Master\u2019s Degree in Astrophysics \u2013 Two to Three Year Duration\nAt the master\u2019s level students take some required courses but can design their program in consultation with a faculty member, to focus on their particular area of interest. The master\u2019s program\u2019s culminating requirement is a thesis based on original research. \n
These are examples of courses that may be required for astrophysics master\u2019s students:
\n
\n- Analytical Techniques in Differential Equations
\n- Numerical Algorithms for Scientific Computing
\n- Software Engineering for Scientific Computing
\n- Dynamics of Stellar and Planetary Systems
\n- Structure of the Stars
\n- Diffuse Matter in Space
\n- High Energy and Astrophysics
\n- Introduction to Plasma Astrophysics
\n- General Plasma Physics
\n- Plasma Waves and Instabilities
\n- Irreversible Processes in Plasmas
\n- Fusion Plasmas and Plasma Diagnostics
\n- Turbulence and Nonlinear Processes in Fluids and Plasmas
\n- Computational Methods in Plasma Physics
\n- Applications of Quantum Mechanics to Spectroscopy and Lasers
\n- Physics of Plasma Propulsion
\n- Physics of the Universe
\n- Topics in Statistics and Machine Learning
\n
\n
Doctoral Degree in Astrophysics \u2013 Four to Five Year Duration
\nThe master\u2019s program involves a lot of taught courses. It emphasizes the transition from pure subject learning to independent research. On the other hand, the doctoral degree is like a very long dissertation project. Ph.D. students have a great deal of independence. They have the benefit of supervision from a faculty advisor and may complete some taught classes, but their focus is on their independent research, on contributing original \u2013 new \u2013 knowledge to the field of astrophysics. Academic and research positions in the field generally require a doctoral degree.
\n
Advanced research topics include:
\n- Cosmology and high-energy astrophysics
\n- Cosmic-ray astrophysics
\n- Solar energetic particles
\n- Thunderstorm and lightning physics
\n- High-energy atmospheric physics
\n- Stellar astronomy
\n- Black holes and active galactic nuclei
\n- Galactic jets
\n- Solar physics
\n- Astroinformatics \u2013 data science applied in the domain of astronomy, astrophysics, cosmology, and planetary science
\n- Planetary surfaces
\n- Exo-planets \u2013 planets outside the Solar System
\n- Human space exploration
\n- Energetic radiation
", "display_order": 2, "created_at": "2019-08-29T17:56:35.547365-07:00", "updated_at": "2022-01-18T13:19:29.278100-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 147, "page": 1, "title": "Degrees Similar to Astrophysics", "summary_markdown": "**[Astronomy](/degrees/astronomy-degree/)** \r\nAstronomy degree programs teach students about celestial bodies and the energy and forces exerted by their interaction. This means that the curriculum is concerned with the study of objects in space, from the smallest neutrinos to planets, stars, solar systems, galaxies, asteroids, comets, and black holes. \r\n\r\nStudents learn about when these objects were born, how they evolved, how some of them became extinct, and how they move in space. They develop skills to theorize about the origin of the cosmos and to predict future events in the universe. In addition, they study the mechanics involved in building and deploying space stations, satellites, space crafts, and transportation systems. \r\n\r\n**[Aerospace Engineering](/degrees/aerospace-engineering-degree/)** \r\nAerospace engineering degree programs teach the analytical, computational, and engineering and design skills needed to work in the aerospace industry. Topics covered include aerodynamics, orbits, launch, flight controls, and engines. Students learn how to apply this knowledge to the manufacturing, testing, and monitoring of civil or commercial aircraft, military aircraft, missiles, rockets, spacecraft, lunar vehicles, and space stations. \r\n\r\n**[Geology](/degrees/geology-degree/)** \r\nGeology, also known as geoscience and Earth science, is the study of the Earth. Students of the discipline learn about the processes that act upon the Earth, such as floods, landslides, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions; the materials of which the Earth is made, such as water, oil, metals, and rocks; and the history, evolution, and past climates of the Earth.", "content_markdown": "**[Meteorology](/degrees/meteorology-degree/)** \r\nMeteorology degree programs teach students how to predict weather conditions. The typical curriculum examines atmospheric movement, climate trends, and ozone levels. With an understanding of these concepts, students learn about various meteorological phenomena. They learn how to use statistical analysis to forecast weather events from sun, clouds, and rain to heat waves, droughts, thunderstorms, tropical storms, tornados, and hurricanes. \r\n\r\n**[Physics](/degrees/physics-degree/)** \r\nPhysics is a field that keeps changing as discoveries are made. This means that the field asks at least as many questions as it answers. Students of physics degree programs study matter and energy. They learn about the relationships between the measurable quantities in the universe, which include velocity, electric field, and kinetic energy. In simple terms, the study of physics is an attempt to figure out why objects move in the way that they do.", "content_html": "
Meteorology
\nMeteorology degree programs teach students how to predict weather conditions. The typical curriculum examines atmospheric movement, climate trends, and ozone levels. With an understanding of these concepts, students learn about various meteorological phenomena. They learn how to use statistical analysis to forecast weather events from sun, clouds, and rain to heat waves, droughts, thunderstorms, tropical storms, tornados, and hurricanes.
\n
Physics
\nPhysics is a field that keeps changing as discoveries are made. This means that the field asks at least as many questions as it answers. Students of physics degree programs study matter and energy. They learn about the relationships between the measurable quantities in the universe, which include velocity, electric field, and kinetic energy. In simple terms, the study of physics is an attempt to figure out why objects move in the way that they do.
", "display_order": 3, "created_at": "2019-08-29T17:56:35.549420-07:00", "updated_at": "2022-01-18T13:28:40.044081-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 147, "page": 1, "title": "Skills You’ll Learn", "summary_markdown": "Throughout their studies and in their efforts to understand the universe and our place in it, astrophysics grads develop these transferable skills: \r\n\r\n- Complex problem-solving \r\n- Dedication to ongoing learning \r\n- Mathematical / quantitative reasoning skills to test theories \r\n- Observation and critical thinking \r\n- Oral and written communication \r\n- Patience \r\n- Pattern recognition \r\n- Project Management \r\n- Report writing \r\n- Research / data collection, interpretation, analysis, and reporting \r\n- Teamwork \r\n- Technical / IT skills", "content_markdown": "", "content_html": "", "display_order": 4, "created_at": "2019-08-29T17:56:35.551563-07:00", "updated_at": "2022-01-18T13:17:30.056764-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 147, "page": 1, "title": "What Can You Do with an Astrophysics Degree?", "summary_markdown": "Astrophysics grads typically find themselves working in one of three areas: \r\n\r\n**Scientific / Educational** \r\n- Research and development with government agencies and universities; teaching at universities \r\n- Data analysis \r\n- Mission conception \r\n- Astronaut programs \r\n- Advanced concept development \r\n- Distribution of research grants \r\n- Space policy and law \r\n- Aerospace research to support aerospace engineers \r\n\r\n**Technological** \r\n- Design, testing, manufacture, launch, decommissioning, and disposal of spacecraft \r\n- Design and testing of associated ground systems technologies \r\n- Feasibility studies \r\n- Mission planning \r\n- Development of telecommunication satellites \r\n- Development of Earth observation systems for disaster response and climate change monitoring \r\n- Extra-terrestrial probes and rover vehicles \r\n\r\n**Operational** \r\n- Satellite operation \r\n- Mission control / orbit control of spacecraft \r\n- Spacecraft collision avoidance \r\n- Selling of related data to other companies", "content_markdown": "", "content_html": "", "display_order": 5, "created_at": "2019-08-29T17:56:35.553719-07:00", "updated_at": "2022-01-18T13:17:30.094963-08:00"}], "degree_specializations": []}">
