Join a Vibrant Community of Researchers and Scholars

Our program has research efforts that span six sub-areas of physics and five interdisciplinary areas. To tailor your program of study to your career goals, our program is split into two tracks: the Astronomy track and the Physics track. These tracks will help you and your advisor determine the course work you need to quickly get into your research. The Graduate Coordinator, the Director of Graduate Studies, and the faculty are committed to keeping you on track so you may develop skills suitable for your career goals in discovery and communication of science. To this end we have eliminated the PhD qualifying exam and in its stead take a holistic approach of reviewing your coursework and academic achievements through an annual career goal meeting with you and your advisor. This may include taking an Individual Development Plan (IDP) that can improve the communications channels between you, your advisor and/or other mentors. Through the Graduate Student Advisory Committee (GSAC), the graduate students are part of the governing body of the department and in partnership with the faculty we are able to meet your needs as best as possible. The Department offers a summer internship with a faculty mentor after your first year so you can test drive any specific research area. The community of graduate students enjoys a camaraderie and are here to assist and support you with understanding the nuances of your graduate years. Through our Graduate Mentoring in Astronomy and Physics Program (GradMAP), first and second year students are paired with upper-level graduate students so that your segue into graduate school is both smooth and well-informed.  Please take a look at the research efforts and course offerings and we wish you all the best with your career goals.

For more information on available degrees, please choose one of the graduate degree options below or contact the Director of Graduate Studies from our Graduate Advising page.