Graduate program

The Indiana University Astronomy department offers three graduate degrees, a Ph.D. in Astronomy, a Ph.D. in Astrophysics (offered in collaboration with the IU Physics Department), and a Master of Arts in Astronomy. Graduate students take courses and begin research projects with faculty during their first two years, and then undertake Ph.D. dissertation research after passing the qualifying exam at the end of their second year.

Typically 2-3 students graduate each year with advanced degrees, with a median time to the Ph.D. degree just under six years. Many students complete dissertations in observational astronomy using the 3.5-m WIYN observatory at Kitt Peak in Arizona, while others complete dissertations in theory or computational astrophysics or high energy astrophysics.

The department supports an active public outreach program, hosting open nights and tours at the Kirkwood Observatory, frequent school visits, and occasional public events, and our graduate students play a key role in maintaining this program. Students all gain teaching experience during their graduate careers at IU, and can teach courses independently during the summer sessions.