Program Overview

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Master of Science - Astronomy

About

The purpose of the Astronomy M.S. and Ph.D. degrees are to prepare students for a career in Astronomy or Astrophysics Research or in education at the university level. The program achieves this with a custom program for each student set up by their advisor and their advising committee. At the M.S. level we have two options. A coursework M.S., wherein students take classes at the graduate level in Astronomy and pass an exam. We also offer a thesis option where students will learn to formulate, conduct and report on research.

Available Options

• Thesis Track
• Non-Thesis Track

Accreditation

For information regarding accreditation at UNLV, please head over to Academic Program Accreditations.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand astrophysics at the graduate level.
• Understand classical mechanics, quantum theory, electromagnetic theory at the graduate level.
• Understand mathematical physics at the graduate level.
• Understand observational astronomy techniques.
• Understand astrophysics of gaseous nebulae and active galactic nuclei, and high energy astrophysics.
• Understand cosmology at the graduate level.
• Understand stellar atmospheres and the interstellar medium.
• Perform a graduate research project at the doctoral level.
• Communicate scientific research to a scientific audience.
• Possess strong background of knowledge and expertise in physics and astronomy.

Career Possibilities

Students who obtain the Masters of Science degree (M.Sc.) in Astronomy typically develop critical skills that are very beneficial to a wide array of professions. Such skills include but are not limited to: data analysis, computer modeling, data measurement, high technology awareness/familiarity/expertise, ability to conduct independent scholarship/observation leadership, writing/communication proficiency, mathematical expertise, creativity (“thinking outside of the box”) and critical thinking/analytical reasoning.

Requirements

Plan Description

The purpose of the Astronomy M.S. and Ph.D. degrees are to prepare students for a career in Astronomy or Astrophysics Research or in education at the university level. The program achieves this with a custom program for each student set up by their advisor and their advising committee. At the M.S. level we have two options. A coursework M.S., wherein students take classes at the graduate level in Astronomy and pass an exam. We also offer a thesis option where students will learn to formulate, conduct and report on research.

Plan Admission Requirements

• Applicants must have a regionally accredited or equivalent undergraduate degree in Physics, Astronomy or other related area.
• Applicants must have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 for all undergraduate work or a minimum 3.00 GPA for the last two years of undergraduate work.
• Applicants must have completed 18 semester credits of upper-division physics.
• Applicants must submit a letter of intent.
• Three letters of recommendation – at least one from an individual familiar with the applicant's academic performance and potential for degree completion.

Plan Requirements

• See Subplan Requirements below.

Subplan 1: Thesis

Total Credits Required: 30

Course Requirements

• Complete 24 credits of 600- or 700-level AST or PHYS courses, or other advisor-approved courses.
• PHYS 797 - Thesis

Degree Requirements

• Complete a minimum of 30 graduate credits.
• Complete a minimum of 15 credits (excluding thesis) in 700-level astronomy or physics courses.
• A GPA of 3.00 or better is required in all course work which is part of the degree program.
• In consultation with their advisor, a student will organize a thesis committee of at least three departmental members.

Graduation Requirements

• The student must successfully complete and defend a thesis by the posted deadline.
• The defense must be advertised and is open to the public.
• After the thesis defense, the student must electronically submit a properly formatted pdf copy of their thesis to the Graduate College for format check.

Subplan 2: Non-Thesis

Total Credits Required: 30

Course Requirements

• Complete 6 credits of required courses:
  • AST 713 - Astrophysics I
  • AST 714 - Astrophysics II
• Complete 6 credits of core courses:
  • Choose two of the following courses:
    • AST 710 - Observational Astronomy Techniques
    • AST 721 - Astrophysics of Gaseous Nebulae and Active Galactic Nuclei
    • AST 723 - Astrophysical Fluids
    • AST 725 - High Energy Astrophysics
    • AST 727 - Cosmology
    • AST 729 - Galaxies
    • AST 747 - Interstellar Medium
    • PHYS 771 - Advanced Topics in Experimental and Theoretical Physics
• Complete 18 credits of elective courses:
  • Complete 18 credits of 600- or 700-level AST or PHYS courses, or other advisor-approved courses.

Degree Requirements

• Complete a minimum of 30 graduate level credits in physics, astronomy, or related fields (excluding graduate seminar).
• Complete at least 15 credits of 700-level astronomy or physics courses.
• A GPA of 3.00 or better in all course work which is part of the degree program.
• In consultation with their advisor, a student will organize an advisory committee of at least three departmental members.

Graduation Requirements

• The student must pass a qualifying examination.
• Students may apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing their degree requirements.

Documents/Downloads

• Plans of Study
• Syllabi
• Degree Worksheets
• Careers
• Graduate Handbooks
• Additional Downloads
• Related Links

Contacts

• Graduate Coordinator: Timothy L. Porter
• Department of Physics and Astronomy
• College of Sciences