Master of Science in Astrophysics

Overview:

The M.S. degree will consist of a minimum of 30 semester hours beyond the bachelor's degree, of which 20 semester hours are structured courses. The program will provide fundamental graduate training in astrophysics to prepare candidates for careers in astrophysics, such as scientific staff positions at government laboratories, teaching at the community college level, technical positions in industry, or further graduate study.

Program of Study: The student, with the approval of the advisor and supervisory committee (formed upon enrollment), will select courses that comprise a coherent program of study. It is normally expected that coursework will consist of the existing AST 521/522/523 and AST 531/532/533 graduate sequences, which provide comprehensive graduate training in the major fields of astrophysics. These courses will be combined with additional work in core fields such as physics or mathematics. Students will be expected to exhibit mastery of topics in these core fields, and may be required by their advisor and committee to include such courses in their program of study. Specific course requirements may be waived by the advisor if the student has successfully completed equivalent courses at universities elsewhere. Individual programs of study that include work in related fields may also be designed with advisor approval, subject to the requirements of the ASU Division of Graduate Studies. M.S. programs of study will also include a minimum of six hours of research and thesis credit. ASU Division of Graduate Studies policies and procedures must also be met for admission to the program as well as for fulfilling the requirements of the degree.

Thesis Requirements: A thesis based on observational, theoretical, laboratory, and/or literature research in Astrophysics is required. Final

Examination: A final oral examination in defense of the thesis or the student's written research propositions is required.