PhD Astronomy at The Ohio State University

Programme overview

The Ohio State Department of Astronomy offers a research-intensive PhD in observational or theoretical astrophysics and astronomical instrumentation. Graduating students typically author or co-author 8-15 refereed articles, and facilities include a share of the LBT and MDM observatories and participation in major sky surveys.

Department: Department of Astronomy | Study mode: full-time | Location: Columbus, OH, United States

What you will study

Observational and theoretical astrophysics (e.g. exoplanets, stellar populations, galaxies, cosmology, dark matter) and instrumentation work in the department's instrument lab.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, statement of intent (about two pages, with a paragraph on undergraduate physics preparation), and CV. No pre-defined threshold; GRE general and physics subject scores optional. International applicants: TOEFL iBT 4.0 or higher (equivalent to 79 for tests taken before January 2026), IELTS Academic 6.5 or higher, or Duolingo 120 or higher. Fellowship deadline December 10. All admitted students are guaranteed funding with sufficient progress.

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.

Apply through the official page: https://gpadmissions.osu.edu/

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