Safeguarding in an International Context, MSc

Program Overview

The PhD program in Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences at CU Boulder combines astrophysics and planetary science, providing hands-on experience in telescope operation, image processing, and modeling. Students develop research and teaching skills, preparing them for careers in research, education, science policy, or technical fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Uniquely combining astrophysics and planetary science, the Department of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences provides students with a unified view of space sciences; the solar system and comparative planetology; stellar and galactic astronomy; and cosmology. Graduate students are given hands-on experience with telescopes, optics, instrumentation, and computer image processing and modeling. Our PhD program allows students to practice teaching, assist in cutting-edge research and begin to take part in the larger professional astrophysics community.

Careers:

The department’s general astronomy track lends itself to a career in education, science journalism, science policy, information technology, science management or technical work where a graduate degree is not required. The more math-intensive astrophysics/physics track is intended for students who wish to do research and continue on to graduate work in astronomy or planetary sciences. This track also lends itself well to a career in technical work related to the field. Our department has relationships with scientific institutions, organizations and corporations in Boulder and around the world.