Graduate Study
Astrophysical Sciences and Technology
Program Overview
There has never been a more exciting time to study the universe beyond the confines of the earth. A new generation of advanced ground-based and space-borne telescopes and enormous increases in computing power are enabling a golden age of astrophysics. RIT’s doctorate program in astrophysical sciences and technology focuses on the underlying physics of phenomena beyond the earth, and in the development of the technologies, instruments, data analysis, and modeling techniques that will enable the next major strides in the field. The multidisciplinary emphasis of this program sets it apart from conventional astrophysics graduate programs at traditional research universities.
The program is offered as full-time study, on-campus.
Curriculum Review
The total number of credits to earn the doctoral degrees is 99. The complete curriculum consists of 27 credits of core courses (including a three research credit graduate seminar sequence), a minimum of 36 credits of graduate elective courses, a masters-level research project (12 credits), and doctoral-level research culminating with a dissertation (15 credits). Thus, there are a minimum of 60 total graduate course credits required and 30 research credits. An additional nine credits of either course or research credit must be taken to meet the required 99 total credits for the Ph.D.
Core (24 credit hours):Radiative Processes I
Mathematical and Statistical Methods for Astrophyics
Astronomical Observational Techniques and Instrumentation
Galactic Astrophysics and the Interstellar Medium I
Extragalactic Astrophysics I
Stellar Structure and Evolution I
Graduate Research Seminar I, II, III (3 research credits total)
Admission Requirements
• Fulfill general criteria for graduate admission;
• Successful completion of a baccalaureate degree in physical science, mathematics, computer science, or engineering at a regionally accredited college or university. For students with a bachelor’s degree in another area or lacking in adequate academic preparation, bridge and foundation coursework may be necessary prior to full admission.
• A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.2 out of 4.0 in undergraduate work in mathematical, science, engineering, and computer subject areas;
• Submission of scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE);
• Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination to demonstrate strong English language skills. A score of at least 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), or 79 (internet-based) is required.