Graduate Degrees in Astrophysical & Planetary Sciences

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CU Boulder receives more NASA funding than any other public university in the nation.

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Our department has relationships with scientific institutions, organizations and corporations in Boulder and around the world.

CU Boulder invests in astronomical facilities all over the world to give our scientists access to the biggest and best telescopes and most advanced supercomputers.

Degree Options & Application Requirements

Astrophysical & Planetary Sciences

Astrophysical & Planetary Sciences

Doctor of Philosophy

A minimum of 37 credit hours of coursework (including 4 credit hours of graduate seminars) in courses numbered 5000 or above is required; however, the overall emphasis is on independent study and research. A minimum of 30 credit hours of PhD dissertation credit hours is required.
Students in the PhD program are required to remove any deficiencies identified at the preliminary interview; to pass a comprehensive examination composed of writing a research paper based on a semi-independent research project, then an oral exam on that paper and related topics within the field; and to satisfactorily defend the PhD thesis before a faculty committee.
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.

GRE/GMAT Requirements

The GREs are optional. You should consider taking the GRE and reporting a score to us if you think there is some attribute in your academic performance that the GRE would help offset. As an example, if you felt your GPA was quite low but you got a good score on the GREs, you might use those to argue that your academic preparedness was stronger than reflected by your GPA. Not having a GRE score will in no way negatively affect an application.

Application Deadlines

Applications are open through Dec. 1. All letters of recommendation must be submitted by Dec. 15 or they might not be evaluated with the rest of your application.

For program details, review the course catalog for the PhD in astrophysical and planetary sciences.

Research Areas

Planetary Science
Observational Astrophysics
Theoretical Astrophysics
Astronomy Education
Space Physics
Solar Physics
Instrumentation

Learn More About Research Areas at CU Boulder

Funding Opportunities

We understand funding opportunities play a major role in helping you to decide whether a program is right for you. At CU Boulder, PhD students are supported through research and teaching assistantships. Students are also encouraged to apply for their own sources of funding.

Explore General Funding Explore Department-Specific Funding

Graduate Student Resources

Student success is best met with holistic support and resources. CU Boulder offers robust resources, programming and opportunities to help students establish meaningful connections, adjust to graduate student life and find assistance when they need it. Whether it’s academic, social, or health and wellness support, the university provides an array of resources to meet the diverse needs of our students.

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Graduate Degrees in Astrophysical & Planetary Sciences

Degree Types