Introduction
The Department of Astronomy provides an advanced educational path to a Master of Science degree in astronomy. For students aiming to pursue a Ph.D. in Astronomy or Physics, our program offers invaluable research experience, graduate-level coursework, and dedicated mentorship to strengthen their preparation for Ph.D. studies. Upon completing our program, students will have all the required credentials and be well-prepared for various careers in astrophysics-related fields in industry, at observatories, or in space mission support.
Furthermore, the M.S. program goes beyond academics by offering ample opportunities for students to gain practical experience in teaching and public outreach initiatives. It also equips them with the qualifications to hold lecturer positions at San Diego State University and pursue tenure-track faculty positions at community colleges.
The M.S. in Astronomy program strongly emphasizes embracing diversity and welcoming students from a rich tapestry of cultural and academic backgrounds. We understand that a diverse community is vital for advancing scientific knowledge and enhancing STEM education. As such, we are wholeheartedly dedicated to offering inclusive support to every student, empowering them to achieve their career aspirations.
Graduates of the M.S. Program have Charted Diverse Career Paths and Roles
Data Scientists and Analysts at prestigious institutions leading groundbreaking international space missions (e.g., Space Telescope Science Institute, NASA/JPL) or collaborating with industry partners (e.g., Malin Space Science Systems).
Support Scientists at renowned observatories housing some of the world’s largest optical telescopes (e.g., Palomar Observatory, Gemini Observatory, NOIRLab, W. M. Keck Observatory).
Teaching Faculty at community colleges throughout the San Diego area.
Many of our alumni have also chosen to pursue doctoral programs in astronomy or physics. Recent graduates are currently enrolled in Ph.D. programs at esteemed institutions like UC Irvine, New Mexico State University, UC San Diego, UT Austin, Louisiana State University, and UMass Amherst.
Thesis projects are conducted in close collaboration with our department faculty, whose research spans a broad spectrum, from discovering and characterizing exoplanets and exploring the structure and evolution of stars to investigating the physics behind the most luminous explosions in the cosmos and delving into the formation and growth of galaxies.
Our graduate students enjoy access to various resources, including MLO observing facilities, extensive campus computing resources, and the cutting-edge capabilities of the San Diego Supercomputer Center.
For those interested in community outreach, a plethora of on-campus observing facilities are available, including a Clark 12-inch refractor, two permanently installed 12-inch reflecting telescopes, ten portable 8-inch Meade LX200 reflectors, and an assortment of 20 smaller portable reflecting telescopes. Students can craft their captivating planetarium shows using our classic Spitz AP3 planetarium.
Program Tracks
Students must specify a plan of completion within their application to the program. Once matriculated, it is possible to switch between tracks with the approval of the astronomy graduate advisor.
Thesis, Plan A: Bridge-to-Ph.D. Track
This track is for students pursuing a doctorate at another institution or who wish to gain intensive research experience in astronomy. It culminates in a final oral examination of a research thesis and requires the consent of the astronomy graduate advisor.
ASTR 799A – Thesis Units: 3
Non-Thesis, Plan B: Career Track
This track is for students pursuing a technical, teaching, or outreach career.
This track culminates in a final comprehensive examination covering the core curriculum of astronomy. Students may select courses from across the College of Sciences to complete their Program of Study (subject to the approval of the astronomy graduate advisor).
Program Completion Requirements
In addition to meeting the requirements for classified graduate standing and the basic requirements for the master’s degree described in Requirements for Master’s Degrees, the student must also meet the following departmental requirements in a 30-unit program. At least one-half of the units required for a master’s degree must be courses at the 600- and 700-level with the approval of a graduate advisor.
Complete the 12-Unit Core Course Curriculum
ASTR 630 – Stellar Atmospheres and Interiors: Units 3
ASTR 650 – Galactic Structure and Evolution: Units 3
ASTR 670 – Foundations of Modern Cosmology: Units 3
ASTR 680 – Astronomical Techniques: Units 3
Complete at Least 15 Additional Units
Complete at least 15 additional units of 500-, 600-, and 700-level in astronomy graduate-level courses or 500-, 600-, 700-level courses in related fields not to exceed 12 units of 500-level courses if pursuing Plan B.
Approved Courses
PHYS 552 – Modern Optics and Lasers: Units 3
PHYS 564 – Nuclear Physics: Units 3
PHYS 570 – Relativity: Units 3
PHYS 580 – Computational Physics: Units 3
PHYS 606 – Statistical Mechanics: Units 3
PHYS 608 – Classical Mechanics: Units 3
PHYS 610A – Quantum Mechanics: Units 3
MATH 524 – Linear Algebra: Units 3
MATH 530 – Advanced Calculus II: Units 3
MATH 543 – Numerical Matrix Analysis: Units 3
MATH 636 – Mathematical Modeling: Units 3
MATH 693A – Advanced Numerical Methods: Computational Optimization: Units 3
STAT 550 – Applied Probability: Units 3
STAT 551B – Probability and Mathematical Statistics: Units 3
STAT 676 – Bayesian Statistics: Units 3
(or others with the consent of the departmental graduate advisor.)
The student is also required to demonstrate competency in a scientific computing language (e.g., Python, Fortran, C/C++).
Advancement to Candidacy
All students must satisfy the general requirements for advancement to candidacy as specified in Requirements for Master’s Degrees. If the student’s undergraduate preparation is deficient, they will be required to take courses to remove the deficiency. These courses are in addition to the minimum of 30 units for the master’s degree.