Overview

Currently active areas of theoretical research for the Astronomy and Astrophysics program at Pennsylvania State University include high-energy astrophysics (including theory of neutron stars, black holes, and gamma ray bursts), relativity and cosmology, stellar dynamics and planet formation, and computational methodology.
Observational areas include spectroscopic and photometric observations of high-redshift quasars, galaxies and the intergalactic medium; gamma-ray bursts; X-ray and visible light studies of quasars, starburst and other active galaxies; visible light studies of nearby galaxies and their stellar populations; infrared study of brown dwarfs and protoplanetary disks; spectroscopy and modeling of binary, magnetically active, pre- and post-main sequence stars; spectroscopic searches for planetary systems.
Instrumental areas include: development of X-ray telescopes and detectors; and high-precision visible and near-infrared light spectrographs.

Learning outcomes

Know/Think/Apply: Graduates will have demonstrated command of basic observational astronomy and astrophysics, including observing techniques, methods of data analysis, and common theoretical frameworks and techniques. This will include the ability to apply physics and mathematics knowledge to standard problems in astrophysics, as well as application of statistical principles to data analysis.
Communicate: Graduates will be able to clearly and cogently describe the background and motivation of their work, describe their methodology, and present and defend their arguments and conclusions in oral presentations, written papers and reports.
Ethical Professional Conduct: Graduates will demonstrate working knowledge of the standards for ethical conduct in research through their professional behavior and work.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Extragalactic Astronomy
Observational Techniques in Astronomy
Astrostatistics
Computational Physics and Astrophysics
High-Performance Scientific Computing for Astrophysics
Stellar Atmospheres
Interstellar Medium and Star Formation
Cosmology

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-25 00:00:00 , International

More details

International applicants are encouraged to submit materials at least four months before the beginning of the semester for which they are applying.

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

34 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

University Park, United States

Disciplines

Physics Astronomy & Space Sciences View 407 other Masters in Physics in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

6.5

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Other requirements

General requirements

A bachelor's degree in physics and/or astronomy with a grade-point average of at least 3.0 in their junior/senior courses in physics, astronomy, math, and related subjects.

A grade point average of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)

Students must submit scores from the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
All international applicants must take and submit scores for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

46796 USD / year

≈ 46796 USD / year
Out-of-State

46796 USD / year

≈ 46796 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

25966 USD / year

≈ 25966 USD / year

Living costs

University Park

United States

1000 - 1500 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Astronomy and Astrophysics.

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About

Overview

Learning outcomes

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

University Park

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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