Program Overview

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Introduction to the Astronomy PhD Program

The Astronomy PhD program at the University of WisconsinMadison is designed to prepare capable and creative astronomers for careers in research and education. The program aims to provide students with a broad knowledge of modern observational and theoretical astrophysics, while emphasizing the development of independent research skills.

Program Overview

The Department of Astronomy offers the doctor of philosophy in astronomy. Although a master's degree is offered, students are generally not admitted for a terminal master's degree. The program has a long-standing reputation as one of the finest graduate astronomy and astrophysics programs in the United States.

Research Areas

The faculty are engaged in a broad range of observational and theoretical research, including:

• Dynamical phenomena of massive stars
• Binary star evolution
• Dynamics of star clusters and star-forming regions
• Compact objects
• Extrasolar planets
• The interstellar and intergalactic medium
• Star formation
• Plasma astrophysics
• Computational fluid mechanics
• Magnetic fields
• Turbulence
• The structure, kinematics, and stellar populations of nearby galaxies
• Active galactic nuclei
• Galactic winds and chemical evolution
• Galaxy clusters
• Galaxy formation and evolution
• The star formation and black hole accretion history of the universe
• The development of innovative astronomical instrumentation

Research Facilities

Astronomical observations at UWMadison trace their origin to the 15-inch refractor of Washburn Observatory, founded on the campus in 1878, and still open for public viewing. The department currently participates in the operation of a number of research-class observing facilities and is actively engaged in the development of cutting-edge instrumentation. These facilities include:

• The WIYN telescope, an advanced technology 3.5m telescope at Kitt Peak, Arizona
• The 11m Southern African Large Telescope (SALT), the largest single aperture optical telescope in the Southern Hemisphere
• The Sloan Digital Sky Survey IV, a massive spectroscopic survey of the distant Universe, nearby galaxies, and stars in the Milky Way
• NOEMA, the most powerful millimeter radio telescope of the Northern Hemisphere
• ASKAP and MEERKAT, precursor experiments for an array of radio telescopes one square kilometer in size

Admissions

Graduate admissions is a two-step process between academic programs and the Graduate School. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as the program requirements. The program does not admit students in the spring or summer. The application deadline for the fall semester is December 3.

Admission Requirements

• Fall Deadline: December 3
• Spring Deadline: The program does not admit in the spring
• Summer Deadline: The program does not admit in the summer
• GRE (Graduate Record Examinations): Not required
• English Proficiency Test: Refer to the Graduate School's policy
• Other Test(s) (e.g., GMAT, MCAT): Not applicable
• Letters of Recommendation Required: 3

Funding

Financial support is provided through university fellowships or departmental assistantships. The length of guaranteed student support is four continuous years for those with no prior graduate work and three continuous years for those with one year or more of prior graduate work.

Financial Support

• University fellowships or departmental assistantships are offered, contingent on satisfactory progress
• The length of guaranteed student support is four continuous years for those with no prior graduate work
• Three continuous years of funding are guaranteed for those with one year or more of prior graduate work

Requirements

The program requires a minimum of 51 credits, with at least 32 credits in residence and 26 credits of graduate-level coursework. Students must also complete a doctoral minor or graduate/professional certificate.

Curricular Requirements

• Minimum Credit Requirement: 51 credits
• Minimum Residence Credit Requirement: 32 credits
• Minimum Graduate Coursework Requirement: 26 credits must be graduate-level coursework
• Overall Graduate GPA Requirement: 3.00 GPA required

Required Courses

• ASTRON 500: Techniques of Modern Observational Astrophysics (3 credits)
• ASTRON 700: Basic Astrophysics I (2 credits)
• ASTRON 702: Basic Astrophysics II (2 credits)
• ASTRON 715: Stellar Interiors and Evolution (2 credits)
• ASTRON 720: The Interstellar Medium I: Basic Processes (2 credits)
• ASTRON 730: Galaxies (2 credits)
• ASTRON 735: Observational Cosmology (2 credits)
• ASTRON/PHYSICS 910: Seminar in Astrophysics (0-1 credit)
• ASTRON 990: Research and Thesis (1-12 credits)

Policies

The program has several policies in place, including those related to prior coursework, probation, advisor/committee, credits per term, time limits, grievances, and appeals.

Prior Coursework

• Graduate credits earned at other institutions: Refer to the Graduate School's policy
• Undergraduate credits earned at other institutions or UW-Madison: Refer to the Graduate School's policy
• Credits earned as a professional student at UW-Madison: Refer to the Graduate School's policy
• Credits earned as a University Special student at UW-Madison: With program approval, students are allowed to transfer no more than 15 credits of coursework numbered 400 or above

Probation

A grade of C or lower in a core course will result in the student being placed on academic probation. This is removed after the next grade of B or better in a core course.

Professional Development

The program provides opportunities for professional development, including graduate student mentors and a Committee of Three (Co3) that fosters departmental collaborations and provides students with a broader advising perspective and regular feedback on their progress.

Learning Outcomes

The program has several learning outcomes, including:

1. Demonstrate mastery of basic observational techniques and the core astrophysical processes that govern the structures and evolution of major cosmic systems
2. Formulate scientific hypotheses and design original research that pushes beyond current boundaries of knowledge
3. Create research and scholarship that substantively advances a specific field of study within astronomy
4. Communicate complex ideas in a clear and understandable manner to students, research professionals, and lay audiences
5. Foster ethical and professional conduct
6. Demonstrate breadth within their learning experiences and awareness of the status of contemporary research beyond the student's area of specialization