Astrophysical Sciences and Technology Master of Science Degree
Astrophysical Sciences and Technology
Master of Science Degree
An astrophysics degree that explores the depths of the universe through multidisciplinary research. Dive into an area that most interests you, whether it's general relativity, theoretical astrophysics, observational or instrumentation development, or another area related to astrophysics.
Overview
- This is a multidisciplinary program administered by the School of Physics and Astronomy, in collaboration with the School of Mathematical Sciences and the Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science, setting it apart from conventional astrophysics graduate programs at traditional research universities.
- The program offers tracks in astrophysics (including observational and theoretical astrophysics), computational and gravitational astrophysics (including numerical relativity, gravitational wave astronomy), and astronomical technology (including detector and instrumentation research and development).
- Students may participate in one of three research centers associated with the School of Physics and Astronomy: the Center for Computational Relativity and Gravitation, the Center for Detectors, or the Laboratory for Multi-wavelength Astrophysics.
- Graduates of the program have secured roles at the Dudley Observatory at the Museum of Innovation & Science, the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, in higher education institutions, among others.
Students may tailor their programs of study to emphasize astrophysics (including observational and theoretical astrophysics), computational and gravitational astrophysics (including numerical relativity, gravitational wave astronomy), and astronomical technology (including detector and instrumentation research and development). Students can pursue research interests in a wide range of topics, including design and development of novel detectors, multiwavelength studies of proto-stars, active galactic nuclei and galaxy clusters, gravitational wave data analysis, and theoretical and computational modeling of astrophysical systems including galaxies and compact objects such as binary black holes. Depending on research interests, students may participate in one of three research centers: the Center for Computational Relativity and Gravitation (Video), the Center for Detectors or the Laboratory for Multi-wavelength Astrophysics.
The astrophysics degree focuses on the underlying physics of phenomena beyond the Earth, and on the development of the technologies, instruments, data analysis, and modeling techniques that will enable the next major strides in the field.
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. The MS program in astrophysical sciences and technology focuses on the underlying physics of phenomena beyond the Earth, and on the development of the technologies, instruments, data analysis, and modeling techniques that will enable the next major strides in the field. The program's multidisciplinary emphasis sets it apart from conventional astrophysics graduate programs at traditional research universities.
Plan of Study
The program consists of four core courses, two to four elective courses, two semesters of graduate seminar, and a research project culminating in a thesis.
Master's Thesis
During the first year, most students begin a research project under the guidance of a faculty research advisor. Focus on the project becomes more significant during the second year after the core courses have been completed. A thesis committee is appointed by the program director and oversees the final defense of the thesis, which consists of a public oral presentation by the student, followed by a closed-door examination by the committee.
MS to Ph.D. Transfer
Students in the MS degree program who have excelled in their course work and research project may be permitted, by program approval, to transition into the doctoral degree in astrophysical sciences and technology, with the MS thesis defense serving as the Ph.D. qualifying examination. Such a transition from MS to Ph.D. is contingent on the availability of an advisor and research funding.
National Labs Career Fair
Hosted by RIT’s Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education, the National Labs Career Fair is an annual event that brings representatives to campus from the United States’ federally funded research and development labs. These national labs focus on scientific discovery, clean energy development, national security, technology advancements, and more. Students are invited to attend the career fair to network with lab professionals, learn about opportunities, and interview for co-ops, internships, research positions, and full-time employment.
Careers and Experiential Learning
Typical Job Titles
| Optics Technology Supervisor | Planetarium Director |
| Data Analyst |
Salary and Career Information for Astrophysical Sciences and Technology MS
Cooperative Education
What makes an RIT science and math education exceptional? It’s the ability to complete science and math co-ops and gain real-world experience that sets you apart. Co-ops in the College of Science include cooperative education and internship experiences in industry and health care settings, as well as research in an academic, industry, or national lab. These are not only possible at RIT, but are passionately encouraged.
Cooperative education, or co-op for short, is full-time, paid work experience in your field of study. And it sets RIT graduates apart from their competitors. It’s exposure–early and often–to a variety of professional work environments, career paths, and industries. RIT co-op is designed for your success.
Cooperative education is optional but strongly encouraged for graduate students in the astrophysics degree.
Featured Work
RZ Piscium
Kristina Punzi ’18 (astrophysical sciences and technology)
Kristina Punzi ’18 (astrophysical sciences and technology) led an X-ray and optical study of the young star RZ Piscium, which suggests that its unusual brightness variations may be due to the orbiting...
Featured Profiles
AST Program Grad is now Researching Stars at the Smithsonian
Rodolfo (Rudy) Montez Jr. ’10 (astrophysical and technology)
RIT Astrophysical Sciences and Technology Ph.D. graduate Rodolfo (Rudy) Montez Jr. ’10 is now an Astrophysicist researching stars at the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian.
Curriculum for Astrophysical Sciences and Technology MS
Astrophysical Sciences and Technology, MS degree, typical course sequence
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| ASTP-601 | Graduate Seminar I This course is the first in a two-semester sequence intended to familiarize students with research activities, practices, and ethics in the university research environment and to introduce students to commonly used research tools. As part of the course, students are expected to attend research seminars sponsored by the Astrophysical Sciences and Technology Program and participate in a weekly journal club. The course also provides training in scientific writing and presentation skills. Credits earned in this course apply to research requirements. (Prerequisites: This course is restricted to students in the ASTP-MS and ASTP-PHD programs.) Seminar 2 (Fall). |
1 |
| ASTP-602 | Graduate Seminar II This course is the second in a two-semester sequence intended to familiarize students with research activities, practices, and ethics in the university research environment and to introduce students to commonly used research tools. As part of the course, students are expected to attend research seminars sponsored by the Astrophysical Sciences and Technology Program and participate in a weekly journal club. The course also provides training in scientific writing and presentation skills. Credits earned in this course apply to research requirements. (Prerequisites: This course is restricted to students in the ASTP-MS and ASTP-PHD programs.) Seminar 2 (Spring). |
1 |
| ASTP-608 | Fundamental Astrophysics I This course will provide a basic introduction to modern astrophysics, including the topics of radiation fields and matter, star formation and evolution, and stellar structure. This course will provide the physical background needed to interpret both observations and theoretical models in stellar astrophysics and prepare students for more advanced topics and research in astrophysics. (Prerequisites: This course is restricted to students in the ASTP-MS and ASTP-PHD programs.) Lecture 3 (Fall). |
3 |
| ASTP-609 | Fundamental Astrophysics II This course will provide a basic introduction to modern astrophysics, following on from Fundamental Astrophysics I. Topics will include basic celestial mechanics and galactic dynamics, the Milky Way and other galaxies, the interstellar medium, active galactic nuclei, galaxy formation and evolution, and an introduction to cosmology. This course will provide the physical background needed to interpret both observations and theoretical models in galactic and extragalactic astrophysics and cosmology and prepare students for more advanced topics and research in astrophysics. (Prerequisites: ASTP-608 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
3 |
| ASTP-610 | Mathematical and Statistical Methods for Astrophysics This course is a stand-alone course on mathematical methods for astrophysics covering tensor algebra, group theory, complex analysis, differential equations, special functions, integral transforms, the calculus of variations, and chaos. (Prerequisites: This course is restricted to students in the ASTP-MS and ASTP-PHD programs.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
3 |
| ASTP-613 | Astronomical Observational Techniques and Instrumentation This course will survey multi-wavelength astronomical observing techniques and instrumentation. The design characteristics and function of telescopes, detectors, and instrumentation in use at the major ground based and space based observatories will be discussed as will common observing techniques such as imaging, photometry and spectroscopy. The principles of cosmic ray, neutrino, and gravitational wave astronomy will also be briefly reviewed. (Prerequisites: This course is restricted to students in the ASTP-MS and ASTP-PHD programs.) Lecture 3 (Fall). |
3 |
| ASTP-790 | Research & Thesis Masters-level research by the candidate on an appropriate topic as arranged between the candidate and the research advisor. (Enrollment in this course requires permission from the department offering the course.) Thesis (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
4 |
| Second Year | ||
Electives |
6 | |
| ASTP-790 | Research & Thesis Masters-level research by the candidate on an appropriate topic as arranged between the candidate and the research advisor. (Enrollment in this course requires permission from the department offering the course.) Thesis (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
6 |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 30 |
|
Electives
| Course | |
|---|---|
| ASTP-611 | Statistical Methods for Astrophysics This course provides an introduction to the statistical techniques used in astrophysics and other observational sciences, including parameter estimation, hypothesis testing, and statistical signal processing. An introduction is given to both Bayesian and frequentist approaches. (Prerequisites: This course is restricted to students in the ASTP-MS and ASTP-PHD programs.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
| ASTP-660 | Introduction to Relativity and Gravitation This course is the first in a two-course sequence that introduces Einstein’s theory of General Relativity as a tool in modern astrophysics. The course will cover various aspects of both Special and General Relativity, with applications to situations in which strong gravitational fields play a critical role, such as black holes and gravitational radiation. Topics include differential geometry, curved spacetime, gravitational waves, and the Schwarzschild black hole. The target audience is graduate students in the astrophysics, physics, and mathematical modeling (geometry and gravitation) programs. (This course is restricted to students in the ASTP-MS, ASTP-PHD, MATHML-PHD and PHYS-MS programs.) Lecture 3 (Fall). |
| ASTP-720 | Computational Methods for Astrophysics This course surveys the different ways that scientists use computers to address problems in astrophysics. The course will choose several common problems in astrophysics; for each one, it will provide an introduction to the problem, review the literature for recent examples, and illustrate the basic mathematical technique. In each of these segments, students will write their own code in an appropriate language. (Prerequisites: This course is restricted to students in the ASTP-MS and ASTP-PHD programs.) Lecture 3 (Fall). |
| ASTP-730 | Stellar Atmospheres & Evolution An overview of the physical principles and observational phenomenology describing stellar atmospheres and stellar evolution. Topics covered include: atmospheric temperature structure and line formation; atmosphere models and spectral type determination; observational (spectral) diagnostics of stellar masses, abundances, ages and evolutionary states; and a survey of contemporary topics in star formation and pre- and post-main sequence stellar evolution, with emphasis on the physical processes governing stellar accretion, mass loss, and the effects of binary companions on these processes. (Prerequisites: ASTP-608 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
| ASTP-740 | Galactic Astrophysics This course surveys our current knowledge of the Milky Way galaxy, and the processes that shape its structure and evolution. Topics will include the structure and kinematics of the Milky Way; stellar populations; theory of orbits; Jean’s theorem and equilibrium of stellar systems; the virial theorem; the Jean’s equations; gravitational instabilities; tidal interactions; the central black hole; the Local Group and chemical evolution. (Prerequisite: ASTP-609 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall). |
| ASTP-750 | Extragalactic Astrophysics This course will cover objects in the universe beyond our own Milky Way galaxy, with an emphasis on the observational evidence. Topics will include properties of ordinary and active galaxies; galaxy clusters; the extragalactic distance scale; evidence for dark matter; cosmological models with and without the cosmological constant (Lambda). (Prerequisite: ASTP-609 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
| ASTP-835 | High-Energy Astrophysics This course will survey violent astrophysical phenomena including supernovae, compact stellar remnants, X-ray binaries, gamma ray bursts, and supermassive black holes in active galactic nuclei. It will examine physical processes associated with the emission of high-energy radiation, production of high-energy particles, accretion discs around compact objects, and production and propagation of astrophysical jets. It will review current models for the sources of high-energy phenomena. (Prerequisite: ASTP-609 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
| ASTP-841 | The Interstellar Medium This course provides a detailed overview of the physical processes and properties of the interstellar medium in our Galaxy and other galaxies. The course explores the fundamental physical basis of the observed properties of low-density astrophysical gases observed throughout the universe. Topics may include HII regions, planetary nebulae, HI clouds, molecular clouds, photodissociation regions, supernova remnants, and multi-phase models of the interstellar medium. (Prerequisite: ASTP-609 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall). |
| ASTP-851 | Cosmology This course will cover the evolution of the universe from the big bang to the present, with an emphasis on the synergy between theory and observations. Topics will fall under three general headings: classical and relativistic cosmology, the early universe, and structure formation. (Prerequisite: ASTP-609 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
| ASTP-861 | Advanced Relativity and Gravitation This course is the second in a two-course sequence that introduces Einstein’s theory of General Relativity as a tool in modern astrophysics. The course will cover various aspects of General Relativity, with applications to situations in which strong gravitational fields play a critical role, such as black holes and gravitational radiation. Topics include advanced differential geometry, generic black holes, energy production in black-hole physics, black-hole dynamics, neutron stars, and methods for solving the Einstein equations. The target audience is graduate students in the astrophysics, physics, and mathematical modeling (geometry and gravitation) programs. (Prerequisite: ASTP-660 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
| IMGS-628 | Design and Fabrication of Solid State Cameras The purpose of this course is to provide the student with hands-on experience in building a CCD camera. The course provides the basics of CCD operation including an overview, CCD clocking, analog output circuitry, cooling, and evaluation criteria. (This course is restricted to students with graduate standing in the College of Science or the Kate Gleason College of Engineering or Graduate Computing and Information Sciences.) Lab 6, Lecture 1 (Fall). |
| IMGS-639 | Principles of Solid State Imaging Arrays This course covers the basics of solid state physics, electrical engineering, linear systems and imaging needed to understand modern focal plane array design and use. The course emphasizes knowledge of the working of CMOS and infrared arrays. (This course is restricted to students with graduate standing in the College of Science or the Kate Gleason College of Engineering or Graduate Computing and Information Sciences.) Lecture 3 (Fall). |
| IMGS-642 | Testing of Focal Plane Arrays This course is an introduction to the techniques used for the testing of solid state imaging detectors such as CCDs, CMOS and Infrared Arrays. Focal plane array users in industry, government and university need to ensure that key operating parameters for such devices either fall within an operating range or that the limitation to the performance is understood. This is a hands-on course where the students will measure the performance parameters of a particular camera in detail. (This course is restricted to students with graduate standing in the College of Science or the Kate Gleason College of Engineering or Graduate Computing and Information Sciences.) Lab 6, Lecture 1 (Spring). |
| PHYS-611 | Classical Electrodynamics I This course is a systematic treatment of electro- and magneto-statics, charges, currents, fields and potentials, dielectrics and magnetic materials, Maxwell's equations and electromagnetic waves. Field theory is treated in terms of scalar and vector potentials. Wave solutions of Maxwell's equations, the behavior of electromagnetic waves at interfaces, guided electromagnetic waves, and simple radiating systems will be covered. (Prerequisites: PHYS-412 or equivalent course or Graduate standing.) Lecture 3 (Fall). |
| PHYS-612 | Classical Electrodynamics II This course is an advanced treatment of electrodynamics and radiation. Classical scattering theory including Mie scattering, Rayleigh scattering, and the Born approximation will be covered. Relativistic electrodynamics will be applied to charged particles in electromagnetic fields and magnetohydrodynamics. (Prerequisites: PHYS-611 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission to the MS program in astrophysical sciences and technology, a candidate must fulfill the following requirements:
- Complete an online graduate application. Refer to Graduate Admission Deadlines and Requirements for information on application deadlines, entry terms, and more.
- Submit copies of official transcript(s) (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work, including any transfer credit earned.
- Hold a baccalaureate degree (or US equivalent) from an accredited university or college in the physical sciences, mathematics, computer science, or engineering.
- Recommended minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 (or equivalent) in course work in mathematical, science, engineering, and computing subject areas.
- Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
- Two letters of recommendation are required. Refer to Application Instructions and Requirements for additional information.
- Not all programs require the submission of scores from entrance exams (GMAT or GRE). Please refer to the Graduate Admission Deadlines and Requirements page for more information.
- Submit a personal statement of educational objectives. Refer to Application Instructions and Requirements for additional information.
- International applicants whose native language is not English must submit official test scores from the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. Students below the minimum requirement may be considered for conditional admission. Refer to Graduate Admission Deadlines and Requirements for additional information on English requirements. International applicants may be considered for an English test requirement waiver. Refer to Additional Requirements for International Applicants to review waiver eligibility.
Learn about admissions, cost, and financial aid
Research
The astrophysical sciences and technology program offers students a wide range of research opportunities spanning observational and theoretical astrophysics, computational astrophysics, general relativity and gravitational wave astronomy and the design and development of advanced detectors and instrumentation for astronomy. RIT hosts a vibrant astronomy and astrophysics research community of more than 40 faculty, post-docs, research fellows, and graduate students who participate in three designated research centers:
- The Center for Computational Relativity and Gravitation
- The Center for Detectors
- Laboratory for Multiwavelength Astrophysics
Faculty and students frequently obtain data from space observatories including the Hubble Space Telescope, the Spitzer Space Telescope, the Chandra X-ray Observatory and the Herschel Space Observatory, and various ground-based observatories such as the twin Gemini telescopes in Hawaii and Chile, the Keck telescopes on Hawaii and the Very Large Array radio telescope in New Mexico. RIT is also a member of the LIGO Scientific Collaboration, whose goal is to analyze the data taken by the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory.
Computing facilities include the GravitySimulator supercomputer, dedicated to N-body simulations of galactic nuclei and stellar clusters and the NewHorizons computer cluster, for numerical relativity and relativistic hydrodynamics simulations. Funding has recently been obtained to acquire an even more powerful 600-core cluster (BlueSky). Researchers at the Center for Computational Relativity and Gravitation also have access to national supercomputing facilities, such as the Blue Waters supercomputer at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
The Center for Detectors operates four research laboratories: the Rochester Imaging Detector Laboratory, the Imaging LIDAR Laboratory, the Quantum Dot Detector Laboratory, and the Wafer Probe Station Laboratory. The lab also has access to state-of-the-art machining and electronic assembly facilities on campus and advanced simulation software.
Faculty involved in the astrophysical sciences and technology program regularly attract substantial external research funding from national and state agencies (e.g., NASA, NSF, NYSTAR), amounting to over $12 million in the last four years.
Current research interests include:
- Strong-field gravitational dynamics of interacting compact objects such as black holes and neutron stars
- Magnetohydrodynamical simulations of the accretion disks and other astrophysical environments around supermassive black-holes
- Detection of gravitational wave signatures of binary black holes and/or neutron stars in close binary orbits
- Single Photon Counting Detectors for NASA Astronomy Missions
- New Infrared Detectors for Astrophysics
- Microgrid polarizer arrays
- Young stars and proto-planetary disks
- Chandra Planetary Nebula Survey
- Feeding and Feedback in Active Galactic Nebulae (AGN)
- AGN feedback in galaxy clusters
- Supermassive black holes in low redshift elliptical galaxies
- Reverberation mapping the circum-nuclear torus in AGN
- Stellar dynamics and supermassive black holes in galactic nuclei
- Hydrodynamical signatures of dark-matter dominated satellite galaxies
Latest News
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June 29, 2021
![Graph showing electromagnetic measurements of neutron stars and black holes.]()
Scientists detect gravitational waves for the first time from black holes swallowing neutron stars
For the first time, scientists detected gravitational waves caused by mergers between black holes and neutron stars. Researchers from RIT’s Center for Computational Relativity and Gravitation (CCRG) helped identify key characteristics about the merger events.
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June 17, 2021
![researcher making adjustments to a rocket.]()
CIBER-2 experiment successfully completes first flight
Led by principal investigator Michael Zemcov, an assistant professor in RIT’s School of Physics and Astronomy and Center for Detectors, the experiment aims to better understand extragalactic background light, which traces the history of galaxies back to the formation of the first stars in the universe.
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May 12, 2021
![side-by-side portraits of students Emily Wilson and Teresa Symons.]()
RIT Outstanding Graduate Woman Achievement Award highlights Graduate Student Advisory Council leaders
RIT students Emily Wilson and Teresa Symons are co-recipients of the Outstanding Graduate Woman Achievement Award for their dedication and leadership on RIT’s Graduate Student Advisory Council. Wilson and Symons are Ph.D. students in the astrophysical sciences and technology program in the School of Physics and Astronomy and co-chairs of the Graduate Student Advisory Council.
