Graduate Expectations
Statement of Mutual Expectations between the Department of Astronomy and its Graduate Students
Graduate students in the Astronomy doctoral program are expected to develop a mastery of their field, and gain familiarity with their discipline from arrival to graduation. Students should make the transition from classroom learning to active supervised full-time original research during their graduate career.
In particular, full-time doctoral students who arrive with a baccalaureate degree normally will:
- Become engaged in supervised research no later than the start of their 2nd year
- Identify a thesis adviser during their 3rd year
- Identify a thesis topic by the end of their 3rd year
- Secure admission to candidacy within 3-4 years
- Submit at least one paper for publication prior to graduation
- Complete all requirements and graduate within 6-7 years
Graduate students in CMNS doctoral programs normally may expect:
- A wide selection of courses
- Advice and mentoring by faculty in their program prior to the selection of an adviser
- From their adviser (or, in some instances the program):
- Regular access and advice during the research and thesis writing process
- Training in the preparation of oral and written scholarly presentations; in particular, advice and support for the writing of at least one paper for publication
- Introductions, for example at conferences, to other members of the field
- Assistance and advice with job searches
Funding Policy
The department provides full funding (with tuition waivers) for up to six years while students maintain adequate progress toward degree.
Funding Statistics
Semester | # Students | RAs | TAs | Fellowships | Employer/Other |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fall 2023 | 37 | 21 | 7.5 | 4.5 | 4 |
Summer 2023 | 37 | 25.5 | 1 | 6.5 | 4 |
Spring 2023 | 39 | 23 | 6 | 7 | 3 |
Fall 2022 | 40 | 24.5 | 4.5 | 7 | 4 |
Summer 2022 | 37 | 26.5 | 1 | 6.5 | 3 |
Spring 2022 | 38 | 21 | 10.5 | 5.5 | 1 |
Fall 2021 | 40 | 22 | 11.5 | 5.5 | 1 |
Summer 2021 | 38 | 31 | 3.5 | 2.5 | 1 |
Spring 2021 | 38 | 23.5 | 9 | 4.5 | 1 |
Fall 2020 | 40 | 20.5 | 10.5 | 8 | 1 |
Summer 2020 | 36 | 32.5 | 1 | 2.5 | 2 |
Spring 2020 | 37 | 25 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
Fall 2019 | 38 | 23 | 9 | 4 | 2 |
Summer 2019 | 39 | 31.5 | 1 | 6.5 | |
Spring 2019 | 39 | 19 | 12.5 | 7.5 | |
Fall 2018 | 40 | 19 | 13.5 | 7.5 | |
Summer 2018 | 34 | 28 | 1 | 5 | |
Spring 2018 | 34 | 16.5 | 9.5 | 8 | |
Fall 2017 | 36 | 17.5 | 9.5 | 8 | |
Summer 2017 | 30 | 22 | 1 | 7 | |
Spring 2017 | 30 | 16 | 6.5 | 7.5 | |
Fall 2016 | 35 | 17 | 8.5 | 9.5 | |
Summer 2016 | 35 | 30 | 0 | 5 | |
Spring 2016 | 36 | 24 | 5 | 7 | |
Fall 2015 | 38 | 23.5 | 8.5 | 6 | |
Summer 2015 | 36 | 28 | 0 | 7 | |
Spring 2015 | 37 | 24 | 5 | 8 | |
Fall 2014 | 38 | 24 | 8 | 6 | |
Summer 2014 | 36 | 30 | 1 | 4 | |
Spring 2014 | 40 | 21.5 | 9 | 8.5 | |
Fall 2013 | 41 | 19.5 | 12 | 8.5 | |
Summer 2013 | 40 | 35 | 1 | 3 |