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# StudentsRAsTAsFellowshipsEmployer/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