The Ph.D. program in Astronomy and Planetary Science prepares a student to work as an academic, government, or industrial research in astronomy or planetary science. Each student completes a ten-course core curriculum and works on an original research project under the direction of a faculty member. Research work culminates in an oral presentation and a dissertation.
To receive a Doctor of Philosophy Degree (PhD) at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses, from one or more disciplines, ranging from at least 60 - 109 units of graduate-level courses. Most plans require research, a dissertation, and comprehensive exams. All plans have residency requirements regarding time spent on the Flagstaff campus engaged in full-time study.
The full policy can be viewed here.
In addition to University Requirements:
Please note that you may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 90 |
| Dissertation | Dissertation is required. |
| Comprehensive Exam | Comprehensive Exam is required. |
| Oral Defense | Oral Defense is required. |
| Research | Individualized research is required. |
Purpose Statement
The Ph.D. program in Astronomy and Planetary Sciences will leverage the state-of-the-art astronomical resources found in Arizona, especially one of a kind facilities near Flagstaff, and deliver a unique and distinct graduate education that cannot be found in Arizona’s other state universities. Specifically, the Department of Physics and Astronomy will partner with Lowell Observatory, United States Geological Survey (USGS) Astrogeology Science Center, United States Naval Observatory, and the Naval Research Laboratory, as well as the Discovery Channel Telescope (DCT) and the Naval Precision Optical Interferometer (NPOI), all in or near Flagstaff. The new program will focus on the use of telescopes to study the origin and evolution of planetary systems.
Students will build skills and knowledge through formal class work and an original research project. Core coursework will focus on the development of essential skills PhD astronomers and planetary scientists need upon entering the workforce in an academic or industrial setting (instrument design and fabrication, optical design, computational physics, big data, and techniques of observational astronomy). These courses will focus on advanced topics in astronomy and planetary science that students need for a solid foundation upon which to build their own postdoctoral research (formation and evolution of solar systems, atmospheres, interiors, and surfaces of planetary bodies, astro-chemistry, exoplanet science, and special topics). In addition, students will perform their own original research, write a dissertation, and make an oral, public presentation of their results. In the original research component, students will learn how to collect and analyze data, write up their results, and communicate their results to others in a manner consistent with professional standards in the astronomical and planetary science communities.
Student Learning Outcomes
Our PhD program in Astronomy and Planetary Science is designed to prepare students to carry out original research in the private sector, government facilities, or academia.
More Information
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Graduate College.
Admission requirements include the following:
Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.
Ready to apply? Begin your application now.
International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.
There are no additional requirements.
Take the following 90 units:
You must pass a comprehensive exam in your fifth semester and an oral exam on your dissertation.
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.