Earn your MS in astronomy

The Master of Science program in astronomy requires a minimum of 30 semester hours (s.h.) of graduate credit. Students must complete a minimum of 30 s.h. of graduate work, including at least 12 s.h. from the required courses, at least 3 s.h. numbered 5000 or above, and the remainder in courses numbered at least 4000 or above. At least 24 s.h. must be completed under the auspices of the University of Iowa after admission to the Department of Physics and Astronomy. Seminars do not count toward the minimum of 30 s.h. required for the degree. All students must maintain a GPA of at least 2.75 to earn the degree.

Up to one-third of the program of study may be taken in related scientific fields (e.g., meteorology, geology, electrical engineering); selection of such courses is encouraged.

The degree is offered either with or without thesis. The MS may be a terminal degree or a step toward a PhD in physics with subprogram and a dissertation in astronomy or astrophysics. In either case the final examination is oral, conducted by a committee of three faculty members.