Astrophysics and Astronomy (Master's) at Michigan State University

Programme overview

The Master of Science in Astrophysics and Astronomy develops students' ability to perform independent research and to teach in the field. It is offered with a thesis (Plan A) or a research project (Plan B).

Faculty: College of Natural Science | Department: Physics and Astronomy | Duration: 30 credits (Plan A thesis or Plan B project) | Study mode: full-time | Location: East Lansing, MI, United States

What you will study

Core physics (two of PHY 820, 831, 841) and astronomy courses (AST 810, 825, 835, 840), 6 credits of additional 800-level coursework, a qualifying master's exam, and either a thesis with oral defence or a 6-credit research project.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Regular admission requires mathematics and astronomy or physics coursework equivalent to an undergraduate physics or astronomy major, with a GPA normally of at least 3.00 in those courses. Students who fall short may be admitted provisionally.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Graduate applicants can start in fall (late August), spring (January) or summer (May) in the MPH programme; intake terms for other graduate programmes are set by each department or program.

The graduate application fee is $75 for domestic and international applicants, with one fee per application; applicants may submit up to two applications to different graduate majors per semester. Applications are reviewed by the department or program, which sets its own deadlines.

MPH application deadlines (SOPHAS completion): fall May 18, spring October 18, summer February 15; MSU supplemental application: fall June 1, spring November 1, summer March 1.

Apply through the official page: https://admissions.msu.edu/apply/graduate-students

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