Prepare yourself to discover new planets, explore cosmology, and build spaceflight hardware and instruments for telescopes and satellites. You'll work with world-class faculty on NASA- and National Science Foundation-funded space missions, and seek answers to questions about how our universe began and how it continues to evolve.
Program Description
Degree Awarded:
MS
Astrophysics and Astronomy
The Master of Science program in astrophysics and astronomy provides fundamental graduate training in both astrophysics and astronomy.
Students take courses that cover stars and interstellar media, galaxies and cosmology, and they acquire quantitative skills through analysis and modeling. They may have observation opportunities through regional and international telescope observatories.
30 credit hours including the required capstone courses (SES 510 and SES 511)
Required Core (1 credit hour) SES 502 Exploring SESE Research (1)
Electives or Research (5 credit hours)
Other Requirements: Astrophysics Sequence (9 credit hours) AST 521 Stars and Interstellar Medium I (3) AST 522 Stars and Interstellar Medium II (3) AST 591 Seminar: Astrophysics (2) SES 501 SESE Colloquium (1)
Other Requirements: Galaxies and Cosmology Sequence (3 credit hours) AST 531 Galaxies and Cosmology I (3) AST 532 Galaxies and Cosmology II (3) AST 533 Galaxies and Cosmology III (3)
Other Requirements: Exoplanets and Planetary Science Sequence (3 credit hours) AST 598 Topic: Origins of Solar Systems (3) AST 598 Topic: Exploring Exoplanets (3) SES 598 Topic: Water in the Solar System (3)
Other Requirements: Instrumentation and Techniques Sequence (3 credit hours) AST 552 Astronomical Instrumentation and Data Analysis (3) SES 598 Topic: An Introduction to Astro-statistics (3) SES 598 Topic: Introductory Radio Astronomy (3) SES 598 Topic: Spectroscopy for Astrophysics (3)
Culminating Experience (6 credit hours) SES 510 Graduate Exploration Project I (3) and SES 511 Graduate Exploration Project II (3) or SES 599 Thesis (6)
Additional Curriculum Information Students select one course from each Other Requirements category. Substitutions may be made per department approval.
For their culminating experience, students in an accelerated program complete capstone courses SES 510 and 511. All other students complete SES 599.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
graduate admission application and application fee
official transcripts
statement of purpose
three letters of recommendation
proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Flexible Degree Options
Accelerated program options
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an
accelerated bachelor's and master's degree
with:
BSE
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Aerospace Engineering (Astronautics)
Have you often looked up at the night sky and pondered what's possible? Now is the time to turn your fascination into real-world spacecraft design. You'll learn to develop technologies that launch humans into orbit, explore distant planets and expand the boundaries of what's possible in space exploration.
Turn your passion for problem-solving into innovations that help shape technology. You'll learn the principles behind spacecraft, sustainable energy systems and other advanced technologies --- and have the opportunity to develop ideas that could power the machines and devices of the future.
Do you want to be at the edge of exploration, making new discoveries about our planet, our solar system and our universe? Explore cosmology, design and build spaceflight hardware, and engineer new instruments for telescopes and satellites.
BS
-
Earth and Space Exploration (Exploration Systems Design)
Cross the boundaries of science and engineering while preparing for a new era of exploration. Learn to build spaceflight hardware, engineer solutions to explore extreme environments, and take a systems-based approach to scientific discovery.
Gain expertise in the art and science of flight through hands-on experience in aerodynamics, propulsion and aircraft design. You'll solve complex engineering problems as you prepare for the challenging and rewarding field of modern aviation.
BSE
-
Electrical Engineering (Electrical Power and Energy Systems)
You could be designing the energy infrastructure that powers entire cities. With the global shift toward smart grids and sustainable power systems, electrical engineers who specialize in energy are addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges. Gain the expertise to thrive in this sector while building a recession-proof career.
Be part of the future of aerospace innovation with the expertise you'll build in this program. Learn the advanced engineering principles behind self-navigating aircraft, intelligent spacecraft and next-generation transportation systems operating across air and space.
Learn about our planet, solar system and universe by combining science, engineering and education. You could be involved in building spaceflight hardware; making astronomical observations; discovering new microbes; exploring volcanoes, oceans and glaciers; investigating Earth-climate interactions; and setting the stage for a new era of exploration.
Your interest in how electricity powers the world can be the starting point for meaningful innovation. Through this program, you'll gain expertise in areas including circuits, power systems and signal processing, as well as problem-solving --- skills that will set you apart.
BS
-
Earth and Space Exploration (Geological and Planetary Sciences)
Explore Earth's past, present and future. Study natural hazards, the distribution of critical minerals and the record of Earth system evolution. Apply this knowledge to help find sustainable solutions for the energy and resource needs of human civilization and to mitigate the effects of natural hazards and climate change.
BS
-
Earth and Space Exploration (Astrobiology and Biogeosciences)
How do "living worlds" work? Explore the complex connections between life and planetary systems. Learn how astronomy, biology, geology and chemistry combine to shape the habitability of planets and Earth's extreme environments. Discover how to detect life on other planetary bodies or in remote environments on Earth.
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.
Professionals with expertise in astrophysics and astronomy are in high demand across all sectors and industries, including remote sensing, data science, instrument building and scientific research. Coding and numerical modeling skills translate across many domains, including those beyond astrophysics. Skills in the measurement and analysis of data related to the physics, chemistry and structure of the universe and exoplanetary systems are valuable to businesses and institutions that rely on data-driven strategies to explore beyond the Earth and the solar system.
This degree program prepares candidates for further graduate study or for careers in related fields. Opportunities include scientific staff positions at government laboratories, teaching positions at the community college level, and technical positions in industry. Career examples include:
data scientist
research astronomer
telescope operator
Program Contact Information
If you have questions related to admission, please
click here
to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly.
For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.
Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.
Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. ASU offers students two ways to earn concurrent degrees: by choosing a predetermined combination or creating their own combination. Predetermined combinations have a single admissions application and one easy to follow major map. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor. Either way, concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor's degree in 2.5 or 3 years.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.
Accelerated bachelor's degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.
This is only the first required math course. This program may contain additional math courses; See Major Map for details.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the General level: MAT 142
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Moderate level: MAT 117, MAT 119, MAT 170, MAT 210, SOS 101, CPI 200
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Substantial level: MAT 251, MAT 265. MAT 266, MAT 267, MAT 270, MAT 271, MAT 272, MAT 274, MAT 275
A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Graduate Admissions by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Graduate Admissions.
