deficiencies in physics. A detailed evaluation is made of each new student's physics and astronomy background to identify any deficiencies that should be removed. At least thirty-three semester hours, including Astronomy 398R, or thirty hours, including Astronomy 698, are required.
Students begin research during their first year.
Research is done under the supervision of an adviser and committee and normally takes a year and a half. Upon completing an acceptable research project, with thesis or report, the student is awarded a degree. An alternative program prepares the student to teach college-level astronomy. It includes teaching experience and preparation of a report and normally takes two full years to complete. Students begin research during their first year.