Astronomy and Planetary Science, Doctor of Philosophy

In addition to University Requirements:

• At least 90 units of degree 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.

• Mastery of advanced knowledge and ability to solve theoretical problems in Astronomy and Planetary Science.
• Mastery or knowledge of techniques in instrument design and fabrication, optical design, data collection, and computation
• Ability to synthesize and discuss recent publications in Astronomy and Planetary Science
• Ability to present to experts a well-designed plan to execute original research
• Capability to successfully execute an original and significant research project of publishable quality in Astronomy or Planetary Science
• Ability to present and discuss in oral and written formats original research results in the context of scientific meetings, workshops, and a final dissertation defense
• Publication of original research in an Astronomy or Planetary Science journal
• Ability to communicate with the public on topics in Astronomy and Planetary Science
   

 

Additional Admission Requirements

• 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:

  • Transcripts.
  • Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale ("A" = 4.0), or the equivalent.

  
  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.

Doctoral Requirements

• Take the following 90 units:

  • AST 510, AST 520, AST 570, AST 580, AST 590, AST 595 (19 units)
  • PHY 530, PHY 540, PHY 550, PHY 560 (12 units)
  • AST 799 (59 units)
  Thirty credit hours of core classes from an MS degree could be applied toward the degree requirements with the approval of the dissertation committee.

  You must pass a comprehensive exam in your fifth semester and an oral exam on your dissertation.

Additional Information

• 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.

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