Astrophysics (PhD)

The PhD in Astrophysics allows students the opportunity for expertise in a vast array of research disciplines within the fields of astrophysics and cosmology. SESE’s extensive research portfolio across many disciplines allows students to specialize in one area or to explore interdisciplinary topics. Areas of concentration for the Astrophysics PhD include, but are not limited to:

  

• Astrobiology
• Astronomical Instrumentation
• Computational Astrophysics
• Cosmochemistry
• Cosmology, Large Scale Structure, Dark Matter, Dark Energy
• Galaxy Formation and Evolution
• Interstellar medium
• Particle Astrophysics
• Planet Formation and Evolution
• Star Formation and Evolution
• Stellar Explosions
• Systems Engineering
• Theoretical Physics

Prospective PhD Astrophysics students are encouraged to visit the research section of the SESE Web site for information on faculty research and the high-tech facilities available for conducting top quality investigations. Interested students are encouraged to make contact with faculty members who conduct research in the area(s) of interest.

 

SESE’s Astrophysics PhD is geared for students seeking careers in research, teaching and/or higher education.

 

A minimum of 84 semester hours are required for an Astrophysics PhD student to graduate. These credits will include at least 25 credits of coursework and 12 credits of dissertation. Astrophysics students are required to take AST 521, AST 522, AST 523 (Stars and Interstellar Medium I, II, III, respectively), and AST531, AST 532, AST 533 (Galaxies and Cosmology I, II, III, respectively). In addition, all SESE students are required to take 2 one-hour seminars: GLG 500: SESE colloquium and GLG 591: Faculty Research Seminar (required in the first semester).  Coursework from previously earned MS degrees in a related field may be applied toward the 25 credit coursework requirement. The remaining credits should consist of research hours or additional coursework. Courses are selected by a student in consultation with his/her supervisory committee based on the research area. A Doctoral Comprehensive Examination including a written and oral presentation of two research projects is required for advancement to candidacy. The Ph.D. degree in Astrophysics is awarded when the student has obtained a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in coursework, demonstrated expertise in his/her research area(s) made evident through publishable contributions of original research and a successful dissertation oral defense, and has met all deadlines and requirements set by the Graduate College.

 

Applicants of the PhD in Astrophysics must have a bachelor’s degree. Applicants typically have a bachelor’s degree in astronomy, physics, or a related area; however, this is not a requirement. Applicants must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA from their last 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours of undergraduate coursework and are required to take the general GRE exam and the physics GRE exam. There are no minimum scores required for the GRE exams. International applicants are required to demonstrate English Proficiency via the TOEFL or IELTS. Minimum required scores can be found at the website: http://graduate.asu.edu/admissions/international.html.

 

 

Learn about the Astrophysics MS degree